DETROIT -

Vehicle sharing programs are gaining popularity these days, and now the Blue Oval is joining the pack.

Through the new Ford Motor Credit Co. leasing pilot program, families and small groups of friends and neighbors can now share a Ford vehicle, the automaker announced Monday.

Ford Credit Link — which is being piloted for Ford Credit customers in Austin, Texas — is designed to serve customers who may not need a vehicle full time, but still want access to their own set of wheels.

Starting next month, Ford Credit is offering leases on Ford vehicles to self-organized groups of three to six people.

The 24-month group leases will be available at three Austin dealerships: Covert Ford, Leif Johnson Ford and Maxwell Ford.

“People already are sharing everything — from books to homes,” said David McClelland, Ford Credit executive vice president, marketing and sales. “We’re seeing the potential for a shift from a single consumer paying for a single vehicle to several people sharing costs and benefits. Ford Credit Link makes Ford vehicles more readily available to people who may not want or need their own vehicle but have mobility requirements that must be met.”

Here’s how it works:

To organize vehicle use, lease groups can reserve drive time, check vehicle status, keep up with maintenance, communicate with each other, view their account, and make payments through a vehicle plug-in device and app.

“Austin is a progressive city with a rich demographic mix. It has effective public transportation, and consumers who use various mobility options but may not need a full vehicle lease to meet their transportation needs,” said McClelland. “This combination makes Austin a good place to test Ford Credit Link.”

Lincoln makes managing lease miles easier

Lincoln announced a new leasing pilot on Monday, as well. Its program rewards lessees for unused miles on their contract.

Lincoln Automotive Financial Services is testing new ways to help customers manage lease mileage and earn up to $1,000 toward their next Lincoln vehicle.

By the end of this month, qualified lease clients across the country will be invited to join the leasing pilot, which the company explained allows customers to monitor mileage daily and predicted lease-end mileage through mobile and online updates.

Lincoln Miles participants will receive $100 to $1,000 in credits for unused miles on their lease contract, which then can be applied toward a future Lincoln lease or purchase.

“Clients will be able to see at any time where they stand compared with the mileage chosen on their lease agreement – along with a regularly updated projection of their lease-end mileage,” said Lee Jelenic, director of future digital and product development. “This can help clients manage their miles and earn credits for unused miles.”

Invitations for the pilot are going to select clients who have 10 months to 25 months left on their lease agreements, are up to date on their lease payments, and are driving a Lincoln MKC, MKX or MKZ with an embedded modem.