Over in the US, Audi has introduced a new mobility programme that will give users a new way to experience the brand’s products without having to go through long-term ownership. The brand’s car-sharing programme is known as Audi on demand.
Audi on demand allows customers to rent an Audi on a daily basis, with the ability to reserve an Audi by the day for up to 28 days. The service is currently only available in San Francisco as part of a beta programme, but will be rolled out across additional American cities in the coming years.
A wide range of Audi models are available for hire – the vehicle list includes the RS 5, S5 Cabriolet, A4 allroad, S7, A8 L, R8 V10 and a R8 V10 Spyder. Rental rates begin from US$165 (RM585) per day for an A4 allroad right up to US$1,285 (RM4,555) for an R8 Spyder.
The service is accessed via the Audi on demand app, downloadable through the Apple App Store. No membership fee is required, but the caveat is that one has to be 25 and older to use Audi on demand. Payment is via credit card, and a vehicle needs to be reserved at least two hours before the start time.
Customers simply select their preferred Audi model, and the vehicle the customer sees and requests in the Audi on demand app will be the same vehicle delivered to them, right down to the exact colour and trim.
The vehicle is then personally delivered to the customer at the location of his/her choice by an Audi on demand concierge, who will help the customer get acquainted with the vehicle from setting music preferences to tailoring the navigation system. Operation of the vehicle, from locking and unlocking it to enabling driving is accomplished via a digital key running off the Audi on demand app or a personal key card.
The programme also offers complimentary use of selected accessories – child safety seats are available for all vehicles, and ski racks and bicycle racks are available for use with the allroad and Q5 models.
Audi on demand isn’t the only car-sharing initiative planned by the automaker. In the near future, the company says it will be launching Audi at home, which will be located in select premium condominium complexes.
Through this, residents will have access to a car-sharing service with an exclusive fleet of Audis that will include RS models, cabriolets and SUVs. That initiative is also set to feature the A3 Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid. Rates will be hourly for Audi at home, and prices will vary by model.
