19/04/2018
Embarking on an adventure through the diverse landscapes and vibrant cities of Israel often calls for the freedom and flexibility that only a rental car can provide. Whether you're navigating the bustling streets of Tel Aviv, exploring ancient historical sites, or journeying to the serene Dead Sea, having your own set of wheels can transform your travel experience. But with so many options, how do you choose the right car rental company, and what should you expect regarding costs? Beyond the practicalities of modern travel, Israel also boasts a fascinating, albeit often overlooked, automotive history that shaped its early roads. Join us as we delve into both the contemporary world of car hire and the intriguing legacy of Israeli-made vehicles.
For many travellers, the convenience of a rental car is paramount to fully experiencing Israel. The ability to set your own itinerary, discover hidden gems off the beaten path, and travel at your own pace is invaluable. When considering car hire, it's essential to look for reliability, accessibility, and excellent customer service.
Shlomo Sixt: A Leading Name in Israeli Car Rental
Among the various options available, Shlomo Sixt Israel car hire company stands out as the largest car rental company in the country. This prominence isn't just about size; it's backed by a reputation for providing professional and generous service. With branches strategically spread across Israel, including convenient locations like the Tel Aviv Hotel Hilton, Shlomo Sixt ensures that customers have easy access to their fleet wherever their journey begins or takes them. Their commitment extends beyond just daily rentals, encompassing private and business leasing, as well as car sales. The ethos of providing excellent service "today and everyday" is clearly articulated, with a promise of 24/7 availability for any need, offering peace of mind to drivers exploring a new country.
Understanding Car Rental Costs in Israel
One of the most crucial aspects of planning your car rental is understanding the potential costs involved. Prices can fluctuate significantly based on various factors, including the type of vehicle, the time of year, demand, and how far in advance you book. Below, we've compiled an overview of average prices for different car types, along with insights into the cheapest times to rent.
The average price for a car rental in Israel generally ranges from $55 to $91 for all car types. However, this average masks considerable variations. Let's break down the typical costs and identify the most budget-friendly periods:
| Car Type | Average Daily Price | Cheapest Month | Discount (vs. Avg.) | Cheapest Daily Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Car | $36 | September | 22% | $29 |
| Medium Car | $75 | May | 24% | $58 |
| Large Car | $130 | September | 26% | $97 |
| SUV | $82 | September | 23% | $64 |
| Van | $120 | June | 53% | $57 |
| Luxury Car | $150 | September | 42% | $88 |
As you can see, September frequently emerges as the most economical month for many car categories, offering substantial savings, particularly for luxury vehicles and SUVs. May also presents a great opportunity for medium-sized cars, and June is remarkably cheap for van rentals. Booking your rental well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, can also help secure better rates.
Israel's Automotive Legacy: The Story of Autocars
While modern car rental companies facilitate today's travel, Israel also has a unique, albeit brief, history of domestic car manufacturing. This story is largely centred around Autocars Ltd., a company that left an indelible mark on Israeli roads during the mid-20th century.
The Rise and Fall of Autocars Ltd.
Founded in 1957, Autocars Ltd. pioneered the production of fibreglass-shelled cars that became a common sight in Israel throughout the 1960s and 1970s. These vehicles were, in many ways, a product of their time and local circumstances. To bolster domestic industry, government agencies were mandated to purchase Autocars vehicles, which in turn released thousands of low-priced second-hand cars onto the market. Despite their often-criticised style and finish, these cars gained a reputation for reliability, largely due to their use of robust Ford and Triumph engines. This made them practical choices that maintained their value for years. However, the manufacturing of these unique cars ceased during the 1980s, marking the end of an era for Israeli car production. Today, Israel's only remaining car-making company is AIL, focusing on different segments of the market.
Iconic Models from Autocars
Autocars manufactured its own distinctive car models primarily under two main brands: Sabra and Sussita. Each had its own character and purpose, reflecting the needs and aspirations of Israeli society at the time.
- Sabra: This brand was notably used for the Sabra Sport, a sleek sports car derived from the British Reliant. From 1960, the Sabra Sport offered a touch of flair on Israeli roads.
- Sussita: Meaning "pony" in Hebrew, the Sussita brand encompassed a broader range of practical vehicles. The line included station wagons, pick-ups, and sedans.
Let's explore some of the specific models that defined Autocars' production:
Sussita ("Cube")
Manufactured from 1960 until 1966, the original Sussita, sometimes affectionately nicknamed the "Cube," was available as a 2-door station wagon and a pick-up. Designed with assistance from the British Reliant company, it utilised various Ford parts, predominantly the Ford Anglia engine, ensuring a degree of mechanical familiarity and ease of maintenance.
Carmel
The Carmel, produced from 1962 to 1964, was initially conceived as a 4-wheeled adaptation of the British three-wheeler Reliant Regal. This model, however, faced numerous problems and was subsequently discontinued. The "Carmel" label was later repurposed for subsequent generations of Sussita sedans.
Sussita 12
Running from 1964 to 1970, the Sussita 12 saw a diversification of body versions, including a 2-door station wagon, a 2-door sedan (also known as Carmel), a 4-door sedan (dubbed Gilboa), and pick-up versions. Early models until 1968 continued to use Ford Anglia engines, with the Gilboa offering an optional 1500cc Ford engine. From 1968 to 1970, the station wagon and sedans (Carmel and Gilboa) transitioned to using the Triumph Herald 12/50 engine, showcasing the company's adaptability in sourcing components.
Sussita 13/60
The final iteration under the Sussita brand, the 13/60, was manufactured from 1970 until 1975. This model was available as a 2-door station wagon, a 2-door sedan (known as Carmel Ducas), and a pick-up. Notably, a 4-door sedan was not produced in this series. The Sussita 13/60 was built upon the robust British Triumph Herald's chassis and incorporated its 13/60 engine and gearbox, further cementing the reliance on proven foreign engineering.
Assembling Foreign Models
Beyond its own branded vehicles, Autocars also played a significant role in assembling models from other international manufacturers. These cars were built using complete kits received directly from the brand owners, demonstrating Israel's capacity for light automotive manufacturing.
- Reliant Regal: A British three-wheeler, assembled locally.
- Triumph 1300 / 1500: British Triumph cars from kits were assembled in the late 1960s. Interestingly, the Triumph lineup included the 1300, although initially, only the 1500 engine was offered, as the 1300 was deemed too close in capacity to the 1.3 litre Hino Contessa, which was also being assembled.
- Hino Contessa 900 / 1300: These Japanese models were assembled from original kits received from Hino Japan. The franchise for assembling the Contessa moved from Eilin to Autocars in 1969, following a government-forced merger of the two companies. This contract was eventually discontinued when Toyota acquired Hino, marking another shift in Israel's automotive landscape.
Autocars faced bankruptcy in 1970. Its assembly lines were subsequently acquired by Rom Carmel Industries, which continued the manufacturing of the Sussita 13/60 until 1975. Rom Carmel then went on to produce its own models, the Rom Carmel 1300 and Rom Carmel 1301, until 1980, effectively bringing to an end the era of significant domestic passenger car production in Israel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Hire & Israeli Cars
Here are some common questions prospective travellers and automotive enthusiasts might have:
Who is considered the best car rental company in Israel?
While "best" can be subjective and depend on individual needs, Shlomo Sixt Israel is widely recognised as the largest car rental company in Israel. They are known for providing professional and generous service, offering 24/7 support, and having numerous branches across the country, including convenient locations like the Tel Aviv Hotel Hilton. Their extensive fleet and range of services, including leasing and sales, make them a prominent and reliable choice for many customers.
Are Autocars still made in Israel today?
No, Autocars are no longer manufactured in Israel. The production of Autocars Ltd. vehicles, including the popular Sussita and Sabra models, ceased during the 1980s. While Autocars played a significant role in Israel's early automotive industry, the company went bankrupt in 1970, and subsequent production by Rom Carmel Industries also concluded by 1980. Today, the only remaining car-making company in Israel is AIL, which focuses on different types of vehicles, not passenger cars in the style of Autocars.
How much does a rental car typically cost in Israel?
The cost of a rental car in Israel varies significantly based on the car type, time of year, and booking lead time. On average, you can expect to pay between $55 and $91 per day for various vehicle types. Smaller cars can be as low as $29 per day during off-peak months, while luxury cars might average around $150 per day but can be found for as low as $88 during their cheapest periods. Factors like supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far in advance you book your rental car all influence the final price.
What were the most popular car models manufactured by Autocars Ltd.?
Autocars Ltd. manufactured several notable models under its Sabra and Sussita brands. The Sabra Sport was a distinct sports car, while the Sussita line was more diverse, including the original Sussita "Cube" (station wagon and pick-up), Sussita 12 (station wagon, sedan, pick-up), and Sussita 13/60 (station wagon, sedan, pick-up). They also assembled foreign models like the Reliant Regal, Triumph 1300/1500, and Hino Contessa 900/1300 from complete kits.
When is the cheapest time to rent a car in Israel?
According to recent data, September is frequently the cheapest month to rent various car types in Israel, offering significant discounts. For instance, small cars can be 22% cheaper, large cars 26% cheaper, SUVs 23% cheaper, and luxury cars a substantial 42% cheaper in September compared to the rest of the year. May is the cheapest month for medium cars, and June offers the best rates for van rentals.
What factors influence the price of a car rental in Israel?
Several key factors influence car rental prices in Israel. These include the specific car type (small, medium, large, SUV, van, luxury), the time of year (with off-peak seasons typically being cheaper), the popularity and demand for certain vehicle models, and how far in advance you make your booking. Booking closer to your travel date or during high-demand periods will generally result in higher prices.
In conclusion, whether you're planning a holiday filled with independent exploration or simply curious about Israel's automotive past, understanding both the current car rental landscape and its unique manufacturing history enriches the experience. From securing the best deal on your rental to appreciating the legacy of vehicles like the Sussita, Israel offers a blend of modern convenience and intriguing historical depth for any automotive enthusiast.
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