Ford Australia launches 2nd Car membership program

FORD Australia has launched a pilot membership program, dubbed 2nd Car, which allows eligible new Ranger pick-up and Escape SUV owners access to a Mustang sportscar for up to two weeks.

 

Australia is the first global market to pilot 2nd Car, which is a local initiative that is expected to eventually allow access to Ford Australia’s entire model line-up.

 

2nd Car is only available to private and Blue Business Fleet (small fleets with four or less vehicles) buyers that purchase a new or demonstrator vehicle from participating local dealerships and use the service within the first two years following delivery.

 

A $500 enrolment fee (including GST) paid during the new-vehicle purchase process provides access to the membership program, but buyers will be required to pay a separate fee when booking their short-term Mustang loan.

 

Specifically, Ranger owners will pay an extra $500 for a two-week term, or $250 for one week, while Escape customers pay an additional $750 or $375 respectively.

 

This pricing structure affords owners the option of two one-week stints in any variant of the Mustang, as opposed to one two-week block.

 

Comparatively, hiring a Mustang GT Fastback for two weeks from rental service Hertz costs about $3000 (if paid upfront) when picking it up and dropping it off at Melbourne airport in Tullamarine, Victoria.

 

According to Ford Australia 2nd Car program manager Christine Wagner, the membership program previews what vehicle ownership and mobility may look like in the future, similar to Volvo’s Care by Volvo subscription service already offered in Europe.

 

“2nd Car not only offers new Ford buyers a great car ownership experience, it also offers access to a great sharing experience,” she said. “We believe this program offers excellent value and flexibility – another reason to join the Ford family.”

 

However, strict terms and conditions are in place for 2nd Car, with drivers required to be fully licensed and older than 25 years old to drive the Mustang.

 

Providing they meet the aforementioned requirements, other drivers can drive the Mustang during the specified loan period. No matter who the driver is, duty of care and all road rules apply.

 

Hoon-like behaviour will likely be deterred by the cost of replacing the Mustang’s front and rear tyres, which check it at about $450 and $500 each respectively.

 

Furthermore, Ford’s MyKey technology will force the electronic stability control system to stay on at all times while also permanently disabling the Mustang’s Track driving mode.

 

Upon collection from a preferred Ford dealership, a 2nd Car coordinator will record driver details and take photos of the Mustang and its odometer and fuel readings, with this process repeated upon the vehicle’s return.

 

Up to 1500 kilometres can be travelled per week or an excess mileage fee will be tendered. Similarly, Mustangs must be returned with a full tank of 95RON petrol or a fuel levy of $2.50 per litre will be charged.

 

2nd Car customers that do not take advantage of the service during the two-year period following the delivery of their vehicle can request a refund for up to a year after the membership program ends.

 

“With 2nd Car, new Ford buyers can own one vehicle but drive two,” Ms Wagner added. “Why not experience the thrill of the Mustang for a road trip or celebration?”