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 our 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 in 2024
Best new cars coming in 2024 - header image
Best cars & vans

Best new cars coming in 2024

There are some big new models from the likes of BMW, Citroen, Dacia, Ford, MINI, Skoda and more on the way in 2024
12 Mar 2024
How Ford and Vauxhall became national treasures
Assortment of Fords and Vauxhalls
Features

How Ford and Vauxhall became national treasures

We take a look at the rivalry of two manufacturers that have battled for the hearts, minds and money of British car buyers
27 Dec 2023
'Once-dominant Ford and Vauxhall could become also-rans in the future'
Opinion - Ford plant
Opinion

'Once-dominant Ford and Vauxhall could become also-rans in the future'

Editor-in-chief Steve Fowler thinks Ford and Vauxhall need to get their pricing right in the EV era if they are to remain popular with customers
15 Nov 2023
New Ford Capri spied testing for the first time
Electric Ford Capri - front
News

New Ford Capri spied testing for the first time

Iconic Ford nameplate will return on MEB-based crossover
9 Nov 2023

Most Popular

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay
Road tax documentation
News

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay

Drivers with newer cars will now pay £10 more per year, although the biggest gas guzzlers fare even worse
28 Mar 2024
Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power
Dacia Sandero - front
News

Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power

Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway ranges have been tweaked, gaining more safety features to meet the latest regulations
26 Mar 2024
Car Deal of the Day: updated Skoda Enyaq at 0% APR and a free home wallbox charger thrown in
Skoda Enyaq iV - front cornering
News

Car Deal of the Day: updated Skoda Enyaq at 0% APR and a free home wallbox charger thrown in

Skoda’s family-friendly EV with 348-mile range is our Car Deal of the Day for 26 March
26 Mar 2024