Auto Rental News
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

BMW’s ReachNow Tops 13K Members in First Month

Since its launch one month ago in Seattle, BMW Group’s carsharing service ReachNow has more than 13,000 people registered for the service. BMW Group has named ReachNow's executive team.

by Staff
May 11, 2016
BMW’s ReachNow Tops 13K Members in First Month

One of ReachNow's BMW i3 carsharing vehicles in Seattle. Photo courtesy of BMW Group.

2 min to read


One of ReachNow's BMW i3 carsharing vehicles in Seattle. Photo courtesy of BMW Group.

After one month of operation in Seattle, BMW Group’s carsharing service ReachNow has more than 13,000 people registered for its service.

ReachNow’s initial fleet of 370 vehicles — including the BMW i3, BMW 3 Series and the MINI Cooper — are located on the streets of Seattle for immediate use, according to BMW. Users can download the ReachNow app in the App Store and on Google Play.

Ad Loading...

“The rapid adoption of ReachNow in Seattle is proof-positive of the demand for a premium carsharing alternative that provides an experience as convenient as owning a car,” said Marcus Krieg, head of Carsharing Business Unit, BMW Group. “We are extremely pleased that the city and people of Seattle have been so welcoming of ReachNow and are confident that we will continue to thrive — both here and across North America — under the direction of our new leadership team.”

BMW Group has announced ReachNow’s executive team to be based at the company’s North American headquarters in Seattle. Steve Banfield joins as CEO, Sandra Phillips is named chief customer officer, and Jean-Francois Ganot will serve as chief financial officer, according to the company.

“BMW has a 100-year history of innovation and has been working to shape the future of urban mobility for almost as long,” said Banfield, who previously served as the chief marketing officer for car services provider INRIX. “I’m happy to be a part of these efforts and am looking forward to growing the ReachNow team and brand across North America.”


More Rental Operations

an exotic car wrapped in an insurance policy
Rental Operations•October 1, 2026

The $100,000 Insurance Trap in Exotic Car Rentals

Exotic rental agencies often rely on customers’ personal auto policies to protect six-figure vehicles. But policy language can dramatically change the coverage for vehicles over $100,000 MSRP.

Read More →
globe of world and drivers license from UK
Rental Operations•September 28, 2026

The Booking Is Confirmed, But Is Your Customer Ready to Drive?

For international renters, a confirmed reservation doesn’t always mean they’re eligible to drive. Earlier checks can help operators catch documentation and payment issues before the customer reaches the counter.

Read More →
Scenes from Car Rental Shows past
Rental Operations•by Staff•September 23, 2026

ICRS 2027 Opens Call for Papers

The International Car Rental Show seeks session proposals on the business, operational, and technology issues facing car rental operators. Submissions are due Jan. 15.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
hand holding phone and Turo logo
Rental Operations•by Staff•September 21, 2026

Turo to Launch Vehicle Delivery Service

Turo Delivered will let travelers search for vehicles that hosts can deliver directly to hotels, homes, airports, train stations, and other locations.

Read More →
plane, palm trees, car rental sign
Rental Operations•by Chris Brown•September 15, 2026

Palm Beach Airport Code Change Creates Car Rental Distribution Gap

A test of rental searches under the old PBI and new DJT airport codes returned largely different sets of brands and vehicles, highlighting a potential distribution problem for rental operators.

Read More →
Team members of U-Save's new franchise
Rental Operations•by Staff•September 15, 2026

U-Save Continues Dominican Republic Expansion with Launch in Punta Cana

The new franchise location builds on U-Save’s existing Santo Domingo operation and will begin taking reservations for October 2026.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A traveler searches for rental cars with an AI bot
Rental Operations•September 14, 2026

When AI Books the Rental Car, Who Controls the Sale?

As AI moves from comparing rental rates to completing transactions, operators need to understand how travelers find, interpret, rank, and ultimately see their offers. (Part 2 of 2.)

Read More →
map of europe and summer car rental rates
Rental Operations•September 11, 2026

European Booked Car Rental Rates Fell 5%, Results Varied by Country

Ireland, Cyprus, and the United Kingdom saw steep declines, while booked rates rose in Poland and Hungary.

Read More →
thumbnail of Chris Brown and Mike DeLorenzo with title Time to Rethink Rental Categories?
Rental Operations•by Chris Brown•September 8, 2026

Is It Time to Rethink Rental Categories?

As traditional economy and compact cars disappear from the market, longtime rental operator Mike DeLorenzo asks whether the industry’s familiar vehicle categories still make sense — and what operators need to rethink along with them.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Woman receiving car rental rates on computer from AI agent
Rental Operations•September 1, 2026

Who Owns the Rate? AI Is Creating a New Distribution Problem for Car Rental

Generative Engine Optimization asks whether AI can find a rental company, but operators also need to know whether the agent inspected enough of the market, compared equivalent offers, and presented a rate the traveler can actually book. (Part 1 of 2)

Read More →
Ad Loading...