Challenges and Technological Disruptions In The Car Rental Sector | Inspektlabs

Varad Mohan -

The car rental sector is not immune to the auto industry's problems and challenges. A shortage of computer chips worldwide is crimping the production of new cars, causing a significant reduction in the number of rental vehicles on the market. The ongoing pandemic has also not done any favors for the rental industry. Furthermore, as these issues continue to plague the industry, businesses are searching for practical solutions to address them. Let us discuss some of car rental companies most common issues and potential solutions.

Challenges and Technological Disruptions In The Car Rental Sector

The steep increase in crude oil prices is causing the price of gasoline and diesel to increase. This factor is putting a strain on the car rental industry, as the prices are skyrocketing. As a result, rental car prices have soared, with inventory shortages and limited choices in some areas. These issues have hit many major tourist areas and big cities particularly hard. Rental car companies must adapt to this new environment and act intelligently to secure the necessary units to maintain profitability. They should also be aware of the latest changes in the industry, as these are likely to impact the industry's growth and profitability. Leveraging technology for their benefit is undoubtedly the best approach for rental companies.

Persistent supply-chain disruptions for several years have plagued the rental car industry. Car fleets are depleted owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. The shortage of cars could force rental car companies to tighten their inventory control, increasing prices even more. A reduced supply of new vehicles has also hindered the restocking of inventories, and this disruption in the car rental industry will likely create lasting changes.

The crisis has been especially hard on the rental car sector. The industry was enjoying steady growth before the global health crisis hit. Several rental car companies had to sell off large portions of their fleets, forcing them to sell off assets. Some large car rental companies filed for bankruptcy and began restructuring.

Ways To Address The Challenges In The Car Rental Sector

As the economy recovers, the car rental sector will face challenges. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions will affect demand, but the industry is also experiencing a rebound in sales. While external conditions will continue to influence revenue, overall GDP growth and national employment rates should boost the sector. Owing to the economic problems that hit the industry, transformations are inevitable. There are many ways to improve the current trends in the car rental sector.

Customer Support

The priority for any rental company must be customer service. Providing high-quality services facilitated by seamless customer interactions will undoubtedly help build momentum. Rental companies must keep their fleets clean and well-maintained. Customers will keep coming back to the business when they offer good service. There are also many ways to improve car rental by offering customers promotions and other extra services.

Adapting to the Market

Rental companies must pay attention to the market conditions and adapt their business model to increase revenue. In some areas, demand for rental cars is high at weekends, and companies can charge more for a two-day rental. In other regions, they can temporarily raise rental rates when competitors are sold out, then lower prices when they return in stock. Companies can improve their performance regardless of where they operate by paying attention to trends and adjusting their business model to suit the situation.

Leveraging Technology

Another way to improve the car rental sector is to incorporate more technology. Smartphones are transforming the way consumers interact with their car rental businesses. With the increasing use of smartphones, many car rental businesses are taking advantage of the power of mobile technology. Some car rental companies have even introduced keyless access to their vehicles. Customers no longer have to wait for a key, and companies do not have to spend as much on staffing.

Automated Car Inspections

Car damage assessment is a critical part of the car rental sector. This vehicle damage detection allows rental companies to maintain accurate records of the vehicles in their fleets. Inspections occur before a car is handed over to a customer and after they return it. By comparing the reports, rental companies can assess whether any damage was done to the vehicle during the rental period. Traditionally, human agents conduct these damage inspections. Rental companies regularly hire staff or pay an external agency to inspect their cars for damages. Customers prefer having minimum human interaction, and they want to avoid scheduling physical inspections because they are cumbersome. The ongoing pandemic has understandably made the traditional approach unfeasible.

On the other hand, automated vehicle inspections are far more efficient and seamless. For example, Inspektlabs' AI for vehicle inspection can detect damages and generate a comprehensive report within minutes. This vehicle inspection technology utilizes a 360° video capture of the car to analyze the damages. When rental companies opt for damage inspection with AI, they cut costs while improving customer experience. When rental companies utilize automated inspections, their customers have more faith and trust in the inspection reports. This trust stems from the fact that damage assessment automation with AI is entirely objective. Both rental agencies and customers can rest assured that there is no scope for fraud and that the inspection reports are accurate.

The car rental industry is changing rapidly, and technology is the key driver. More people use on-demand services, including taxis and ride-hailing companies, to make travel arrangements. Smartphone applications have made renting a car more accessible than ever, and drivers can now make reservations and pay online. Other factors driving the car rental market include the low car ownership rate and increased ride-hailing app use. As the market becomes more mobile, market players focus on expanding their fleet sizes to cater to increasing demand.

Growing environmental awareness and favorable government policies are significant growth drivers in the market. Governments in emerging and developed economies emphasize curbing vehicular emissions and promoting car rental services as an environmentally friendly mode of transportation. While the car rental industry has faced some challenges and setbacks over the years, many companies have managed to grow their business and remain profitable.

Increased global travel has boosted the demand for rental cars as international commuters demand high-quality and familiar travel services. Major car rental operators are capitalizing on this trend by extending their distribution platforms and brand internationally. They are implementing global car rental systems to manage geographically dispersed business operations. If these trends fuel demand, the industry will likely grow even faster.

Impact Of Technology On The Car Rental Sector

Several technological advancements have dramatically changed the nature of car rentals. The rise in internet penetration has given car rental companies a broader client base. Rising awareness of climate change and consumer preferences for eco-friendly cars are vital drivers for a shift in the rental market. With these changes, car rental companies should expect more competition in the future.

Changing consumer habits have led to dramatic transformations in the car rental industry. The use of mobile technology has increased dramatically. With the growth of 4G and 5G technologies, more customers are "smart" and use their smartphones to book and search for cars. So, the industry must adapt to this new reality to remain relevant.

Autonomous vehicles and connected cars are changing the way consumers rent cars. Several such advances in digital technology have also revolutionized the car rental industry. For example, connected cars and autonomous vehicles make it possible for consumers to rent cars with an internet connection at any location. These technological advancements also affect the car rental industry by reducing the need for human interaction. And these developments are only the beginning. The sector will naturally evolve, and so will the customer experience.

Self-driving cars are another significant advancement in technology. While they are available in many cities, they are still undergoing testing in broader environments. Ride-hailing services, which use self-driving cars, are not yet established in the car rental industry, but they are in the works. It is uncertain whether they will be used for car-sharing and other transportation services. However, as these new technologies continue advancing, the rental industry must adapt.

Conclusion

Consumers now demand integrated services rather than a one-off purchase. By incorporating these changes in the car rental industry, businesses can capitalize on the changing customer behavior and provide the right rental solutions. So, with changing consumer preferences, car rental industries can expect considerable growth in their business. Consumers will have smoother experiences if the car rental sector keeps pace with technology and market demand.