BMW’s increasing interest in alternative urban mobility solutions continues apace today with the announcement that the car giant is to start a long-term investment into the UK website ParkatmyHouse.com.
Designed to make parking easier in congested cities and suburbs, the website also offers homeowners the chance to make some much-needed cash by renting out their driveways and garages to frustrated commuters.
BMW’s venture capital company i Ventures has taken a minority stake in the online parking as part of its aim to identify and invest in companies which offer a solution to improve urban mobility.
ParkatmyHouse is the second strategic investment by BMW i Ventures, helping drivers park smarter, reducing the amount of time they spend searching for a car parking space, reducing road congestion and as a result cutting the level of carbon emissions.
There are currently more than 125,000 drivers registered on the ParkatmyHouse website, and collectively drivers have saved more than £3million in parking charges in the past year by renting an available private parking space through the website, rather than using public car parks and metered street parking.
Since Anthony Eskinazi launched ParkatmyHouse in 2006, more than 15,000 home and business owners have advertised their parking spaces via the website. In the past 12 months alone, homeowners have earned more than £1million in revenue by renting out their driveways, private parking spaces and garages through ParkatmyHouse.
Anthony Eskinazi, founder of ParkatmyHouse.com, comments: “With the support, advice and expertise that the BMW team can bring to the table, we have a global partner who can help us achieve our long term ambitions as we look to build on the successes achieved in the UK and expand into new territories. This is the beginning of a new and exciting future for ParkatmyHouse and its customers."
Dr Bernhard Blaettel, Vice President Mobility Services, BMW Group, comments: "We see parking as a key asset for mobility services today and in the near future. ParkatmyHouse offers an innovative solution to those seeking parking spaces today as well as providing extra revenue to those who have under utilised space."
