Why Volkswagen Financial Services is targeting hybrid workers

Volkswagen is pitching its new car subscription model VW Flex, as the ideal way for hybrid workers to afford the occasional commute without committing to a full car purchase. Scott Keilman, Manager, Mobility Products and Services, Volkswagen Financial Services US, told us more about the offering and why it has zeroed in on flexible workers…

Many employees are returning to the office but facing rising commuting costs. How significant do you think transportation affordability has become in influencing people’s willingness or ability to return in person?

Through ongoing conversations we have with business leaders managing return-to-office transitions, one theme continues to stand out: transportation affordability remains a key factor in how and when employees come back to in-person work. As fuel prices, parking fees, and insurance costs rise, many workers are rethinking the practicality of daily commuting. Businesses tell us their employees are looking for flexible, affordable ways to access vehicles without taking on the financial weight of full ownership. A subscription model, as we’ve introduced with VW Flex, helps bridge that gap, giving commuters the freedom of having a car when they need it, without long-term costs or commitments.

How do you see the Flex service complementing the needs of employees who aren’t commuting daily but still need reliable access to a vehicle?

The evolution to hybrid work has forced employees to rethink their transportation needs. For those who don’t always need to drive as a part of their commute, we’re seeing that they value convenient, dependable access to a vehicle and without the long-term financial burden that comes with vehicle ownership. We designed VW Flex with that reality in mind. It provides employees the freedom to use a vehicle when they need it, while eliminating ongoing costs like maintenance, insurance, and depreciation. For workers balancing hybrid schedules, it’s a practical, flexible option that adapts to their evolving routines. For employers, it’s a piece of a broader strategy to support employee well-being, access, and financial flexibility.

From an employer’s perspective, do you see transportation access becoming part of the broader return-to-office strategy - perhaps even an employee benefit to help attract or retain staff?

We’re seeing more companies think about mobility as an essential part of the employee experience. Just like offering a gym membership or a transit pass, providing flexible vehicle access can make returning to the office easier and more appealing. Including a transportation subscription offering like VW Flex demonstrates that an employer understands the real, everyday challenges employees face when balancing hybrid schedule and is willing to invest in solutions that make work more accessible.

How much of VW Flex’s appeal is about providing cost predictability and removing the hassle of long-term commitments for workers?

Cost transparency and simplicity are at the heart of VW Flex. With one monthly fee that includes insurance, maintenance, and roadside assistance, subscribers avoid the unpredictable expenses of ownership, such as repairs or fluctuating premiums. The absence of long-term contracts also gives workers confidence to adapt as their routines evolve, whether that means scaling back or upgrading their subscription.

What trends are you seeing in demand so far? Are certain professions, cities, or working arrangements showing particular interest in vehicle subscriptions?

Right now, one of the professional trends we have observed is VW Flex fitting needs for households that reduced their car count during the COVID era, or where people adopted remote work positions. Their transportation needs have fundamentally changed, and they may not need multiple cars all the time. In addition, we have seen many foreign business professionals opt for VW Flex when they arrive. VW Flex fits their needs well – more cost effective than a rental, and no years-long contract commitment for a professional who may be called back home on short notice.

How do you see the subscription model fitting into the future of mobility, especially as younger professionals increasingly prioritize access over ownership?

A key part of today’s mobility culture is that younger generations value access, sustainability, and flexibility more than traditional ownership. VW Flex taps into that mindset, as it’s designed to deliver the freedom to drive when one needs to without the long-term costs or commitments that come with owning a car. As more people embrace subscription-based and shared mobility options, we see VW Flex helping lead that shift toward transportation that’s more adaptable and built around real-life needs.

For companies eager to bring workers back on-site, could offering a vehicle subscription discount or partnership with VW Flex act as an enticement, similar to how some firms offer public transport passes?

Yes, and we’re exploring these kinds of collaborations. Tapping into a vehicle subscription offer like VW Flex allows companies to offer employees a tangible solution to commuting challenges, particularly for those who live in areas underserved by public transit. A discounted or employer-sponsored subscription could become a valuable part of a company’s return-to-office incentive package.

How important was simplicity in the design of this subscription model, particularly for workers juggling hybrid schedules and financial pressures?

Simplicity was a top priority. We wanted to remove the stress associated with traditional car ownership and make mobility as seamless as possible for our customers. For workers balancing hybrid schedules, family responsibilities, and tighter budgets, having a single, all-inclusive monthly payment offers peace of mind and practical convenience.

How do you measure the success of the program? Is it about subscriber growth, customer satisfaction, or changing perceptions around vehicle ownership?

Our mission is to be the key to mobility, helping our affiliated brands best address the needs of our shared customers. At the end of the day, the VW Flex subscription service brings the Volkswagen brand to a whole new segment of consumers who are looking for a simple and flexible mobility option, as well as those who want an easy way to experience the Volkswagen brand for themselves. We’re approaching the success of this offering in collaboration with the Volkswagen brand and their dealerships, which centers on customer satisfaction and retention within the Volkswagen brand along with growth in subscribers.

Looking ahead, could you see VW Flex expanding beyond individual consumers to include business or corporate fleet subscriptions?

Our focus is on building VW Flex as a vehicle subscription offering through the strength of the Volkswagen brand and select dealerships, starting in metro Atlanta. As we scale VW Flex, and as flexible access to transportation becomes a greater priority for companies bringing employees back to the office, we see natural opportunities to support both individual mobility and workforce needs.