Honda and car-sharing network, Zipcar, say that they are continuing to expand and test new mobility programs to help consumers get around easier. The two companies announced an expansion of their mobility partnership on Monday, with a goal to achieve what they see as increased access to car sharing in California and Ohio.

The expansion will add hundreds of new Honda vehicles to Zipcar’s fleet, with a focus on boosting Zipcar’s university program in California and its service in Columbus, Ohio.

In Columbus, Honda and Zipcar on Monday announced the launch of what they are describing as a first-of-its-kind exclusive Honda car-sharing fleet, expanding Zipcar’s program that first launched in the Ohio city in June 2018. Thirty vehicles under the new expansion will operate at 17 Columbus locations, including a new campus car-sharing program at The Ohio State University.

In California, Honda is working to continue as Zipcar’s preferred automotive partner at schools within the University of California system and select campuses within the California State University network. The automaker is now announcing special rates on Zipcar memberships to students on campus and special driving rates to Zipcar members who use the 145 Honda vehicles located at various campus sites. 

Zipcar and Honda announced their strategic partnership in 2012. Through the relationship, “We’ve been able to offer our members access to high-quality vehicles and support a number of valuable mobility programs, including the two new initiatives we’re announcing today,” said Tracey Zhen, Zipcar president. “We’re pleased to continue working with Honda to bring Zipcar to more people in more places.”

Steven Center, vice president of connected and environmental business development at American Honda, added that the expanded program will help reduce emissions and city congestion.

Through the expanded partnership, nearly 200 new Honda vehicles will now be available to Zipcar members, including the Honda Civic, Honda CR-V, Honda Fit, Honda HR-V and Honda Odyssey.

Students attending any school in the University of California system, select schools in the California State University network and The Ohio State University can now join Zipcar and drive a Honda at special rates by visiting www.zipcar.com/universities.