There are signs that Tesla might be thinking about renting out their vehicles. The company posted a job listing that hints at starting a small test program, implying that they are actively seeking individuals to aid launching the services.
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A Tesla Model Y are covered next to supercharger electrical vehicle charging stations before it's unveiling for the first time in Kuala Lumpur on July 20, 2023.
Launching Tesla Rental Program
Hints of a nascent rental endeavor within Tesla have emerged through a recent job listing, yet the complete extent of this strategic initiative remains shrouded in mystery. Electrek reported that the listing suggests that Tesla is in the process of recruiting personnel to facilitate the initiation of a "Tesla Rental Program."
This program is set to roll out at select collision centers in Texas, where Tesla vehicle owners can have their electric vehicles serviced after experiencing minor collisions.
It's logical to predict that the rental service discussed in the job listing might be aimed at current Tesla owners, especially those whose cars are being repaired after an accident and need a temporary rental.
Since the Texas launch is labeled as a test, it's probable that Tesla will extend the rental program to its other repair centers in different states once they've fine-tuned the process. Nevertheless, the larger question remains whether Tesla has intentions beyond just vehicle repair-related rentals.
Job Listing
A fresh job opportunity has been put up by the car manufacturer under the title of Program Manager, Business Development (now deleted). This was initially brought to attention by @SawyerMerritt.
Melissa Porche Blakely, who holds the position of staff program manager in Business Development at Tesla, shared the listing on LinkedIn along with the intriguing phrase "big things happening..." Inside the job listing, Tesla explains that the responsibilities of the program manager will revolve around introducing the "Tesla Rental Program" in the state of Texas.
Tesla Collision Centers
Within Texas, Slash Gear reported that Tesla operates a network of five collision centers, often referred to as body shops, with two near Houston, one in San Antonio, another in Austin, and the final one in Dallas.
It remains uncertain whether Tesla's rental program will initially focus solely on customers visiting these collision centers, or if the pilot program is exclusive to these locations, potentially hinting at a broader car rental initiative in the future.
Interestingly, Tesla vehicles are already accessible for rent through the prominent rental company Hertz, which recently placed an order for 100,000 Tesla vehicles to revamp its fleet.
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The possibility of Tesla venturing into its own rental program, potentially building upon third-party rentals, remains uncertain for now. It's important to note that Tesla has experience in providing products beyond traditional electric vehicle purchases, such as their offered automotive insurance available in specific regions.
Nonetheless, the ability to offer their customers direct access to rental vehicles during vehicle maintenance could significantly enhance the appeal of Tesla's offerings. This advantage might become increasingly important as competition in the industry becomes more intense.
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