Westfield London visitors now have the option of electric vehicle car hire thanks to a new partnership between the shopping centre and UFODRIVE.
The tie-up represents the first time sustainable car hire operator, UFODRIVE, has partnered with another brand on location in the UK – and the move is part of Westfield’s ongoing strategy to expand its tenant mix and services.
In what is a three-year deal, UFODRIVE will use Westfield London to showcase its proposition via what it describes as experiential activations, static and digital media, and other marketing activity. Six new electric car parking bays have also been installed at the site, giving visitors to the shopping centre a chance to rent electric vehicles using the UFODRIVE app.
Those opting for UFODRIVE car hire can drop their car back at Westfield London or opt to have their car collected elsewhere once they no longer need it. Shoppers can use the ‘UFOBay’ the rental was booked from to park and charge for the duration of their hire service agreement.
Recent research from Westfield’s ‘How We Shop’ report found sustainability remains a key concern for consumers, with shoppers looking for both affordable and eco-friendly ways to update their lives, homes and wardrobes. In addition, 52% of consumers told Westfield they are interested in experiences offered at shopping centres.
As a result, Westfield and UFODRIVE view their partnership as a suitable arrangement.
Grace Charge, head of brand experience for UK & Europe at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, which owns Westfield London, said: “In line with our corporate social responsibility and ‘Better Places 2030’ strategy, we’re focused on identifying brand partners that allow us to transform and future proof our portfolio and do good for the local communities we operate in.”
UFODRIVE CEO and co-founder, Aiden McClean, said his company was “founded on the idea that modern rental should be simple, smart and enjoyable”.
He added: “Long queues, hidden fees and disappointing service are baked into the traditional rental experience – that’s why we created UFODRIVE with the wants and needs of our customers centre of mind, leveraging modern smart technologies to make clean, green e-mobility accessible for all.”
Read more about shopping centres’ eco activities on Green Retail World
[Image credit: Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield/Westfield London]
