Porsche's Passport to the New Mobility

Porsche will soon be giving subscribers access to a suite of its vehicles on demand. At first glance, the app-based Passport program -- which will charge either $2,000 or $3,000 a month and will be initially offered to select users in Atlanta -- seems to be just an expensive way to get around. But beneath the surface, it (and its Cadillac predecessor) might be more than a rich person’s toy. Cars on demand, or Porsche as a service, might be about getting jobs done in a high-end way.

First, the numbers. Passport’s Launch tier gives subscribers a choice of four vehicles; the more expensive Accelerate tier gives users access to more. Both allow subscribers access to a car, for as long as desired, with the ability to swap at any time; Porsche will deliver, clean and insure the cars as well. Consider it the hotel room of cars.