Industry snapshot
Key public data points
Historical & forecast
Base year 2025. Each series is official through its own latest government-data year (shown in the legend on each chart), and years beyond that are Claight estimates. As of July 2026 the current year is still in progress (2026 annual data is not yet published), so the forecast runs to 2030.
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What does the Car Rental & Leasing in the US industry cover?
The car rental and leasing industry encompasses businesses primarily engaged in providing short-term automobile rentals (generally less than 30 days) and long-term leasing services. This includes both passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.
- •NAICS code 532111 covers passenger car rental, while 532112 covers truck, utility, and recreational vehicle rental
- •The industry generated approximately $38.7 billion in output in 2022 according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis
- •Industry revenue includes fees for vehicle usage, insurance, ancillary services, and damage waivers
Market Structure and Operators
Who operates in the industry and how is it structured?
The US car rental market is characterized by the presence of both multinational corporations with extensive networks and smaller independent operators serving specific regional markets.
- •The major international operators maintain significant market presence through airport and city-center locations
- •Franchise models are common, allowing local businesses to operate under national brands while maintaining some independence
- •According to the American Car Rental Association, there are approximately 14,000 car rental locations across the United States
Demand Drivers
What drives demand in the industry?
Industry demand is primarily driven by business travel, tourism, personal mobility needs, and commercial fleet requirements. Economic conditions significantly influence rental volumes and rates.
- •Business travel represents approximately 30-40% of industry revenue according to industry reports
- •Leisure travel and tourism contribute significantly to demand, particularly in vacation destinations
- •The growth of the gig economy has increased demand for short-term vehicle rentals
- •Corporate fleet management programs provide steady demand for longer-term leasing arrangements
Competitive Landscape and Notable Public Companies
Who are the notable companies in the industry?
The competitive landscape features several large publicly-traded companies that dominate major airport and metropolitan markets, alongside numerous smaller regional players.
- •Enterprise Holdings (Enterprise, Alamo, National) operates approximately 1.9 million vehicles across more than 10,000 locations
- •The Hertz Corporation (Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty) maintains a fleet of approximately 700,000 vehicles
- •Avis Budget Group operates approximately 540,000 vehicles across Avis, Budget, and Payless brands
- •Zipcar, now a part of Avis Budget Group, operates in urban markets with its car-sharing model
Recent Trends and Outlook
What are the recent trends and outlook?
The industry has recovered from pandemic-related disruptions while adapting to new technologies, changing consumer preferences, and evolving mobility solutions.
- •The pandemic accelerated demand for contactless services and digital rental processes
- •Electric and hybrid vehicles are being increasingly incorporated into rental fleets
- •Subscription models are emerging as an alternative to traditional short-term rentals
- •The industry continues to face challenges related to vehicle availability and supply chain issues
Regulation and Compliance
How is the industry regulated?
Car rental and leasing operations are subject to various federal, state, and local regulations covering vehicle safety, insurance requirements, consumer protection, and environmental standards.
- •Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations apply to commercial truck rentals
- •State-level lemon laws affect leased vehicles in certain jurisdictions
- •Environmental regulations influence vehicle emissions standards and fleet composition requirements
- •Federal Trade Commission rules govern advertising and disclosure practices for rental rates
Sources
Government, statistical and trade sources used for this Claight analysis.
Claight analysis of public industry data.