Ford Ireland and GoCar, the pay-as-you-go car rental company, have announced that they are to expand their successful partnership.

GoCar currently operates in Dublin and Cork and the expanded agreement with Ford means that 70% of the rental fleet are now Ford cars and vans.  Often described as the "car version of Dublin Bikes", the innovative rental service allows people to pick up a car when they need it - then drop it off where it suits.  A key advantage of the GoCar service is that the cars can be parked for free at on-street parking spaces Dublin.

The partnership will see Ford continue to supply the majority of GoCar vehicles, with the current fleet including some of Ireland's best-selling cars such as the Fiesta (GoCity Car) and Focus (GoTripper Car), plus Ford's practical light commercial vehicle, the Transit Connect (GoVan) - International Van of the Year 2014.

"Ford vehicles account for almost three-quarters of the GoCar fleet already, so it was an easy decision to build on our existing partnership," said Ford Ireland chief Eddie Murphy. "GoCar is a great idea and a really nifty service for people who might need the use of a car or van once in a while, or for a short period of time.  For Dublin customers, with city-centre parking costs continually rising, the option of parking for free at on-street parking spaces is a huge bonus."

GoCar has been recognised as an environmentally sustainable and cost effective alternative to private or corporate car ownership, with increasing numbers of customers in both Dublin and Cork availing of the service.

"Business is booming, people love the concept, they love the convenience, the cost effectiveness and of course everyone loves hopping behind the wheel of a brand-new car," said Colm Brady, Managing Director of GoCar. "In that respect, Ford cars are perfect for us - they are extremely safe, very economical and fuel-efficient, not to mention loads of fun of drive".

"The Fiesta is one of our most popular cars and customers especially love its SYNC technology which is ideal for business users with its enhanced hands-free, voice-activated calling and its text-reading facility and for leisure customers who want to connect to their music and playlists," Colm Brady added. "We're absolutely delighted to grow our partnership with Ford."