Cluno was founded in 2017 and has offered cars at a monthly flat rate ever since. The fee covers all costs except fuel: maintenance, wear and tear, seasonal tires, warranty, registration, motor vehicle tax, comprehensive insurance, and vehicle inspections. This subscription approach is designed to create a flexible alternative to traditional car ownership. For Cazoo, the acquisition of the Munich startup was a step into the German market, and the integration of the two services was also intended to bring Cluno’s offering to the UK.
Cazoo has now announced that it is selling Cluno to Stuttgart-based company Vive La Car, which in turn is majority-owned by The Platform Group. With the sale, the British company is withdrawing from the German market and largely ending its operations on continental Europe. The purchase price was not disclosed.
Cluno acquisition to strengthen Vive La Car’s “leading position”
Stuttgart-based mobility startup Vive La Car also offers car subscriptions. As part of the acquisition, all Cluno employees and brand rights will transfer to the company. Mathias R. Albert, founder and CEO of Vive La Car, explains:
“I’m very pleased that our vision of becoming Europe’s leading full-service car subscription provider is increasingly taking shape, and with the acquisition of Cluno we can strengthen and expand our leading position.”
Dominik Benner, CEO of Vive La Car’s parent company The Platform Group, adds:
“We are pleased that with the acquisition of Cluno, Vive La Car can expand its leading role in the car subscription market. This has enabled Vive La Car to become the leading platform in just three years. Our full focus is now on growth and expanding our partner network.”
