Short-term car rental is becoming increasingly popular

Short-term and same-day car rental has become increasingly popular, and this trend is observed throughout the Baltics – Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. According to Avis, Latvia has seen a 25% increase in rentals compared to the previous year. As a full-service car rental and leasing company, we also see a trend towards more last-minute bookings, with SUVs being the most popular car choice.

Short-term car rental – a popular choice for travelling

Our data on the growing popularity of short-term car rental shows several trends. Firstly, we see that our customers are increasingly planning their trips. Secondly, the number of rental days has increased by 28% – so people are not only going on short one or two-day trips when they need a car for a day, but also on longer car trips. And rental cars are preferred.

We also see a trend that many people are booking at the last minute – compared to previous years, the number of bookings made one to seven days before the start of the rental period has particularly increased. What explains this trend?

“Daina Kantāne, Head of Leasing at Avis, explains that this trend became apparent during the Covid pandemic. At that time, it was difficult to predict what the restrictions would be and what travel plans would be possible, so bookings were made at the last minute, when people were sure that the trip would actually happen. Statistics show that this last-minute habit has not changed. This means that customers are demanding from companies a high degree of flexibility and adaptability to rapidly changing situations.

Another characteristic is that people who want to rent a car for a day or for a few days most often prefer SUVs. Data shows that as many as one in three car rental and leasing customers prefer this type of car. How can this be explained? Often, the car used on a daily basis is more suited to the city than to journeys on various roads outside it. SUVs are also more spacious and therefore more comfortable if the journey is longer than the usual daily commute. SUVs are ideal for both family trips with children and adult group trips – there’s enough room for everyone and everyone will be comfortable.

What about longer-term car rental? Avis Flex, which offers long-term car rental on a month-to-month basis with a fixed monthly payment, also saw a 20% increase in the first half of the year. Interestingly, those customers who have opted for this service now and then take the opportunity to adapt the car to the needs of a particular trip and choose a different class of car.

However, Daina Kantāne explains that the growing demand and other positive trends in the car rental market are nevertheless in line with the overall recessionary economic situation. It is therefore important to remain vigilant and flexible in responding to changes in the market. “The Head of Leasing at Avis recognises that both businesses and individuals are reacting with much more caution and making more informed financial decisions, especially those involving larger investments and costs. The global security situation, the repercussions of last year’s energy crisis and the rise in Euribor rates have an impact on everyone, citizens and businesses alike.

Car rental for one day with Avis

Avis, which provides both car rental and full-service leasing services, has an impressive 30-year track record in the Latvian market. We are one of the largest companies in this field and offer convenient and cost-effective services to our customers – from short-term car rental to long-term car rental, as well as various leasing services to suit different customers and different needs.

Our services are chosen by both companies and private individuals. Mobility solutions for short or long term stays – that’s what we specialise in. If you need a short-term car rental or a car rental for a day for a short trip, take a look at what Avis.lv has to offer!