September 19, 2014

Nissan Extends its Groundbreaking 'Choimobi Yokohama'
Car Sharing Service for Another Year

YOKOHAMA, Japan (September 19, 2014) - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd and the City of Yokohama revealed today that they will extend the one-year trial run of the first large-scale One-way Car Sharing Service in Japan, called "Choimobi Yokohama," for another year. The service, which kicked off on October 11, 2013, features Nissan's New Mobility Concept electric vehicles. The program's main objectives are to encourage low-carbon emission transport options, improve the quality of transportation in the city, and promote tourism. The data below illustrates the effectiveness of the first trial year of service.

Membership: 10,651 people (as of September 15). The original plan called for 10,000 members.

Number of stations: 63 locations, 131 stations (all as of September 15).

Member Profile:


  • Average one-time use lasted approximately 16 minutes. Average distance traveled was approximately 3 km.
  • Comments from our users:
    • "Before I knew it, I was using it for multiple hours every month. It comes in especially handy when I want to go around my neighborhood."
    • "Instead of it being a mere trial, I wish they would start this program up on a full-scale basis."
    • "It's compact and easy to drive. And easy to access."
    • "This program has become a Yokohama landmark."

Phase 2 of the car-sharing experiment, which begins this October, will use the data collected from Phase 1. By further improving the cooperation between local businesses, shopping centers, and public transportation in and around Yokohama City, the Car Sharing Service aims to establish a free-standing business model that can be implemented in the near future.

In addition, using the real-life data collected from Phase 1, Nissan will undertake a simulation exercise that will aim to improve management efficiency, reevaluate rates and further refine the general business model.

As the leader in Zero Emissions mobility, Nissan, working under the Ultra-Compact Mobility Certification System of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, continues to seek opportunities to harness the potential of ultra-compact EVs toward improvements in transportation means and quality of life.

Choimobi Yokohama Extension Facts

  1. Project duration: From October 1, 2014 (Wed.) to the end of September 2015.
  2. Cars: 50 units (planned) of NISSAN New Mobility CONCEPT
    • The number of units will be reduced from 70 to 50 to improve efficiency, based on actual usage.
  3. Pick-up/drop-off locations (car stations): 60 locations centered around the Yokoyama Station, Minato Mirai, and Kannai areas in Yokohama (total of approx. 110 parking areas).
    • Based on actual usage, the stations have been optimally positioned for improved efficiency
    • Please visit http://www.choi-mobi.com (in Japanese only) for more details.
  4. Driving area: Within the City of Yokohama
    • The vehicles are restricted from driving on expressways and highways
  5. Usage charge: We have introduced a new payment system for Phase 2 of the Car Sharing Service. There will be two options offered to suit the individual needs of the commuter.
    • Plan A: For those who commute to and from work, members of local corporations or people employed on a regular basis, a monthly fee of 1,000 yen will be required. Included in that fee is up to 50 minutes of service at no additional cost. Service that exceeds 51 minutes will be charged at the same 20-yen/minute rate as in Phase 1.
    • Plan B: For customers who may not use the service on a regular basis, such as tourists, the rate will be 30 yen/minute, with no monthly fee required.
      Member registration fee: 1,000 yen (Safety training and IC card cost included)
      • Plan A: 20 yen/minute with no additional costs up to 50 minutes/month. Monthly service fee: 1,000 yen
      • Plan B: 30 yen/minute. No monthly service fee.
    The existing fee structure will continue until October 21. From November 1, the new fee structure will be implemented. Currently registered members will be notified separately after October. From October 22 to 31, the Choimobi program will be temporary stopped for a system update.

    In addition, the Phase 1 membership period lasts until September 30. We will begin the registration process for Phase 2 at the end of October.
  6. Recruitment of sponsoring businesses
    We invite individual supporters as well as sponsorship from local businesses to develop and establish a sustainable business plan for this program.

Facts: NISSAN New Mobility CONCEPT

  • Electric-powered vehicle with lithium-ion batteries
    Maximum speed: 80km/h
  • Length: 234 cm, Width: 123cm, Height: 145cm
    Vehicle weight: 500kg; passenger capacity: 2 people

About Nissan Motor Co.
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 244,500 employees globally, Nissan sold almost 5.2 million vehicles and generated revenue of 10.5 trillion yen (USD 105 billion) in fiscal 2013. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of more than 60 models under the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands. In 2010, Nissan introduced the Nissan LEAF, and continues to lead in zero-emission mobility. The LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle launched globally, is now the best-selling EV in history with almost 50% share of the zero-emission vehicle segment.

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