Europe’s one of those go-to places for travel, right? It’s packed with culture, jaw-dropping architecture, and killer landscapes. If you’re cruising through Europe, renting a car is hands down one of the best ways to explore. Car rentals keep blowing up, offering everything from slick EVs to loyalty perks and super user-friendly apps. So, let’s break down the big players in the game, their moves from 2020 to 2024, and what’s cooking for 2025.
Who’s Who in the Car Rental World
SIXT SE
SIXT’s been around forever—since 1912, to be exact—and it’s one of the OGs in car rentals. These guys operate all over Europe and beyond.
- HQ: Munich, Germany
- What makes ’em cool: Fancy cars, EVs, and a premium vibe.
- Fleet size: Around 280,000 cars
- 2023 revenue: About $4.8 billion
- Latest buzz: In 2024, they’re doubling down on Tesla and BMW EVs. Oh, and in 2023, they teamed up with some AI startups to speed up booking and make it smoother.
- 2025 plans: They’re eyeing Scandinavia—think Sweden and Norway, where EVs are all the rage.
Avis Budget Group Inc.
An American company actively operating in Europe, with Avis and Budget as its flagship brands. Avis targets premium customers, while Budget offers more affordable options.
- HQ: Parsippany, USA
- What they bring to the table: Loyalty programs and flexible rentals.
- Fleet size: Around 600,000 cars
- 2023 revenue: Roughly $12 billion
- Latest buzz: In 2023, they launched car subscriptions in Europe, and in 2024, they rolled out a price-check tool to help you snag the best deals.
- 2025 plans: They’re expanding east—Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary are on their radar.
Europcar International
A straight-up leader in short-term rentals in Europe, Europcar’s footprint spans 140+ countries.
- HQ: Paris, France
- Standout feature: Everything from passenger cars to cargo vans.
- Fleet size: Around 350,000 cars
- 2023 revenue: About $3.1 billion
- Latest buzz: They’re all in on AI and apps. In 2024, they launched a contactless rental pilot in Paris and London airports.
- 2025 plans: They’re thinking about stepping into the Baltics and beefing up in Ireland.
Enterprise Holdings Inc.
Enterprise Holdings manages brands like Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental, and Alamo, making it the largest company globally in terms of fleet size.
- HQ: St. Louis, USA
- Why they’re the boss: Huge fleet, top-notch service, and long-term rentals.
- Fleet size: Over 1.7 million cars
- 2023 revenue: Over $30 billion (yep, that’s a B).
- Latest buzz: New service centers in Germany and Spain. They’re also building a cloud-based fleet management system.
- 2025 plans: Expanding in Greece and Portugal, because who doesn’t want to road-trip there?
The Hertz Corporation
Hertz is a household name, and they’ve got their groove in Europe.
- HQ: Estero, USA
- What’s hot: Luxury cars and business-focused rentals.
- Fleet size: About 500,000 cars
- 2023 revenue: Around $9 billion
- Latest buzz: In 2024, they teamed up with airlines to bundle rentals with flights. Plus, they launched a new service to book cars right through popular travel apps.
- 2025 plans: They’re expanding in Northern Europe—hello, Finland and Denmark.
Capitalization Trends from 2020 to 2024
The chart below shows the market capitalization trends of leading companies from 2020 to 2024 (in billions of dollars):
Trends and Challenges in Car Rentals
The EV Takeover
Everybody’s hopping on the electric car train, with SIXT and Europcar leading the charge.
Tech That Wows
From apps to AI, companies are making renting a car as easy as ordering pizza.
Beating Car Sharing
Car sharing’s blowing up with names like Free2Move, Getaround, and Getmancar (shoutout to Ukraine, Moldova, and Europe). These companies are giving rentals a run for their money with sweet rates and apps.
What’s New?
- Car subscriptions: Long-term rentals are the new Netflix.
- Contactless rentals: Skip the counter, use your phone, and hit the road.
- Public transit combos: Get a car and a bus pass in one deal.
- Smart fleets: IoT tech keeps cars running smooth and safe.
Pro Tips for Renters
- Shop around: Check sites like Kayak or Rentalcars for deals.
- Do your homework: Reviews are your BFF.
- Read the fine print: Watch out for sneaky fees.
Renting a car in Europe? It’s a no-brainer for travelers and road warriors alike. These big players are crushing it, bringing new tech and better services to the game. Ready to hit the road?