Autonomy adds gasoline Ford models to revive its car-subscription service

Four years ago Autonomy pledged to buy 23,000 electric vehicles from dozens of manufacturers, including Tesla, to launch a nationwide subscription platform, but the plan faltered as an EV price war eroded the value of its limited fleet. Founder Scott Painter rescued the company from near-bankruptcy, yet the subscription model remained unfulfilled, with the fleet never exceeding roughly 1,000 cars. In a new strategy, Autonomy will now offer gasoline-powered Ford models such as the Mustang, Ranger, F-150, Bronco Sport, Escape and Explorer, obtained through Los Angeles-based Galpin Motors.

The service, which operates in California, Arizona, Florida, Texas, New York, North Carolina and Washington, charges a $1,000 sign-up fee and a monthly price that depends on the vehicle, allowing customers to cancel after one month. CEO Fred Weick, a former Mercedes-Benz executive, says the pivot targets university students, military families, foreign workers and users who want a hassle-free “company car” experience. While interest in EVs persists in California, Autonomy’s electric fleet now numbers just over 500 cars, far short of its original promise, and the company hopes the gasoline addition will sustain its subscription business amid soaring new-car costs.