Amex GBT Forecasts Steady UK Car Rental Market Amid Electric Vehicle Boom

American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) has released its Ground Monitor report for 2026/27, providing insights into the future of car rentals. The report highlights how changing vehicle technology, supply chain shifts, and used-car values will impact the UK and global car rental markets.

The UK is one of the steadiest rental markets in the forecast, with rates expected to rise by 0.6-1.3%. This stability reflects the stability of the vehicle supply market, which has been a major factor in previous years' higher rate increases.

Josh Collier, global business consulting at American Express Global Business Travel, noted that the UK zero-emission vehicle mandate (ZEV mandate) is under review and could have a significant impact on car rental pricing in the medium term.

The report also shows that EVs are accelerating across rental markets. Brazil's EV rental fleet grew more than 13-fold between 2021 and 2025, while UK and Dutch rates are forecast to rise by 0.6-1.3% and 4-5%, respectively.

Collier also noted that the traditional lines between car rental, fleet, and car sharing are dissolving. He advises clients to review their current set-up and policies to ensure they are seeing the best value, treating rental, fleet, and ride hail as one governed decision instead of three.