Short-term rental, boosting turnover on the back of tourism

Hertz's results for the high season show a growth in leisure rentals with a decidedly positive performance of premium cars, which recorded an increase of over 40% with appreciation especially from foreign customers also due to greater availability of models. In fact, in 2024 Hertz focused heavily on premium cars, adding new BMW models to its fleet in addition to the wide availability of Audi and Mercedes-Benz models and Selezione Italia (Maserati, Abarth and Alfa Romeo). Customers opt for such cars not only for the elegance and driving pleasure they offer but also for the exclusivity of the service: customers who choose these types of cars have the guarantee of the model they will drive from the moment they book.

2024 was an important year for Locauto: projections indicate an increase in turnover of 17% and the surpassing of 100 rental offices. For 2025, one of the main objectives will be to strengthen the van business unit to strengthen its operational efficiency, optimise costs and expand the offer, with new strategic openings in large cities to support logistics. In parallel, Locauto will focus on artificial intelligence interpreted as a real strategic pillar to optimise internal processes, improve the customer experience and increase the ability to anticipate market trends.

It's time for something new at Avis Budget Group. It is called eToll, the latest service introduced by the company to optimise the time of each motorway journey and avoid queues at toll booths; it is available for rentals under the Avis, Maggiore and Budget brands. The company offers an "all-inclusive" formula which, for 20 euros a day, gives the possibility of travelling on the entire motorway network and using the lanes and toll gates without having to stop at the toll booth. The eToll device is accessible to all those who have made a reservation of at least three days: to do so, simply apply at the rental desk and, once you have picked up the device, affix it according to the instructions on the windscreen of your vehicle.

Europcar Mobility Group has been pursuing important goals related to reducing carbon emissions for years. This commitment is reflected not only in increasing the proportion of electrified vehicles in the fleet, but also in optimising the rental experience before, during and at the end of the lease. At the start, the vehicles are delivered already with a full tank of energy. During the journey, travel planner systems provide information on the stops to be made and the expected charging times at each station. In addition, the double cables provided with the cars then guarantee flexibility in charging from public or domestic sockets and at the end of the rental period the cars can be returned without a full tank of energy.

More and more rental companies are broadening their scope, not limiting it to the classic one-year rental, such as Drivalia and Sixt.

Based on the Planet Mobility concept, the extensive offer of Drivalia, a company part of the Ca Auto Bank Group: a system of formulas ranging from electric car sharing to car subscriptions and rentals of all durations. The solutions offered are summarised by the four verbs Rent, Lease, Subscribe and Share.

Multiple mobility services are provided by Sixt through a single app including short- and long-term rentals with Sixt Rent, fully flexible and customisable subscription models with Sixt+, chauffeur services through Sixt Ride and car sharing services in Milan.