Worldwide membership in car-sharing programs will grow from 2.3 million in 2013 to more than 12 million by 2020, according to a “Carsharing Programs” report by Navigant Research, a market research company. As an alternative or supplement to personal vehicle ownership, car-sharing provides drivers with convenient and affordable access to a range of vehicles on an hourly or daily basis.

“Car-sharing offers members the ability to enjoy mobility without the expense and hassle of owning a car ... ,” says Lisa Jerram, senior research analyst at Navigant Research. “In addition, car-sharing is viewed by both public and private entities as a powerful tool to reduce urban congestion and lower emissions of greenhouse gases.”

But according to the report, the growth of the car-sharing market will continue to be limited by consumer attitudes about cars as symbols of status, success, privacy and freedom. And this market is constrained by the ability of car-sharing companies to achieve sufficient revenue per vehicle in order to create a sustainable, profitable business.

According to Navigant Research, the report examines the evolution of car-sharing services in regions around the world. It looks at the key drivers and barriers to continued expansion, the societal benefits of car-sharing and provides short profiles of the top companies involved in the car-sharing industry.

For more information on the “CarSharing Programs” report, visit www.navigantresearch.com.