Panek CarSharing Bows Out
Panek CarSharing Bows Out: A Shift Towards Sustainable Car Rental Growth
After nearly eight years of shaping Poland’s urban mobility landscape, Panek CarSharing is coming to an end. Starting March 29, 2025, Panek S.A. will suspend its car-sharing services, marking a strategic shift back to its core business: daily car rentals in Poland and Europe.
While the decision stems from economic challenges, Panek CarSharing played a vital role in promoting sustainable transportation, reducing individual car ownership, and offering flexible, eco-friendly mobility options. Now, the company is refocusing on a stronger, more resilient future in the rental industry.
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Why Is Panek Suspending Car Sharing?
Despite its popularity among urban drivers, the car-sharing model in Poland faced significant hurdles, including:
High operational costs – Vehicle damage, theft, and rising insurance premiums made sustaining the service increasingly difficult. Some months saw maintenance costs of nearly €690 per car, with a fleet once boasting 2,700 vehicles.
Lack of public support – Unlike in many European cities, Poland did not offer parking fee reductions or incentives for car-sharing operators, making overhead costs unsustainable.
Market decline – Many other car-sharing companies in Poland have struggled or closed in recent years, with only three major operators remaining in 2025, each adapting their model to survive.
Car Sharing in Poland: A Good Idea That Struggled to Scale
Launched in July 2017, Panek CarSharing quickly became a pioneer in flexible urban mobility, expanding from Warsaw to over 250 cities. With over 1 million customers traveling nearly 200 million kilometers, the service proved that Poles were eager for on-demand vehicle access without ownership. However, COVID-19 disrupted mobility trends, and global car-sharing markets struggled to maintain profitability. Even internationally, no major new players have emerged, with existing operators either scaling down their fleets or exiting entirely.
What’s Next for Panek? A Stronger Focus on Car Rentals
While Panek CarSharing is winding down, Panek Rent a Car is growing. The company will now focus on daily rentals, a segment it has successfully operated for over 25 years, with expansion plans in:
Poland and key European markets – Panek Rent a Car already operates in Austria, Lithuania, Latvia, and Slovakia.
Airport rentals and long-term leasing – Strengthening partnerships with hotels, corporate clients, and car dealerships for rental solutions.
Innovative digital rental experiences – Utilizing its advanced car-sharing technology to streamline the traditional rental process.
According to The Business Research Company, the global car rental industry is expected to grow by 4.9% annually until 2029, driven by on-demand services and digital accessibility. Panek aims to leverage its technology and experience to expand into new markets while ensuring a seamless, efficient rental experience.
A New Chapter, Not an End
The suspension of Panek CarSharing does not mean the end of shared mobility efforts in Poland. Instead, it highlights the evolving landscape of sustainable urban transportation, where companies must adapt to changing market conditions. For customers who enjoyed the freedom of on-demand cars, Panek Rent a Car will continue to offer flexible rental solutions, including special deals for former CarSharing users.
“We believe in smart, sustainable mobility solutions,” adds Panek. “Our focus now is on strengthening the rental sector, ensuring that drivers still have access to flexible, affordable car options—whether for a day, a week, or longer.”
While Panek CarSharing may be taking a bow, its legacy of urban innovation and sustainability will live on, helping shape the future of smarter, more efficient mobility solutions in Poland and beyond.
