Election Week Sees Unprecedented Demand for Rental Cars
Translated & summarized from Bizportal by baba
Israel's car rental sector is experiencing unprecedented demand due to Israelis returning from abroad to vote in the upcoming elections. Rental companies report depleted fleets and customers willing to pay high prices, with demand exceeding even peak tourist seasons. Tens of thousands of Israelis living overseas are expected to return, driving the surge in bookings.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israelis living abroad are returning to vote, causing record demand for rental cars.
- Car rental stations nationwide are depleted, with demand exceeding even peak tourist seasons.
- Customers are taking any available vehicle and are willing to pay premium prices.
- Tens of thousands of Israelis residing overseas are expected to return for the Knesset elections.
- Rental companies report a significant increase in bookings at Ben Gurion Airport.
Israel's upcoming elections have significantly impacted the car rental industry, with demand soaring to levels not seen in years. This surge is primarily driven by Israelis living abroad who are returning to the country specifically to vote, as Israeli law requires citizens to vote in person within Israel, with exceptions only for diplomatic envoys and their families.
Rental companies are reporting record-breaking demand, with customers taking any available vehicle and showing willingness to pay premium prices. Rental stations across the country have been depleted, and even vehicles transferred to Ben Gurion Airport were quickly snapped up. Gabi Tevet, CFO of a company, experienced this firsthand when he was unable to secure a rental car from three major companies due to the election-related demand.
Industry insiders estimate that tens of thousands of Israelis residing overseas are expected to return for the Knesset elections. These individuals often rent cars to use during their stay, contributing to the current peak in demand. Boaz Yaacobi, VP at Shlomo Sixt, noted a substantial increase in bookings at Ben Gurion Airport, attributing it partly to incoming tourism, which has also reached unprecedented levels.
This situation is described as exceeding even the busiest tourist seasons, with companies struggling to meet the overwhelming number of reservations. The high demand highlights the significant logistical efforts and costs undertaken by Israelis abroad to participate in their country's democratic process.
