Philadelphia, PA — DriveItAway Holdings, Inc., a digital mobility platform that connects consumers with flexible vehicle access options through franchised dealers, released its year-end review for 2025 and outlined ambitious plans for 2026 on January 5, amid escalating concerns over vehicle affordability in the U.S. automotive market. Founder and CEO John F. Possumato highlighted the company's progress in transitioning from an innovative startup to a national player, emphasizing strengthened governance, expanded market presence, and increasing validation of its subscription-to-ownership model.
The announcement comes at a time when new-vehicle prices have surged more than 30% since 2020, pushing average transaction prices beyond $50,000 and monthly loan payments to around $760, according to widely reported industry data. Loan terms have stretched to six, seven, or even eight years for a growing number of buyers, adding to financial strain for households already grappling with inflation and economic uncertainty. Possumato's review positions DriveItAway's services as a timely response to these pressures, offering alternatives to traditional ownership that prioritize flexibility over long-term commitments.
In his statement, Possumato described 2025 as a year of foundation, validation, and momentum for the company, traded on the OTC market under the ticker DWAY. While specific operational metrics were not detailed in the release, Possumato noted that the period marked continued execution on national scale, building on early-stage innovations. "These milestones reinforce what we have believed from the outset," Possumato said. "Flexible access to personal transportation is no longer a niche alternative; it is becoming a necessary complement to traditional automotive retail and finance."
The company's model revolves around its proprietary "Pay as You Go" app-based subscription service, which allows consumers to access vehicles through eCommerce platforms without the full upfront costs of purchase. DriveItAway partners with dealerships to provide turn-key solutions, including mobile technology, insurance coverages, and training to facilitate online sales. This approach aims to help dealers sell more vehicles while expanding their reach to customers wary of high financing burdens.
Broader market trends underscore the relevance of such innovations. A recent Deloitte study cited in the release indicates that about 44% of Americans would consider forgoing vehicle ownership in favor of a subscription-based model, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences toward access over possession. This sentiment aligns with ongoing discussions in the automotive sector about the rise of mobility-as-a-service, where companies like DriveItAway seek to bridge the gap between ride-sharing giants and traditional car sales.
"These trends confirm that the market is actively searching for alternatives," Possumato added. "Consumers want flexibility. Dealers want solutions that expand their addressable market without increasing balance-sheet risk. Our platform is designed to meet both needs." His comments highlight how DriveItAway's franchised dealer network enables scalable growth without the infrastructure demands of direct-to-consumer operations.
Looking back at 2025, the company focused on operational discipline amid a challenging economic landscape. The affordability crisis has not only affected new car sales but also the used vehicle market, where prices remain elevated due to supply chain disruptions lingering from the pandemic. Federal Reserve data, though not directly referenced in the release, shows interest rates influencing auto loan costs, further deterring buyers. DriveItAway's emphasis on subscription programs positions it to capture demand from younger demographics and urban dwellers who prioritize lower monthly outlays over asset accumulation.
The Philadelphia-based firm, which launched as a pioneer in dealer-focused mobility, has navigated regulatory and technological hurdles to establish its foothold. By integrating with existing dealership systems, DriveItAway avoids the pitfalls faced by some pure-play subscription services that struggled with inventory management and customer retention. Possumato's leadership, drawing from his experience in automotive finance, has guided the company through this evolution, with 2025 serving as a pivotal year for proving the model's viability.
As the company eyes 2026, priorities center on converting recent momentum into durable, repeatable growth. Key objectives, as outlined in the release, include further expansion of the dealer network and enhancements to the platform's technology stack, though specifics on targets like subscriber numbers or revenue projections were not provided. The forward-looking statements come with standard cautions about risks and uncertainties inherent in the securities market, noting that actual results may differ from expectations.
"Our mission remains clear," Possumato stated. "To expand access to personal transportation in a way that is economically rational, operationally disciplined, and aligned with the realities consumers and dealers face today." This vision aligns with industry forecasts predicting a compound annual growth rate of over 20% for vehicle subscription services through the decade, driven by electrification and shared mobility trends.
The automotive industry's transformation is evident in parallel developments elsewhere. Major manufacturers like BMW and Porsche have experimented with subscription models, but DriveItAway differentiates itself by empowering independent dealers rather than competing directly with them. This dealer-centric approach could prove advantageous in a fragmented market where small and mid-sized franchises seek competitive edges against online disruptors.
Consumer advocates have welcomed alternatives to high-interest financing, though some express concerns about the long-term costs of subscriptions, which can accumulate without building equity. According to reports from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, auto loan delinquency rates ticked up in late 2025, prompting calls for more transparent lending options. DriveItAway's model, with its emphasis on short-term commitments, addresses some of these issues but requires clear disclosures to maintain trust.
Economists monitoring the sector point to macroeconomic factors like potential interest rate cuts in 2026 as catalysts for recovery in vehicle sales. However, persistent affordability challenges—exacerbated by stagnant wages for many middle-income families—suggest that flexible models like DriveItAway's will play an increasingly vital role. The company's outlook reflects optimism tempered by realism, acknowledging the uncertainties in a post-pandemic economy.
As DriveItAway Holdings pushes forward, its performance will be closely watched by investors and industry observers. Traded over-the-counter, the stock's volatility underscores the high-risk, high-reward nature of mobility startups. Possumato's strategic focus on scalability could position the company to capitalize on a market ripe for disruption, where traditional ownership gives way to more fluid access paradigms.
In the broader context, the rise of subscription services mirrors shifts in other sectors, from streaming media to cloud computing, where consumers favor pay-per-use over outright purchases. For the automotive world, this evolution promises to democratize mobility, particularly for underserved populations in rural and suburban areas. DriveItAway's 2026 initiatives, if executed effectively, could solidify its place in this emerging landscape, offering a blueprint for how dealers adapt to changing buyer behaviors.