When the pandemic came to Sweden and the travel restrictions were introduced, the car rental industry was hit hard. Nobody wanted to rent a car.

Anders Trollsås is the CEO and secretary general of the trade association Biluthyrarna Sweden.

- We saw almost a crossroads in mid-March. Then all companies tried to reduce their fleet, he says.

And that was partly successful, Anders Trollsås says.

Anders Trollsås, President and General Secretary of the trade association Biluthyrarna Sverige.

The lessors disposed of about 20 percent of the Swedish rental fleet, which corresponds to about 10,000 vehicles.

This was mainly done by refraining from extending the relatively short leasing contracts that are common in the industry.

From the lack of demand to the end of cars

But now that the authorities have announced that it is possible to travel in Sweden again, the pressure on the rental car market has increased markedly. Demand is high, while fewer cars than usual are available.

- On the same day that the restrictions were released, it fell into place, there was near chaos in all booking channels. As we approached midsummer, it was almost out of cars.

Municipalities and regions also booked a large number of cars as soon as they realized that the healthcare staff needed cars for their jobs and users.

- In April and May, demand was 50 percent against what it usually was. And it looked quite a while. But then it increased from municipalities and regions, wherever care was concerned.

Concern about the fall

But even though demand came back as quickly as it disappeared, the question remains what happens in August and September. Then many tourists from the USA, Germany and our Nordic neighboring countries usually come to Sweden, something that can be missed due to the pandemic.

- If nothing positive happens in the positive direction, August and September will be very tough for us, says Anders Trollsås and continues:

- Fortunately, we have been able to use short-term permits. And now we have been told that we should be included in the rules for rent compensation. But all that must be in place, otherwise it will be difficult until the autumn.