Auburn Hills-based FCA U.S. and Kango, an app-based, on-demand service that provides rides and childcare to kids from preschool to high school, today announced a partnership that will allow Kango drivers to use Chrysler’s Pacifica Hybrid minivans.
It will be the first partnership of its kind between a family rideshare service and an U.S. automaker. The Chrysler brand will provide a fleet of Pacifica Hybrid minivans to Kango drivers for lease.
Beginning this fall, the California-based Kango will use the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vehicles to transport riders in the San Francisco Bay area. The automaker hopes to offer the service in other U.S. markets, as well.
“The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid will help us meet the growing demand for shared carpool rides for groups of kids going places,” says Sara Schaer, CEO of Kango. “Drivers save money on gas. Kids are delighted with the minivan’s kid-friendly features. It’s a win for everyone.”
Kango’s drivers and caregivers offer same-day and pre-scheduled rides seven days a week and each has previous experience in childcare. Drivers and caregivers are Trustline-certified, fingerprinted, background checked, DMV record-checked, and screened in person. Families can also meet a driver or caregiver in person beforehand.
Kango is the only service insured to drive children of any age, providing car seats and booster seats. The ridesharing program won “Best Uber for Kids” in this year’s Best of San Francisco awards in San Francisco magazine.
“Parents and children today are busier than ever and often need to be in multiple places at one time,” says Tim Kuniskis, head of passenger car brands FCA North America. “The Chrysler brand is focused on providing transportation solutions for families to make their lives easier. Together with Kango, we will make it easier for parents to manage conflicting priorities at work with the knowledge that their kids are being transported to their activities in a safe environment.”
America’s first hybrid minivan, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has more than 100 safety and security features. It also has the largest dual touchscreens of any family car, offering built-in games and apps through Uconnect Theater.
The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid will enable Kango drivers to perform multiple pick-ups or drop-offs in the same ride. For example, drivers can bring neighboring children to school or pick them up from after-school activities.