Renting a car in Europe offers plenty of options, and the popularity of certain brands depends on the purpose of the rental (long-term or short-term) and the region. Let’s dive into the most in-demand brands, their advantages, and their specific features in different countries.
Popular brands for long-term rentals
Long-term rentals (lasting several months to years) are usually sought by expats, students, or business professionals staying in Europe for extended periods. Here are the top 5 brands often chosen:
Volkswagen – reliability and versatility
- Popular in Germany, Austria, and Benelux countries.
- Models: Golf, Passat, Tiguan.
- Advantages: excellent value for money, low fuel consumption, high resale value.
BMW – premium class and comfort
- Commonly rented in Switzerland, Germany, and the UK.
- Models: 3 Series, X5.
- Advantages: prestige, advanced technology, ideal for long trips.
Renault – budget-friendly with a European charm
- Market leader in France.
- Models: Clio, Megane.
- Advantages: economical, widely available service.
Skoda – practicality and spaciousness
- Popular in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia.
- Models: Octavia, Kodiaq.
- Advantages: roomy trunk, modern design, reliability.
Audi – elegance and technology
- Chosen across many countries, especially in Germany and Norway.
- Models: A4, Q7.
- Advantages: innovations, high safety standards.
Popular brands for short-term rentals
Short-term rentals (weekends, vacations, or a few days) are usually preferred by tourists and locals for temporary needs. Here are the top 5 brands:
Fiat – compact and stylish
- Popular in Italy and Spain.
- Models: 500, Panda.
- Advantages: perfect for navigating narrow streets in historic cities, affordable rental costs.
Peugeot – versatility and economy
- Leader in Spain and France.
- Models: 208, 3008.
- Advantages: family-friendly, minimal fuel consumption.
Toyota – reliability and hybrid technology
- Popular in Scandinavian countries and the UK.
- Models: Corolla, Yaris Hybrid.
- Advantages: eco-friendliness, fuel efficiency.
Mercedes-Benz – luxury for your vacation
- Frequently rented in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
- Models: C-Class, GLC.
- Advantages: comfort, power, cutting-edge technology.
Ford – affordability and dependability
- Popular in the UK and Ireland.
- Models: Focus, Kuga.
- Advantages: budget-friendly, easy to drive.
The rise of electric vehicles
Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular among renters in Europe, especially for short-term rentals. Drivers appreciate their eco-friendliness, low operating costs, and the freedom to enter low-emission zones. Here are the most popular brands:
Tesla – the leader in electric vehicles
- Models: Model 3, Model Y.
- Advantages: long range, innovative technology, extensive charging network.
Cupra – a blend of style and sustainability
- Model: Cupra Born.
- Advantages: modern design, dynamic performance, affordable pricing within its segment.
Nissan – accessible and reliable
- Model: Leaf.
- Advantages: easy to use, competitive price.
Volkswagen ID. – a popular choice in Germany
- Models: ID.3, ID.4.
- Advantages: spacious interior, versatility.
Hyundai – great quality for a reasonable price
- Models: Kona Electric, Ioniq 5.
- Advantages: stylish design, excellent performance.
The CEO of the European car-sharing service “Getmancar” highlights:
“We are witnessing a significant surge in interest towards electric cars among tourists, especially for short-term rentals. This trend is driven by environmental initiatives in many European countries and the increasing restrictions on internal combustion engine vehicles in urban areas. Additionally, customers are choosing EVs more often because of their low operational costs and the unmatched comfort they provide. This is a movement that will undoubtedly continue to grow in the coming years.”
Comparison table of rental prices for popular car brands and bookings in 2024
| Car Brand | Hertz (€/day) | Sixt (€/day) | Avis (€/day) | Europcar (€/day) | Enterprise (€/day) | Total Orders 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford | 45 | 50 | 48 | 46 | 44 | 35000 |
| Nissan | 50 | 55 | 52 | 51 | 49 | 20000 |
| Toyota | 40 | 45 | 42 | 41 | 39 | 18000 |
| BMW | 90 | 80 | 85 | 88 | 82 | 22000 |
| Audi | 85 | 75 | 80 | 78 | 77 | 25000 |
| Mercedes-Benz | 95 | 100 | 110 | 108 | 103 | 15000 |
| Volkswagen | 60 | 65 | 55 | 58 | 54 | 30000 |
| Renault | 50 | 55 | 50 | 53 | 48 | 28000 |
| Fiat | 40 | 45 | 35 | 38 | 33 | 25000 |
| Peugeot | 55 | 60 | 58 | 50 | 52 | 27000 |
| Skoda | 48 | 50 | 53 | 48 | 50 | 26000 |
| Seat | 47 | 48 | 50 | 47 | 49 | 24000 |
| Opel | 38 | 40 | 45 | 42 | 38 | 15000 |
| Kia | 40 | 42 | 43 | 41 | 40 | 14000 |
| Hyundai | 42 | 45 | 46 | 44 | 42 | 13000 |
Regional preferences
France
In France, car rentals are popular among tourists exploring Provence, the French Riviera, or wine regions. Renault and Peugeot lead the market due to their affordability and fuel efficiency.
Germany
German brands like BMW, Audi, and Volkswagen dominate here, partly because of the high-speed autobahns that require powerful and reliable vehicles. Electric cars such as the Volkswagen ID.3 are also gaining traction.
Italy
Fiat is the clear leader with compact models ideal for navigating narrow streets in cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice. Electric vehicles are slowly growing in popularity.
Spain
Peugeot and Seat are popular for trips between Barcelona, Madrid, and Andalusia. These models are comfortable and spacious. Cupra, as a local brand, is actively promoting its electric cars.
Scandinavia
Toyota and Volvo dominate the market here, valued for their eco-friendliness and ability to handle harsh climates and long winters. Electric cars like Tesla and Hyundai Kona are becoming a must-have.
Top brands from major rental companies
The largest companies like Hertz, Sixt, Avis, Europcar, and Enterprise offer the following brands:
- Hertz: Ford, Nissan, Toyota.
- Sixt: BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz.
- Avis: Volkswagen, Renault, Fiat.
- Europcar: Peugeot, Skoda, Seat.
- Enterprise: Opel, Kia, Hyundai.
Additional tips
- For family trips: Choose models with large trunks (Skoda Kodiaq, Peugeot 3008).
- For mountain adventures: Opt for all-wheel-drive vehicles (Audi Q7, Volvo XC60).
- For city driving: Compact models like Fiat 500 or Renault Clio save on parking and fuel.
The choice of car brand for rentals in Europe depends on your goals, budget, and region. Compact models like Fiat and Renault are perfect for city driving, while powerful BMWs and Audis excel on long-distance journeys. More tourists are opting for electric cars like Tesla and Cupra Born due to their eco-friendliness and innovative features. Check the offers from rental companies to find the best option for your trip.
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