从“边缘赛道”到日常选择，中国汽车租赁正在“去周期性”

Core Insights - The Chinese car rental industry is experiencing significant growth, with the market size expected to reach approximately 1.42 trillion yuan in 2024, maintaining an expansion trend driven by changes in consumer behavior and travel preferences [3][5][16] - The shift towards self-driving travel is becoming mainstream, with over 80% of the public choosing self-driving for holidays, indicating a transformation in rental car usage from a temporary solution to a regular travel option [5][12][16] - Policy support is evident, with the government encouraging car rental and sharing as part of green consumption initiatives, which is expected to enhance the industry's growth and sustainability [8][12][16] Industry Trends - The total number of small and micro passenger car rentals in China is around 4 million, indicating a rapid development phase, particularly in the short-term rental market, which is projected to grow at an annual rate of about 15% during the 14th Five-Year Plan period [1][3] - The integration of car rental into the complete travel chain is becoming common, with more families and business users opting for a combination of high-speed rail or flights followed by car rentals [5][12] - The younger generation, particularly those born after 2000, is increasingly incorporating car rentals into their holiday and social activities, driving demand for personalized and experiential services [5][12] Consumer Behavior - Consumers are shifting towards a "use rather than own" mentality, particularly among younger demographics, which is reshaping the rental market and pushing for service innovation [5][12] - The demand for seamless rental experiences is rising, with features like mobile booking, self-service pick-up and drop-off, and the ability to return vehicles in different locations becoming more prevalent [9][12] - The growth of demand for intercity rentals is pushing companies to enhance their national coordination capabilities, requiring stronger financial and operational management [12][15] Technological Advancements - The introduction of AI and digital solutions is becoming crucial for improving service quality and operational efficiency within the rental industry [13][15] - The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is influencing rental experiences, with EVs being favored in short-distance scenarios, while traditional fuel vehicles remain popular for long-distance travel due to convenience [12][13] - The implementation of national standards for car rental services is expected to raise industry entry barriers and promote standardization, enhancing consumer trust and service quality [12][15] Future Outlook - The car rental industry is transitioning from a highly fragmented and price-sensitive market to a more mature stage that emphasizes scale, system capabilities, and service quality [16][17] - As the industry evolves, companies will need to balance efficiency, customer experience, and trust to remain competitive in a changing landscape [17] - The ongoing transformation in consumer habits and supportive policy environments suggests that car rentals may increasingly become a regular choice for daily travel rather than just a temporary solution [16][17]