The self-drive, subscription-based vehicle ownership trend is gaining momentum in India. German carmaker Volkswagen has now partnered Zoomcar, India’s largest self-drive, shared mobility platform. 

Under the partnership, Volkswagen will offer Zoomcar customized financial, maintenance and repair services (4EVER Care), with around 200 units of the Polo hatchback available under Zoomcar’s ZAP Subscribe model. Potential customers can now subscribe to a Volkswagen Polo at a fixed monthly subscription fee, in addition to host of other benefits.  

Commenting on the customer service initiative, Steffen Knapp, managing director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars said, “Through this partnership with Zoomcar, Volkswagen India enters into shared mobility and subscription services. As a brand, the world over, we intend to transform the mobility sector by participating in various business models that drive growth, offer convenience and heightened customer satisfaction. We’re delighted to offer our best-selling carline – Volkswagen Polo – through this channel, which enables prospective customers the accessibility to a premium, safe and fun-to-drive hatch.”

Speaking on the partnership, Greg Moran, co-founder and CEO, Zoomcar said, “Zoomcar is thrilled to partner with Volkswagen to offer its vehicles on India’s only shared subscription marketplace, ZAP Subscribe. Given Volkswagen’s long history as an innovator within the automotive space, we felt they were a natural partner as we look to provide an affordable, flexible alternative to traditional vehicle ownership.”

Aashish Deshpande, MD and CEO, Volkswagen Finance India, added, “The partnership is a step towards the evolution of the consumer buying behavior to a fast paced shared mobility market.”

Volkswagen India says it offer other vehicles from its existing product portfolio under Zoomcar’s ZAP Subscribe model in the future.

As the Indian automotive industry continues to evolve, consumers are gradually moving towards shared mobility and it is expected that India will be leading the shared mobility business by the year 2030. This is likely to occur owing to the country’s growing skilled workforce followed by increasing urbanisation, rise in living standards and enhanced disposable income that have been significant growth drivers of this sector.

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