Ford launched “Canvas,” its car-subscription service, last year in an effort to jump aboard the industry bandwagon. In 2018, the company hopes to expand the service, and likely wants a piece of Maven’s subscription-service pie.
General Motors launched Maven in 2016 as a mobility service that allows users to rent out cars by the hour, but the service has grown to include longer rentals and encompass programs for freelancers in the “gig” economy. While Maven isn’t exactly a true car-subscription service, it does mirror many of the benefits.
Maven users can pick up a car when needed without the hassle of maintenance, ownership costs or insurance. Ford’s Canvas provides 24/7 access to a vehicle as though it were their own. The service includes a preferred mileage package, comprehensive insurance, warranty, maintenance, and roadside assistance.
Canvas users give Ford a week’s notice that they want to turn the car in, and a Ford subsidiary comes to collect the car. It’s more similar to Book by Cadillac‘s process, which gives users access to a variety of Cadillac vehicles with many of the same perks, but added premium services as well.
In comparison, Chevrolet does not offer a subscription service, but that certainly could change. We have a feeling GM has bigger plans for Maven in the near future, which could encompass a true subscription service for GM brands.
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Just another attempt for Ford to copy what GM is doing