Last year already showed rental car shortages, and tourism worldwide has not fully bounced back as international mobility restrictions lingered due to covid. As this summer arrives, the recovery looks set to push pre-pandemic levels higher, yet the sector in the province faces a real hurdle. Only about 60% of their fleet is ready to roll because production delays prevented full ramp-up. The result, acknowledged by industry players themselves, is that from July onward meeting rising demand will be challenging. With rates climbing, the concern is concrete. The Consumers and Users Organization (OCU) advises booking cars as far ahead as possible.
A shortage of microchips and other essential components has slowed auto production, a bottleneck that affects not only private buyers but also rental operators. This assessment comes from Mauro Derqui, Head of Car Rental Cooperation for the Community of Valencia and Murcia (Aecoval), though precise data remain scarce. In Alicante, industry players anticipate a fleet of roughly 70,000 vehicles, which represents about 60% of pre-pandemic levels. According to Derqui, growth is hindered by the lack of available vehicles. Some leading companies resort to imports, while others retain current leases, hoping these steps will mitigate the shortfall.
Demand can technically be met today, but Derqui warns of upcoming crunch periods. Between July 15 and September 15, the peak of the tourism season, serious struggles are anticipated. Early indications suggest small vehicle segments will exhaust first, followed by the mid-size market as supplies tighten further.
Vehicle scarcities are also expected to push prices higher. The industry head notes a rise of 10% to 15%, on top of the 40% increase seen last year. He adds that some firms will offer loyalty discounts for returning customers while charging premium online. The overarching message is clear: secure rentals early or risk limited availability.
Lack of cars threatens tourist rentals
Diego Villagordo, director of operations for Centauro, observes very positive tourism indicators that imply higher demand for vehicles even as availability tightens. He notes that the current fleet has not returned to 2019 levels. Factors such as parts shortages, the war in Ukraine, and the conversion of production lines toward electric vehicles have constrained car production. Centauro recommends customers book as soon as possible to ensure vehicle availability.
Even as vacation plans continue to take shape, the OCU’s position resonates. Many rental companies offer flexible cancellation policies, including free changes up to two days before the scheduled start date, especially for website-made contracts.
Registrations in Alicante declined again in May, slipping 13% year over year. In May, 4,041 vehicles were sold, compared with 4,647 in the same month a year earlier. Cumulatively for the year, registrations fell about 14%, with 12,404 vehicles sold versus 14,554 previously. According to Ganvam, the National Association of Vehicle Dealers, sales remain roughly 30% below pre-pandemic levels, and while deliveries to individuals are gradually catching up, fleets supplying rental companies still face constrained supply.