Car rental services are quiet during the holidays

Due to the impact of the Covid-19 epidemic, most people are reluctant to go out at this time. Although it is a holiday, people's travel needs are much lower than in previous years. Self-drive car rental services are therefore also in a situation of "cars waiting for customers".

Self-driving cars line up on Tran Phu Street, Vinh City due to lack of customers. Photo: QA

Mr. Nguyen Hong Minh, owner of a self-drive car rental facility in Vinh City, said: "At this time last year, more than 10 of my facility's cars were rented out. Since April 20, people have been booking cars. However, this year, business has been sluggish. Today, it's already April 30, but only half of the cars have been rented out, the rest are still sitting in the parking lot..."

Not only Mr. Minh but this is the common situation of many self-drive car rental establishments at this time, most car owners said that this year's rental capacity has decreased by about 50% compared to previous years.

"Knowing the customers' concerns, we have refurbished, disinfected, and sterilized the cars so that customers can rent with peace of mind, but the situation has not improved much..." - Ms. Hong, an employee of a car rental facility shared.

Staff doing car rental procedures at a facility in Vinh City. Photo: QA

Due to the decrease in rental demand, car rental prices have also become more affordable to attract customers. In Vinh City, car rental prices currently range from 300,000 - 1.5 million VND/car/day, depending on the car model and number of seats. This price has now decreased by about 30% compared to previous years...

At large car rental establishments, rental prices and car models have been adjusted and listed to suit practical needs. At small car rental establishments, households with 2-3 cars, the rental price is negotiated in a "willing buyer, willing seller" manner.

Not only in Vinh City but also in districts and towns, the demand for car rental at this time has also decreased compared to previous years, and the rental price is also much more "affordable" than in Vinh City.

Car rental establishments are increasing advertising on social media to avoid a slump in sales. Photo: QA

Although business is slower than previous years, one special thing is that many car owners are still happy and optimistic. Mr. Tuan Anh, a car owner, shared: "If in previous years, there were no customers, it would be very sad, but in the current epidemic conditions, there are no customers. In fact, when they rent my car, I cannot know where they are going, what they are doing, whether they are from an epidemic area or not, whether they are carrying people from other provinces or not, I am very worried. Therefore, although business is slow this year, we are also assured because our health is guaranteed."

Quang An