TravelCar, a French-based peer-to-peer carsharing provider, has entered the U.S. market, selecting Los Angeles as its headquarters and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for its first U.S. operation. 

Founded in 2012 and currently operating in 30 countries in 200 locations, TravelCar provide travelers with free airport parking and helps them earn money by renting out their car to other travelers while they are away.

“The car culture in Los Angeles is unlike any city in the U.S., and while a vehicle is critical to enjoying all of the unique neighborhoods and geographies of the area, many cars sit idle — especially while we’re traveling,” said Ahmed Mhiri, CEO of TravelCar. “L.A. was a natural choice for TravelCar to enter the U.S. market because we offer solutions to both car owners and travelers.”

TravelCar is a mix of a traditional car rental company and carsharing, according to the company. Car owners who agree their car can be rented by other travelers benefit from free airport parking. If their vehicle is rented, the car owner is paid for every mile driven.

“As consumers look for ways to save, owning a car becomes less important,” said Mhiri. “That means carsharing will continue to grow as the preferred mobility option. We understand that people have a big attachment to their car. The comfort of working with an international, customer-centric company with a successful track record of more than five years with high customer satisfactions ratings cannot be overstated.”

TravelCar is now open at its LAX location at 9020 Bellanca Ave. TravelCar plans to open in San Francisco in July followed by eight additional markets this year.