A similar service has been operating in the United States for almost 10 years. Skyndibílar is a car leasing system whereby customers buy a subscription (membership card) that gives them access to cars that they may lease for short or long periods (minimum 1 hour). Customers simply give their membership number over the phone or place an order on the internet and the car will be made ready. Cars are always returned to the pick-up point. In this way it becomes possible to “not own a car”. More people can use a car, and in fact this is a form of car sharing. It will be popular in universities, for the general public in city centres and for companies and institutions.

This service is in line with the Icelandic government’s vision of a sustainable transport system. Electric cars are almost silent and they emit no polluting exhaust fumes.

Skyndibílar for individuals
Individuals can register for the Skyndibílar scheme and take out an annual subscription. They are registered in the Skyndibílar computer system, which retains essential information and security details. This includes basic information such as name, ID number, licence status and insurance details. Individuals can apply for membership on the internet, but they must visit a Skyndibílar office to present their documentation and complete the registration process.

Skyndibílar for companies and institutions
Skyndibílar for companies and institutions is devised in such a way that organisations enter into a subscription agreement with Skyndibílar. This agreement will last for at least a year. The company or institution is registered on the computer system and its employees then have access to Skyndibílar services as outlined in the agreement. Organisations must provide insurance in line with the number of employees that use the cars. All employees who use the service must register with the system, upon which they will receive a Skyndibílar membership card similar to those given to individuals, but assigned to the company or institution.

Fleet control
Companies and organisations will be offered fleet control, which means that all the relevant information collected and entered into the Skyndibílar computer system will be made available to the company to allow it to supervise its car fleet. This sort of system is well known, and it can be set up according to the needs of the organisation. Skyndibílar staff can also attend to fleet control if a company so wishes. This will allow organisations access to important information about the use of their cars without having to monitor and assess each individual employee.

Skyndibílar is scheduled to begin operating in the year 2010. Further information will be available shortly on the company’s new website, by phone from Sighvatur Lárusson, (+354) 490 9000 or (+354) 864 4615, or by sending email to sighvatur@nle.is.