The system is financed through a combination of membership and usage charges. Cooperative car ownership was pioneered in Europe. Successful systems have been operating since the mid 1980s in Germany and Switzerland. Presently the European systems claim 20,000 members in over 100 cities and towns. Studies show that individuals who join these services travel less by car than before and most shorter-length trips are eliminated.
Most European systems receive at least some measure of public support by way of grants, etc.
No data is available for car ownership of new members, however. The first North American application started in Quebec City in 1994. This system now supports 400 members with 40 cars. The Montreal co-op began in February 1996. As of September 1996 there were 10 cars supporting 140 members.