Audi Tests On-Demand Car Service

Audi AG has launched an on-demand service in the U.S. that enables customers to reserve an Audi model for as long as 28 days and have the vehicle delivered to them at the location of their choice.

Audi on Demand initially is available only within the city limits of San Francisco. Audi says it will expand the option to other unspecified U.S. cities "in the coming years."

Customers use their smartphones to select a car from an assortment ranging from an A4 Allroad wagon to an R8 supercar. Audi says it will fill requests in as little as two hours after receiving an order. Rental prices range from $165 per day for the Allroad to $1,285 for an R8 Spyder.

The delivered car will match the color and trim of the vehicle chosen by the customer. The recipient will be able to lock and unlock the car and activate the ignition using a personal key card.

The Audi service, which requires membership but charges no membership fee, also offers customers the ability to accessorize the vehicle they choose with such extras as child seats and ski or bicycle racks.