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from Wikipedia
Sixt SE is an international mobility service provider with about 2,000 locations in more than 100 countries.[5] Sixt SE acts as a parent and holding company of the Sixt Group,[6] which is internationally active in the business areas of vehicle rental, car sharing, ride-hailing, and subscription.
Key Information
The majority of the company is owned by the Sixt family, who manage the company. The remaining share is tradeable stock: SIX2 (XETRA).[7]
History
[edit]Foundation
[edit] |
In 1912, Martin Sixt founded the company with a fleet of three cars, creating the first car rental company in Bavaria. During the First World War, the fleet was confiscated and used by the German Army. After the war, business resumed, but the fleet was once again seized by the German Army at the outbreak of World War II. When the war concluded, the company rebounded, establishing a taxi fleet for members of the United States Army stationed in Germany. It then opened a taxi business in Munich with the first radio taxis.[citation needed] In 1951, the car rental company Auto Sixt was founded.
1980s
[edit]In 1982, Auto Sixt was renamed Sixt Autovermietung GmbH, with the name Sixt/Budget in the logo. The company was transformed again in 1986, this time becoming Sixt AG, a corporation traded on the German stock exchange. In 1988, the subsidiary Sixt Leasing GmbH was established.[citation needed]
1990s
[edit]In 1993, the operating business of the AG was handed over to another subsidiary, Sixt GmbH & Co Autovermietung KG. Sixt AG acted thereafter as a holding company of the group.[citation needed] Also in 1993, Sixt bought the assets of its competitor Autoverleih Buchbinder, operating the brand briefly before finally discontinuing it. Sixt had failed to secure the naming rights, and subsequently Buchbinder was re-established and continued operating in the market.[8]
In 1999, the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) issued a landmark judgment against Sixt for illegal price fixing, requiring it to pay damages to its franchisees. Sixt had de facto controlled the pricing for the independent franchisees' prices, as they were part of the Germany-wide reservation system. In the event of pricing discrepancies, the rental agreements were returned to Germany. This was deemed inadmissible under German antitrust law (price fixing of the second hand) and forbidden by the BGH.[9]
2000s
[edit]
In 2003, the corporation was forced to defend itself against hedge fund manager Florian Homm, who had speculated on declining stock prices. Homm was ultimately fined for price manipulation.[10] In 2005, the Management Board Compensation Disclosure Act (VorstOG) entered into force. Sixt AG became the first company in Germany to exercise the right not to disclose directors' salaries without a shareholder vote of at least 75% majority. CEO Erich Sixt held at this time 56.8% of Sixt ordinary shares, corresponding to 89% of votes at the general meeting, meaning he was essentially able to determine the outcome. Overall, 98% of the voters approved the non-disclosure of executive pay.[11]
In 2006, Sixt made a bid to take over its competitor, Europcar, when owner Volkswagen offered it for sale. In addition to antitrust concerns (Sixt at that time had approximately 23% market share, Europcar 22%), there was also resistance from the Europcar works council, which feared job cuts after the merger.[12] Volkswagen finally accepted an offer by the French investment company Eurazeo.[13] Since 2007 and via subsidiary companies, Sixt has operated the online brokerage of motor vehicles with the websites Autocommunity Carmondo, Mystocks, RadAlert, Winebase, and autohaus24.[14]
2010s
[edit]
In 2010, former employees claimed that Sixt was opposed to setting up a works council. The company's management denied the allegation.[15] In 2011, the company opened its first branch in the USA in Florida.[16] In 2013, Sixt AG was converted to the legal form of a European Company (Societas Europaea) and since then has been called Sixt SE.[17] As part of the transition, a European Works Council ("Sixt Europe Leaders Forum") was founded in 2013. In May 2015, Sixt brought its subsidiary Sixt Leasing AG to the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.[18]
At the beginning of 2018, Sixt sold its shares in car sharing service DriveNow for 209 million euros to its joint venture partner BMW.[19] In February 2019, Sixt started an own mobility platform and a new car sharing service named Sixt share. The services car rental, car sharing, ride hailing and car subscriptions are all combined into one app.[20]
2020s
[edit]In 2020, Sixt sold all its shares in Sixt Leasing SE in order to focus its business on its mobility services.[21] In June 2020, Sixt acquired 10 concessions at U.S. airports from Advantage Rent a Car. The acquisition increased the number of Sixt stations in the United States to more than 85.[22][23] At end of July 2020, Lyft and Sixt announced a joint venture, where Lyft app users can rent a car from both partners through the app.[24]
In December 2021, the company expanded to Australia via a partnership with the NRMA. 160 branches and a total of 16,000 vehicles are thus franchised under the Sixt brand.[25][26][27]
In 2022, Sixt becomes the first car rental company in Europe to offer BYD vehicles.[28]
In December 2023, the company announced it was phasing out Teslas from its lineup following a price cut that hurt residual values in its lineup. The next month, the company announced it was buying as many as 250,000 vehicles from Stellantis NV. The order would be a combination of traditional combustion engine vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and electric cars to be used in Europe and North America. These moves came amid an industry-wide shift in how non-traditional cars would be used. At the time of the announcement, the company still had plans to electrify up to 90% of its fleet in Europe.[29][30]
Sponsorships
[edit]Sixt signed a sponsorship agreement with Galatasaray before the start of the 2020–21 Süper Lig season.
References
[edit]- ^ Uyttebroeck, Benjamin (2 March 2021). "Sixt closes 2020 with a slight profit and announces new co-CEOs". Fleet Europe. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
- ^ Jacobs, Frank (21 February 2020). "Sixt SE sells its leasing business to Hyundai Capital Bank Europe". Fleet Europe. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
- ^ Jacobs, Frank (18 June 2020). "Sixt launches flexible car subscription SIXT+". FleetEurope. Retrieved 22 October 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f "Sixt SE Annual Report 2023" (PDF). Sixt. March 26, 2024. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
- ^ "Annual Report 2021" (PDF). Sixt SE. 2022-03-02. pp. 2, 30. Retrieved 2022-04-08.
- ^ "Homepage". SIXT SE. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
- ^ Sixt, SE, Fact Sheet: Company Profile, updated 6 July 2018, accessed 7 July 2018
- ^ "BUCHBINDER: buchbinder.de". buchbinder.de.
- ^ "BGH, 02.02.1999 - KZR 11/97". dejure.org.
- ^ Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung GmbH (16 July 2006). "Florian Homm: Ein Enfant terrible wird zahm". FAZ.NET.
- ^ "Autovermietung: Sixt: 'Ich will keinen Neid schüren'". Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. 14 July 2005.
- ^ "Volkswagen: Sixt bei Europcar in der Endrunde". manager magazin. 1 February 2006.
- ^ "Automobile: VW verkauft Autovermieter Europcar nach Frankreich". Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. 9 March 2006.
- ^ "Impressum". autohaus24.de.
- ^ Nowak, Peter. "Sixt bremst Betriebsräte aus (neues deutschland)". www.neues-deutschland.de.
- ^ Feldman, Amy (2017-11-20). "The Biggest Car Rental Firm You've Never Heard Of: German Magnate Erich Sixt Plans Major U.S. Push". Forbes. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
- ^ "Sixt SE HRB 206738 Neueintragung Handelsregister". handelsregister-online.net.
- ^ "Börsengang: Sixt Leasing wird unabhängig". handelsblatt.com. Reuters. 7 May 2015.
- ^ Brower-Rabinowitsch, Grischa; Fasse, Markus (2018-07-02). "Car rental Sixt wants to become the uber-Uber". Handelsblatt. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
- ^ "Sixt verschmilzt Autovermietung und Carsharing". Manager Magazin. 2019-03-01. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
- ^ "Sixt verkauft Leasing-Tochter an Hyundai-Bank". Handelsblatt. 2020-02-21. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
- ^ Berger, Paul (2020-07-19). "German Car-Rental Company Sixt Seizes Opportunity in U.S." Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
- ^ Miebach, Elisa (2020-07-20). "Germany's Sixt Expands in U.S. With Airport Car-Rental Counters". Bloomberg News. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
- ^ Korosec, Kirsten (2020-07-30). "Lyft expands its rental business with Sixt partnership". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
- ^ Sürig, Dieter (2 December 2021). "Aus Blau wird Orange". Süddeutsche.de (in German). Retrieved 16 December 2021.
- ^ "Sixt Expands in Australia with Franchise Partnership". Auto Rental News. 2 December 2021. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
- ^ "SIXT Rent a Car | Truck Hire, Van and Car Rental". www.sixt.com.au. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
- ^ "BYD Enters Major eMobility Partnership with SIXT". BYD Europe. 4 October 2022.
- ^ "Sixt to Phase Out Teslas from Rental Car Fleet on Poor Resale Value". Bloomberg. December 2023. Retrieved 2024-01-16.
- ^ "Stellantis Wins Order for 250,000 Cars from Renter Dropping Tesla". Bloomberg. 16 January 2024. Retrieved 2024-01-16.
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Sixt.
from Grokipedia
Sixt SE is a German multinational corporation headquartered in Pullach near Munich that provides integrated mobility services, with car rental as its foundational and core business.[1][2]
Founded in 1912 by Martin Sixt as a chauffeur-driven car service with a handful of vehicles, the company has grown under subsequent family leadership—particularly Erich Sixt, who assumed control in 1969 and internationalized operations—into a provider of premium vehicle rentals, car sharing via SIXT share, ride-hailing through SIXT ride, and subscription models, accessible primarily through a unified digital app.[1][3][4]
Sixt SE operates more than 2,000 branches across over 100 countries, emphasizing high-end vehicle fleets and customer experiences that prioritize convenience and sustainability, including CO2-neutral operations achieved by 2023.[5][1]
In 2024, the company recorded revenue of €4.0 billion, marking sustained growth driven by fleet efficiency, expansion in North America (where it ranks as the fourth-largest rental provider), and robust performance in Europe, with family members Alexander and Konstantin Sixt serving as co-CEOs to steer ongoing digital and global strategies.[6][1][4]
Overview
Founding and Corporate Identity
Sixt SE originated in 1912 when Martin Sixt founded the company in Munich, Germany, initially operating as Sixt Autofahrten und Selbstfahrer, which offered chauffeured limousine services alongside self-drive car rentals. The enterprise began with a modest fleet of three vehicles, positioning it among the pioneering car rental operations in early 20th-century Europe amid the nascent automobile era.[7][8] Over the subsequent decades, the business evolved under family stewardship, with Erich Sixt—a great-nephew of the founder—joining in 1967 and steering its expansion as managing partner from 1970 and later as CEO. Incorporated as a stock corporation in 1986 and restructured as a Societas Europaea (SE) in 2017, Sixt maintains its headquarters in Pullach, near Munich, and emphasizes a premium mobility services identity encompassing rentals, leasing, and fleet management. Despite its public listing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, the company's corporate structure preserves dominant family influence, with Erich Sixt Vermögensverwaltung GmbH controlling 58.3% of ordinary shares as of June 2025.[8][9] This family-centric governance defines Sixt's identity, featuring Erich Sixt as Chairman of the Supervisory Board since 2021 and his sons, Alexander Sixt and Konstantin Sixt, as Co-CEOs, ensuring continuity in strategic decision-making oriented toward organic growth and innovation in vehicle mobility.[4][3]Ownership and Leadership
Sixt SE is controlled by the Sixt family, which holds the majority of the company's ordinary shares, conferring voting rights and strategic influence. As of the 2024 financial year, the Sixt family owned 17,701,822 ordinary shares, representing a controlling stake estimated at approximately 58% when aggregated under Erich Sixt's direct and indirect holdings.[6][10] This family ownership structure ensures alignment with long-term value creation, as the founding family maintains oversight without full public float dilution. Preference shares, which lack voting rights, are more widely held by institutional investors such as Union Asset Management Holding AG (4.69%) and The Vanguard Group.[11] Leadership is anchored in the Sixt family across both the Management Board and Supervisory Board. Erich Sixt, who served as Chairman of the Management Board from 1986 until June 16, 2021, transitioned to Chairman of the Supervisory Board, providing continuity in governance.[4] His sons, Alexander Sixt and Konstantin Sixt, have jointly chaired the Management Board as co-CEOs since June 2021, with Alexander focusing on corporate strategy and international expansion, and Konstantin on digital innovation and operations.[1] The Management Board also includes key executives such as Nico Gabriel (responsible for finance), Vinzenz Pflanz (Chief Business Officer), and Dr. Franz Weinberger (legal and compliance), appointed to support growth initiatives.[12][13] The Supervisory Board, chaired by Erich Sixt, comprises independent members and family representatives to balance oversight, including Daniel Terberger as deputy chairman.[4] This dual-board structure under German corporate law emphasizes family stewardship while incorporating external expertise for risk management and audit functions. Family leadership has been credited with navigating expansions and recoveries, though it limits external shareholder influence on major decisions.[14]Historical Development
Origins and Early Expansion (1912–1980)
Sixt Autofahrten und Selbstfahrer was established in Munich, Germany, in 1912 by Martin Sixt, marking one of the earliest car rental operations in the country. The company commenced with a fleet of seven vehicles—four Mercedes and three Luxus-Deutz-Landaulets—primarily serving affluent clients such as British noblemen and wealthy Americans seeking chauffeured tours to destinations like the Riviera.[8] During World War I, the fleet was requisitioned by the German military for transport purposes, disrupting civilian operations but allowing the business to endure through wartime demands.[8] In 1927, at the age of 20, Martin Sixt's nephew Hans Sixt assumed control of the company, transitioning the fleet exclusively to Mercedes vehicles and expanding it to 20 cars. Hans introduced principles of creativity and innovation to the business philosophy, fostering growth amid the interwar period despite economic challenges and another vehicle confiscation during World War II.[8][15] Postwar recovery began in 1946 when Hans Sixt relaunched services using a Mercedes 230 Landaulet, initially providing "Export Taxi" rides for American occupation forces. By 1948, the company pioneered radio-equipped taxis in Europe, utilizing U.S. military technology. In 1951, Auto Sixt was formed as a dedicated self-drive rental division, broadening accessibility beyond chauffeured services.[8] Expansion accelerated in the 1960s with the opening of branches at Munich and Frankfurt airports in 1966, followed by entry into car leasing in 1967. Erich Sixt joined the family enterprise in 1969, coinciding with a fleet size of 100 vehicles and the introduction of truck rentals. By 1977, Sixt had established presence at all major German airports and secured a licensing agreement with Budget Rent a Car, enhancing its domestic footprint while maintaining a focus on premium service and vehicle quality.[8]European Consolidation (1980s–1990s)
In the 1980s, Sixt solidified its position in Germany while preparing for broader European growth. The company went public in 1986 as Sixt AG, accessing stock market capital to fund expansion while maintaining family control under Erich Sixt.[8][15] In 1988, it entered the leasing sector through Sixt Leasing GmbH, diversifying beyond pure rentals.[8] Following German reunification, Sixt rapidly expanded into former East Germany in 1990, establishing 15 rental stations to meet surging demand.[8][15] The mid-1990s marked key partnerships enhancing Sixt's European footprint and operational efficiency. A 1994 alliance with Deutsche Lufthansa AG positioned Sixt as Germany's leading car rental firm by turnover, integrating with the Miles & More loyalty program to target business travelers, who comprised 60% of sales.[8][15] In 1996, Sixt entered Austria by opening its first branch at Vienna Airport and introduced SelfService Centers to streamline customer access.[8][15] The company also restructured, selling a 50.2% stake in its leasing arm (ASL) to refocus on core vehicle rental activities.[8] By the late 1990s, Sixt pursued aggressive consolidation across Western and emerging Eastern European markets through acquisitions, joint ventures, and franchising. In 1997, it formed a joint venture with Eurorent S.A. in France, gaining over 100 stations including major airports in Paris, Nice, Lyon, and Bordeaux, while acquiring European Car Rental in the United Kingdom, adding eight offices and 1,000 vehicles.[8][15] Switzerland operations began in 1990 via Sixt Autovermietung Schweiz.[3] Expansions in 1998 targeted airports in Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, Hungary, Spain, Portugal, Malta, and the Czech Republic, with the latter operating under franchisee Speed Rent a.s. and initial offices in Prague.[8][15][3] These moves, complemented by a 1999 cooperation with Dollar Rent a Car, established Sixt's presence in over a dozen European countries, emphasizing airport hubs and franchise models for scalable growth.[15]Digital and International Growth (2000s–2010s)
In 2000, Sixt launched an electronic business platform specializing in cars and travel services, facilitating early online reservations and positioning the company as a pioneer in digital mobility commerce.[15] This initiative expanded customer access beyond physical branches, supporting revenue diversification amid growing internet adoption in Europe. By 2009, Sixt advanced mobile integration by introducing the industry's first iPhone booking application, enabling seamless app-based reservations and enhancing user convenience.[1] The 2010s accelerated digital innovation with the 2010 launch of DriveNow, a premium car-sharing service developed in partnership with BMW, which utilized GPS-enabled vehicles, smartphone apps for unlocking, and cashless payments to offer on-demand access in urban areas like Munich.[1][15] This marked one of Europe's earliest large-scale car-sharing deployments, with over 1,000 vehicles initially and rapid scaling to multiple cities, blending rental with subscription-like flexibility and foreshadowing integrated mobility ecosystems. By 2019, Sixt consolidated these efforts by digitizing its entire portfolio into the SIXT ONE hub and releasing a unified app incorporating rentals, sharing, and ride-hailing, which processed bookings digitally from inquiry to vehicle handover.[1] Parallel to digital advancements, Sixt intensified international direct operations in the 2010s, shifting from licensee models to owned branches for greater control and premium branding. In 2011, the company entered the U.S. market with initial locations in Memphis, Tennessee, and Florida, targeting airport hubs to capture leisure and business travelers seeking luxury vehicles like convertibles and SUVs at competitive rates.[16][17] This expansion yielded rapid growth, with U.S. locations surpassing 100 by the late 2010s and revenue doubling from 2011 baselines through aggressive fleet investments and partnerships.[18] In Europe, Sixt established SIXT Italia in 2015 with 12 owned branches at key airports including Milan Malpensa and Rome Fiumicino, bolstering its Mediterranean presence and contributing to a rise in international revenue share from approximately 28% in 2009 to over 50% by decade's end.[1] The 2013 conversion from Sixt AG to Sixt SE, a European company structure, streamlined cross-border governance and facilitated further acquisitions, such as additional U.S. airport concessions by 2019.[15] These moves, combined with digital tools, drove overall fleet expansion to over 200,000 vehicles globally by 2019 and positioned Sixt as a scalable player in high-growth markets.[1]Challenges and Adaptation (2020s)
The COVID-19 pandemic posed severe challenges to Sixt SE in 2020, with global travel restrictions and lockdowns leading to a sharp decline in demand for rental services and a projected strong drop in consolidated operating revenue for the year.[19][20] In response, the company implemented rapid cost adjustments, including a 12% fleet reduction in the second quarter of 2020 and suspension of dividend payments, enabling it to achieve a slight profit in Europe despite the crisis.[21] These measures, combined with a focus on urban station demand upturn, allowed Sixt to define strategic growth directions amid the first-half earnings hit, emphasizing digital integration and international expansion.[22] Post-pandemic recovery brought new hurdles from automotive supply chain disruptions, including semiconductor shortages, which constrained vehicle availability and fleet expansion despite strong travel demand.[23] Sixt adapted by enhancing fleet efficiency and securing multi-year supply agreements, such as a deal with Stellantis in January 2024 to deliver up to 250,000 vehicles across Europe and North America over three years, mitigating shortages and supporting revenue growth to record levels by 2022.[24] This approach contributed to a rebound, with pre-tax profits reaching €442 million in 2021—the highest in company history—despite ongoing restrictions.[25] The transition to electric vehicles emerged as a significant challenge in the mid-2020s, exacerbated by rapid depreciation and poor resale values following Tesla's price cuts, prompting Sixt to phase out Tesla models from its fleet in December 2023.[26] This shift, alongside a broader lack of market momentum for EVs, resulted in increased vehicle depreciation—up 30% in 2024—and losses from sales, denting profitability despite record revenues of €4.0 billion that year.[27][6] Sixt responded by adjusting its electrification strategy, targeting 70-90% electrified fleets in Europe by 2030 while diversifying suppliers and improving charging infrastructure to address operational bottlenecks like power capacity limits at branches.[28][29] These adaptations sustained overall growth, with earnings before tax rising 71% to €107.3 million in Q2 2025 amid fleet utilization improvements.[30]Business Operations
Core Services and Revenue Streams
Sixt SE's primary service is vehicle rental, encompassing short- and long-term leases of passenger cars, vans, trucks, and premium models from brands including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi, offered through over 2,000 locations in more than 100 countries.[31][6] This segment targets both leisure travelers and business customers, with a focus on premium vehicles comprising 49% of fleet value by 2024, emphasizing quality, modern safety features, and flexible booking via app or website.[6] Rental operations generated €3,640.7 million in 2024, representing 91.0% of total consolidated revenue, driven by airport concessions, corporate partnerships, and e-commerce demand for commercial vehicles.[6] Leasing and fleet management form supplementary streams, handled via Sixt Business for corporate clients and SIXT+ for flexible subscriptions (monthly to 12-month terms, including maintenance and mileage options).[32][33] These services provide end-to-end solutions like vehicle procurement, maintenance, repairs, and remarketing, managing an average fleet of 357,100 vehicles in 2024 under buy-back agreements with manufacturers (79% of fleet).[6] Leasing revenue reached €149.0 million (3.7%) in 2024, supporting business efficiency through discounts up to 15% and dedicated account management.[6][32] Ancillary mobility offerings, such as car-sharing (SIXT share in select European cities), ride-hailing (SIXT ride with app-based chauffeurs), and access to over 400,000 EV charging points (SIXT charge), integrate with core rentals but contribute marginally to revenue, often bundled as add-ons.[6][31] Electrified vehicles made up 16.2% of the rental fleet (29,876 units) by 2024, aligning with sustainability goals while supporting urban and commercial use.[6] The 2024 revenue breakdown highlights rental dominance, with regional variations: Germany (28.5%, business-focused), Europe excluding Germany (38.6%, tourist-oriented), and North America (32.8%, airport-heavy).[6]| Revenue Stream | 2024 (EUR million) | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Rental revenue | 3,640.7 | 91.0 |
| Other revenue from rental business | 209.4 | 5.2 |
| Leasing revenue | 149.0 | 3.7 |
| Other revenue | 21.3 | 0.5 |
Fleet Management and Sourcing
Sixt employs a fleet management strategy centered on tight planning, rapid rotation, and risk mitigation to support profitability, with vehicles typically held for 6 to 12 months before disposal via sales or auctions.[6] This approach includes digitalization of processes from acquisition and allocation to maintenance and damage processing, enabling efficient scaling across its global network.[34] The rental fleet, excluding franchises, averaged 169,100 vehicles in 2023, comprising high-quality models across categories such as compact, premium, and electric vehicles, with safety prioritized in selections.[35][36] Vehicle sourcing relies on bulk purchases from automakers and structured agreements to secure favorable pricing and residual values. In January 2024, Sixt signed a multi-billion euro deal with Stellantis to acquire up to 250,000 vehicles for its European and North American fleets by 2026, focusing on latest-generation models to enhance premium offerings.[37] Approximately 79% of vehicles added to the rental fleet in 2024 were obtained through buy-back commitments from manufacturers, shifting risk away from Sixt and supporting higher rotation rates.[6] The company also incorporates third-party leasing for portions of its fleet, with around 145,500 own and leased vehicles valued at €5.34 billion as of June 2025.[9] Disposal strategies emphasize timely remarketing to capture value, with proceeds from sales offsetting acquisition costs and contributing to cash flow; in recent years, increased fleet turnover has reduced exposure to depreciation risks.[6] Sixt's premium focus has elevated the share of higher-value vehicles to 55% of the in-fleet by vehicle value in the first half of 2025, up from prior periods, aligning with demand for luxury and electric models amid electrification goals.[9] However, the proportion of fully electric vehicles in the fleet declined to about half the level of March 2023 by February 2024, reflecting market availability constraints.[36]Global Network and Market Presence
Sixt SE operates an extensive international network comprising over 2,000 branches across more than 100 countries as of 2025.[3][5] The company's model distinguishes between corporate-owned operations in select markets, where Sixt assumes direct financial risk and management, and franchise partnerships that facilitate broader geographic reach without equivalent exposure.[38] This hybrid approach has enabled steady network growth, with expansions driven by demand in high-traffic locations such as airports and urban centers. In its 13 core corporate countries—Germany, the United States, Canada, Spain, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Austria, Switzerland, and Monaco—Sixt maintains full operational control, supporting premium vehicle rentals, leasing, and mobility services.[38] Germany, as the domestic stronghold, hosts 375 branches nationwide as of June 2025, representing a key revenue driver amid Europe's mature car rental sector.[9] These markets collectively account for the majority of Sixt's direct investments, emphasizing airport proximity and fleet scalability to capture business and leisure travel volumes. North America exemplifies Sixt's aggressive international push, particularly in the United States, the world's largest car rental market exceeding USD 30 billion annually.[1] By December 2024, Sixt had achieved a milestone with its 50th U.S. airport location, including expansions at John Wayne Airport and entries into states like Louisiana, alongside urban hubs in New York and New Jersey.[5][39] Canada complements this with corporate stations focused on similar high-volume sites. In contrast, franchise models dominate in regions like Australia, where a 2021 partnership with NRMA added approximately 160 branches, and emerging African markets, including South Africa and Namibia from November 2024, with Botswana planned for 2025.[40] These moves reflect Sixt's strategy to leverage local partners for cost-efficient scaling while prioritizing premium branding in competitive landscapes.[41]Financial Performance
Key Metrics and Trends
Sixt SE achieved consolidated revenue of €4.00 billion in fiscal year 2024, representing a 10.5% increase from €3.62 billion in 2023 and marking the third consecutive record year for top-line growth.[34] This expansion was driven by higher rental volumes across Europe, North America, and other international segments, despite industry headwinds including elevated vehicle acquisition costs and financing expenses.[34] EBITDA reached an all-time high of €1.46 billion, reflecting improved operational efficiency and pricing discipline, though earnings before taxes (EBT) fell to €335.2 million from €464.3 million the prior year, attributable to increased depreciation, amortization, and net interest costs amid a larger fleet and higher borrowing rates.[34][42] Operational scale expanded in tandem with revenue, with the average fleet size (excluding franchises) rising 8.9% to approximately 184,300 vehicles from 169,100 in 2023, supporting greater capacity to meet demand while premium vehicles constituted over half of the mix.[6] The company operated around 2,067 stations worldwide as of December 31, 2024, with employee headcount at 6,921, underscoring steady network densification and staffing to handle volume growth.[43] Revenue per employee trends improved amid the expansion, though return on capital employed faced pressure from fleet investments totaling billions in procurement value.[6]| Key Financial Metric | 2023 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue (€ billion) | 3.62 | 4.00 | +10.5% |
| EBITDA (€ million) | 1,330 | 1,460 | +9.8% |
| EBT (€ million) | 464.3 | 335.2 | -27.8% |
Ownership Structure and Stock Performance
Sixt SE's ownership is dominated by the founding Sixt family, which exercises control through Erich Sixt Vermögensverwaltung GmbH, holding 58.3% of the company's ordinary shares as of June 30, 2025.[9] This entity, fully owned directly and indirectly by family members, ensures strategic continuity aligned with long-term family interests, including oversight by Erich Sixt as Chairman of the Supervisory Board.[4] The ordinary shares carry voting rights, distinguishing them from non-voting preference shares, and the family's stake provides a buffer against external pressures while allowing a free float of approximately 41.7% for public trading.[9] Among the free float, institutional investors hold notable positions, with Union Asset Management Holding AG owning 4.69% (2,199,603 shares) and The Vanguard Group, Inc. at 2.50% (1,174,873 shares) as of mid-2025 filings.[46] Individual and other investors comprise the remainder, reflecting a structure that balances family dominance with market liquidity, though the dual-class setup limits broader shareholder influence on governance.[11] ![Erich Sixt, patriarch of the controlling family ownership]float-right Sixt SE ordinary shares (SIX2.DE) trade on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, with the company maintaining a market capitalization of approximately €3.28 billion as of late October 2025.[47] The stock reached a 52-week high of €98.70 on July 18, 2025, amid post-pandemic recovery and expansion gains, but declined to a low of €63.55 earlier in the year, reflecting sensitivity to economic cycles, fuel costs, and travel demand fluctuations.[48] Year-to-date through October 2025, shares posted a -1.91% return, while one-year performance stood at +3.21%, underscoring resilience despite volatility from inflation and interest rate pressures.[49] Financial results bolstered investor confidence, with Q2 2025 earnings per share (EPS) rising to €1.67 from €1.03 year-over-year, driven by 71% earnings growth and record quarterly revenue from vehicle rentals and leasing.[50] Trading volume averaged moderate levels, with recent sessions around 54,000 shares, and the price closing near €76 in mid-October before stabilizing around €74-75 by October 26, 2025.[51] Analysts maintain a moderate buy rating with targets up to €125, citing Sixt's market share gains in key regions like the U.S., though risks from fleet depreciation and competitive pricing persist.[52]Innovations and Technology
Digital Platforms and Customer Tools
Sixt provides customers with an integrated mobile application, launched on February 28, 2019, that serves as a comprehensive mobility platform encompassing car rentals, car sharing, ride hailing, and subscription services.[53] The app, available on iOS and Android with ratings exceeding 4.8 stars from over 95,000 reviews, allows users to access over 250,000 vehicles across more than 105 countries and 2,200 stations using a single login.[54][55] This digital tool supports predefined profiles for distinguishing private and business trips, enabling seamless tracking and management of rentals or rides.[55] Core functionalities include an intuitive map-based search for stations and vehicles, filterable by car type, equipment, seating, and driver age, with options to sort by price or popularity for rapid booking—often completed in seconds via "tap to travel."[56] Customers can customize rentals by adding extras such as insurance protections or Wi-Fi connectivity (via SIXT Connect, which provides hotspots, GPS navigation, and city guides in equipped vehicles).[56][57] The app facilitates digital vehicle access, functioning as a virtual key to unlock cars, and integrates navigation directly to stations or drop-off points without detours.[58] For ride hailing under SIXT ride, users receive real-time driver information, cashless payments, and pre-booking options, expanded in 2024 through integration with Blacklane for chauffeur services in North America.[55][59] Car sharing via SIXT share offers flexible, unlimited-duration access in markets like Germany and the Netherlands, with drop-offs at any location or station, supporting spontaneous trips up to 27 days.[55] The SIXT+ subscription model provides all-inclusive plans (covering insurance and maintenance) with terms of 1, 6, or 12 months, bookable directly in the app for ongoing mobility without ownership.[55] Business users benefit from corporate rates, global expense reporting, and mobile check-in features that expedite pick-up and return processes at stations, including counter bypass options at select airports.[56][60] In December 2023, Sixt enhanced its digital booking infrastructure across the app and website, streamlining reservations and modifications for improved user efficiency amid rising demand.[61] Additional customer support tools include in-app access to live chat and WhatsApp for queries on bookings or emergencies, complementing self-service options like online reservation amendments.[62] These platforms leverage AI for dynamic pricing and vehicle matching, prioritizing convenience in a network serving millions annually.[53]Mobility and Leasing Expansions
Sixt SE has broadened its portfolio beyond traditional car rentals into integrated mobility services via the SIXT ONE digital platform, launched in 2019 to unify access to rentals, sharing, rides, and subscriptions through a single app. This expansion aims to position Sixt as a comprehensive mobility provider, with services like Sixt Share offering flexible car sharing options including premium, electric, and van vehicles available on-demand in urban areas across Europe and select international markets.[63][64] In ride-hailing, Sixt Ride has seen targeted growth, particularly through strategic partnerships enhancing premium chauffeur services. In June 2024, Sixt integrated Blacklane's network into its app for North American expansion, enabling bookings for airport transfers and city rides with professional drivers across the US and Canada. Further, a September 2025 collaboration with Trip.com introduced Sixt Ride as the exclusive "First Class" ground transport option, targeting high-end travelers in global markets. These moves leverage Sixt's existing infrastructure to compete in the on-demand transport sector.[65][66] Sixt's leasing operations, managed historically through Sixt Leasing AG (now operating as Allane Mobility Group following its 2015 IPO and 2021 rebranding), focus on long-term vehicle contracts for businesses, supporting fleet expansion. The segment has grown alongside Sixt's overall vehicle procurement, exemplified by a January 2024 agreement with Stellantis to acquire up to 250,000 vehicles by 2026 for deployment in rental and leasing fleets across Europe and North America. This deal underscores leasing's role in scaling Sixt's mobility ecosystem, with contract volumes contributing to group revenue increases, such as the 10.5% rise to €4.00 billion in 2024.[37][41]Marketing and Sponsorships
Branding Strategies
Sixt employs a branding strategy focused on premium positioning, emphasizing superior fleet quality, innovative services, and technology to deliver exciting and sustainable mobility experiences under the mantra "EXPECT BETTER." This approach aims to exceed customer expectations, fostering loyalty and repeat business through high-end offerings like access to luxury vehicles from brands such as BMW.[67] Central to the brand's visual identity is its bold orange color scheme, representing energy and dynamism, expanded as the "orange footprint" across global operations. Sixt maintains iconic recognition while evolving through targeted redesigns, including updates to the logo, typeface, and colors for greater accessibility and appeal to digital-first younger demographics. Agency Jung von Matt led these efforts, developing a customer-centric strategy that integrates sub-brands like SIXT share, SIXT+, and SIXT ride into a cohesive identity.[67][68] In 2023, Sixt refined its logo with a proprietary typeface family (Sixt Light, Regular, Bold, and Condensed), modified letterforms—such as an altered "S" shape and extended stroke over the "i"—and a deeper orange hue (#ff5f00), while adjusting spacing between the swoosh and text. These modifications supported the international "Rent E-mobility!" campaign, highlighting electric vehicle rentals and aligning with sustainability goals without overhauling the core design. The retained black, orange, and white palette ensures versatility across media.[69] Brand amplification occurs via digital platforms, AI for customer scaling, and campaigns like the 2022 U.S. "Rent-THE-Car" initiative, which showcased premium vehicles to differentiate from competitors. This strategy has built substantial global awareness, with Sixt recognized as a mega-brand in the mobility sector, supported by a "Team Orange" culture prioritizing innovation and service excellence.[67][70]