SUBSCRIPTIONS have traditionally been the province of publishers and cable broadcasters but now car companies want to get into the act with subscriptions to cars.

Chinese car-maker and Volvo owner, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, plans a second brand to bypass the traditional dealer showroom and be available through a company “subscription” or lease.

Geely, which also has controlling stakes in Lotus Cars and Proton, said its new Lynk & Co brand – planned for launch in Europe in 2018 – will be available through online purchase or lease and now it has announced it will apply the same ownership options to the performance arm of Volvo, Polestar. Polestar and its new ownership program will start in the UK in 2019.

Porsche is another brand planning the “subscription” method of ownership. Called Porsche Passport, it is an app-based concept with a monthly payment program that, in addition, allows members to exchange vehicles through the 22-model Porsche range with unlimited kilometres.

Porsche Passport, which starts its global trial this month in the US city of Atlanta and will potentially be rolled out to Australia, includes all the vehicle’s necessary insurance, maintenance, registration and even detailing within a monthly fee.

It is being offered in two levels: Launch, which has access to eight Porsche vehicles including the 718 Boxster and Cayman twins, Macan and Cayenne SUVs for $US2000 ($A2603) a month; and Accelerate, which costs $US3000 ($A3905) and accesses all Porsche models.

People interested in Porsche’s car subscription service must download the Porsche Passport smartphone app – either Apple and Android devices – and sign up.

Porsche says all membership inquiries are subject to a background and credit check. Once approved, it asks for a one-time $US500 ($A725) activation fee.

Lynk & Co senior vice-president Alain Visser said the brand will sell its cars online and with home delivery services, or by outright payment, or via a subscription model accessed by smartphones.

The cars will come with a lifetime warranty to cover all defects and with free connectivity to ensure the car is connected for the benefit of occupants and for the lease holder.

In an interview with Car in the UK, Mr Visser said: “We believe Lynk & Co will offer the most connected cars in the world, with the world’s first in-car digital share function.

“We also offer a completely new business model, with a simplified product offer, transparent fixed pricing and an attractive purchase and ownership experience starting here in China this year.

“We will bring a unique offer of connected mobility, with the option to share your car, where everything is included. The key to everything we do is simplicity.”

Geely will use the same app-based subscription program for another Volvo sister company, the Polestar performance division that is now a stand-alone brand.

It is part of a $A980 million injection into Polestar by Geely to produce its first stand-alone model, the Polestar 1 2+2 coupe, in China.

The only way to secure a Polestar car will be online and the car will be offered on a two- or three-year subscription basis.

The zero-deposit, all-inclusive subscription will also add features such as pick-up and delivery servicing and the ability to rent alternative vehicles within the Volvo and Polestar range, all incorporated into one monthly payment.

A statement issued by Polestar said: “The flat rate subscription means that having a Polestar car becomes a hassle free experience for the customer.”

“This is facilitated by Phone-As-Key technology. It allows the owner to share a virtual key with a third party, and also enables access to a host of other on-demand features.

“This concierge service ensures that the customer only needs to focus on the enjoyment of driving.”

By Neil Dowling