The name might not be as recognizable as Avis or Hertz. But Sixt Rent a Car has become a bigger fish in the North American rental car pond. The German firm expanded its footprint by scooping up U.S. locations from the recently bankrupt Advantage Rent a Car and has also added several Canadian locations. Here’s what Sixt’s expansion might mean for your future travels.
Here’s Where Sixt is Expanding in the U.S.
In 2020, Sixt took over 10 airport car rental branches in the U.S. from Advantage Rent a Car. This allowed the firm to gain a presence in five new major markets and raising its profile in five others.
Sixt took over five new airport concessions at Boston (BOS), Houston (IAH) and three airports serving the greater New York City area (JFK, LGA and EWR). In addition, Sixt beefed up its existing presence at five other U.S. airports: Las Vegas (LAS), Orlando (MCO), Denver (DEN), Maui (OGG) and Honolulu (HNL).
That expansion in the U.S. has continued. As recently as spring of 2022, Sixt opened new branches in Charlotte, Baltimore, Cincinnati and more.
Also in 2022, Sixt opened its first Canadian locations, first in downtown Vancouver’s Library Square and then in Toronto.
Here’s What Sixt’s Expansion Means to You
Not only do these acquisitions make Sixt a bigger player in the North America, but it also helps the German firm overcome what has always been one of its persistent drawbacks. The company has never been a good choice for taking a long-range road trip, because with few locations, Sixt had been forced to limit the geographic region where you could take its vehicles to within a four-hour radius from one of the limited Sixt locations. Now, with a larger footprint, Sixt becomes a valid choice for more travelers—in the northeast as well as other places.
Don’t Forget to Sign up for Sixt Rewards
Even if you only rent a car once in a blue moon, it always makes sense to join the rental car company’s loyalty program so you can take advantage of benefits such as upgrades, free rentals, and other perks.
Sixt Rewards is a fairly straightforward program when it comes to accruing benefits and an easy way to advance in status.
The German rental firm Sixt is unlike most other major rental companies. Drive past one of their locations, and you might see the usual vehicles such as Chevrolets, Fords, and Nissans. But you’ll also likely to see luxury cars from Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Mercedes-Benz, since the goal of the company is to provide a differentiated experience for consumers.
