The dilemma of how to get to the airport when you’re heading away for business or pleasure may have been solved, but a team of entrepreneurs in Australia. With parking often too expensive and a taxi ride only an option if you live close by, your journey to the airport can often end up costing more than your flight. So if you were offered the chance to drive yourself to the airport, not pay for parking, earn money when you’re away, then have the car returned to you cleaner than you left it when you arrive back, would you take it? It sounds too good to be true, but it isn’t, thanks to the Carhood service.
Carhood is an Australian start-up company – featured in the TV show Shark Tank in 2016 – that offers members free airport parking and a cut of the proceeds when renting out their vehicle, fully insured, to other approved members. Beyond the financial incentive, the service also provides members complementary kerb-side chauffer service and car wash. The service is currently available at the Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane airports with plans to expand nationwide.
In what good be seen as the project’s biggest endorsement to date, Ford Australia has been announced as a partner. As part of the deal, Carhood will offer Ford owners special benefits including 35 per cent revenue share (up from 25 per cent) and a 10 per cent rental discount when renting a Ford vehicle.
“Ford has one foot in today, delivering our core business; and one foot in tomorrow, anticipating the future needs of customers through our Ford Smart Mobility plan,” said Graeme Whickman, CEO and President, Ford Australia. “Our unique partnership with Carhood combines both, allowing people to experience our world-class vehicles while making our customers’ lives better through easier, more affordable airport parking. “This builds on our leading investment in Australia of $300 million in R&D last year alone and is part of our global plan to use innovation to take the company to the next level in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience and data and analytics.”