The Federal Association of Car Rental Companies of Germany (BAV) was founded in 1954 and is the central representative body of the industry. It represents companies that rent out cars, trailers, vans and trucks.

Reach and structure

The BAV is an association of more than 200 rental companies and, by its own account, represents around two thirds of the total market. At the end of 2025, the delegates elected Matthias Krohn as the new president.

What the association provides

  • Advice on insurance-law claims settlement
  • Support on competition and commercial law questions
  • Preparation of market data and registration statistics
  • Informing members about current case law and industry topics

Why this matters for rental operators

It is precisely the continuous preparation of law, statistics and industry trends that makes the association's work valuable. Those who know the developments – from registration figures to new fraud patterns – can steer their own business more strategically.

Sources & further information

  • Federal Association of Car Rental Companies of Germany (BAV)