United States Car Rental Industry Outlook from (2024 to 2034)

Recording a y-o-y growth of 5.3% in 2023, the United States car rental field reached USD 32,084.4 million. Over the forecast period, demand for car rentals in the United States is predicted to rise at a CAGR of 4.9%. Total car rental revenue in the United States is set to expand from USD 33,775.8 million in 2024 to USD 54,249.5 million by 2034.

Key Factors Spurring Growth of the United States Car Rental Sector-

  • Growing demand for car rental services due to convenience, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness is driving the target sector forward.
  • The booming tour and travel sector will likely boost automotive rental business growth.
  • The rising popularity of ride-sharing services is projected to stimulate growth.
  • The rise of corporate travel is set to create growth prospects for rental car agencies.
  • The increasing need for cost-effective transportation services in the United States is expected to drive the target sector forward.
  • Growing emphasis on cleanliness and sanitization protocols is helping rental car companies to attract customers.
  • Escalating the popularity of long-term car rentals and subscription-based services will foster the growth of the United States car rental sector.

Key Trends in the Car Rental Domain-

  • Ongoing technological advancements in the auto rental sector
  • Availability of diverse car rental options
  • Increasing adoption of rental fleet management software
  • Offering new features and entertainment services to travelers, including movies, music, and Wi-Fi, is a key trend in the United States auto rental sector.
  • Expanding consumer adoption of online and mobile application services
  • Deployment of electric vehicles by rental car agencies
  • Rental car companies are integrating with mobility as a service (MaaS) platforms to offer seamless and personalized travel experiences.

The United States automobile rental sector has become highly competitive. This is due to companies' increasing investments in technical innovations, combined with their growing internet presence.

Customers are increasingly using these services due to the penetration of information technology in the vehicle rental domain. This has made car bookings and reservations considerably simpler, more dependable, and safer.

Online tourist vehicle bookings are increasing in the United States because of increased travel and tourism activity and rising smartphone usage. Subsequently, an increase in the number of users aged 25 to 34 years who prefer to book vehicle rentals through online channels will benefit the target sector.

Growing demand for convenience transportation is expected to fuel growth in the United States car rental sector. Similarly, the introduction of new car rental service models is set to transform the target sector.

The need for car rentals is also increasing, particularly among urban people, as a result of rising urbanization and growing auto ownership costs. People are choosing car rentals due to their convenience and cost-effectiveness.

The sharing economy is reducing the cost and increasing accessibility of automobile rentals. Further, the growth of business and tourism travel is increasing vehicle rental service demand even more.

Technological developments such as smartphone apps and online booking systems have made the rental process more accessible. However, the sector could undergo a complete transformation with the introduction of linked and self-driving vehicles.

In order to meet the varied needs of their clientele, car rental firms are growing their footprint, providing a greater selection of automobiles. They are forming alliances with other transportation suppliers.

Keeping a close watch on changing consumer preferences will help rental car agencies to frame their strategies accordingly. For instance, car rental companies that prioritize client convenience, make investments in digital technologies, and adjust to changing consumer tastes will likely succeed in the United States.

Attributes Key Insights
Base Value (2023) USD 32,084.4 million
Estimated United States Car Rental Sector Size (2024) USD 33,775.8 million
Projected United States Car Rental Sector Revenue (2034) USD 54,249.5 million
Anticipated CAGR (2024 to 2034) 4.9%

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Historical Performance Vs. United States Car Rental Industry Analysis

The car rental sector in the United States exhibited a steady CAGR of 3.8% between 2019 and 2023. It attained a total valuation of USD 32,084.4 million at the end of 2023. Over the forecast period, the target domain is poised to exhibit a CAGR of 4.9%.

Historical CAGR (2019 to 2023) 3.8%
Forecast CAGR (2024 to 2034) 4.9%

The COVID-19 pandemic had a far-reaching and deep influence on the target domain. Due to lockdowns, rental car companies could not operate, which significantly hampered car rental demand.

There have been travel restrictions, which also negatively impacted car rental services operations. As a result, the sector underwent significant adjustments over this period.

The United States car rental sector is expected to surge significantly in the forecast years despite facing certain challenges. Car rental companies that can adapt to these challenges and offer innovative products and services will be well-positioned for success.

Travel is becoming increasingly popular, both domestically and internationally. This is driving demand for car rentals, as several travelers prefer to have their transportation when they arrive at their destination.

Key Dynamics in the United States Car Rental Sector

  • Introduction of New Business Models

The car rental sector in the United States is opening a series of new business models. For instance, the aggregator model connects rental firms with actual car owners, simplifying the renting process while providing considerable cost and risk reduction benefits.

Compared to traditional business models used by automobile rental companies, the aggregator model reduces capital expenditure and risk factors.

  • Rising On-airport Car Usage to Boost Automotive Rental Business Growth

Growing tourism, especially of tourists using airplanes for business & leisure, primarily drives the growth of car rental services in the United States. Increasing tourism activity ensures higher demand for car rental services as renting a car is identified as one of the most preferred modes of transportation for business and leisure.

Airports are mainly situated outside cities, which increases the need to hire car rental services for faster movement. People traveling for business often use car rental services due to greater comfort and faster commuting.

  • Increasing Usage of Online Platforms to Enhance Growth

Car rental has grown in popularity across the United States and other nations due to the ease of booking and availability via internet platforms. Tourists prefer to use online booking platforms as they provide a simple, hassle-free money transfer facility via digital payment, as well as live tracking and greater safety.

The expanding number of smartphone users and internet penetration play an important influence in the automobile rental sector. Daily commuters choose internet platforms to book shared cabs for business trips or city rides.

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Sudip Saha

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Category-wise Insights

The below section highlights the projected CAGR of key segments, including car type, end-use, and booking mode:

  • The economy car segment is projected to lead the target sector through 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.5%.
  • The on-airport segment is predicted to register a CAGR of 5.8% between 2024 and 2034.
  • Based on booking mode, the mobile applications segment is poised to thrive at a 6.9% CAGR through 2034.

Economy Cars Remain the Most Preferred Car Type in the Rental Car Field

Growth Outlook by Car Type

Car Type Economy Car
Value CAGR 4.5%

Economy cars are identified as the most preferred mode of transportation in the United States car rental sector. This is because economy car rental services offer less expensive rides, which are affordable to mass customers.

Economy cars are compact, fuel-efficient vehicles that are simple to drive and maneuver. They are an excellent choice for city driving and short road journeys. As a result, the economy car category is projected to expand at a CAGR of 4.5% during the projection period.

On-airport Category to Generate High Growth Revenue in the United States

Growth Outlook by End Use

End-use On-airport
Value CAGR 5.8%

The on-airport category accounts for a prominent share of the United States rental car sector. This is due to the high presence of international/domestic tourists who rely on on-airport car rental services for leisure as well as business travels.

Rental cars within airport premises offer convenience and accessibility to customers traveling in the United States. This, in turn, is propelling the growth of the on-airport segment, and the trend is expected to continue through 2034.

The on-airport rental car services allow travelers to pick up and drop off their rental car without leaving the airport. As per the latest analysis, the target segment is expected to surge with a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period.

Convenience Offered by Mobile Applications, Making Them Popular

Growth Outlook by Booking Mode

Booking Mode Mobile Application
Value CAGR 6.9%

Online booking platforms, including mobile applications and other internet services, will continue to dominate the car rental sector during the forecast period. The mobile application segment is expected to rise with a CAGR of 6.9%.

The growth of mobile users and high internet penetration primarily drive a preferential shift of consumers toward mobile platforms. Similarly, the growing popularity of on-demand culture is expected to boost the target segment.

Today, people across the United States prefer to book their rental cars through mobile applications. This is due to the convenience and real-time availability of rental options offered by mobile apps.

Mobile car rental apps offer an efficient, convenient, and feature-rich experience that caters to the contemporary American lifestyle. Thanks to these mobile car rental applications, people in the United States can easily browse and book rentals anytime, anywhere.

Competitive Landscape

The car rental sector in the United States has a fragmented competitive landscape, with several players competing on the basis of car type, end-use, booking mode, and sector. Hertz Global Holdings Inc., Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Avis Budget Group Inc., Uber Technologies Inc., and Getaround Inc. are the leading United States-based car rental providers.

The Catalyst Capital Group Inc., Sixt SE, Localize Rent A Car SA, and Europcar Mobility Group are other global car rental companies operating in the United States. Key rental car companies are focused on offering new services to attract customers and boost their revenue.

Top rental car companies in the United States also maintain strategic alliances with hotels and airlines to retain their competitive advantages over other industry players. They are also showing interest in acquisitions, mergers, and partnerships to solidify their position in the United States.

Recent Developments in the United States Car Rental Sector-

  • In 2023, the United States-based rental car giant Enterprise announced its plan to launch a subscription-based car rental service. This service would allow customers to rent cars on a monthly basis, with the option to upgrade or downgrade their vehicle as needed.
  • In 2022, Sixt acquired the airport concessions for all New York airports as well as for Boston, Orlando, and Las Vegas. This expanded its branch network in the United States and gave it a strong foothold in some of the most important travel businesses in the country.

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Report Scope of the Rental Car Industry Analysis in the United States

Attribute Details
Estimated Value (2024) USD 33,775.8 million
Projected Value (2034) USD 54,249.5 million
Expected Growth Rate (2024 to 2034) 4.9% CAGR
Forecast Period 2023 to 2034
Historical Data Available for 2019 to 2023
Industry Analysis USD million for Value
Key Countries Covered United States
Key Segments Covered Car Type, End-use, Booking Mode, Sector
Key Companies Profiled The Hertz Global Holdings Inc.; Enterprise Rent-A-Car; Avis Budget Group Inc.; Uber Technologies Inc.; Getaround Inc.; U-Save Car & Truck Rental; Rent-A-Wreck of America Inc.; Wingz; Car2go; Group GmbH; The Catalyst Capital Group Inc.; Sixt SE; Localize Rent A Car SA; Europcar Mobility Group; Others (as requested)
Report Coverage Business Forecast, Company Share Analysis, Competition Intelligence, Business Dynamics and Challenges, and Strategic Growth Initiatives

Segmentation Analysis of Car Rental in the United States

By Product Type:

  • Economy Cars
  • Compact Cars
  • Intermediate Cars
  • Premium Cars
  • Luxury Cars
  • Others

By End-use:

  • Intercity
  • Intracity
  • On-airport
  • Others

By Booking Mode:

  • Offline Access
  • Mobile Application
  • Other Internet Access

By Sector:

  • Organized
  • Unorganized

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is the car rental business in the United States?

The target sector is estimated to reach USD 33,775.8 million in 2024.

What is the business potential for car rentals?

The United States sector’s value is set to total USD 54,249.5 million by 2034.

What is the demand outlook for car rentals in the United States?

Demand in the United States is set to expand at a 4.9% CAGR through 2034.

At what rate did the United States car rental sector grow from 2019 to 2023?

The target sector grew at a CAGR of 3.8% from 2019 to 2023.

Which car type segment dominates the target sector?

The economy car segment currently dominates the target sector.

Who is the United States’ biggest car rental?

Enterprise Holdings is a leading car rental company in the United States.

Table of Content
	1. Executive Summary
	2. Business Overview
	3. Key Trends
	4. Demand Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast, 2024 to 2034
	5. Pricing Analysis
	6. Demand (in Value or Size in US$ Million) Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast, 2024 to 2034
	7. Business Background
	8. Industry Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Car Type
		8.1. Economy Cars
		8.2. Compact Cars
		8.3. Intermediate Cars
		8.4. Premium Cars
		8.5. Luxury Cars
		8.6. Others
	9. Industry Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By End Use
		9.1. Intercity
		9.2. Intracity
		9.3. On-airport
		9.4. Others
	10. Industry Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By Booking Mode
		10.1. Offline Access
		10.2. Mobile Application
		10.3. Other Internet Access
	11. Industry Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By Sector
		11.1. Organized
		11.2. Unorganized
	12. Industry Analysis
	13. Industry Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034
	14. West Region Industry Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034
	15. South-East Region Industry Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034
	16. South West Region Industry Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034
	17. Mid-West Region Industry Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034
	18. North East Region Industry Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034
	19. Business Structure Analysis
	20. Competition Analysis
		20.1. The Hertz Global Holdings Inc.
		20.2. Enterprise Rent-A-Car
		20.3. Sixt SE
		20.4. Avis Budget Group Inc.
		20.5. Europcar Mobility Group
		20.6. Uber Technologies Inc.
		20.7. Localize Rent A Car SA
		20.8. The Catalyst Capital Group Inc.
		20.9. Getaround Inc.
		20.10. U-Save Car & Truck Rental
		20.11. Rent-A-Wreck of America Inc.
		20.12. Wingz
		20.13. Car2go
		20.14. Group GmbH
		20.15. Others (as requested)
	21. Assumptions and Acronyms Used
	22. Research Methodology
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