Cluno

Cluno GmbH, established in 2017, positioned itself in the German automotive market with a flexible car subscription model. The company was founded by a team with a strong background in the automotive and tech industries: Christina Polleti, Nico Polleti, and Andreas Schuierer. This founding trio had previously co-founded and successfully sold the car-sharing platform carzapp, providing them with relevant experience in mobility services. Their journey reflects a deep understanding of evolving consumer preferences towards usage over ownership.

The company's business model revolved around a digital-first approach to car usage. Targeting individuals seeking a hassle-free alternative to traditional car ownership or leasing, Cluno offered a subscription service for vehicles. For a fixed monthly payment, customers received a car with most associated costs covered, including registration, insurance, taxes, maintenance, and seasonal tires. The only significant variable costs for the user were for consumables like fuel and AdBlue. This all-inclusive pricing structure aimed to simplify the cost of driving.

Cluno's service was accessible through its website and a dedicated app, allowing users to select, book, and manage their car subscription entirely online. A key feature of the service was its flexibility. After an initial minimum term, typically six months, customers had the option to switch to a different vehicle or cancel their subscription with a three-month notice period. This model catered to changing mobility needs and offered a lower-commitment alternative to long-term leases. In November 2020, the mobility provider ViveLaCar announced its acquisition of Cluno, which was subsequently followed by an acquisition of the combined entity by The Cazoo Group in February 2021. Cazoo later shut down its EU operations, including the services formerly offered by Cluno, in late 2022.

Keywords: car subscription, mobility service, automotive finance, digital platform, vehicle rental, all-inclusive pricing, flexible mobility, asset-light, consumer automotive, German market