After years of restraint, the German rental market is picking up speed again. The registration statistics published by the BAV show a clear upward movement for the first half of 2026.
The figures at a glance
The sum of the months January to June 2026, at around 191,000 vehicles, was about 18 percent above the same period of the previous year – even if the gap to the record level before the pandemic has not yet fully closed. The share of car rental companies in new passenger car registrations reached almost 14 percent in individual months.
Cautious fleet management remains
Despite the recovery, many rental operators continue to act cautiously in fleet planning. The monthly volumes fluctuate noticeably – a sign that the industry reacts flexibly to demand, residual values and delivery times.
Digitalisation as a competitive advantage
Precisely in a market that swings between growth and caution, efficiency is decisive. Rentals that map booking, handover, return and billing digitally can cycle their fleet more tightly and reduce idle time.
Sources & further information
- Federal Association of Car Rental Companies of Germany (BAV)
- Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA)