Company Profile: Rentalcars.com
Background
Rentalcars.com is a leading online car rental service, facilitating over 4.7 million rentals annually across more than 28,000 locations worldwide. Established in 2004, the company is headquartered in Manchester, United Kingdom, and operates in 160 countries, offering services in over 40 languages. As part of Booking Holdings Inc., Rentalcars.com leverages its affiliation with prominent travel brands such as Booking.com, Priceline.com, Agoda, KAYAK, and OpenTable.
Key Strategic Focus
Rentalcars.com aims to provide customers with a vast selection of vehicles at competitive prices, including luxury cars, people carriers, minivans, and automatic cars. The company collaborates with major international car hire companies like Avis, Alamo/National, Budget, Europcar, Dollar, Hertz, and SIXT, as well as reputable local suppliers, to ensure a diverse and reliable fleet. Its multilingual call center operates 24/7, offering support in over 40 languages to cater to a global customer base.
Financials and Funding
In 2010, Rentalcars.com was acquired by Priceline Group (now Booking Holdings Inc.), a leading online travel company. As a subsidiary, it contributes to the group's diverse portfolio, which includes brands like Booking.com, Priceline.com, Agoda, KAYAK, and OpenTable. Specific financial details for Rentalcars.com are not publicly disclosed, but its integration into Booking Holdings Inc. reflects its significant role in the online travel sector.
Pipeline Development
Rentalcars.com continually enhances its platform to improve user experience and expand its service offerings. In 2015, the company launched a redesigned mobile app, which was recognized as The World's Leading Car Rental Company App at the World Travel Awards. The app features an easy search and booking process, click-to-call customer service, and the ability to capture validated images of hire cars to address potential disputes over damage with local suppliers.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Rentalcars.com employs a robust technological infrastructure to support its global operations. The platform utilizes technologies such as HTML5, F5 NGINX, and Google Maps API to deliver a seamless user experience. The mobile app has been downloaded over 2.3 million times, reflecting its popularity among users seeking convenient car rental solutions.
Leadership Team
Rentalcars.com is led by CEO Ian Brown, who has been instrumental in driving the company's growth and technological advancements. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its global reach and enhanced its service offerings to meet the evolving needs of customers.
Competitor Profile
Market Insights and Dynamics
The online car rental market is highly competitive, with numerous players vying for market share. Key competitors include Europcar, Auto Europe, DiscoverCars.com, and Sixt. These companies offer a range of vehicles and services, catering to diverse customer preferences and needs. The market is characterized by price sensitivity, customer service quality, and technological innovation.
Competitor Analysis
- Europcar: A global car rental company operating in over 140 countries, offering a wide range of vehicles and services.
- Auto Europe: Provides car rental services in over 20 countries, known for competitive pricing and a variety of vehicle options.
- DiscoverCars.com: An online car rental platform offering services in numerous countries, focusing on customer satisfaction and a user-friendly interface.
- Sixt: A German-based car rental company with a significant international presence, offering premium vehicles and services.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
Rentalcars.com collaborates with a vast network of car rental suppliers, including major international companies and reputable local providers, to offer a comprehensive selection of vehicles and locations. This extensive partnership network enables the company to provide competitive pricing and a diverse range of options to its customers.
Operational Insights
Rentalcars.com differentiates itself through its extensive global reach, offering services in over 28,000 locations worldwide. The company's commitment to customer service is evident in its 24/7 multilingual call center, providing support in over 40 languages. Additionally, the user-friendly mobile app enhances the customer experience by offering features like easy search and booking, click-to-call customer service, and the ability to capture validated images of hire cars.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
Rentalcars.com continues to explore opportunities to expand its service offerings and enhance customer experience. The launch of the Marketplace platform, which targets independent rental companies, aims to increase the number of locations and vehicles available to customers, thereby broadening the company's reach and service diversity.
Contact Information
- Website: www.rentalcars.com
- Social Media:
- Facebook: @Rentalcarscom
- Twitter: @Rentalcarscom
- Instagram: @Rentalcarscom
- LinkedIn: Rentalcars.com
