Getmancar: How a Car Sharing Service from Eastern Europe Is Expanding Into New Markets
Stories about small local startups turning into international players always capture attention. In the mobility sector, this is especially true: competition is tough, users expect more every year, and the market keeps shifting. Getmancar, a Ukrainian-born service, is one of those companies that managed to move beyond its home market and adapt to very different environments.
How It All Started
Getmancar was founded in 2018 with a straightforward idea: make cars available on demand through an app. The first vehicles appeared in Kyiv and Dnipro, and the fleet counted just a few dozen cars.
The idea quickly caught on. People liked the freedom of not owning a car but still being able to drive one whenever they needed. Over the years, the fleet grew to more than 700 vehicles, and the user base expanded to over 350,000 people. The company kept upgrading its app, expanding service zones, and experimenting with pricing models.
Different Models for Different Markets
One of the things that sets Getmancar apart is flexibility. In Ukraine and Georgia, the company operates as a classic car sharing service: users pick up a car for an hour or a day and drop it off within designated zones. At the same time, in Georgia, Getmancar also offers traditional car rental in Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi, adapting to the needs of tourists who prefer longer bookings.
In Romania and Germany, the company follows a different model. Here, Getmancar runs as a daily rental service, closer to a standard rent-a-car operator. This shift makes it easier for new users to adopt the service and fits better with local regulations.
International Expansion
Georgia
Georgia became the first international market. In Tbilisi and Batumi, Getmancar introduced car sharing, and later expanded with classic rental in Kutaisi. Local users quickly embraced the service — dense cities and limited parking made flexible mobility especially appealing.
Moldova
In 2024, Getmancar launched in Moldova with a focus on electric vehicles. The fleet included models like the Renault Zoe, Volkswagen ID.3, and BYD Dolphin. For many customers, driving an EV was a new experience. While charging stations remain limited, interest in sustainable transport turned out to be high, and the brand gained recognition as a forward-looking service.
Romania
In 2025, Getmancar entered Romania. The service launched in five cities — Bucharest, Constanța, Brașov, Sibiu, and Bacău — with a fleet of about 200 cars. Unlike Georgia, here the company focused entirely on rentals. Users could book cars for a day or longer, offering an alternative to traditional operators with a fully digital process and transparent pricing.
Germany
The same year, Getmancar expanded into Germany, starting in Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich. The German fleet was smaller but included newer and more comfortable models. The market here is more competitive, and customer expectations are higher, but the opportunity is significant. For travelers and locals alike, Getmancar positions itself as a flexible choice for short-term rentals. For example, users looking for car rental in Berlin now have an additional option beyond the established players.
Franchise and Partnerships
Franchising and partnerships have played a big role in Getmancar’s growth. Not every car in the fleet belongs to the company itself — many are owned by private investors or franchise partners. This approach helps reduce capital costs, speeds up expansion, and allows local operators to join the ecosystem.
Franchisees invest in cars, while Getmancar provides the brand, technology, and customer platform. This balance helps the service enter new countries faster and adapt more easily to local conditions.
User Experience and Technology
For any mobility service, the app is at the core. Booking, unlocking, and paying all happen there, and if something doesn’t work smoothly, users leave. That’s why Getmancar continues to invest in a reliable interface, clearer tariffs, and better support.
Here’s how the app is rated in 2025:
| Platform | Rating | Number of Reviews | Highlights |
| App Store (Ukraine) | 4.5 / 5 | ~4,000 | Easy interface, fair pricing; some complaints about booking bugs |
| App Store (International) | 4.1 / 5 | 30–70 | Mostly positive, service and convenience noted |
| Google Play | 4.2–4.3 / 5 | 100,000+ downloads | Simple booking, fast support; occasional stability issues |
The ratings show overall satisfaction, but they also highlight areas to improve. In competitive markets like Germany or Romania, even minor glitches can make users switch to another provider.
Challenges and Risks
Each market comes with its own challenges. In Ukraine, infrastructure and economic instability remain issues. In Moldova, the lack of charging stations complicates the EV strategy. In Romania and Germany, strict insurance regulations and high service standards create extra pressure.
Competition is another major factor. Established international players already have strong positions, and winning customer loyalty requires more than just good prices. Clean cars, flexible return policies, responsive support, and trust are the real differentiators.
Looking Ahead
Getmancar is actively seeking new partners to expand further. The franchise model is central to this strategy, allowing for rapid scaling while sharing risks. The next steps could include long-term rentals for businesses, subscription models, or integration with city transport systems.
The company will also continue to focus on sustainability. As Europe leans more toward green mobility, expanding the EV fleet could become a competitive edge.
The future of Getmancar depends on balancing service quality, local adaptation, and technology. With a recognizable brand, a flexible model, and a growing international footprint, the company is positioning itself as one of the most promising mobility players from Eastern Europe.
