What Car Rental Companies Are Owned by Enterprise? A Complete Guide

• enterprise-holdings-overview - Enterprise Holdings: An Overview of the Parent Company
• brands-owned-by-enterprise - What Car Rental Companies Are Owned by Enterprise?
• differences-between-enterprise-alamo-national - Key Differences Between Enterprise, Alamo, and National
• why-enterprise-buys-multiple-brands - Why Enterprise Owns Multiple Rental Brands
• real-life-insight-from-renters - Real-Life Insight: What Renters Have Noticed
• explore-better-options-with-carvel-car-rental - Explore Better Options with Carvel Car Rental

1. Enterprise Holdings: An Overview of the Parent Company

If you’ve rented a car in the U.S., chances are you’ve interacted with a brand owned by Enterprise Holdings. Founded in 1957 and based in St. Louis, Missouri, Enterprise Holdings has grown into one of the largest car rental groups in the world, with a reach in over 90 countries and more than 9,500 locations.

But Enterprise Holdings isn’t just about the "Enterprise Rent-A-Car" you see at the airport. They’ve quietly acquired several major competitors, allowing them to serve a wide range of customers—from budget-conscious travelers to corporate clients.

2. What Car Rental Companies Are Owned by Enterprise?

2.1 Enterprise Rent-A-Car

The original and flagship brand. Known for neighborhood rentals, insurance replacement vehicles, and one of the most recognizable names in the U.S. rental space. Their slogan “We’ll pick you up” became a defining part of their identity.

2.2 National Car Rental

Acquired by Enterprise Holdings in 2007, National focuses on business travelers and frequent renters. Their Emerald Club loyalty program is a favorite for customers looking for efficiency, car upgrades, and fast check-outs at the airport.

2.3 Alamo Rent A Car

Also part of the 2007 acquisition, Alamo appeals mostly to leisure travelers, especially families and tourists. It’s often found at major airports and vacation destinations and is known for offering competitive pricing and user-friendly booking tools.

3. Key Differences Between Enterprise, Alamo, and National

3.1 Target Market Strategy

While all three brands fall under Enterprise Holdings, they serve different audiences. Enterprise is the go-to for neighborhood rentals and replacement vehicles. Alamo is ideal for casual or first-time travelers. National is tailored to business professionals who want speed and perks.

3.2 Pricing and Perks

Alamo often provides the most affordable daily rates. National is priced higher but includes loyalty benefits that add value. Enterprise usually offers a balance of both—especially if you're renting locally or long-term.

3.3 User Experience

Enterprise emphasizes customer service, often winning satisfaction awards. Alamo keeps the process simple for casual users. National offers tech-focused features like skip-the-counter and mobile checkout, ideal for time-conscious renters.

4. Why Enterprise Owns Multiple Rental Brands

Enterprise Holdings’ decision to operate multiple brands under one umbrella is both strategic and customer-driven. By segmenting the market, they can tailor pricing, experience, and branding to different traveler types—all while maintaining control over fleet and logistics.

This model also allows them to dominate airport space by offering multiple brand options side-by-side. To a traveler, it might look like three competing rental agencies, but behind the scenes, they’re all part of the same operation.

5. Real-Life Insight: What Renters Have Noticed

In online forums and travel blogs, frequent U.S. renters have started to notice patterns. A Reddit user once shared, “I booked an Alamo car, but the paperwork had an Enterprise logo, and the car had a National sticker. That’s when I realized it’s all the same company.”

Understanding who owns what can give savvy customers more negotiating power and help them make smarter decisions based on service history and loyalty programs—not just logos.

6. Explore Better Options with Carvel Car Rental

While Enterprise Holdings owns a huge portion of the U.S. rental car market, it’s not the only option. If you’re looking for a company that blends competitive pricing with personalized service and more flexibility, Carvel Car Rental might be your perfect match.

At Carvel Car Rental, we focus on simplifying your rental experience—from no-hidden-fee policies to tailored recommendations for local and long-distance travel. Whether you’re planning a road trip or need a weekend ride, we make sure your rental works for your lifestyle—not the other way around.