The Eurozone crisis had a negative impact on the Travel and Tourism sector in European countries. However, car rental KPIs showed resilience in many countries (with the exception of Italy and Spain) with overall growth recorded in KPIs during the historic period. The hosting of international events such as Olympic Games in London in 2012 and Winter Olympic Games in Russia in 2014 have partially supported the growth.
MUMBAI – The global car rental market performed well during the historic period, recovering from the slowdown recorded at the beginning of 2009 due to the financial crisis and recession. Overall, growth was recorded in the four regions – Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa – across all key performance indicators (KPIs) during the historic period. This is expected to continue over the forecast period, supported by the rise in tourism flows and expenditure.
Key Findings
– The Eurozone crisis had a negative impact on the Travel and Tourism sector in European countries. However, car rental KPIs showed resilience in many countries (with the exception of Italy and Spain) with overall growth recorded in KPIs during the historic period. The hosting of international events such as Olympic Games in London in 2012 and Winter Olympic Games in Russia in 2014 have partially supported the growth.
– Challenging economic conditions and fierce competition have resulted in a large number of deals recorded in the global car rental market during the historic period as a means for operators to improve profitability and remain competitive. Some of the biggest deals in the car rental market were recorded in the US such as the acquisition of Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group by Hertz. Several leading car rental operators from North American and Europeans market are trying to expand their business in Asia-Pacific, Africa, and South and Central America by entering into joint ventures and partnerships to develop new hotels and benefit from the growing demand for car rental in these emerging markets.
– Japan was the largest car rental market in the Asia-Pacific region with a total market value of US$4.2 billion in 2013. South Korea followed closely with a market value of US$4.1 billion in 2013; however, it is expected to surpass Japan’s car rental market value in 2014 to become the largest market with US$4.4 billion in revenue. Hong Kong was the smallest market with total market value of US$14.8 million. China is a rapidly developing rental market, which recorded the highest growth in total car rental market value in the region at a CAGR of 26.05% during the historic period.
– South Africa was the largest car rental market in the Middle East and Africa with a total market value of US$492.3 million in 2013, closely followed by Saudi Arabia with a market value of US$490.2 million. However, the Saudi Arabian car rental market is expected to surpass South Africa’s car rental market value in 2014 to become the largest market with US$513.1 million in revenue.
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
