Who Owns National Car Rental? A Look at the Parent Company and Ownership

• 1. Who Owns National Car Rental?
• 2. History of National Car Rental
• 3. The Parent Company of National Car Rental
• 4. Other Companies Under the Same Parent
• 5. Why Understanding Ownership Matters for Customers

1. Who Owns National Car Rental?

National Car Rental, one of the leading car rental companies in the United States and around the world, is owned by Enterprise Holdings, a family-owned business. Enterprise Holdings is the largest car rental company globally, and it also owns other well-known rental brands such as Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Alamo Rent A Car.

The company is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, and operates in more than 90 countries, offering a range of vehicles for both business and leisure travelers. National Car Rental specializes in providing high-quality service to business travelers with convenient rental options at major airports and locations worldwide.

2. History of National Car Rental

National Car Rental was founded in 1947 by 25 independent car rental operators and grew rapidly throughout the 1950s and 1960s. The company became known for its emphasis on providing a reliable fleet of vehicles and quality service to its customers. Over the years, National Car Rental became synonymous with convenience and innovation in the car rental industry.

In 2007, National Car Rental was acquired by Enterprise Rent-A-Car, which at the time was already a significant player in the car rental market. The merger was seen as a strategic move to cater to both the leisure and business travel markets more effectively. Since the acquisition, National Car Rental has maintained its reputation for serving business travelers with a variety of options, including its Emerald Club loyalty program, which allows frequent renters to enjoy expedited service and benefits.

3. The Parent Company of National Car Rental

Enterprise Holdings, the parent company of National Car Rental, was founded in 1957 by Jack Taylor. Initially starting with a small fleet of cars, the company grew into one of the largest and most successful car rental businesses in the world. Today, Enterprise Holdings owns and operates multiple car rental brands, each targeting different customer segments. National Car Rental is primarily focused on the business traveler, offering services that make renting a car as quick and convenient as possible.

Enterprise Holdings operates under a privately held structure, meaning it is not listed on the stock exchange and remains largely controlled by the Taylor family. This ownership model allows the company to make long-term strategic decisions and maintain a strong customer-focused approach across all of its brands.

4. Other Companies Under the Same Parent

Enterprise Holdings is not just the owner of National Car Rental. The company owns several other prominent brands in the car rental industry, including:

1. Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Enterprise Rent-A-Car is the flagship brand of Enterprise Holdings, known for its extensive network of locations, especially in the United States. Enterprise primarily serves leisure travelers, with a focus on offering convenient rental locations, affordable prices, and a broad range of vehicles.

2. Alamo Rent A Car

Alamo Rent A Car, which was acquired by Enterprise Holdings in 2007 along with National Car Rental, focuses on providing car rental services for vacationers and tourists. Alamo is known for its value pricing and simple booking process.

3. Enterprise CarShare and Zipcar

In addition to traditional car rental services, Enterprise Holdings also owns car-sharing companies like Enterprise CarShare and Zipcar. These brands cater to customers who need a car for short-term use, offering flexible rental options and a more sustainable approach to transportation.

5. Why Understanding Ownership Matters for Customers

Understanding the ownership structure of National Car Rental can help customers make more informed decisions when choosing a car rental service. Since National Car Rental is owned by Enterprise Holdings, customers can expect consistent service standards across all of the company’s brands. Whether you’re renting from National, Enterprise, or Alamo, you’ll find that the quality of service, vehicle selection, and customer support are largely the same, as they all follow the same high standards set by Enterprise Holdings.

Additionally, knowing that National Car Rental is part of the larger Enterprise Holdings family can give customers confidence that they are dealing with a reputable company that has a long history of success. Enterprise Holdings has invested heavily in customer satisfaction, technology, and global expansion, making it a leader in the car rental industry.

Furthermore, if you are a frequent traveler or a business person, understanding the parent company’s offerings allows you to take advantage of loyalty programs like Enterprise’s “Enterprise Plus” or National Car Rental’s “Emerald Club,” which offer various perks and discounts. These programs can make renting a car easier and more affordable for frequent renters.