ZipCar Gets Ready to Go Public; High Gas Prices Mean Good Timing?

Car-sharing service ZipCar is set to launch it's initial public stock offering later this week and it might be a case of great timing.

High prices of gasoline have pushed drivers and car owners to change their habits, whether it's looking at commuting alternatives or purchasing more fuel efficient vehicles.

A successful IPO also has the potential to boost other car-sharing services like RelayRides or Seattle's Zebigo.

While I initially thought these car-ownership alternatives would enjoy only limited demand, I'm starting to change my opinion. As the American population gets older, and in many cases moves to more urban settings as they downsize, more people will be looking to reduce their personal fleet. That, coupled with the increasing pervasiveness of smartphones and Web access which make these services more efficient for drivers, will probably increase demand.

What do you think? Are you buying ZipCar stock or reducing your vehicle fleet and using a car-sharing service?