Car rental businesses fully booked

Said Al-Bassami, chairman of the car rentals commission at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, says that the car rental sector in Jeddah is equipped to meet increasing demand for renting cars, which usually begins around a week before Eid.
In an interview with Arab News, he said that Ramadan, the two Eids and the summer holidays are big seasons for car rentals not only in Jeddah, but nationwide.
“It becomes hectic since many citizens like to rent cars to go out and enjoy Eid. Demand becomes very high among Saudi and expatriate residents alike. During this peak season, car rental rates and prices go up 30 to 40 percent. Outside the season, there is not much demand for cars on rent,” he said.
“In 2012 the car rental business earned about SR2 billion. Around 80 percent of those who rent cars are young men between the ages of 25 and 30,” he added.
“We know that most of our customers who come to rent cars don’t really need them; they do it as a change of pace. Most of the cars offered by car rental companies are new models. Some companies offer several types and models, including vans and GMCs and small cars,” he said.
Subhi Musa, an employee at a car rental company in Jeddah, said that the last 10 days of Ramadan are the busiest for them. Demand reaches 100 percent compared to supply. He said: “40 percent of those who come to us are from Jeddah and the rest are from other parts of the Kingdom, especially Riyadh and Dammam. They rent cars for fun.”
“Car rental rates are fair I would say. Renting a KIA costs between SR120 and SR150 a day. GMCs, which are family cars, cost between SR150 and SR300 a day. Luxury cars, like BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, and Jaguar are also available, but these are much more expensive. They usually get us between SR1,500 and SR2,000 a day. We currently have no cars available for rent. They have all been taken or booked,” he said.