Consumer Confidential: California bill would put car dealers in driver's seat for newfangled subscription services

The rise of Uber and Lyft has made clear that a growing number of people are perfectly content not to own a car. Automakers, in turn, have responded by introducing their own ride-sharing services in hopes of meeting changing consumer tastes.

Now another trend is emerging: so-called subscription services that allow people to pay a flat monthly rate and access vehicles as they please - an SUV for the weekend, say, a muscle car for the daily commute. Many costs, including insurance and repairs, are covered by the subscription fee.

Automakers, once again seeing how the wind is blowing, are keen