European travel buyers should face only “flat to moderate” rises in car rental prices over the next 12 months, according to the latest Ground Monitor report from American Express Global Business Travel.
The TMC’s annual report, published today (24 August), predicted that rental demand in Europe’s main markets “should stay firm” in 2026-27, while improved supply would “keep a lid” on prices.
Amex GBT is predicting that France and Spain should see the lowest year-on-year changes in rental prices, which are forecast to “stay basically flat”. There should only be modest rises in the UK (up 0.6 to 1.3 per cent year-on-year), Germany (up 1 to 2 per cent), and Scandinavia (up 1 to 2.5 per cent).
But there could be an increase in rates of 4 to 5 per cent year-on-year in the Netherlands, where prices are being pushed up by changes to the country’s motor vehicle taxes, which will increase the cost of owning rental fleets.
In other regions, car rental prices in North America are forecast to see rises of 1.5 to 2 per cent, while the Latin American markets of Brazil and Chile are likely to see increases of 2-4 per cent year-on-year.
Australia is anticipated to see some of the largest year-on-year rises in rental rates, with Amex GBT predicting increases of 3 to 3.4 per cent, fuelled by price hikes in mining areas where competition between suppliers is limited.
Sara Andell, director of consulting strategy at Amex GBT Consulting, said in the report: “Looking globally, we expect prices to be stable, with moderate increases in geographies where local conditions – including taxes and the availability of cars to rent – could push up prices.”