Vehicle Subscription Services - The Future of Personal Mobility

Vehicle subscription services have emerged as a disruptive trend, presenting a compelling alternative to the traditional car ownership model. Instead of purchasing or leasing, these services offer users the option to pay a fixed monthly fee for on-demand access to a wide range of vehicles. The flexibility and convenience afforded by this model have made it increasingly popular among consumers seeking an efficient and cost-effective means of transportation. 

The demand for convenience and flexibility drives the vehicle subscription market as an alternative to traditional ownership. Current trends show typical subscription terms between 60 days and six months, although more extended periods have emerged as the market matures. Customers enjoy access to vehicles that can be regularly exchanged, with inclusive insurance, maintenance, and registration covered in set pricing.

The global vehicle subscription market is poised for remarkable growth, projected to reach an impressive $10.2 billion by 2023, as predicted by Accenture. This demand for flexible transportation solutions is driven by the increasing preference of Generation Z and Millennial vehicle customers for access over ownership.

The convenience and flexibility of subscriptions benefit consumers and the automotive industry. It provides a platform to attract early EV adopters who can test lower environmental impact vehicles before purchasing. With the growing awareness of subscription benefits, the demand for subscriptions is expected to soar, inspiring more people to subscribe and experience the numerous perks that come with it.

Although the Middle East subscription service has started slowly in comparison to the rest of the world, this service is gaining popularity, especially in the UAE. Some rental companies have entered the subscription arena by making this option available to customers. The all-inclusive fee structure appeals to Generation Z, Millennials and Expats seeking hassle-free access to mobility. Subscription is poised to grow exponentially in the region.

Some key trends that may shape the future of vehicle subscriptions include:

• Accelerating EV adoption: Flexible subscriptions address concerns over EV battery life and technology changes. This is especially beneficial as EV technology rapidly evolves, with newer models having longer ranges, faster charging, and better features. Subscriptions also provide manufacturers with valuable usage data.

• Integration with autonomous vehicles: As self-driving technologies near perfection and gain regulatory approval, they present a compelling addition to the subscription experience. Most self-driving vehicles will be EVs, so subscriptions should lead to adoption.

• Personalisation via IoT: Vehicles could sync with calendars, suggest optimal routes, and integrate with smart homes. Personalisation that goes beyond just setting comfort levels has the potential to revolutionise user engagement and loyalty.

• Bundling services: Vehicles may come with premium entertainment or e-learning subscriptions to maximise commutes.

• Innovative pricing: The adoption of usage-based dynamic pricing has the potential to optimise customer value and behaviour representation compared to fixed rates. This pricing model operates on the premise of adjusting prices based on customer usage, allowing businesses to reflect customer behaviour more accurately and, therefore, offer more targeted pricing. 

• Global standardisation: Global platforms could allow seamless vehicle switching across borders with consistent preferences.

• Hybrid ownership models: Subscriptions complement owned primary vehicles, blending ownership's emotional connection with subscriptions' versatility.

In summary, subscriptions represent a fundamental shift in viewing vehicle ownership and usage. Subscriptions are well positioned for rapid mainstream global adoption by tapping into flexible, sustainable mobility demand. Though challenges remain, the industry is evolving to disrupt traditional ownership models. We may see ownership and usage offerings transform over the next five years to be nearly unrecognisable compared to current norms.

Over the next five years, we will likely observe a substantial and sweeping metamorphosis within ownership and usage offerings. This transformation is anticipated to encompass many novel and innovative approaches that will challenge and reconfigure existing conventions in the industry and may represent the future of personal mobility.