Skip advert
Advertisement

Ford launches new car share leasing programme in US

Innovative leasing programme lets people run a brand-new car while splitting the costs with friends or family

Ford Edge badge

Ford has already announced that it has started testing autonomous vehicles in less favourable weather conditions (LINK) but not content, it is using this week’s Detroit Motor Show as a platform for a new car leasing programme for the US market.

Although unconfirmed for Europe, Ford Credit Link is a pilot scheme initially launching in Austin, Texas, that allows customers who don’t need access to a vehicle 100 per cent of the time, to share their car with up to six people.

Advertisement - Article continues below

“People are already sharing everything – from books to homes,” said David McClelland, Ford Credit executive vice president of marketing and sales. “We’re seeing the potential for a shift from a single customer paying for a single vehicle, to people sharing costs and benefits.” 

More Ford RS models on the way

Ford said the service is aimed at self-organised groups that could include households with multiple licensed drivers, neighbours with intermittent needs, or friends, co-workers and college students.

Members can communicate with each other to arrange drive time, check their vehicle’s status or make payments – all through a dedicated smartphone app. Available through three Texas-based dealers from next month, if the scheme is a success, it could be rolled out globally within the next few years.

The pilot supports Ford Smart Mobility, the plan to take the company to the next level in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience, and data and analytics.

Would you buy a shared car if it meant splitting the costs? Let us know in the comments below…

Skip advert
Advertisement
Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2024, 2025 and beyond
Best new cars coming soon - header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2024, 2025 and beyond

These are the biggest and most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
4 Nov 2024
Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024: new cars and highlights
Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024 - MG sculpture

Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024: new cars and highlights

2024’s Goodwood Festival of Speed was a celebration of over 130 years of engine tech, but it also looked well into the future
News
17 Jul 2024
New electric cars coming soon: the fresh EVs of 2024 and beyond
Future electric cars - header image

New electric cars coming soon: the fresh EVs of 2024 and beyond

The EV explosion has brought a huge range of choice to the market already but it’s only going to get bigger in the coming months
Best cars & vans
4 Jul 2024
Ford Escort and RS200 return to production at Boreham Motorworks
DRVN Ford Escort and Ford RS200

Ford Escort and RS200 return to production at Boreham Motorworks

Classic Fords to be remastered with the brand’s blessing as brand-new cars, starting with the RS200 and Mk1 Escort
News
24 Jun 2024

Most Popular

Fuel duty frozen, but new car buyers hit by VED hikes
Parliament

Fuel duty frozen, but new car buyers hit by VED hikes

Labour’s first budget spares drivers at the pumps, while industry raises investment fears
News
31 Oct 2024
Renault 5 review
Renault 5 - front tracking

Renault 5 review

The retro-inspired Renault 5 electric supermini is well-priced, nice to drive, and has great tech
In-depth reviews
31 Oct 2024
New Hyundai Inster 2024 review: quirky EV is appealing despite its high price
Hyundai Inster - front

New Hyundai Inster 2024 review: quirky EV is appealing despite its high price

The new Hyundai Inster EV is fun to drive, has plenty of space and is well equipped
Road tests
1 Nov 2024