Smaller rental cars more popular due to gas prices

The record high price of fuel is making prospective renters think twice before booking an SUV. As such, compact and economy-class cars are becoming increasingly popular among leisurely travelers and businesspeople alike. According to a news broadcast aired by NBC’s Montana-based affiliate station, many American rental firms are now taking note of this trend and reconsidering the number of SUVs and full-size vehicles they include in their fleet. One rental agent who spoke during the news broadcast described how many clients are willing to eschew the comfort that comes with driving in a full-size vehicle and are instead increasingly up to settle for compact cars instead, even on longer road trips. This growing trend seems to indicate that American renters are prioritizing and for many, saving money at the pumps is at the top of their list.

Carol Bohl is an employee at a rental counter located at the Billings Logan Airport in Montana. Bohl told NBC journalists that many clients who are offered free upgrades on their car rentals reject these extras, even though in the past people tended to be “very appreciative” when they were made such an offer. This trend may, in fact, have something to do with the fact that an increasing number of car rental specialists and travel consultants are advising clients to say ‘no’ to free upgrades, noting specifically that the significantly higher fuel costs associated with such cars will end up costing renters in the long run.

The high price of oil (which has now stood at around $110 per barrel for weeks) is putting pressure on major airlines, as well as on car rental firms.