SIXT Launches in Tunisia: A New Era for the Car Rental Market
The Tunisian car rental market welcomes a major international player. German mobility group SIXT is officially launching operations in Tunisia through an exclusive franchise agreement with Tunifleet Car Rental, a joint venture between Alliance One Holding and Voyages 2000.
Strategic Airport Launch & Nationwide Expansion Plans
The rollout is already live at Tunisia’s busiest international gateways. SIXT branches are now operational at Tunis-Carthage, Monastir-Habib Bourguiba, and Enfidha-Hammamet airports. Djerba-Zarzis Airport is scheduled to join the network in 2027. According to an official press release, the group plans to expand its footprint to key urban and tourist hubs, including Sousse, Hammamet, Mahdia, and Sfax. The objective is clear: to gradually build a nationwide network that serves international visitors, corporate clients, and local travelers alike.
A Comprehensive Mobility Offering
According to company sources, the new franchise will go beyond standard car rentals. Customers can expect:
- Short- and long-term vehicle rentals
- Utility vehicles, vans, and trucks
- Chauffeur-driven services
- A premium vehicle lineup
SIXT will leverage its proprietary app to streamline booking and mobility management. Globally, the group’s ecosystem already includes traditional rentals, chauffeur services, car-sharing, and car subscription models. In Tunisia, these services will be powered by Tunifleet Car Rental, which combines the strengths of two seasoned partners:
- Alliance One Holding: A family-owned group founded in 1947, active in chemicals, distribution, and tourism.
- Voyages 2000: Established in 1964, with over six decades of expertise in tourism and hospitality.
This strategic alliance provides SIXT with a robust local foundation as it enters the Tunisian market.
Tourism as the Primary Growth Engine
The airport-first strategy reflects a straightforward market reality: a significant portion of car rental demand originates from international arrivals. According to data cited by SIXT, Tunisia welcomed over 11 million visitors in 2025, with tourism revenue reaching approximately 8.1 billion Tunisian dinars—a 6.5% year-over-year increase.
However, the German group is targeting a broader audience. Corporate fleets, business travelers, and individuals requiring vehicles for extended periods are equally part of the growth strategy. The planned expansion into Sousse, Hammamet, Mahdia, and Sfax is designed to gradually shift beyond an airport-centric model and capture sustained local and regional demand.
Global Scale, Local Execution
This launch is part of SIXT’s broader African expansion. The group entered South Africa and Namibia in 2024 and continues to scale across international markets. Tunisia now completes its North African footprint. Globally, SIXT operates a fleet of over 350,000 vehicles across 100+ countries. In 2025, the group reported €4.28 billion in revenue and a pre-tax profit of €400.5 million.
Looking Ahead: Competition & Market Positioning
For the Tunisian market, the next milestone will be the Djerba-Zarzis opening in 2027, followed by the announced rollout in key economic and tourist cities. The group will need to navigate a market already populated by established local and international competitors. Ultimately, success will hinge on network scale, vehicle availability, competitive pricing, service quality, and the ability to seamlessly meet the diverse needs of both tourists and businesses.
