Clutch Technologies is working with HyreCar Inc., a car-sharing marketplace for ride-hail drivers, in a partnership that allows dealerships using Clutch’s subscription services technology to seamlessly integrate vehicle inventory onto HyreCar’s platform.
HyreCar’s dealership clients also will have access to Clutch’s vehicle subscription software, the companies announced ahead of the NADA Show in Las Vegas, which ended Monday.
“We’re constantly innovating in order to provide the automotive industry with a variety of diverse mobility solutions,” Vince Zappa, president of Clutch Technologies, a Cox Automotive company, said in a statement.
Clutch also announced AmeriDrive, a subscription fleet operator with more than 500 vehicles on its platform, as a client. AmeriDrive is using Clutch’s single-vehicle subscription technology to serve consumers and gig drivers in southern Florida; Austin, Texas; and northern Atlanta.
Clutch and Cox Automotive company Xtime, which provides scheduling software for service departments, also are teaming up to integrate Clutch fleet and service pickup and delivery software into Xtime.
Xtime dealerships will be able to schedule service appointments through Xtime Schedule and book a loaner vehicle through Clutch Fleet Sync. Dealerships and consumers also can request to have a vehicle picked up and a loaner dropped off simultaneously. Clutch handles scheduling concierges.
Cox says the combination, expected to be available in the second quarter, will help dealerships run more efficient loaner fleets and boost service revenue.
— Melissa Burden
What you need to know
VW execs: U.S. BEVs will have ‘competitive’ range Top Volkswagen of America executives say when the German brand brings its first battery-electric vehicle, the ID4 crossover, to the U.S. market this year, it will come with a range that is competitive with other EVs in the segment — and greater than that of the Audi e-tron, Volkswagen Group’s first EV. Speaking to reporters at the Chicago Auto Show this month, Volkswagen of America COO Johan de Nysschen said the brand was taking steps to improve the range of its upcoming line of EVs in the U.S.
Nissan to test subscriptions in Houston Nissan is stepping into the vehicle subscription game — the latest mass-market automaker to dabble in this unproven business model. The Japanese automaker is testing the waters via a pilot program in Houston. The Nissan Switch subscription program — powered by Clutch Technologies — includes on-demand access to 11 models, including the Altima and Nissan Leaf Plus sedans; Rogue and Pathfinder crossovers; Titan and Frontier pickups; and 370Z and GT-R sports cars.
Europe accelerates efforts in EV battery race After betting on diesel for too long, European politicians and the heads of Volkswagen Group, Daimler and BMW are vowing to build a greener supply chain for electric vehicles. Europe has only a patchwork of small battery players. The biggest chunk of the value of a European-made electric car belongs to Asia. To change that, the European Commission set up the Battery Alliance initiative.
Roundup
In making Jim Farley COO, Ford shows need to integrate auto, mobility goals.
May Mobility eyes ‘smart’ growth.
AVs could bring sales to 7 million, says one strategist.
AutoNation, SiriusXM to expand service notification program, app.
Nuro makes its AV safety case.
Porsche has confirmed that a Taycan electric car caught fire in Florida.
Toyota gets an infusion of Lexus technology.
Paris-based startup EP Tender believes it has eliminated the need to choose between EV cost and range. Its plan? Battery trailers.
Tesla Berlin factory preparation delayed by German court.
There have been many Tesla Autopilot probes but little action.
Tesla must hire about 360 people at N.Y. plant to avoid fine.
Jaguar to cut I-Pace output on battery shortage.
A Ford service tech’s newest tool? A virtual reality headset.
Brain food
Government keeps foot off gas on AV regulation, writes Ryan Harrington, principal of vehicle engineering practice at Exponent, an engineering and scientific consulting company.
Last mile
This week, the National Automotive Innovation Center at the University of Warwick in Coventry, England, was officially opened by Britain’s Prince Charles. Jaguar Land Rover CEO Ralf Speth was also on hand. The center was designed as a workspace for academics, designers, researchers and engineers to tackle mobility challenges, according to a news release.