May 7, 2019

How Turo uses Smartcar to offer instant car sharing

Charlotte Kosche

Sr. Content Writer

Turo is a peer-to-peer car sharing service that lets travelers book nearly any car from a large community of trusted car owners. The company helps put cars to better use while creating exciting new experiences for travelers. We’re proud to see Turo start utilizing Smartcar’s API to power the next generation of its car sharing program Turo Go.

Turo Go allows car owners and guests to locate and unlock vehicles right from the Turo app, without needing to meet and exchange car keys. Vehicle owners previously had to install aftermarket hardware before they could share a digital key with guests.

Making car sharing instant and hardware-free

Turo Go uses Smartcar’s location and security API endpoints to spare vehicle owners the time and cost of installing a hardware device in their vehicle. After linking their car to the Turo app and approving a list of permissions, vehicle owners can instantly and seamlessly start sharing a digital car key with guests.

A look into the hardware-free Turo Go program (designs are subject to change).

"Smartcar is making it easier than ever for us to build new and innovative mobility experiences with connected cars," said Turo’s Director of Engineering Paul Velez. "We're excited to kick off this partnership as it allows us to provide a seamless car sharing experience for our hosts and guests."

The integration will roll out to select Turo users in California and New Jersey this summer, with plans to expand to the entire United States later this year. After the national launch, thousands of Turo vehicles will be eligible for the hardware-free car sharing solution.

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