WE are living in a disruptive technology era. An era when there are even disruptive technologies for disruptive technologies.
These disruptive technologies are challenging businesses to rethink the way a product is designed to meet and satisfy customer needs and, at the same time, generate revenue.
From shopping and banking to travelling, the way things are done has changed today. We no longer shop like how we used to, and we don’t bank like how we used to.
The advancement in technology has also enabled us to “own” a car in an unconventional way.
Entrepreneur Aziz Ayman found business ideas in the challenges people face in owning a car, such as the cost of a car, monthly repayment, insurance, road tax and maintenance.
He founded Flux with a vision to help people enjoy private transportation.
Flux (https://driveflux.com/) offers users a new way of “owning” a car through its subscription service.
Users don’t have to go through the hassle of applying for a loan, and the best part is that they can switch to other car models.
“You can change the car model when you feel like it or because you need a bigger car for a time as your extended family is coming to town. It is all possible now,” says Aziz.
HOW IT STARTED
Aziz’s tenure in Silicon Valley sparked the idea to bring such a solution to Malaysia.
“From my time in Silicon Valley, I observed how the tech industry was disrupting the mobility space. In essence, consumers are being empowered to make better decisions with less of a compromise.
“I founded Flux to challenge the status quo and offer a better alternative to the conventional car loan here,” he says.
As an all-inclusive monthly car subscription service, Flux offers all the benefits of a dream car without the drawbacks.
HAVE A CAR, NOT A COMMITMENT
“Flux pioneers a new means to access all the benefits of having a car without the costs.
“A car, a highly depreciating asset, is a big financial decision,” says Aziz, adding that Flux cars are for users to keep unlike other new-age mobility solutions where cars have to be returned to a collection point.
Once a car is subscribed, it remains in the subscriber’s care at home for his convenience throughout the duration of the subscription.
“It is the simpler way to ‘own’ your perfect car,” adds Aziz.
A key benefit of Flux is the freedom to switch cars after a minimum of one month of use with a standard switching fee.
If and when a subscription switch is made, members need to pay a monthly rate as per the newly chosen car.
The service offers mobility option to its subscribers with its flexibility and if the car doesn’t suit the subscriber’s current needs at the beginning of subscription, he can return it within three days (under the three-day risk free return programme) and pick a car that is more suitable.
EASY ACCESS
Flux allows both Malaysians and non-Malaysians to become its member as long as they have a Malaysian credit card, mobile contact number and are above 25 years of age.
Building upon the core tenets of flexibility and convenience, it has created a holistic ecosystem of strategic partnerships to offer consumers a seamless experience.
“It’s unbelievable that the only financially attractive way residents here can have access to a car all year round is through hire-purchase.
“We are proud to challenge the conventions of car ownership, working collaboratively with the leading local automotive groups,” says Aziz.
Flux’s inventory is sourced from reputable automotive groups and retailers to ensure that only the best vehicles are available to members.
Its inventory includes the Honda CR-V family SUV, BMW 6 Series GT fastback, Toyota Yaris hatchback, Volvo XC40 premium crossover, Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 performance four-door coupe and Kia Sportage compact crossover.
The cars, new and pre-owned alike, are independently inspected to determine that each and every model is maintained to the highest standards and free of major accidents and flood damage.
On the road, Flux leverages the power of data through vehicular telematics to protect you and yours in the event of an untoward incident, or to recover your belongings in the case of theft.
WE GOT IT COVERED
Flux knows there’s nothing more important than safety and security.
In the case of an accident, each car is equipped with a telematics device which will send a notification for an emergency response to the location for immediate medical attention.
The cars in Flux’s pool are covered under a comprehensive protection and 24/7 nationwide roadside assistance to assist Flux users in the event of accidents.
“Our partnership with the insurance company is one of the ways for us to share our vision of creating an innovative approach to private mobility, a seamless service and the best experience for Flux members,” says Aziz.
Flux will continue to add to its pre-existing vehicles to meet demand, especially with Chinese New Year celebrations around the corner.
FLEXIBLE
“Switch when you want, switch back when you’re done,” says Aziz.
Flux covers a number of subscription options for its members, with one month being the minimum, and up to three years for the best value-for-money subscription.
With a wide variety of makes and models, Flux offers a seamless change in vehicles to suit its members’ needs.
“The subscription plans work as indicator of how long a member intends to use the service, not a specific car. These cars can be switched throughout the subscription duration,” explains Aziz.
There are three mileage packages — Lite, Standard and Unlimited.
The Lite package comes with a monthly maximum of 1,250km while Standard has a maximum of 2,000km and the Unlimited package has a cap-less mileage.
“When we say a seamless, no hassle plan, we mean it. We even have a concierge service where all car-related administrative and maintenance matters will be done by us. It is like having a personal assistant to not only remind but also see to the yearly document renewals alongside planning and execution of periodical service and repairs.”