There is no fundamental reason for car rental to be that awful.
App-based free floating rental cars (think e-scooters, but with actual cars) are ubiquitous in large German cities and work extremely well. There are usually several free cars within a 5 minute walking distance, and booking one takes less than 30s. You can even pre-book a car the day before, and the company will bring it close to your home (if necessary), and reserve it for you.
The classical rental car experience (AVIS and co.) is comically bad in comparison.
Not sure about Germany but in London Zipcar are almost comically expensive. Basic Vauxhall Corsa for £85/day, plus an upfront joining fee. Pricing up a random week in Feb, I could rent a similar car from a traditional hire company for a whole week for less than £70.
Avis was fine the 1 and only time I used it. Car was ready waiting for me in the parking lot. Just hop in they said. Keys inside. Quick check at the gate and that's it
App-based free floating rental cars (think e-scooters, but with actual cars) are ubiquitous in large German cities and work extremely well. There are usually several free cars within a 5 minute walking distance, and booking one takes less than 30s. You can even pre-book a car the day before, and the company will bring it close to your home (if necessary), and reserve it for you.
The classical rental car experience (AVIS and co.) is comically bad in comparison.