Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have changed the way people think about car ownership. Why pay an exorbitant amount to own and insure your own car when you can just borrow one whenever you need it? Many automakers have taken notice of this shift in consumer thinking and have invested in their own ride-sharing services.
Audi previously tested a rental service in San Fransisco called 'Audi On Demand,' where users could rent any vehicle ranging from an A4 to an R8. The service never expanded across the entire US, but now Audi On Demand is back in the spotlight and will be tested in the UK.
Audi is hoping that it's new On Demand service will help make the rental process easier with a single all-in fee, which includes unlimited mileage, fully comprehensive insurance, roadside assistance, delivery, and collection. Prices range from ￡70 to ￡190 (around $90 to $242) depending on the model, and users can choose from a variety of cars including an A1, A3, A4, A5, Q3, and Q5. Some locations will also have convertible models such as the A3, A5, and S5. Unfortunately, Audi didn't mention any RS cars or the R8 - sorry enthusiasts.
Rentals range from just one hour to a 28-day period, meaning the service is highly flexible to suit your needs. If, for instance, you only need a Q5 SUV to pick up a piece of furniture, you can rent it for just an hour or two. As of now, the service is a bit limited - it runs out of Audi's Oldham facility near Manchester and can only deliver within a 30-minute driving radius, though there are plans to expand the service to more cities such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle, Birmingham, and London in the coming months. The UK will now be one of several countries to offer Audi On Demand including the United States, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and Germany, but its availability is still far from widespread.
