One in 3 registered cars is rented

The future of mobility seems to be moving towards the rental formula.

In the first half of the year, the vehicle rental sector experienced an exceptional increase, with a 47% rise in registrations, bringing the total number of vehicles on the road to an extraordinary figure of 1 million and 300 thousand units. This sector, playing a crucial role in promoting low or zero-emission vehicles and positioning itself as a champion of the new sustainable mobility, now represents 34% of new electric cars and even 63% of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV). These findings come from a semi-annual analysis of "pay per use" mobility conducted by Aniasa, the Association representing the mobility services sector within Confindustria.


In the first six months of 2023, the vehicle rental sector registered an impressive total of 308,950 vehicles, equivalent to 33% of all new vehicles registered on Italian roads. This means that one in three new vehicles was rented, representing a growth of 47% compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. This growth was strongly oriented towards sustainable mobility, with 34% of electric vehicles and even 63% of plug-in hybrid vehicles registered in the country intended for rental.

The sector has seen an increase both in new registrations and in the overall size of the rental vehicle fleet circulating in Italy, reaching a record of 1 million and 300 thousand units. Of these, 1,197,000 are long-term rentals from companies, public administrations, and individuals with a VAT number or tax code, while 135,000 are short-term rentals for tourist or business purposes.


Among the customer segments that have shown an increase compared to the previous year, the growth of individuals, both with and without a VAT number, stands out. They have chosen to rent a car for 1 or more years instead of buying it. They now represent 163,000 units, accounting for 14% of the total fleet. Companies continue to be the main customers of rental companies, holding 76% of the rental vehicles in circulation, while the remaining 10% is in the hands of public administrations.

During the first six months of the year, short-term rentals showed significant growth, confirmed by the new reduction in rental prices, down 9.4% from the previous year. Other positive indicators include an increase in turnover (+21% compared to 2019), an increase in rental days (+4%), fleet growth (+1%), and an extension of rental durations (+26%).

Rental is confirmed in 2023 as an increasingly appreciated formula by the market, and even this is one of the best times to try the rental route at lower prices than in the past. At Edilfar Rent, we have never doubted the practicality of rental, and not just since 2023 but for almost 30 years, we have made rental our strength. Come and try our offers for yourself, and drive the best from the major car manufacturers! You can find us in Rome, Milan, and Modena.