In a major automotive industry shakeup, rental car giant Sixt has inked a deal to purchase up to an ambitious 250,000 vehicles from auto conglomerate Stellantis, according to Sixt press release. This massive fleet expansion, poised to roll out over the next three years, is set to bolster Sixt's presence across Europe and North America. The German mobility service provider stands to bolster its rental options with a variety of brands from Stellantis’ storied lineup, including Jeep and Fiat, to the more upscale Alfa Romeo and Maserati.
Set to commence in the first quarter of 2024, Sixt's inventory update will cater to a wide range of customer needs by adding city cars, SUVs, and vans, including those nifty seven- and nine-seaters for the big family outings. But it's not just about quantity and variety for Sixt. The company is also gunning for a greener image, with a sizeable slice of the new acquisitions being state-of-the-art battery electric vehicles (BEVs), as reported by dbusiness.com. "This agreement with a progressive, full-range partner underscores our promise to provide our customers with the best choice for all their mobility needs," said Konstantin Sixt, co-CEO of Sixt, in a statement that echoes the company's 'EXPECT BETTER' growth strategy.
This strategic move aligns Sixt with its target of electrifying 70-90 percent of its European fleet by 2030, a significant leap towards diminishing its carbon footprint. But Sixt's vision doesn't stop with cleaner propulsion. The company is also eyeing the integration of an expanded offering via its app into a full-blown ecosystem for sustainable mobility, offering access to a network of public charging points and slashing CO2 emissions at its branches, detailed Automotivedive.
Mobility service is about to get even more tech-savvy. As part of the package, Stellantis vehicles come with the latest in software and infotainment tech features. Moreover, through Stellantis’ data as a service (DaaS) business Mobilisights, Sixt may soon harness real-time telemetry data such as fuel level and mileage, a convenience that promises to make car returns a breeze. "It’s the ultimate test drive and a critical checkpoint for us in the upcoming years as Stellantis transforms into a sustainable mobility tech company," said Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis, according to Stellantis.
Tavares has also laid out Stellantis' intentions to push for a cleaner future with a target of 100% electric vehicle (EV) sales in Europe and a 50% EV sales mix in the United States by 2030. The forward-looking partnership marks an intersection of corporate growth strategy and environmental conscientiousness, promising customers across North America and Europe access to a modern, environmentally responsible, and varied fleet of rental vehicles. This burgeoning alliance stands as a testament to the shift towards sustainable mobility and a progressive leap for both Sixt and Stellantis as they navigate the dynamic landscape of global automotive markets.
