SK Rent-a-Car Wins Grand Prize in the Rental Car Category at the 2020 National Service Awards

[Asia Economy Reporter Suyeon Woo] SK Rent-a-Car announced on the 11th that it has won the Grand Prize in the Rent-a-Car category at the '2020 National Service Awards.'

The 2020 National Service Awards are presented by the Industrial Policy Studies (IPS), which quantitatively evaluates each sector based on ▲service competitiveness and vision ▲industrial and social contribution ▲operational performance ▲sustainable management plans, selecting service brands recognized as representatives in Korea for the year.

SK Rent-a-Car, which started the domestic rent-a-car business in 1988, is the company with the longest history in the industry. In this evaluation, SK Rent-a-Car received high marks for leading business model innovation reflecting customer trends based on the catchphrase "From Ownership to Usage."

SK Rent-a-Car has brought fresh winds to the market with various service models that meet customer needs, such as launching the industry's first long-term rent-a-car product without an initial deposit in 2010, commercializing Korea's first electric vehicle rent-a-car, and the IoT-based 'Smart Link' that helps efficient vehicle management for corporate cars. Additionally, based on accumulated big data, SK Rent-a-Car has led business model innovation incorporating digital technologies through services like the SK Long-term Rent-a-Car Direct service using artificial intelligence and virtual reality technologies, and the introduction of an online used car auction system.

Through these efforts, SK Rent-a-Car has maintained an average annual growth rate approaching 20%, rising to second place in the industry in 2017. In 2019, it acquired AJ Rent-a-Car, the third largest in the industry, and launched an integrated corporation earlier this year.

Despite the impact of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), SK Rent-a-Car is generating substantial synergy through the sustained growth of personal long-term rent-a-car services and integrated corporate operations. Furthermore, SK Rent-a-Car plans to introduce new services combining technology and trends through cooperation with not only the complete vehicle industry but also leaders in electric vehicle charging service providers.

In June, SK Rent-a-Car signed a business agreement with Korea Electric Power Corporation to develop electric vehicle charging services, V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) connectivity, smart charging, next-generation electric vehicle charging technology development and demonstration, and joint future mobility service business development. In July, SK Rent-a-Car signed a 'Mobility Business Cooperation MOU' with Hyundai Motor Company to exchange data and additionally share ideas and experiences across the entire B2B business.

An SK Rent-a-Car official said, "We are pleased that various internal and external activities to enhance customer value have been highly evaluated," adding, "We will strive even harder to provide better services to our customers."