This revenue was achieved on a smaller overall U.S. fleet size, which translates into record high revenue per unit, per month.
by Staff
December 13, 2017
1 min to read
The U.S. car rental market is expected to achieve $28.63 billion in total revenues in 2017, according to data published annually by Auto Rental News. While a new record, the revenue total represents the lowest percentage year-over-year growth since revenues dipped to begin the Recession.
However, this revenue was achieved on a smaller overall U.S. fleet size of 2.187 million vehicles, some 126,000 fewer units than the industry fleeted in 2016.
Ad Loading...
That translates to industry-wide average revenue per unit, per month (RPU) of $1,091, representing the first year-over-year RPU growth in four years — and is also the highest RPU recorded since Auto Rental News began collecting this data in 1992.
“The U.S. car rental industry has adapted a newfound austerity when it comes to fleeting,” said Chris Brown, executive editor of Auto Rental News. “One tangible benefit of a smaller overall fleet is a healthy rate environment, which came to pass in the second half of 2017 and should carry into next year.”
West Coast disasters pose unique challenges and liabilities for rental fleet operators, who are advised to take steps tailored to their specific situations.
Angry car renters are storming social media, the mainstream media, and online ratings platforms to complain about charges they claim are either unfounded or excessive.
Revcuity, an outgrowth of Frontline Performance Group, aims to help clients capture more revenue moments with face-to-face customers, including in the car rental space.
Martin Romjue has been editing and reporting for ARN since 2023 and fully transitioned to the role of chairman of the International Car Rental Show in 2026.