For many high-school graduates, bringing a car to college with them is simply not an option. Many don't even own their own car and would rather wait to assume that responsibility until after they get their degree.Even just a couple of years ago, the decision to leave the car behind, or for later, seemed a great inconvenience. For, our cars give us a longer leash. Happily, it's becoming easier. Thanks largely to collaborations between companies such as Zipcar and Ford.

Zipcar, for readers who might not have heard of the company, is essentially a car-sharing service. Their University Program alone brings car-sharing to over 250 campuses across the country.

Where does Ford fit in with all of this? Well, the American automaker is now Zipcar's largest automotive source, helping the company to provide nineteen to twenty-somethings greater convenience at a very economical price. Ford will give Zipcar's University program upwards of 650 models this year alone, and up to a grand in 2012.

In addition to having access to super fuel-efficient Ford models, such as the Ford Focus and Ford Escape, the other advantages the Ford-Zipcar alliance brings to cash-strapped college students are generous incentives. For example, with Ford's support, Zipcar is able to offer ten bucks off the annual fee (regularly $35) to the first 100,000 new members. Plus $1 off the hourly rate for the first 1,000,000 hours of sharing a participating new Ford model!

Interested in more Ford news? Stay tuned. Koons Ford, located at 2540 Riva Rd. Annapolis, MD 21401, is dedicated to keeping you informed.