Socar will continue its free mileage benefits despite surging oil prices and launch a major discount promotion through the end of April.
The car-sharing company announced on the 13th that it will maintain free mileage benefits to help users travel at reasonable costs, while also freezing mileage fees that previously applied to internal combustion engine vehicles driven more than 30 kilometers through April. Mileage fees, which car-sharing users pay based on distance traveled in addition to rental and insurance costs, are set at 240 to 320 won per kilometer depending on the vehicle model.
Socar eliminated distance-based cost burdens through a major pricing overhaul in the second half of last year. Under the revised pricing structure, mileage up to 30 kilometers is included in the rental fee for internal combustion engine vehicles. Electric vehicles can be used with only the rental fee paid at booking, regardless of distance traveled.
"Our data analysis shows that 21% of all trips are short-distance journeys within 30 kilometers, while 84% of electric vehicle trips exceed 100 kilometers," a Socar spokesperson said. "Given that many customers are using our revised mileage exemption benefits, we decided to maintain our existing pricing policy despite surging oil prices."
Socar will also run discount promotions through the end of April to reduce travel costs for users. The promotion includes various benefits tailored to usage patterns, from electric vehicle specials to flash sales on internal combustion engine vehicles and late-night exclusive coupons.
Electric vehicles will be available at a special rate of 99,000 won for 12 hours regardless of model. For internal combustion engine vehicle users, the company offers flash sales based on rental duration. For 24-hour rentals, popular models are available at discounted prices: BMW X1 and Ray Camper at 19,900 won, The New Avante N and Torres at 29,900 won, and Volvo XC40 at 79,900 won. For 48-hour rentals, major RV vehicles including Staria and Carnival are offered at 119,000 won. The company also provides commuter coupons enabling up to 16 hours of use for 9,900 won during weekday late-night hours from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. the next day.
"Rising international oil prices have heightened users' psychological barriers to travel spending," said Kim Han-eol, head of business planning at Socar. "We will strive to make Socar a more reasonable and convenient mobility option despite changes in the external environment."
