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In 2024 thus far, there were around *** million car sharing users in Germany. This was another noticeable increase compared to roughly **** million the year before. Figures increased almost annually during the specified timeline. The break in 2020 was due to the restrictions on mobility and travel during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

How does it work?

The term car sharing means the organized communal use of one or more cars, and is one example of a growing sharing economy around the world. Car sharing may be a practical solution for city dwellers not looking to buy a car, who drive only occasionally. Aside from details pertaining to individual car sharing companies, generally, the system works the same way anywhere. A company provides a certain number of cars, users typically download an app to their smartphone to be able to use the service (though they might also book a vehicle via a website or a phone call). The car is then opened with the respective app, customer card or a key. Billing is based either on minutes, distance covered, both or a flat rate. Cars are used by multiple customers. Private car sharing is also an option. Rural areas are usually not covered.

Conquering consumers

Car sharing is still a fairly young market in Germany, with strong growth potential, though not without challenges. Interest in car sharing has waned somewhat in recent years, judging by surveys. In 2023, around * million people in Germany confirmed their interest, compared to roughly *** million the year before. Meanwhile, the number of car sharing companies has increased steadily in recent years, with *** operating in the country thus far in 2024.