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Case | HBS Case Collection | January 2003 (Revised May 2005)

Zipcar: Refining the Business Model

by Myra M. Hart, Michael J. Roberts and Julia Stevens

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Abstract

Zipcar is a start-up organized around the idea of "sharing" car usage via a membership organization. This case describes several iterations of the Zipcar business model and financial plan. These iterations include a very early version and a version developed just prior to the launch of the business, as well as data from the first few months of operations. Students are called on to analyze the underlying economics and business model for the venture and to discover how these assumptions are holding up as the business is actually rolled out.

Keywords: Service Operations; Renting or Rental; Business Model; Business Plan; Entrepreneurship; Economic Growth; Management Skills; Transportation; Business Startups; Financial Strategy; Corporate Finance; Growth and Development Strategy; Transportation Industry; Service Industry;

Format: Print 20 pages EducatorsPurchase

Citation:

Hart, Myra M., Michael J. Roberts, and Julia Stevens. "Zipcar: Refining the Business Model." Harvard Business School Case 803-096, January 2003. (Revised May 2005.)

About the Author

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Myra M. Hart
Retired Professor of Management Practice

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More from the Author

  • Case | HBS Case Collection | August 2015 (Revised August 2017)

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    Ghosh, Shikhar, Michael J. Roberts, and Christopher Payton. "Sam Martin & Cathy Slater." Harvard Business School Case 816-029, August 2015. (Revised August 2017.)  View Details
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  • Case | HBS Case Collection | June 2013 (Revised August 2017)

    Coupa

    Michael Roberts and William Sahlman

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    Keywords: managing growth; growth management; entrepreneurship; sales force management; Growth Management; Entrepreneurship; Salesforce Management;

    Citation:

    Roberts, Michael, and William Sahlman. "Coupa." Harvard Business School Case 813-114, June 2013. (Revised August 2017.)  View Details
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  • Case | HBS Case Collection | May 2001 (Revised May 2015)

    Compagnie Lyonnaise de Transport (A)

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    Describes the issues surrounding the funding of a centralized research service that supports two related divisions. The company has a very decentralized and financially driven culture, and the centralized service is used unequally, setting up a conflict.

    Keywords: Business Divisions; Organizational Culture; Relationships; Conflict Management; Balance and Stability; Transportation Industry; France;

    Citation:

    Tushman, Michael, and Michael J. Roberts. "Compagnie Lyonnaise de Transport (A)." Harvard Business School Case 401-040, May 2001. (Revised May 2015.)  View Details
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