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
6 Nov 2024
New Ford Custom Garage program is designed to make personalisation easier
Ford Custom Garage Packages Sinister Bronze Ford Bronco - front 3/4

New Ford Custom Garage program is designed to make personalisation easier

Ford is listening to customers that want to modify their cars
News
5 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

Most Popular

A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success
Opinion - cheap EV

A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success

Mike Rutherford thinks there would be demand for an electric car with a modest 100-mile range if it only cost £10k
Opinion
17 Nov 2024
New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys
Opinion - Vauxhall Corsa-e

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys

Editor Paul Barker takes a closer look at our 2024 Used Car Awards
Opinion
20 Nov 2024
New Jaguar logos unveiled as big concept reveal moves closer
New Jaguar logo 1

New Jaguar logos unveiled as big concept reveal moves closer

Jaguar has revealed its new logos and styling details ahead of its transition into a luxury EV brand
News
19 Nov 2024