Car Rental Prices Will Increase by 10%: New Regulations Are Coming

New Regulations Will Affect the Car Rental Sector

ALARA AKGÜN

The Ministry of Trade is preparing for significant changes of a reformative nature in the car rental sector. According to the new draft, it will be mandatory for car rental companies to obtain a license. This step aims to reduce the informal economy in the sector and enhance service standards. With the regulation, limits for the age and mileage of vehicles available for rental will also be set; vehicles older than 5 years and exceeding 100,000 kilometers will not be part of rental fleets.

Environmentally Friendly Vehicles and Local Production Incentives

In metropolitan areas, the use of domestically produced hybrid or electric vehicles in car rental transactions will become mandatory. This approach aims to support an environmentally friendly transition while also encouraging local production.

Profitability Issues in the Sector and Price Increases

Selçuk Nazik, General Manager of LenaCars, emphasized that the new regulations are aimed at reducing consumer complaints. Rental companies will be required to own at least 10 vehicles, with at least 5 of them being in the company's ownership. These changes are intended to establish a more corporate structure in the sector.

However, Selçuk Nazik stated that rental prices could increase by at least 10% due to rising material costs in the sector. He noted that the obligation to renew vehicles and the requirements for local hybrid-electric vehicles would increase costs.

Price Transparency and Consumer Trust

The regulations also address the price transparency issue that has frequently come up in the sector. According to industry representatives, some platforms list low prices, while additional fees are demanded during vehicle delivery. The new regulations aim to prevent these practices, thereby increasing consumer trust and service quality.

The new draft is expected to come into effect on January 1, 2027.