Audi tests $1,395-a-month subscription plan

Audi has become the latest automaker to roll out a vehicle subscription service, unveiling a pilot program in Texas that lets customers swap a limited range of vehicles and provides access to Audi rentals in two dozen domestic markets.

The service, called Audi Select, debuted this month at five dealerships in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

For $1,395 per month, customers have access to an A4 sedan, A5 convertible, S5 coupe or Q5 or Q7 crossover, subject to availability.

Subscribers can change vehicles up to twice a month and hold any vehicle for up to six months.

Like other automaker subscription services, the monthly fee includes taxes, maintenance and insurance, but does not cover fuel.

It is open to customers at least 25 years old with a valid driver's license free of major moving violations.

Audi's first foray into subscription services in the U.S. seeks to take advantage of the brand's Silvercar rental service. For example, included in the monthly fee are up to 24 days of Audi rentals annually through Silvercar in 24 U.S. markets including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami and Denver. Reservations are handled through the Silvercar app and the vehicles are delivered to customers.

Audi of America CFO Matt Carpenter said the automaker plans to expand Audi Select after the pilot program's results have been studied.

"We do want to do this in other markets, but we need to learn what we need to learn before we move to other markets," Carpenter said.

He called the program a "new interaction" with Audi's dealers, and said the economics still need to be ironed out.

Carpenter said an expansion could be announced by year end.