Background Article: A Global Outlook for Independent Car Rental
American Car Rental Brand U-Save Launches in Montenegro
The global auto rental company will start off with locations at the Podgorica International Airport and in the downtown of the capital city.

A look at the new back office at U-Save's Montenegro airport location.
Photo: U-Save
U-Save has opened a new franchise location in Montenegro, the latest in a string of new franchise launches in Europe.
Acquired by seasoned car rental entrepreneur Nemanja Vujacic, U-Save Montenegro is operating at Podgorica International Airport and Podgorica downtown with further locations nationwide coming online in the next several weeks.
The U-Save brand in the beautiful country of Montenegro marks the brand's continued rapid expansion in Europe,” said U-Save founder and CEO Richard Lowden in an April 10 news release. “Nemanja and his team have a vast wealth of experience in the Montenegro car rental market and there is no doubt the franchise will be a resounding success.”
Montenegro, located in southeastern Europe, is a small but scenic country known for its stunning Adriatic coastline, rugged mountains, and rich cultural heritage. It lies on the Balkan Peninsula, bordered by Croatia to the west, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the northwest, Serbia to the northeast, Kosovo to the east, and Albania to the southeast. Its western border is along the Adriatic Sea. The capital city is Podgorica, which is also the largest city in the nation.
U-Save Montenegro owner Vujacic added, “U-Save has built its reputation on providing exceptional service and a wide range of high-quality vehicles in the U.S. Now, we're bringing a taste of American classic charm to the beautiful landscapes of Montenegro.”
U-Save will be exhibiting at this year's International Car Rental Show at the Horseshoe Las Vegas April 15-17, where both the senior leadership and franchise sales teams will be on hand to share the success of the U-Save brand across the world.
More Rental Operations

Sixt Revenue Tops $2.4 Billion in First Half of 2026
Sixt’s first-half revenue surpassed $2.4 billion for the first time as demand outpaced fleet growth, lifting utilization and earnings despite weaker consumer sentiment in North America.
Read More →
In Memoriam: Bobby Klyce, Avis Licensee Legend
The longtime Birmingham Avis operator and 2018 Auto Rental News Impact Award recipient was remembered as an advocate for independent licensees and the broader car rental industry.
Read More →Aug. 25 Webinar: Build Custom Fleet Tools With AI and Vibe Coding
A new Automotive Fleet webinar explores how fleet managers are using AI and vibe coding to automate routine work and create simple operational tools without traditional programming skills.
Read More →
Car Rental Rates Forecast to Rise 3.6% in 2026 Before Easing in 2027
Car rental rates are projected to rise less than airfares and hotel rates in 2026, then become the only major travel category forecast to decline in 2027, according to projections from GBTA and ALTOUR.
Read More →
Avis Cuts Fleet as Summer Demand Trails Expectations
Avis Budget Group increased second-quarter earnings despite lower Americas revenue and softer-than-expected summer demand. The company also expanded Avis First and advanced its autonomous fleet operations with Waymo.
Read More →
Why Bookings Are Only the Start of the Rental Day
A reservation captures demand. The operating test is whether the business can keep the customer, vehicle, commercial terms, and next action aligned until the rental is closed.
Read More →
This Is the Oldest Car Rental Advertisement You’ll Ever See
This ad for Saunders Drive it Yourself, believed to be the first car rental company in the U.S., was found in an Omaha phone book from 1926.
Read More →
The Desk Upsell Is Costing Operators More Than it Earns
Counter upsells generate revenue, but they can also slow transactions, erode trust, and cost repeat business. Fully inclusive pricing may offer operators a better path to long-term value.
Read More →
U-Save Expands Indian Ocean Presence with New Master Franchise for Mauritius
The franchise has been acquired by Mauritian travel entrepreneur Umarfarooq Omarjee, an established figure in the island's tourism and mobility sector.
Read More →
Global Carsharing Fleet Projected to Reach 768,000 Vehicles By 2030
A new Berg Insight forecast outlines several business models driving the projected growth in public carsharing worldwide through 2029.
Read More →
