Mini launches owner car-sharing scheme with DriveNow integration
Mini owners can now rent out their vehicles via a new scheme linked to BMW’s DriveNow, targeting changing attitudes to car ownership and new revenue streams.
Mini has introduced a new car-sharing scheme that allows owners to rent out their vehicles when they are not using them, leveraging BMW’s existing DriveNow platform. The scheme is designed to appeal to drivers who are reconsidering traditional car ownership in favour of more flexible, shared mobility options.
The initiative enables Mini owners to earn money by making their cars available to other drivers through a smartphone app, which is already familiar to users of BMW’s DriveNow service. The concept draws inspiration from accommodation-sharing models such as Airbnb, offering private individuals the opportunity to offset the cost of ownership by sharing access to their vehicles. BMW board member Peter Schwarzenbauer, who oversees the Mini brand, has described the approach as an attempt to merge the benefits of ownership with the convenience of car sharing.
How the scheme works
Owners who opt in can list their Minis for rent via the DriveNow app. Third-party users can then book and unlock the cars using their smartphones, with the owner receiving a share of the rental income. The technology builds on DriveNow’s established infrastructure, which already supports car-sharing fleets in several major cities.
- Owner lists their Mini for sharing via the app.
- Other users book and access the car through their phones.
- Owners receive a portion of the rental earnings.
Mini’s move comes as traditional carmakers look for ways to stay relevant as urban drivers increasingly choose shared mobility over private ownership. According to a report cited by the company, a single shared vehicle can displace up to 32 new car sales in metropolitan areas, underlining the potential impact of car-sharing on future demand.
Rollout and market context
The scheme will be introduced in the United States first, with plans to expand to other markets in the future. This follows a broader trend among manufacturers developing new business models to address declining interest in private car ownership, particularly in cities. Mini’s integration with DriveNow sets it apart from rival schemes by allowing private owners to participate directly, rather than restricting sharing to corporate fleets.
Mini’s car-sharing launch adds to a growing list of automaker-backed schemes as the sector adapts to changing consumer habits. For comparison, Toyota has also trialled an EV-sharing service in France, using its i-ROAD and COMS vehicles. For more on that, see Toyota launches EV car-sharing pilot in Grenoble with i-ROAD and COMS.
