Think about this: would you rather commit to buying a car for five years or pay a monthly fee to drive whatever car fits your needs right now—no strings attached?

This is the choice more drivers are facing as car subscription services gain popularity worldwide. In cities from Stockholm to Singapore, more of us are choosing flexibility over ownership.

But what exactly is fueling this trend? Let's dive in and explore how car subscriptions are reshaping the way we think about mobility.

What Is a Car Subscription?

At its core, a car subscription works a bit like a streaming service—except instead of movies, you're subscribing to a car.

For a flat monthly fee, we can drive a car without the hassles of buying, financing, or leasing. The fee usually includes insurance, maintenance, and roadside assistance. In some cases, we can even switch between different car models depending on our needs.

Companies offering car subscriptions include automakers like Volvo, Porsche, and Toyota, as well as independent platforms like Finn, Care by Volvo, and Sixt+.

Why Is This Trend Growing?

Several factors are driving the growth of car subscriptions:

• Flexibility: Many of us no longer want to be tied to long-term car ownership. Subscription models let us adapt our mobility to life changes—moving cities, new job, growing family, or simply changing tastes.

• Convenience: With maintenance, insurance, and other costs bundled into one payment, managing car expenses becomes simpler. No more juggling multiple bills or worrying about unexpected repair costs.

• Urban living: In big cities, car ownership can be more of a headache than a benefit. Subscriptions allow us to access a car only when we need it, without worrying about parking or depreciation.

Younger Generations Are Driving the Change

One key reason this model is taking off? Younger drivers are embracing it.

Millennials and Gen Z are often less attached to the traditional idea of owning a car. For many of us, a car is a tool for mobility—not a status symbol. According to a 2024 Deloitte study, over 60% of drivers under 35 are open to using subscription services for cars in the next five years.

This matches broader lifestyle trends: we stream music instead of buying CDs, rent clothing for special occasions, and subscribe to fitness apps. Why should cars be any different?

The Global Market Is Expanding Fast

Car subscriptions aren't just a local trend—they're growing globally.

In Europe, Sweden and Germany are leading the way. Volvo's subscription service now accounts for nearly 15% of its domestic car sales. In the U.S., major cities like Los Angeles and New York are seeing strong demand, especially for premium car subscriptions.

Asia is also joining the movement. In Singapore, where car ownership costs are high, subscription models are becoming a smart alternative. China's tech-savvy consumers are also embracing flexible car use through platforms backed by major automakers.

Challenges to Consider

Of course, car subscriptions aren't perfect.

• Cost: On a monthly basis, subscriptions can be more expensive than traditional financing—especially for drivers who keep cars long-term.

• Availability: In some markets, subscription choices are still limited to certain brands or premium segments.

• Mindset shift: Not everyone is ready to let go of the ownership model, especially in regions where owning a car is still seen as a rite of passage.

That said, the trend is expected to grow. According to McKinsey & Company, the global car subscription market could exceed $30 billion by 2030.

Are We Ready for the Future?

So, is buying a car becoming a thing of the past? Not entirely—but the options are expanding. For many of us, subscription services may offer a better fit for our dynamic, fast-changing lives.

As Dr. Hanna Keller, a mobility expert from the European Institute of Transport Innovation, notes: "Car subscriptions won't replace ownership entirely, but they will become a key part of the mobility ecosystem—offering choice and flexibility that modern consumers increasingly value."

What About You?

Would you consider switching from buying to subscribing? What appeals to you—or what holds you back?

We'd love to hear your thoughts. The future of mobility is becoming more flexible, more digital, and more personalized. And as drivers, we get to help shape what comes next. 🚗✨

Next time you see an ad for a car subscription, take a moment to imagine: could this model fit your life? You might be surprised by how much freedom it offers.