As modern-day consumers expect more flexibility for their transportation needs, does the traditional model of car ownership or leasing best meet their needs and expectations? Perhaps auto subscription is the best solution for the driver that desires flexibility and no long-term commitments for their transportation wants.
Auto subscription models like Wyler FastLane allow members to pay one monthly payment that includes access to an entire garage of cars, as well as their maintenance and service costs, insurance, and taxes. Commitment? It is a month-to-month agreement, that also allows members to pause their use of the service as needed.
Several OEMs have launched auto subscription models in the last year, to include Audi on Demand, Book by Cadillac, and Porsche’s Passport program. Each of these subscription-based models allow customers to have one payment that gives them access to several different cars (offered by that respective OEM) along with either a limited or unlimited amount of flips (which is what the car exchange process is called). In a market where customer loyalty to a single OEM brand is at an all-time low, this is certainly a great test-bed to better satisfy consumers.
Where do dealers fit in with the auto subscription model? A few have entered into this market with their own solutions, with Flow Automotive leading the way in North Carolina, and more recently, Wyler FastLane in the Cincinnati market. What do they offer that is significantly different than the OEMs? They offer even greater flexibility!
The dealership model is different in that the vehicles offered in the subscription plan are not all of one OEM brand, but from all of the OEM brands franchised by the dealer, along with any vehicles acquired outside of these. The dealership model offers even more flexibility for the consumer, while building customer loyalty towards the dealership brand, rather than just a specific OEM.
Subscribe and Drive is an innovative solution that provides a flexible mobility solution which is more consumer facing than traditional car ownership. I encourage you to join me at Digital Dealer 24 in Orlando on Tuesday, April 10th at 9 am for my presentation “All You Need to Know about Auto Subscription Services,” to learn more about how this exciting solution can make a positive contribution to our industry.