VOLKSWAGEN drivers can take advantage of a brand new subscription with three separate benefits – but only certain people are eligible.
Starting on Wednesday this week, consumers can select from popular Volkswagen models such as the Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, the Golf GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan for lease.
Volkswagen has launched a brand new subscription service[/caption]
Under the scheme, drivers can lease a vehicle for as little as one month[/caption]
The VW Flex program is currently available for select dealerships, the German auto giant said in a statement.
Under the month-to-monthy scheme, drivers getting select Volkswagen models will have their maintenance, insurance, and 24/7 roadside assistance bundled into one monthly payment.
The application process is entirely online, and there is a minimum commitment of just one month.
So far, the program is only available in certain dealerships in Atlanta and Kennesaw in Georgia, as reported by Tennessee outlet Local 3 News.
Atlanta is the first place to trial the subscription service.
Members can reserve their selected vehicle online and then pick it up directly from the dealership.
Alternatively, drivers can pay for delivery – on the condition that the address is within metro Atlanta.
All necessary maintenance and service will take place at authorized VW dealerships.
Unlike traditional lease models, under VW Flex, customers can borrow a vehicle for as little as a month, or keep it as long as they want.
When they want to return it, drivers just have to give Volkswagen 30 days’ notice before taking it back to the dealership.
VW Flex also does not check your credit score or approve applications based on creditworthiness, unlike traditional loans and leases.
However, there are some drawbacks.
Before starting a subscription, drivers must pay a $495 activation fee which is non-refundable.
They can then pay monthly anywhere between $599 for a Jetta to $799 for an Atlas.
What is the VW Flex program?
THE low-down on Volkswagen’s brand-new subscription service.
Volkswagen Group of America has launched VW Flex, a vehicle subscription service for Volkswagen vehicles in the Atlanta metro area.
This all-new, month-to-month subscription service for select Volkswagen models bundles maintenance, insurance, and 24/7 roadside assistance into a single monthly payment.
Atlanta-area consumers can select from a variety of Volkswagen’s most popular vehicles, including the Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, Tiguan, Golf GTI, and Jetta.
Unlike conventional purchase and leasing options, VW Flex allows a minimum commitment of just one month.
All maintenance is performed at authorized Volkswagen dealerships.
The application process is entirely digital without the need for an app.
Drivers also don’t need to have their credit scores checked.
Members reserve their vehicle of choice online, and then can either pick up directly from a participating dealership or opt for delivery within the designated area of metro Atlanta (subject to a fee).
Source: Volkswagen US
Drivers are advised to weigh up the relative costs of a traditional lease versus VW Flex to see which scheme is better value for money.
If you only need the vehicle for a short period which isn’t compatible with leasing, VW Flex could be the best option.
But on a long-term basis, traditional loans and leases may be a smarter move.
The company announced the move in a press release this week.
“This innovative subscription service offers members a straightforward, diverse and hassle-free way to address flexible mobility needs,” it said in a release.
“By partnering with Volkswagen Group of America to introduce a new vehicle subscription model that offers customers a flexible mobility option, we’re able to accelerate our mission to be the key to mobility for consumers,” said Volkswagen Financial Services’ senior director Tina Unterlaender.
Volkswagen is not the first car maker to trial a subscription scheme.
Fellow German auto giant Porsche, which has its North American headquarters in Atlanta, also has a flexible vehicle subscription program called Porsche Drive.
Other similar subscription business models exist, including Finn and Sixt.
