AUSTRALIA’S leading car subscription service, Carly, has signed on dual-code international rugby player and Triple M NRL commentator Wendell Sailor as a supporter of the brand.

Carly, which is fresh from announcing record sales in the June quarter, has become an alternative to buying a car or committing to a loan or lease: it allows subscribers to choose a car to suit their lifestyle without hefty upfront fees and long-term lock-in contracts.

Carly sources new and used cars from dealerships and leasing and rental companies which retain ownership of the vehicles with Carly recruiting subscribers and managing the assets for their owners.

Under the marketing initiative, Wendell Sailor, who played for the Brisbane Broncos and the St George Illawarra Dragons as well as the NSW Waratahs, Queensland Reds and Australian Wallabies during his career, will be driving a Carly car and sharing his support for this innovative solution to car access.

Sailor said in a statement that Australians were increasingly turning to subscriptions payments models to make life easier – from accessing sport coverage to watching movies and ordering household essentials.

“We wanted an extra car for our busy household over the upcoming footy season. An extra car over this period is really handy but we just don’t need the expense of one all year round. Carly provided us with that solution,” he said.

“The best thing about Carly is, I get to drive a car without the hassle of having to organise the rego, insurance, car maintenance – even if the car breaks down, road assistance is provided. You can’t beat that.”

“Car subscriptions are definitely the next big thing for Australians who want access to a car without the hassle of ownership and who, like me, work on contract so have changing circumstances both throughout the year.”

The CEO of Carly, Chris Noone, said, “We are excited to have Wendell on board as a supporter because he’s the perfect example of how Australians can use a car subscription service. “Wendell needs the car, but not all year round, so Carly is a cost-effective and convenient way to get into the car he wants now.

“Carly provides the flexibility to change your ride when your life changes – without any financial penalties. This is important to Wendell and many Australians today,” Mr Noone said.

Under the Carly business model, there are no hidden fees, car expenses are included in each monthly payment. Subscribers need only add fuel). The minimum subscription period is only 30 days and subscribers switch cars each month.

Carly launched in Sydney in March 2019, and quickly expanded into Melbourne. The service then launched in Brisbane and the Gold Coast in February 2020.

Operated by Collaborate Corporation, an ASX-listed company that also runs peer-to-peer car-rental provider DriveMyCar, Carly is Australia’s first flexible monthly car subscription, providing the freedom to switch cars to suit subscriber’s lifestyle.

Subscribers can choose from multiple brands, economy to luxury, hatchback to SUV. There is no upfront fee nor long-term lock-in contracts.

By John Mellor