Starcar’s 38-year legacy ends as Germany’s rental giant shuts down
Hamburg-based car rental firm Starcar will close its doors on December 31. The company, which once ran nearly 100 branches across Germany, has struggled with heavy debt for months. Despite a recent rise in revenue, efforts to find a last-minute investor failed.
Founded in 1987, Starcar grew into one of Germany's larger rental providers. At its peak, it employed over 600 staff and maintained a wide network of locations. But financial troubles mounted, pushing the business into severe distress.
An attempt to secure new funding by the end of December 2025 collapsed, leaving no alternative but liquidation. The insolvency administrator, Christoph Morgen, confirmed that preliminary proceedings will end on December 31. Formal insolvency proceedings then begin on January 1, 2026. In a statement on its website, Starcar thanked customers for their loyalty over the years. The company acknowledged the impact on employees but provided no further details on redundancy plans or severance.
The shutdown leaves more than 600 workers facing uncertainty. All branches will stop operating by the end of December, marking the end of Starcar's 38-year history. The insolvency process will now determine how remaining assets and debts are handled.
