Audi of America plans to pilot a “shared fleet service” at the American Underground in Durham ahead of a planned national roll-out for a corporate “sharing” program next year.
The “fleet” will consist of three Audi A4 sedans.
“Three fully accessorized, 2017 Audi A4 sedans will be available on demand and ready for use. Users will be backed by a 24/7 customer service call center,” according to Audi.
“Program participants will be able to book the vehicle and unlock it using the Audi shared fleet app. Feedback from users will help refine the process in advance of its debut next year.”
Why pick the AU?
“American Underground is a technology hub occupied with an ideal user group which helps us shape the service and perfect a unique user experience,” said Thiemo Rusch, senior director, vehicle sales and operation for Audi of America, in the announcement. “Piloting the service here gives us the necessary affirmation as we launch this new service nationally next year.”
Audi, which is an investor in European ride-hailing service Gett, is exploring multiple ways to offer what it calls “premium mobility solutions.”
“In our urban ecosystem, this program will alleviate two major pain points for our entrepreneurs: a need for easy, face-to-face collaboration across all points of the Research Triangle and a desire to utilize public transportation in their commute to avoid parking restraints,” says Adam Klein, chief strategist atAmerican Underground. “The fact that our entrepreneurs can now accomplish these needs in the style and performance of an Audi is a very pleasant bonus.”
