CityFlitz is a Canadian company renting out cars for as low as $1 a day. With gas prices as high as they are right now (today consumers are paying up to 127.4 cents a litre in Toronto) this sounds like a great option for budgeting drivers.
The catch? The cars are splattered in advertising. In Toronto, the bright purple CityFlitz cars can be spotted throughout the city, and for the most part, the drivers don't mind. It's basically a free ride, and for those who like attention, it's one of the most effective ways to get all eyes on you.
"Advertisers subsidize the cost of your rental by paying an ad rate of $400 per day, or $1,900 for a four-week campaign," DigitalJournal.com explains.
Sounds great at first, but CityFlitz's growth is limited by how many advertisers they can get.
If you think about it, CityFlitz is renting the car to advertisers at a rate of $400 a day, when really they could be getting a car for $40 for a standard rental agency.
Still, it's a neat idea. We've seen similar rental car concepts on Trend Hunter, which are neat to look back on at this time when oil prices continue to climb.
$1 a Day Car Rentals
CityFlitz in Toronto
Trend Themes
1. Ad-supported Rentals - Car rental companies can explore advertising models to offer consumers lower rental rates based on exposure to targeted advertisements on the cars.
2. Brand Visibility Campaigns - Companies can embrace the trend of brand visibility campaigns by renting advertising space on vehicles to boost brand awareness and target demographics.
3. Alternative Advertising Models - Innovators can challenge traditional advertising models and create alternative approaches to connect brands with consumers by using space on renting cars for mobile banner ads.
Industry Implications
1. Car Rental Industry - Car rental industry can increase revenue and user base by incorporating ad-supported models that offer lower rates to consumers.
2. Advertising Industry - Advertising industry can explore innovative advertising channels and alternatives to traditional advertising through renting cars for outdoor banner ad placements to generate brand awareness and consumer engagement.
3. Transportation Industry - Transportation industry players can examine and adopt alternative income models that leverage advertising to supplement revenue streams and increase user base.