His grandfather sat on the GM board, and his father owns a 1929 McLaughlin Buick. But that's where the similarities end. Kevin McLaughlin doesn't even own a car. But when he speaks of AutoShare, the Toronto company where he is vice-president, he combines an activist's zeal with the vocabulary of a pitchman. It's only beginning to catch on across Canada, where 3,000 customers have signed up.
Members share the use of a fleet of vehicles, which they access on an as-needed basis.
Cars are located throughout the city, mainly at municipal lots, and are reserved over the phone. The cost is based on an hourly and a distance rate, and members are billed at the end of each month. There's no charge for gas, repairs or insurance. Someone who wants the convenience of a car without the hassle of ownership. Reynolds, a former fundraiser and co-op housing advocate, founded the company.