Ford partners with Carhood, an Airport-based ride-sharing platform

Ford has announced a new partnership with a Melbourne-based ride-sharing start-up; Carhood.

Carhood allows vehicle owners using long-term airport car parking the ability to avoid what many people argue are overly-expensive parking costs by instead renting their cars out to other approved users of the Carhood program, and pocket 25 percent of the rental profits in the process.

The deal offers Ford owners extra incentives to join the growing ridesharing platform. Ford owners will earn 35 percent when their car is rented out, and are also eligible for a 10 percent discount if they themselves rent a Ford through Carhood when they arrive at their destination.

3

Ford Australia CEO and President, Graeme Whickman, says the partnership is the start of Ford’s push to future-proof its business.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

3

Carhood will receive an expanded fleet of new Ford vehicles to be made available for hire as part of the deal – including the new Ford Mustang.

The additional benefits of using Carhood for Ford customers include a complementary kerb-side chauffer service and car wash.

The ridesharing platform currently operates in three locations adjacent to Australia’s main airports: Tullamarine in Melbourne, Mascot in Sydney, and Eagle Farm in Brisbane.