Q&A: Does Sixt Franchise in the UK?

Sixt, the international car rental franchise operating in over 110 countries worldwide, is the number one rental brand in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. But does it franchise in the UK?

Founded over 100 years ago in Munich, the family-owned franchise began expanding in 1998 with the ambition of creating a car rental network across Europe.

But today, Sixt is an international franchise, comprising over 120,000 vehicles, with offices in Munich, Seoul, and Fort Lauderdale. But can UK franchisees get involved?

Looking back over our 100-year history, we see a very unique type of success. By offering people all over the world the freedom to travel in ways that suit them best, we have made Sixt into an internationally-renowned, global super-brand.
—Erich Sixt

Does Sixt franchise?

Yes, Sixt franchises in the UK. With rental hotspots across the UK, Sixt is always open to ambitious potential franchisees, so if you’re interested in running a dynamic and international car rental franchise, Sixt could be for you.

History of Sixt

As mentioned above, Sixt was founded in Munich by Martin Sixt over 100 years ago, and since then, has been steadily expanding across the world. 

While the Sixt business began life with just three rental vehicles, the business today proudly includes truck, limousine and luxury rentals as part of its overall service. 

But while the automobile franchise has broadened its horizons and grown its fleet, Sixt has never lost sight of its roots and has been named ‘World’s Leading Business Car Rental Company’ for seven consecutive years. 

And, with nearly 260,000 pure-electric cars on British roads, Sixt has continued to innovate by adding a range of pure-electric and plug-in electric cars to its rental and ride-hailing services. Tim Vetters, UK managing director at Sixt stated, “We understand the importance of establishing a powerful and meaningful policy around ESG in order to support the wider sustainability agenda...We hope that this will help to ensure the future success of the electric car sector”

Starting a Sixt franchise unit

Running your own car rental business can be difficult and unpredictable, particularly as more people consider working remotely on a more permanent basis. However, as consumer trends change towards increasingly sustainable options, vehicle rental services featuring pure-electric and plug-in options are as in-demand as ever.

However, while offering increasingly sustainable vehicle rental options is a sound investment for the future, you should ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit?

• Are you able to foresee opportunities in your market?

• Do you have the skills to motivate and lead a team?

• Can you guarantee excellent customer service?

If you answer yes to these questions, then you could well be ready to open a franchise for Sixt vehicle rentals. 

How much do you need to invest?

To open your own Sixt franchise, you’ll need to make a minimum investment of between approximately €20,000/ £17,500 and €500,000/ £450,000 depending on the size and market volume of your country, fleet requirements, and costs of doing business in your area.

If you need help getting money for the initial investment, many banks in the UK are willing to lend up to 70% of the initial start-up costs.

What do you get for your investment?

In return for your investment, Sixt will do everything it can to ensure your franchise will be successful. As part of the agreement, you’ll get a full-service package to get you up-to-speed. 

• Start-up support: Sixt will support you in finding the right size and mix of your fleet and in planning your business and investment.

• Sixt training academy: Your team will benefit from a comprehensive training schedule fine-tuned over 100 years on how to run a car rental agency the Sixt way.

• Sixt fashion store: Before opening, your team will be fully kitted-out with Sixt’s modern and comfortable uniforms.

• Sixt promotion pool: You’ll have access to Sixt’s promotion pool, giving you free access to all the marketing and promotion tools you’ll need to professionally promote your business.

• Google internet marketing: Your presence on the web will be optimised and amplified.

• Sixt leisure department: Sixt have partnered with major tourism bodies like ASTA and ABTA to ensure your interests are represented at every international trade show.

• Operations management and consulting: International franchise managers will consult and support you in all operational and strategic aspects of your business.

• 30-second booking: Sixt’s online booking system allows customers to book instantly. 

• Airline partners: Sixt has agreements with 90 of the world’s major airlines to ensure your customers make the most of their loyalty programmes. 

• Perfect point-of-rental: Your customers will consistently experience the cutting edge of in-person rental services, keeping your team at the cutting edge of new innovations.

• Ultimate brand recognition: Operating under Sixt’s name, you’ll instantly enjoy high levels of brand recognition, trust, and customer loyalty.

• Corporate social responsibility: As part of the franchise’s commitment to social responsibility, you and your team will be able to take part in Sixt’s dedicated programme aiming to help children around the world.

• International pricing support: Pricing managers will consult you frequently on all aspects of your business pricing, revenue, and rates. 

• Rental software: You’ll have full use of the Sixt rental software, letting you receive reservations, prepare rental contracts and invoices, and manage your rates and vehicle fleet.

Start your Sixt journey today

In 100 years, Sixt has come a long way, and with greener, more sustainable vehicles already being rolled out across the fleet, the future of car rentals is looking bright.

If you’d like to know more about becoming a franchisee for an award-winning, international vehicle rental agency, take a look on the Sixt website. Alternatively, browse our current car and automotive franchise opportunities on our franchise directory to discover more exciting franchises looking for their next franchisees.