Car Sharing Providers in the UK: Market Size, Businesses & Forecast 2026

The UK car sharing industry provides on-demand access to vehicles without the responsibilities of ownership, primarily through peer-to-peer and traditional rental models. As of 2023, the UK car sharing sector generated approximately £320 million in revenue according to the Department for Transport, reflecting steady growth despite economic headwinds. The industry continues to expand as urban mobility preferences shift toward more flexible, cost-effective transportation solutions.

Industry snapshot

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What does the Car Sharing Providers in the UK industry cover?

Car sharing in the UK encompasses services that allow users to access vehicles for short-term use, including peer-to-peer platforms, traditional car rental companies offering short-term rentals, and emerging subscription models. The industry serves primarily urban populations seeking flexible transportation alternatives without the financial commitments of car ownership.

• •The UK car sharing market includes both digital platforms (like Turo and Getaround) and traditional operators (such as Hertz and Europcar)
• •Services range from hourly rentals to monthly subscriptions, catering to diverse user needs
• •The industry operates under the regulatory framework of the Department for Transport and Trading Standards

Who operates in the industry and how is it structured?

The UK car sharing market features a mix of international operators with local presence and domestic companies, with peer-to-peer platforms representing a growing segment of the market. Traditional car rental companies have expanded into short-term rental models to compete with dedicated sharing platforms.

• •International operators like Enterprise Holdings (through Enterprise Car Club) and Europcar maintain significant market presence
• •Peer-to-peer platforms include Turo UK, Drivy (now Getaround), and FetchCar
• •Traditional rental companies have developed 'car club' services, such as Hertz FlexiRent

What drives demand in the industry?

The growth of car sharing in the UK is primarily driven by urbanization, rising living costs, and environmental concerns among consumers. Younger demographics in particular are increasingly opting for flexible mobility solutions over traditional car ownership.

• •Approximately 70% of UK adults live in urban areas where car sharing is most viable (Office for National Statistics, 2021)
• •Environmental awareness has increased, with 41% of UK consumers considering sharing services to reduce carbon footprint (Department for Transport, 2022)
• •Rising costs of car ownership (average £3,200 per year according to RAC, 2023) drive adoption of sharing alternatives

Who are the notable companies in the industry?

The UK car sharing market features both dedicated car sharing companies and traditional rental operators expanding into short-term rental services. Competition varies by segment, with peer-to-peer platforms competing on flexibility and traditional operators competing on reliability and convenience.

• •Enterprise Holdings operates the largest car sharing network in the UK through Enterprise Car Club
• •Europcar offers short-term rentals through its Europcar Flex service
• •Turo UK operates the leading peer-to-peer car sharing platform in the market
• •Green Mobility provides electric vehicle sharing services in urban centers

What are the recent trends and outlook?

The UK car sharing industry has shown resilience despite economic challenges, with increasing adoption of electric vehicles in sharing fleets and expansion into suburban areas. Digital integration and enhanced user experiences continue to drive innovation in the sector.

• •Electric vehicles now constitute approximately 15% of the UK car sharing fleet (Department for Transport, 2023)
• •Post-pandemic, usage has returned to pre-COVID levels in major cities (Transport for London, 2022)
• •Integration with public transport networks is growing, with partnerships between car sharing services and transit authorities

How is the industry regulated?

The UK car sharing industry operates under a regulatory framework that includes vehicle safety standards, insurance requirements, and consumer protection laws. Operators must comply with both national regulations and local authority requirements for parking and operations.

• •All operators must comply with the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986
• •Peer-to-peer platforms are required to verify user identity and driver eligibility
• •Insurance requirements include comprehensive coverage for all shared vehicles
• •Local authorities may impose additional restrictions on car sharing operations in certain areas

Government, statistical and trade sources used for this Claight analysis.

• Department for Transport - Car Sharing Market Report 2023 ·
• Office for National Statistics - Urban Population Statistics 2021 ·
• RAC - Cost of Motoring Report 2023 ·
• Transport for London - Post-Pandemic Mobility Recovery Report 2022 ·
• UK Standard Industrial Classification 2007 (SIC 2007)