Now trending, car subscriptions

Maybe there’s a six-month job waiting in another city or perhaps the idea of buying or leasing a new car or truck doesn’t seem right. A third option is now available and accelerating at a steady pace.

SIXT is the German-based former rental-only car company. It’s now available throughout the Bay Area including airports and has joined others offering customizable car subscription plans.

Consumers uncertain about a new purchase in uncertain times can pay a monthly fee to drive a new vehicle. Specific durations are offered, all without purchasing risks or depreciation.

Flexibility is the unwritten motto of SIXT, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and several other regional companies.

“We see that mobility needs have changed, particularly during this pandemic,” said Sebastian Birkel, the company’s U.S President, of the venture, technically called SIXT+. “You have some people who say, ‘I would always prefer individual mobility over mass transit, but I may not want to go into a financial obligation for the next few years.’

“And there are other people who say, ‘I just need a car right now. I don’t want to wait until it’s delivered or whatever.’ So we came up with the subscription idea.”

SIXT’s announcement arrived shortly after AAA and Electrify America announced a subscription model.

Called AAA Car Subscription, 55 Volkswagen e- Golf (2018) EVs are available for short-term subscriptions in the Sacramento region. It’s the test market for a pending expansion into the Bay Area and other markets. Members can drive an eGolf with insurance, repairs, maintenance and emergency roadside assistance for one monthly subscription fee.

The EV program joins AAA’s existing auto subscription service that offers a variety of sedans and SUVs.