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Car rental

Online car rental reservations: a growing trend in the Rent a Car Industry

November 5, 2024

The growth of online car rental reservations is revolutionizing the rent-a-car industry. According to a recent market analysis by Mordor Intelligence, it is expected to reach a value of $223.07 billion by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 11%.

This growth has been influenced by various factors. In this article, we will explore how the emergence of new technologies like Car Rental Management Systems (RMS) and the increased use of mobile telephony are reshaping the industry and leading to exponential growth in the next few years.

Technology Trends

Technology is playing a vital role in driving the growth of online car rental services. The industry has moved away from manual processes and embraced information technology and car rental software to offer enhanced services to customers.

The development of optimized corporate and customer information management systems, combined with the development of easy-to-use online booking applications, has made renting a car online more convenient than ever.

Influence of Vehicle Rental Management Software

Vehicle rental management systems allow companies to optimize and automate all the manual processes involved in car renting. This benefits both customer service and the rental process, as well as pricing strategies, by using a management system specifically designed for car rental operations.

This implies benefits for both customers and rental companies. For customers, they have access to a system that allows them to verify their documents, access detailed information about available vehicles, choose pick-up and drop-off locations, sign contracts electronically, and make cashless transactions.

On the other hand, Rental Management Systems (RMS) are empowering car rental companies by improving organizational efficiency and ensuring return on investment. Composed of various modules, such as reservation management, reporting, pricing, invoicing, security, and even customer relationship management (CRM), these systems optimize every aspect of the car rental business, leading to increased profits.

Learn more about vehicle rental management software in this article.

Trend in Mobile Device Usage & User Experience

According to a study by The Radicati Group, the number of smartphone users worldwide is estimated to exceed 6.8 billion in 2023, with a smartphone penetration rate close to 85%, it is not surprising that the consumption of services through mobile devices is increasing.

The growing use of smartphones by users to carry out activities that were previously done on personal computers has had a significant impact on how customers rent cars. This is reinforced by the increased availability of comprehensive demand-based mobility solutions. As more rental companies have made their mobile applications available, customers have found the process of choosing vehicles from a variety of options and making reservations simplified.

Cybersecurity and Information Security

According to a global study by Cisco, 85% of respondents find cybersecurity more important now than before the pandemic. In this regard, with technological developments and users becoming more familiar with digital consumption, there is also increased concern about Information Security in car rental reservation platforms.

In relation to vehicle rental companies, there are software solutions like Rently that incorporate cybersecurity modules to provide greater peace of mind and control over who accesses the platform. These modules prevent internal fraud while protecting user data.

For more information about cybersecurity in car rental companies, you can refer to this article.

Conclusions

The car rental industry is witnessing a significant shift towards online reservations, driven by advancements in technology and changing consumer preferences. The convenience, flexibility, and variety of services offered by online booking platforms have contributed to the industry's growth. As the market continues to evolve, car rental companies are leveraging partnerships, expanding their fleets, and embracing new technologies to meet the demands of modern customers.

The future of the car rental industry is undoubtedly shaped by the increasing popularity of online reservations, providing a seamless and efficient experience for renters worldwide.

If you own a car rental company and are considering a technological ally for this crucial moment in your business, we invite you to learn more about our services. You can contact us here or leave a comment, and a sales executive will get in touch with you.