An Explainer On That Obscenely Sparkly Disco Car You've Seen Floating Around Sydney

When it comes to the old Melbourne vs. Sydney debate, all I'll say is...does Melbourne have its own disco ball Beetle?

If you've spotted the eye-watering sparkle of a disco ball VW Beetle hanging around Sydney, then we have some good news: You are not, in fact, suffering from a COVID-induced fever dream, but rather, have come face to face with the latest stunt from Uber Carshare.

Uber

I was ready to accept my sighting as a hallucinatory symptom of long COVID, but evidently, the wonders of a good PR stunt never cease. 

To celebrate the start of summer (and the unofficial season of road trips), Uber dangled this disco-loving car around Sydney's most iconic sights — kicking off a million-dollar giveaway to lure Aussies onto the Carshare platform.

Uber

You heard us right: To help Aussies see the light on the environmental and cost benefits of car sharing, Uber are handing out a whopping $1 million worth of Carshare trips to new users, for a limited-time only.

And with the boot of inflation still pressed firmly on all our throats, finding ways to cut the cost of living has never been more vital — which is where Uber Carshare comes in.

CW/BuzzFeed

New research from Uber Carshare reveals that Aussies are turning their backs on their cars, with 59% of car owners saying they’re driving less as costs of living continue to rise. Of these, almost two-fifths of Aussies (39%) say that they have cancelled or are less likely to take a road trip. So at this point, our cars are basically just money-guzzling props that sit unused on our driveways. 

What's more, car owners estimate that the cost of having a car is a staggering $14,799 a year, but almost half of Australians (48%) have not heard of or tried car sharing — a cost-effective way to get on the road when you need to, without the burden of owning a car full-time.

If you're unfamiliar with the platform, allow me to bring you up to speed: Uber Carshare provides Aussies with super convenient access to cars, that are rentable by the hour or day — meaning you can enjoy all the perks of car ownership, without any of the anxiety-inducing ongoing costs.

giphy.com

It also means that — for car owners looking to make a little extra cash — you can generate revenue from your unused vehicle by turning it into a shared car. Save money, make money, get road tripping' — what's not to love?

To get in on the Carshare party and claim your share of the million dollar giveaway, simply sign up and enter the promo code DISCOCAR before December 4.

Uber/BuzzFeed

And if you're new to the platform, you'll bag yourself a cheeky $200 worth of credit for your first trip, valid for 30 days.

You, enjoying your new found freedom on the open road, with none of the financial burden:

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