Beam Global Acquires Energy Storage Company

Beam Global CEO Desmond Wheatley says the acquistion of AllCell Technologies will enable the companies to each improve what they do while “taking advantage of growth opportunities through cross selling, increased market penetration, and leveraged cost structures.” Photo: Beam Global Solar EV charging provider Beam Global announced Feb. 23 it has entered into a definitive… Continue reading Beam Global Acquires Energy Storage Company

Hertz Invests in UFODrive

UFODrive plans to put the new capital to use in its U.S. expansion. Meanwhile, for Hertz, the new partnership builds the rental giant’s October 2021 announcements that it is adding Teslas to its fleet and offering some to Uber. Photo courtesy of UFODrive As part of its commitment to the future of mobility, Hertz announced an investment in electric… Continue reading Hertz Invests in UFODrive

Kyte Launches Rental Service in Jersey City

It’s another East Coast expansion for Kyte, as Jersey City represents the 12th city of service. Kyte also recently began operating in Brooklyn. Photo courtesy of Kyte Kyte, a car rental service that delivers vehicles to drivers, recently launched in Jersey City. Customers can get a car delivered on demand for a day, week, or longer… Continue reading Kyte Launches Rental Service in Jersey City

enDrive Launches Automated Referral Platform

enDrive believes the platform will will transform how businesses interact, create healthy competition, and increase collaboration and transparency. Photo courtesy of enDrive enDrive, a new marketplace for the car rental industry, has launched an automated platform that allows car rental companies to exchange unfulfilled rentals amongst each other on an as-needed basis. According to a company announcement on… Continue reading enDrive Launches Automated Referral Platform

The New Reality of Contactless Car Rental

Virtual keys, clear signup and pickup instructions, and 24/7 text support are expected by today’s car rental customer. Since our world won’t go back to pens and papers, it’s time to get on board with fully contactless experiences.  Photo courtesy of Liigu Looks like the pandemic doesn’t want to let go and will stay with… Continue reading The New Reality of Contactless Car Rental

The Surge Has Peaked: New Vehicle Prices Not Setting Records

New-vehicle average transaction prices dropped in all segments except vans in January 2022. This chart shows monthly price declines versus year-over-year increases, still hovering above average MSRPs. Source: Kelley Blue Book New-vehicle average transaction prices (ATPs) decreased to $46,404 in January 2022 after reaching a record high in December 2021, according to new data released… Continue reading The Surge Has Peaked: New Vehicle Prices Not Setting Records

Latin American Meeting Returns to International Car Rental Show

Carlos Vuillaume speaks during the Latin American Meeting at the 2019 ICRS. Photo: Steve Reed “La Reunión Latinoamericana,” or Latin American Meeting, is returning to the 2022 International Car Rental Show, taking place at Paris Las Vegas, April 24-26. Designed for car rental operators serving Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, the seminars will answer… Continue reading Latin American Meeting Returns to International Car Rental Show

January Fleet Sales Fall 48% Month Over Month

January 2022 fleet sales took a backseat to the retail market. Source: Cox Automotive analysis of Bobit data Manufacturers prefer the retail over fleet market for now, with sales into large fleets falling 48% month over month in January to 97,707 units, according to Cox Automotive numbers released Feb. 8. Combined sales into large rental,… Continue reading January Fleet Sales Fall 48% Month Over Month

RentalMatics, Fourth Tier Partner on Rental Telematics

Through the agreement, Fourth Tier customers will receive access to RentalMatics’ mobility and fleet management platforms. Photo courtesy of RentalMatics RentalMatics and Fourth Tier have announced a new partnership. A news release on Feb. 4 said that the two companies will be optimizing business operation processes for car rental, leasing, and mobility companies. The strategic relationship will allow Fourth Tier software… Continue reading RentalMatics, Fourth Tier Partner on Rental Telematics

Wholesale Vehicles Prices Stabilize but Remain High

The vans market class saw the highest price increases at 60%. Source: Cox Automotive Wholesale used-vehicle prices (on a mix-, mileage-, and seasonally adjusted basis) were mostly unchanged in January compared to December, Cox Automotive reported Feb. 7. The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index increased slightly to 236.3, a 45% increase from a year ago.… Continue reading Wholesale Vehicles Prices Stabilize but Remain High