50 Mercedes-Benz is missing in Chicago
Car2Go vehicles are lined up for display in March 2012, in Washington. (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images)
Lori Aratani
Reporter focuses on transport issues, including airports, airlines and nation's rail and underground systems
The car service formerly known as Car2Go on Wednesday stopped the temporary rental after more than 100 of the vehicles, including at least 50 Mercedes-Benz, disappeared.
The Chicago police said Tuesday night that they have recovered some of the missing cars, but at least 100 cars remain unpredicted. More than a dozen people are questioning the incident.
Police said they believe that 50 of the company's vehicles, all Mercedes Benz, remain somewhere in the "Chicago land area."
In a tweet, Car2Go, now known as Share Now, said it temporarily suspended the service in Chicago due to a "fraud" problem. The company stressed that none of the user's personal information had been compromised, and that none of the other markets, including Washington, DC, had been affected.
"Out of an abundance of caution and security for our members, temporarily pausing our Chicago service," said Kendell Kelton, a company spokesman. She refused to elaborate.
The company – which is in 30 cities, including Washington – launched in Chicago last year with a fleet of 400 rental cars available, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Earlier in the day, Chicago police confirmed that they are investigating whether any of the company's vehicles have been "rented out with misleading or fraudulent means through a mobile app. "
Share Now is the world's largest car company, offering a range of vehicles – from small Smart cars, like two, to luxury cars from Mercedes-Benz and BMW. The company expects to be a practical alternative to car ownership. The users find their cars via the company's mobile app, and then they park only when they are finished. They do not need to be returned to a specific location.
Share Now charges a membership fee, and drivers also pay based on usage.
