Mexican Media Brands
BMW, Mercedes Plan to Test Car Subscription Services in U.S.
BMW AG and rival Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz unit tell Automotive News they expect to test car subscriptions in the U.S.
Share
BMW AG and rival Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz unit tell Automotive News they expect to test car subscriptions in the U.S.
Such schemes are a replacement for the conventional practice of selling or leasing a specific vehicle to a customer. Instead, the customer pays a monthly fee for the ability to choose among a variety of vehicle types, depending on the need at the moment. The fee covers use, insurance, maintenance and pickup/delivery service.
Neither company knows whether vehicle subscriptions would be popular. Mercedes already is testing the idea in Europe. But it frets to AN about determining how much inventory is feasible to ensure that all customers can get exactly the sports car, sedan or crossover vehicle they want on short notice.
BMW and Mercedes aren’t alone in wondering. Cadillac, Lincoln, Porsche and Volvo also are testing vehicle subscription services now at monthly fees ranging between $600 and $2,000.
RELATED CONTENT
-
Robotic Exoskeleton Amplifies Human Strength
The Sarcos Guardian XO Max full-body, all-electric exoskeleton features strength amplification of up to 20 to 1, making 200 pounds—the suit’s upper limit—feel like 10 pounds for the user.
-
The Koenigsegg Jesko Has An Amazing Engine
It is hard to believe that this is a vehicle in “serial” production with such extraordinary powertrain performance
-
Multiple Choices for Light, High-Performance Chassis
How carbon fiber is utilized is as different as the vehicles on which it is used. From full carbon tubs to partial panels to welded steel tube sandwich structures, the only limitation is imagination.
