(August 12, 2015) ST. LOUIS — Enterprise CarShare and Nissan are teaming up to make it even more affordable for college students, staff and faculty to drive around town. The companies have  announced a multi-year partnership that supplies Enterprise CarShare fleets on nearly 90 university campuses exclusively with Nissan vehicles.

What's more, from now until Dec. 31, Enterprise CarShare users on these campuses can receive $5 hourly driving rates on all available Nissan models, which is an average savings of 40 percent per hour.

This innovative marketing partnership comes on the heels of new research from Enterprise, which indicates that the rental experience has a powerful influence on the decision to buy a car. This sentiment is especially pronounced in younger age groups. For example, 68 percent of millennial customers surveyed reported that they have considered purchasing a specific model of car based on renting it, and nearly one in three millennials indicated that a positive rental experience prompted them to start shopping for a new car.

"Enterprise CarShare is a convenient, affordable alternative for college students that makes fun daytrips with friends, grocery shopping, driving to job interviews and everything in between much easier," said Ryan Johnson, vice president overseeing Enterprise's CarShare, Rideshare and Zimride operations.

"Our partnership with Nissan rewards our members with two major benefits: access to a variety of highly-rated Nissan vehicles, and even lower hourly rates."

Enterprise CarShare's presence on college campuses has grown significantly in recent months. Over the past year alone, the number of Enterprise university car-sharing programs has increased by 20 percent, while university membership has increased by 10 percent.

"The Enterprise CarShare program offers a convenient way for college students, faculty and staff to enjoy an extended test drive of a wide range of Nissan vehicles and to experience 'Innovation that excites' firsthand," said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing and Operations, U.S.A., Nissan North America, Inc.

"And for those about to graduate and recent graduates, we'll be there to support the transition into the working world with our College Grad program when they are ready to purchase a new Nissan car, SUV or truck."

Nissan's New College Grad Program provides no haggle pricing, plus all applicable incentives. Students receive one of the best available finance rates even without prior credit history, as well as a 90-day deferred payment option.