The rental industry plays an important role in the mobility and economy of our country. To give you an idea: the entire Belgian rental fleet is estimated at 650,000 vehicles. Out of a total Belgian fleet of 6,879,524 cars and vans (as of 06/30/2024), this represents a market share of 9,4 %. Of all registrations of new passenger and light goods vehicles from January to the end of June 2024, 32.1% were rental vehicles (118,708 out of 369,529).
Most of these rental companies are members of Rentathe federation of the Belgian rental sector. At the end of 2023, Renta's 55 members managed a total of 476,681 long-term rental passenger cars. Six months later (06/30/2024), this number stood at 489,801, in increase of 2.75%representing 90.4% of the total number of vehicles managed (long term).
80% electric
The market is therefore evolving positively and becoming more and more electric. Stijn Blanckaertgeneral manager of Renta: “Out of a hundred cars currently ordered for long-term rental, eighty are electric. Our sector is therefore the driving force behind the greening of vehicle fleet. It is also important to have a cadre fiscal stable to maintain this trend in the future. Hopefully the formation of the new government will not take too long. We must also ensure that the new finance and mobility ministers recognize the importance of our sector.
Advertisement – continue reading below
Major challenges
Many dangers await us at the moment. “There is uncertainty regarding the end of the combustion engine in 2035.European electrification is slower than expected. Used electric cars are difficult for individuals to accept. There are tax risks. We don't know what governments will do. Europe could force large fleets and leasing companies to go all-electric sooner. Finally, there is the question of resale value of used electric cars. We are facing a period full of challenges,” says Stijn Blanckaert.
The island
According to Johan Porterpresident of Renta and CEO ofAyvens (LeasePlan/ALD Automotive), the shoe is currently pinched in used electric cars. “The Belgian market is becoming more and more like an island in Europe. An island increasingly full of electric cars at the end of their contracts and which everyone knows will not be resold under acceptable conditions,” he explains.
Electric cars at the end of the rental contract still often belong to the higher class (Tesla Model S or Audi e-tron) and are therefore still too expensive for individualseven second-hand. Furthermore, the battery technology is evolving rapidly and it is now possible to buy a new electric vehicle for similar amounts, which is already a step ahead. Leasing companies therefore have a problem, because the residual values electric cars are under pressure. As for individuals, they are not waiting to be able to buy used electric vehicles. How to solve this problem?
Support for individuals
“Politicians must act. We need all emergency d’incentives – fiscal or other – to create a second-hand market for current contracts. It is clear that Belgium is today a market complete of VE. But today, individuals demand everything except electric cars. It is therefore necessary to create a market for used electric cars. Of the support measures for individuals for thepurchase or private rental ofa second-hand electric car is absolutely necessary. It’s five to twelve,” Johan Portier sounded the alarm.
The morgan girl
He calls on political leaders for better cooperation. “Our mobility sector has 160,000 employees and more than 10,000 companies. Our experts really have something to say, but their phones aren't ringing enough. We are far too little involved in the formation of new governments. Result: we are going towards a road sticker to the south and a road sticker to the north. Two different thumbnails. There will be news taxation for electric cars in Flanders (TMC and road tax, Editor's note), because greening is succeeding. »
“Finally, we see the Flemish premium for electric vehicles to get up and running again. It has a name: it’s a mirage. Let’s try something and see if it works…. In the meantime, the mobility budget remains blocked (most employees use it for their mortgage or their rent, editor's note) and we hardly see any alternatives to the car in motion,” observes Johan Portier.
Employer contributions
“It is difficult toattract businesses to Belgium or keep them there. I am professionally part of an international group and I know how we are evaluated and how the head offices think. Love it or hate itone of the few things we have to pay competitively without being burdened by heavy employer charges is this green company car. I hope, I suppose and I am convinced that the politicians of today and tomorrow will not forget it,” concludes Johan Portier.
Looking for a car? Search, find and buy the best model on Gocar.be
