In July, Autonomy finalized a partnership with EV Mobility, which provides electric vehicles on demand 24/7 as an amenity to luxury hotels as well as at multifamily apartment buildings and other commercial properties.
While that Autonomy partnership focused on California, EV Mobility announced on Tuesday it recently expanded into properties in Florida, Washington and Nevada.
EV Mobility initially launched its services in Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Bay Area. The expansion enables EV Mobility to start to build its national footprint and support its continued growth, aligning with property owner and consumer demand.
In Florida, the expansion includes hotels in Stuart, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach Gardens.
In Washington, the expansion includes the tallest residential building in Seattle, the Modern.
In Las Vegas, the company has deployed EVs at the English Hotel and will deploy at three additional hotels in the upcoming weeks.
As the multi-family apartment and hotel industry are starting to see the benefits of having EV Mobility as an amenity, the company said through a news release that it is experiencing ever increasing demand for its services.
Through partnerships with different property owner groups, EV Mobility said it will continue to expand strategically in cities across the country.
“The decision to expand our presence nationally was a logical next step in our business growth strategy,” EV Mobility chief executive officer Ramy El-Batrawi said.
“In every city and area we expand in, we will deploy enough properties to create density and have a real presence,” El-Batrawi continued. “We are a technology-driven platform allowing us to scale rapidly and cost effectively.”
Autonomy reinforced its insurance resources again on Wednesday.
After the electric vehicle subscription company struck an arrangement with DigiSure at the beginning of August, Autonomy introduced a completely digital, month-to-month auto insurance product into its subscription bundle in partnership with Liberty Mutual Insurance, reportedly the sixth-largest global property and casualty insurer.
Autonomy said auto insurance coverage is now available as part of EV subscription bundle, which already includes tax, title, registration, routine maintenance and roadside assistance.
According to a news release, qualified subscribers will now receive Autonomy’s subscription with its fully integrated insurance offering.
Unlike most insurance policies that are offered on a semiannual or annual basis, Autonomy’s integrated insurance product is offered to subscribers on a flexible month-to-month basis.
“For the first time, consumers can pay for car insurance on a month-to-month basis through an Autonomy subscription all on their smartphone,” Autonomy founder and chief executive officer Scott Painter said in the news release. “Car subscriptions represent ease and flexibility, and insurance was the missing piece of our all-in-one offering.
“Liberty Mutual has been a great partner in helping us bring to market our new insurance product,” Painter continued. “Integrating auto insurance into our month-to-month subscription bundle solves yet another consumer pain point in the mobility experience and reinforces our core consumer value propositions.”
Gita Gupta is senior director of strategic partnerships at Liberty Mutual.
“Liberty Mutual is at the forefront of the evolution of subscription-based auto insurance, offering innovative programs to meet the needs of our partners’ business models,” Gupta said. “We are excited to partner with Autonomy to create easy, seamless access to electric vehicles.”
Autonomy keeps collecting relationships that meant to boost its place as an electric vehicle subscription company.
On Thursday, Autonomy entered the insurance category, finalizing a connection with DigiSure — a software company that provides screening, insurance management and claims — as its insurance platform partner.
Executives highlighted the platform partnership with DigiSure provides Autonomy with the ability to digitally onboard, evaluate and qualify a subscriber for month-to-month auto coverage that Autonomy will launch this month.
“Being able to provide Autonomy subscribers with fully digital auto coverage that’s month to month, without them having to buy annual insurance, and is tailored to their needs is core to delivering on our promise of providing easy and affordable access to electric vehicles,” Autonomy founder and chief executive officer Scott Painter said in a news release.
“We need proven partners, like DigiSure, with tested capabilities that allow us to provide a simple, intuitive, and frictionless customer experience,” Painter continued.
Mike Shim is CEO and co-founder of DigiSure.
“Autonomy is inventing a completely new way for people to enjoy EV ownership, and we believe that requires a new kind of insurance experience as well,” Shim said. We are excited to collaborate with Autonomy to embed auto insurance and protection products seamlessly into their offering for subscribers.”
The relationship with DigiSure arrived after Autonomy finalized arrangements with AutoNation to gain scale by working with the large, publicly traded dealer group. Autonomy also crafted a relationship with EV Mobility, which provides EVs on demand 24/7 as an amenity to luxury hotels as well as at multifamily apartment buildings and other commercial properties.
Now operational in three of California’s largest markets, Autonomy announced another path toward growing its digital electric vehicle subscription service.
The company that says it provides consumers with the cheapest, fastest, and easiest way to subscribe to a Tesla Model 3, has partnered with leading workplace perks provider, Next Jump.
According to a news release distributed on Monday, Next Jump powers Perks at Work, which helps 70% of the Fortune 1000 companies care for their employees by providing discounts in categories ranging from travel to everyday essentials, free online classes and HR software. Next Jump counts Google, Starbucks, PwC and The Home Depot among their employer partners.
Through the partnership, millions of Perks at Work members will now get flexible and affordable access to electric vehicles without long-term commitment or long-term debt.
Autonomy is currently available in California and is gearing up for expansions to other regions of the country.
Autonomy’s subscription program is month to month after a three-month minimum hold period and bundles routine maintenance, roadside assistance, and registration fees into a monthly payment.
In addition to Tesla Model 3, Autonomy will soon expand to other Tesla models, as well as models made by other OEM brands.
“The vast majority of employees need a car to get to work, but the increasing cost of vehicles and the fact that EVs cost more than gas-powered cars makes them less attainable for the average consumer,” Autonomy founder and chief executive officer Scott Painter said in the news release. “We’re excited to partner with Next Jump and provide millions of employees an easier and more affordable way to get access to an EV.
“Subscriptions are simply a novel way for consumers to get more car for less money without long-term debt or long-term commitment, helping make EVs more affordable and the planet more sustainable,” Painter added.
Greg Kunkel is Next Jump co-founder and head of e-commerce.
“Companies are looking for unique ways to take care of employees right now,” Kunkel said in the release. “With the increase in inflation impacting wallets, and significant employee interest in supporting sustainable brands, we are excited to partner with Autonomy in providing a unique perk of EVs for our Perks at Work customers.”
Autonomy had a successful launch in Los Angeles in January, added service in the San Francisco Bay Area in March, and then last week the electric vehicle subscription company brought its platform availability to San Diego.
The company that claims to be the cheapest, fastest and easiest way to get a Tesla Model 3 said through a news release that it has accumulated hundreds of active subscribers to its service since launching in California.
“Our mission is to provide consumers with easy, affordable access to electric vehicles,” Autonomy founder and chief executive officer Scott Painter said in the news release.
“We know California to be both the car capital of the world and an early adopter of disruptive new technologies that improve quality of life. We began in L.A., and naturally are excited about expanding into San Diego, the second largest city in California, as we continue to build our presence throughout the state,” Painter continued.
With new pricing announced in March, Autonomy said its monthly subscription costs less than Tesla’s own leasing or financing plans.
Subscribers can reserve a Model 3 via Autonomy’s app or website and a $100 refundable deposit. A payment dial allows customers to personalize subscriptions from as low as $490 per month with an initial $4,900 payment, to $1,000 per month with an initial $1,000 payment.
A $500 refundable security deposit is required when the subscription is activated.
Autonomy is designed to provide a quick and efficient customer experience. A vehicle can be ordered on the app in as little time as 10 minutes and picked up from a vending center the next day or scheduled for delivery within a week.
Autonomy drivers also have the flexibility to subscribe month to month after a three-month minimum hold period.
“San Diegans are moving quickly toward adopting electric vehicles, and the city already has over 1,400 charging stations, including 250 DC Fast Chargers, which make it more convenient for consumers looking to get into an Autonomy subscription,” said Georg Bauer, co-founder and president of Autonomy.
Autonomy recently received $83 million in debt and equity financing to support its expansion.
Digital automotive platform Fair is shifting away from vehicle subscriptions and is relaunching with a new model in 2022.
What will this pivot entail?
Fair chief executive officer Brad Stewart joined the Auto Remarketing Podcast to explain.
Stewart became CEO of Fair in May 2020, taking over for then- interim CEO Adam Hieber, who taken on the title in fall of 2019 when Fair founder Scott Painter stepped down from the position. Painter and Georg Bauer co-founded Fair in 2016 and officially launched the platform in 2017.
As for the newest iteration of the company, Stewart shares more in the podcast below.
To listen to the episode, click on the link available below, or visit the Auto Remarketing Podcast page.
Download and subscribe to the Auto Remarketing Podcast on iTunes or on Google Play.
Scott Painter, who is a founder of Fair.com, TrueCar and CarsDirect, has revealed his next project.
Painter is launching NextCar Holding Company, a vehicle subscription platform also known as NXCR, “in response to COVID-19 and the heightened relevance and expected demand for a Car-as-a-Service (CaaS) mobility model for consumers,” according to a news release announcing the company.
Vehicle subscription, he said, is an affordable option for consumers that “takes the burden of debt off the shoulders” who are looking for a flexible, affordable model of mobility.
“Vehicle subscription is an antidote to the affordability concerns and economic uncertainty faced by today’s car shopper,” Painter said in the release. “It was an attractive value proposition for consumers before the pandemic, as evidenced by over 3.5 million downloads of the Fair app within its first twenty-four months, and it is even more compelling today.”
He contends there has not been a significant change in mobility needs amid COVID-19, but one change has been “the immediate need for a fully digital, low commitment and affordable mobility option that can be completed entirely on a mobile device,” Painter said.
“Vehicle subscription satisfies all of these needs and NextCar is committed to bringing to market a platform for vehicle subscription that enables it to thrive,” he said.
Even before COVID-19, there were 7 million people in the U.S. who were behind on vehicle payments, Painter said. Having a subscription as an option can help alleviate such issues.
"Subscription takes the burden of debt off the shoulders of people seeking affordable mobility options coupled with flexibility. The market opportunity is clear, it's appealing for consumers, automakers and retailers,” he said.
“Vehicle subscriptions are here to stay and I'm committed to building the technology and solutions that can enable scale and profitability.”
Porsche is looking to take advantage of growing consumer interest in subscribing to products and services they want most.
On Tuesday, Porsche Cars North America, Inc. introduced a monthly single-vehicle subscription (SVS) program in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Phoenix and San Diego.
This program powered by Clutch Technologies offers members access to a single Porsche model for one or three months for an all-inclusive fee, starting Sept. 25.
The OEM explained the new option coincides with the expansion of its existing monthly multi-vehicle subscription and rental programs to Los Angeles, the largest city yet to host the programs.
Dealerships participating in this SVS program include:
— Atlanta: Hennessy Porsche North Atlanta and Porsche Atlanta Perimeter
— Los Angeles: Porsche Downtown LA
— Phoenix: Porsche North Scottsdale
— San Diego: Porsche San Diego
Porsche said that the automaker is forging ahead with multi-vehicle subscription after the initial experience has shown it reaches new audiences for the brand.
In all existing markets, the OEM discovered 80% of participants have been new to Porsche, many are younger than the average age for current Porsche buyers or lessees, and more than a third enroll for at least four months.
Adding a single-vehicle option reflects a preference among some members to stay in one model instead of switching vehicles, according to Porsche.
Starting Sept. 25, Los Angeles-area customers will be able to choose from a variety of current Porsche model variants, including the new Cayenne Coupe, for shorter-term vehicle access than a traditional lease or purchase. To sign up, individuals can download the Porsche Drive app available on Apple and Android devices to apply for membership.
At the same time, Porsche highlighted that it’s rebranding its new mobility offerings under the name Porsche Drive. What had been the monthly subscription program Porsche Passport will now be Porsche Drive — multi-vehicle subscription, and the shorter-term offering will be Porsche Drive — rental.
Similarly, the company explained the new monthly subscription program with access to one vehicle will be Porsche Drive — single-vehicle subscription.
“If California were a country, it would be our fifth-largest market in the world,” PCNA president and chief executive officer Klaus Zellmer said in a news release. “After bringing Porsche Drive to San Diego last summer, Los Angeles was an obvious choice to allow customers to experience a variety of Porsche sports cars and SUVs at the touch of an app.
“Now, in addition to our Porsche Experience Center Los Angeles track, LA residents or those visiting LA have another way to enjoy a Porsche,” Zellmer continued.
In light of current circumstances, Porsche also emphasized that all Drive programs include deep cleaning of vehicle between users and social distancing at delivery and pick-up, as well as other measures to protect the safety of customers and staff. More details can be found on this website.
The automaker reiterated specific details about each of its offerings:
• Porsche Drive — single-vehicle subscription grants members access to a single Porsche model for one or three months, with concierge delivery and pick-up within the delivery area. When signing up for the program, members can choose from a variety of current model variants for their monthly subscription. After the initial subscription period, members can extend their membership in the existing model or choose a new vehicle. With the exception of fuel, all operating costs including vehicle maintenance and insurance are a part of the flat monthly fee (plus taxes and fees) that varies depending on model variant. Models and pricing are available on this website.
• Porsche Drive — multi-vehicle subscription is a monthly program that offers members unlimited vehicle swaps at the touch of an app. Cars are delivered and picked up by a concierge anywhere a customer chooses within the delivery area. With the exception of fuel, all operating costs including vehicle maintenance and insurance are a part of the flat monthly fee of $2,100 (plus taxes and fees) for the “Launch” membership that includes a variety of current model variants and $3,100 (plus taxes and fees) for the “Accelerate” level that adds higher-performing variants of other models to the menu, including the iconic 911.
• Porsche Drive — rental offers shorter commitments than a month, such as weekend getaways, date nights, or vacations. It is also app-based, with daily and weekly usage options. Customers can retrieve vehicles from the participating dealership, and upon the completion of the rental, a concierge will pick up the vehicle within the delivery area or the vehicle can be returned to the participating dealership. Prices for Porsche Drive range from $245 (plus taxes and fees) for one day in a Macan to $2,415 (plus taxes and fees) for weekly usage of a 911.
Due to the success of the multi-vehicle subscription program first launched in Atlanta in November 2017, Porsche pointed out that it expanded to Las Vegas, Phoenix and San Diego last August. Los Angeles is the newest city to host the program.
The OEM recapped that the technology platform for the program is managed by Clutch Technologies that has been part of the program from the start. As of last August, the expansion of Porsche Drive includes a new role for Porsche dealer partners in all expansion cities, who oversee the customer experience and the fleet, including white-glove vehicle delivery and maintenance.
To sign up for Porsche Drive, the automaker guided individuals to download the Porsche Drive app (available on Apple and Android devices) or visit porschedrive.com to enter their ZIP code in the check service availability section to determine eligibility for the programs. If a ZIP code lies within the service area, Porsche said an individual can then apply for membership or a rental vehicle through the app.
For the subscription and rental programs, the OEM explained the service area includes ZIP codes within a roughly 50-mile radius of the participating dealer and the delivery area is a 20-mile radius around the dealership where a concierge delivers and picks up vehicles.
If a customer is outside that delivery radius, the company said they will need to come into the delivery area or to the dealership to make a flip.
Furthermore, Porsche Drive subscription programs require an activation fee of $595 (unless joining SVS for three months which waives the activation fee), and membership approval is dependent on a background check. Sign up is now open for the programs in all active markets (excluding Las Vegas), with a go-live date in Los Angeles of Sept. 25.
In July, the Las Vegas programs were temporarily suspended due to COVID-19’s impact on the local economy. Customers interested in signing up for Porsche Drive in Las Vegas can still download the Porsche Drive app to join the waitlist until the programs resume operation.
For additional information on the programs, individuals can also email info@porschedrive.com or call (888) 369-9904.
Mike Albert entered the vehicle-subscription business on Tuesday.
The company with roots in the fleet and rental spaces for more than 60 years announced that it now offers a monthly subscription vehicle service to customers living within a 75-mile radius of its flagship location in Evendale, Ohio, which is northeast of Cincinnati.
Mike Albert explained how this new program is designed to work:
— Go to subscribe.mikealbert.com and download the mobile app.
— Sign up in minutes on the app with your driver’s license and credit card, then select a plan.
— Once your application is approved, a service representative will be in contact to get you started and scheduled for your first vehicle delivery.
— A concierge from Mike Albert drives the vehicle to you, fully gassed, cleaned and ready to roll.
— After you’ve had your vehicle for a month, you can choose the swap option. Just schedule it on the app, and a concierge delivers the fresh vehicle and returns the other one for you.
The monthly subscription plans that are currently available are:
— Large SUV class
— Midsize SUV class
— Sedan class
For a one-time monthly fee, subscribers can swap vehicles within their monthly plan or upgrade or downgrade to another monthly plan. No matter which plan users choose, there’s a flat, one-time activation fee to start a membership.
“A number of customers today are looking for a more convenient way to get around than traditional car ownership or rental. So, we’ve expanded our services to include Subscribe with Mike Albert. It’s easier and more flexible than buying or leasing and it’s the perfect alternative if you don’t want to be locked into a contract for three to five years,” said Tom Guy, general manager of Subscription Services at Mike Albert.
“We deliver your vehicle of choice to you and take care of the insurance, registration, maintenance, repairs and roadside assistance, all for one flat monthly fee. Plus, we give you the option to swap vehicles from month to month to meet your changing needs and make driving more fun,” Guy went on to say.
To learn more about Subscribe with Mike Albert, visit subscribe.mikealbert.com.
Clutch Technologies recently finalized an integration with one of its fellow companies within the Cox Automotive family along with two other relationships in the vehicle-subscription space.
On Wednesday, Nissan announced it’s testing a subscription service model that’s being powered by Clutch.
According to a news release, Nissan is launching what it’s called “on-demand driving” through its test of Nissan Switch.
The program is rolling out in the Houston area, and the OEM is collaborating with Central Houston Nissan to get the program in motion.
The Nissan Switch subscription program, powered by Clutch Technologies, offers vehicles that represent the latest model year, featuring well-equipped trim levels. Some include driver-assist technology, allowing shoppers to try innovative features like Nissan ProPILOT Assist.
There are two tiers to Nissan’s subscription services with the ability to switch tiers each month. After a $495 membership activation fee, the monthly subscription includes the vehicle (unlimited switches, as often as a new vehicle each day), delivery, cleaning, insurance, roadside assistance and regular maintenance.
Nissan is working with Central Houston Nissan to administer this new subscription service.
The automaker highlighted a dealership concierge member will deliver the vehicle anywhere within the Nissan Select service area and will help transfer items from vehicle to vehicle. The concierge also offers to walk-around the vehicle at the time of delivery to answer any questions about key features, safety, and driver-assist technologies.
“We are eager to explore subscription services to understand how we can best serve customers’ evolving wants and needs,” Central Houston Nissan general manager Chad Milow said in a news release. “This is a great opportunity for people to drive what they want when they need it for one, predictable payment.”
The automaker said the Select segment of its subscription program includes the Altima, Rogue, Pathfinder and Frontier for $699 per month. Its Premium segment includes the LEAF PLUS, Maxima, Murano, Armada, Titan and 370Z for $899 each month.
Nissan noted the GT-R also is available in the subscription platform for $899 per month with an additional $100 fee per day with the maximum use being seven consecutive days.
Just like other popular subscription services for television and music, Nissan pointed out there is no long-term contractual commitment.
“Nissan Switch is another way that Nissan is testing alternatives to the notion of traditional mobility, without long-term financial commitments for our customers,” said Andrew Tavi, vice president, legal, external affairs and business development at Nissan North America.
“This program provides more choice, convenience, and flexibility. For those who want a sedan during the week and an SUV or sports car, like the GT-R, on the weekends, Nissan Switch provides the solution,” Tavi continued.
Customers can find more information about Nissan Switch or enroll at www.nissanswitch.com.
