Method and System for Renting and Sub-Renting Vehicles

摘要

A system and method for sub-renting a vehicle to a secondary/sub-renter after the vehicle has been rented to a primary renter. The vehicle may comprise a telematics control unit to enhance the sub-renting process. A rental duration of secondary renter(s) may be compared to an idle timeframe specified by the primary renter. Other rental parameters may be compared to enhance sub-renting of the vehicle, such as an idle location and a vehicle class of the vehicle, for example. In this manner, rented vehicles can be utilized more, particularly during periods when the primary renter has no need to use the rented vehicle. Secondary renters are enabled to use/rent the vehicle during these idle periods and the primary renter can avoid paying for more than he or she needs.

主权项

1. A method for sub-renting a vehicle, the method comprising:
receiving, at an I/O module, primary rental parameters from a primary renter, the primary rental parameters comprising:
a primary rental duration, andan idle timeframe indicative of a period when the primary renter will not use the vehicle during the primary rental duration; receiving, at the I/O module, secondary-rental parameters from a secondary renter, the secondary-rental parameters comprising:
a secondary rental duration, anda secondary rental location; comparing the primary rental parameters to the secondary rental parameters; and authorizing the secondary renter to sub-rent the vehicle during the secondary rental duration and during at least a portion of the primary rental duration.