Berlin

CAR sharing, pioneered in Switzerland in the 1970s, is gaining popularity across the globe as people shy away from the cost of owning and maintaining a car in big cities. And it is proving particularly successful in Germany, where carmakers themselves are keen to get a slice of the action.

In addition to concerns about greenhouse gases and pollution, there are many reasons why a growing number of urban dwellers are opting not to buy their own car: a chronic shortage of parking space, soaring insurance and upkeep costs, and high fuel prices. Many prefer to use the well developed and efficient public transport systems found in Germany and other countries.