Porsche Cars North America is expanding its new mobility models to four cities, while continuing the successful effort here in Atlanta.
The subscription programs, Porsche Passport and Porsche Drive, will debut at dealerships in Las Vegas, Phoenix, San Diego, and Toronto, according to officials from Atlanta-based Porsche Cars North America (PCNA).
“Why is Porsche creating new mobility models? Because consumers increasingly want more flexibility, more individual choice, and to have this on their mobile devices,” said Klaus Zellmer, President and CEO of PCNA. “We want these consumers to have the same superb level of Porsche experience that we provide for our customers who buy or lease.”
Subscription programs are growing in popularity throughout the world, with experts saying they are great ways to solve mobility issues.
While there are variations, basically it works this way: Potential customers are given access to an online app, which they use to sign up. The app allows them to order the type of car they want and have it delivered. They pay a monthly fee for use. But it differs from leasing in these key ways: There are no contracts; customers can change cars sometimes daily; insurance, registration fees and taxes are baked into the monthly payments, as well as maintenance and detailing costs.
Here how Porsche's two programs work:
- Porsche Passport is a monthly subscription plan that offers its members unlimited swaps between models through an app. The cars are delivered and picked up by the Passport concierge anywhere a customer chooses within their service area. The monthly fee is $2,100 for the Launch membership level, which includes access to eight Porsche models; and $3,100 for the Accelerate level, which makes 12 higher-performing models available.
- Porsche Drive offer customers a shorter time commitment, such as access to vehicles for weekend getaways, date nights, or vacations. It is also app-based, with hourly (four-hour minimum), daily, and weekly usage options. As with Passport, the cars are delivered and picked up by concierge at the customer's preferred location. Prices for Porsche Drive range from $269 for four hours in a Macan or 718 Cayman or Boxster, to $2,909 for weekly usage of a 911.
“This innovative approach to the Porsche experience has already opened the door to an entirely new clientele,” Zellmer said. “In our first year and a half, more than 80 percent of Passport members in the Atlanta pilot were not previous Porsche owners.”
Customers can download the Porsche Passport app to apply for a membership, go to the website porschepassport.com, or call 888-369-9904. For Drive, visit porschedrive.us or call 888-490-9077.
