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SINGAPORE: Demand for car rentals has picked up ahead of the Hari Raya festive weekend, but not everyone has been able\u00a0to secure a vehicle.<\/p>\n
Some operators say they have had to turn away customers, with bookings coming in earlier than usual and demand rising by up to\u00a020 per cent.<\/p>\n
Industry players believe the surge could have stemmed from more vehicles being locked into longer-term rentals, leaving fewer options for short-term festive demand.<\/p>\n
At car rental firm\u00a0Ride Now, vehicles are already fully booked, with reservations made as early as two months in advance \u2013 mostly by regular customers.<\/p>\n
With limited availability and higher fuel prices, some could be sharing vehicles among family members, noted Mr Travis Seah, the firm\u2019s manager.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe do see vehicles that have more than one driver a lot more. So they might be sharing, but they are not letting us know,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut if there are vehicles that have two or three named drivers within the family, it could be them car-sharing during this rental period.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Seah added that enquiries from first-time renters have jumped by about 50 per cent, although many were unable to secure a car in time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n