Luke Alsford
Published December 1, 2025 3:45pm
Updated December 1, 2025 4:24pm
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Zipcar is considering plans to cease operations in the UK (Picture: In Pictures via Getty Images)
Zipcar has suspended bookings after proposing to cease operating in the UK.
The car and van rental service told customers in an email – seen by Metro – that it has started a formal consultation with UK employees.
The message, from the General Manager of Zipcar UK James Taylor, said it will suspend new bookings until December 31 until the consultation comes to an end.
He added: ‘Although we propose to cease operations in the UK, your account will remain open until the final decision is made following the consultation process.
The email from Zipcar UK general manager sent to customers this afternoon
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‘This means you’re still able to use Zipcars until 31st December 2025.’
Zipcar, an American company, allows members to rent cars and vans by the minute, hour, or day through a mobile app.
When will Zipcar cease UK operations?
A spokesman said the timing is pending a formal consultation with all’affected employees’, so they can not give a specific date.
They added: ‘However, we will be temporarily suspending new bookings after 31st December 2025, pending the outcome of this consultation.’
Where did Zipcar cover?
Zipcar UK covered nearly the whole of London except a few central zones where you cannot park. They had thousands of cars and vans to hire in the capital.
You can use Zipcars to leave London but they have to be returned to the same parking spot in the allotted time frame.
What do Londoners think of Zipcar’s potential demise?
People on social media have largely reacted in shock at the announcement.
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Consumer journalist Harry Wallop posted on X: ‘What’s gone wrong at Zipcar?
‘It would seem perfectly suited to UK market where owning your own car is v expensive. But people often need short-term rental.’
Can't believe @Zipcar is pulling the plug and closing down in the UK. Such a vital business in urban areas. The vans especially. Need UK supermarkets to get into the bargain van rental business as in France. pic.twitter.com/0oSDTW7edH
— adrian pearce (@adrianpearce) December 1, 2025
One hack Katie Lathan said she would miss was being able to drive to Heathrow from north London and avoid the Piccadilly Line ‘which takes three business days to traverse’, she joked.
This is a breaking news story and is being updated.
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