January 20, 2011 (Austin, Texas) – Today, car2go N.A. LLC and Whole Foods Market (NASDAQ: WFMI) Lamar in Austin, Texas, announced that four car2go dedicated parking spots are now available at the natural and organic food retailer’s flagship store at 525 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78703. Whole Foods Market shoppers and Team Members who are car2go members will now have the convenience of parking and sharing car2go vehicles.
“Whole Foods Market is committed to environmental sustainability and making a difference in our community,” said Rebecca Scofield, Austin community relations coordinator for Whole Foods Market. “We believe that this partnership with car2go will support our continued dedication to our core values.”
After thirty years of business, Whole Foods Market maintains its unique core values that include satisfying and delighting shoppers, supporting Team Member happiness, and caring about environment and community. In 2009, Whole Foods Market stores raised more than $3.5 million through their community giving days, an initiative where five percent of sales proceeds go to community nonprofits. The grocer has also been the recipient of the EPA’s Green Power awards for the last four years for its efforts in accelerating the development of renewable energy capacity. Before partnering with car2go, Whole Foods Market had already made efforts to support alternative transportation with the addition of an electric vehicle charging station in April 2010.
Since their North American launch in November 2009, car2go has registered more than 15,000 members and has been working with several organizations and businesses within the Austin community to lay the groundwork for innovative transportation solutions. As one of these businesses, Whole Foods Market will now be able to offer its shoppers who are also car2go members the convenience of having car2gos at the market’s doorstep. Members can rent the vehicles spontaneously without having to make reservations in advance and have the flexibility to return the car to any available public parking spot within the operating area.
“Whole Foods Market maintains a strong commitment to a sustainable future and we believe this partnership will reinforce that commitment,” said Nicholas Cole, President and CEO of car2go N.A. LLC. “car2go is honored to be associated with Whole Foods Market as they continue to provide environmentally sustainable alternatives for their shoppers and employees.”
