How an idea from two brothers grew into a full-service provider over the course of 20 years
Carisma Car Rental has been in business for 20 years: from its headquarters in Hamburg and its locations in Berlin and Hanover, it delivers vehicles throughout Germany. For the past six years, the company has been in collaboration with Choice AG for vehicle purchases and the brokerage of additional business.
Managing Director Jan Lobig, together with the Carisma team, explains how this led to a partnership.
A landlord who does more than just rent out properties
It all started as a family affair: two brothers from different professional backgrounds. One had already worked at a car rental company while still in school and brought operational expertise to the table, while the other had a client base in the film industry. What began as a combination of experience and contacts has evolved over the years into a full-service provider. The company’s former motto sums up its mission: “Your vision for mobility.”
Today, Carisma operates in five business segments: traditional car rentals, long-term rentals, car subscriptions as a flexible alternative to leasing, the assistance business—providing mobility solutions for customers whose vehicles are in the shop—and a chauffeur service, including for members of the supervisory boards of larger companies. In addition, there are partnerships with media companies and sports clubs, such as the Berlin Underdogs. Five business segments, three locations, and deliveries throughout Germany—this diversity is a competitive advantage in the market. They requires but every day Organization: Fleet, availability, processing, and deliveries must all work together across all locations.
Everyday Life: Planning What Can’t Be Planned
Anyone who rents out vehicles has to plan for the unexpected. In what condition will a car be returned? Has it sustained any damage? Will the return date be met? These questions determine whether the vehicle will be ready in time for the next customer.
If it returns later than agreed, the preparation process must be completed even more quickly. That’s why Carisma manages its fleet entirely digitally—from the vehicle overview to contracts to customer communication.
Added to this is the second challenge that often shapes the day-to-day operations of a car rental company: Growth is every company’s goal—but it must also be sustainable. Organizational structures grow along with the business, and new business areas must first establish themselves. Carisma has managed both of these challenges simultaneously. Any company that wants to grow needs strong partners to make it happen.
With Choice by your side—here are three good reasons why
Three criteria were decisive in choosing a partner: reliability, professionalism, and good communication. Choice proved its worth right from the start and also stood out with an attractive selection of manufacturers and models. Carisma had long been established by that point, but the partnership with Choice transformed vehicle procurement in terms of quality, quantity, and cost all at once.
Another benefit of the partnership extends beyond vehicle procurement: Choice facilitates additional business, particularly in the assistance sector—the area that currently contributes the most to Carisma’s revenue. Thus, the partnership has not only improved procurement but has also helped build a new line of business.
Working Together in Everyday Life
Six years later, the contact with the Choice team Daily Life —and thetone of our interactions is remarkable: “Very good and professional. Sometimes even friendly!” Tdeciding factor gfrom the very beginning were four qualities: reliability, honesty, professionalism, and good communication.
<b><i>“We appreciate Choice’s professionalism, reliability, and humanity—it helps us a great deal in realizing our vision.”</i></b>
Jan Lobig, Managing Director, Carisma Car Rental
Conclusion: A Partnership That Fuels Growth
The story of the Lobig brothers behind Carisma shows how experience, a focus on the customer, and the right partnerships can lead to the creation of a full-service provider.
Today, Carisma is an established mobility provider with five business segments—having grown over the past 20 years and ready to meet the demands of a changing market.
The partnership with Choice remains a key pillar that Carisma relies on.
