Rent a car, more aggressive pricing policy at airports
Private individuals generated more than two thirds of the turnover in 2024. Average expenditure stood at EUR 43.4 per day
3' min read
3' min read
The short-term rental sector (rent a car), according to data presented by Aniasa, will end 2024 with growth, generating a turnover of more than 1,541 million euros, an increase of 5% compared to 2023.
The most interesting increases come from the sale of ancillary services to customers, which account for 20 per cent of turnover and grew by 15 per cent. These include, for example, optional covers for theft and accidents, but also other useful elements for specific travel needs, such as the possibility of delivering the car to a different location than where it was picked up. In contrast, the basic rental rate, which includes essentials such as rental time and mileage, weighs 76 per cent of total turnover and has only increased by two per cent.
Volume indicators were also positive. In 2024, more rentals were made but with shorter durations: 4.8 million rentals were recorded, producing a 10% increase over 2023. Durations contracted by 4% to an average of eight days.
Demand, which increased compared to 2023, was intercepted by operators by increasing the number of vehicles available: the average fleet stood at over 140,000 vehicles, an increase of 2%, almost 3,200 vehicles more than the previous year. Operators were also adept at making the best use of the available vehicles: in 2024 the average fleet utilisation was 74.7%. Turning percentages into numbers, we can say that vehicles were rented for 273 days.
Airport stations drove growth, generating a turnover of 904 million euros (+7.4%) and developed 3 million rentals (+12%). This is also thanks to a more aggressive pricing policy: customers spent €45.8 per day, compared to €47.5 in 2023, to rent at the airport. The airport outlet is much more profitable than the city station: in 2024, it generated an average turnover of more than EUR 5.1 million, compared to EUR 847,000 for the city station. It has to be said that airport stations intercept more tourist customers who are willing to buy rentals at higher prices.
