If you drive an automatic at home — as most visitors from the United States and Canada do — you know the worry: on a French island, manual gearboxes rule, and automatics are scarce. Many renters discover it at the counter, when it is too late. At Spar'Car, a local rental company in Le Lamentin, we keep recent automatic cars in our fleet precisely for this reason — and we will tell you honestly what is available for your dates before you commit.
Why automatics are hard to find here — and why it matters
Martinique is France: the local market runs on manual transmissions, and most rental fleets follow it. Automatics are a small share of the island's cars, which means two things for you. First, they sell out early, especially in high season — from December to April and again in July and August. Second, some agencies will take your booking for "a car" and only tell you about the gearbox at pick-up.
Our approach is simpler: an automatic booked with us is an automatic, confirmed as such. If we cannot guarantee one for your dates, we say so before you pay — not after you land.
Recent automatic models, easy to drive
Our automatic vehicles are recent, air-conditioned compacts — the Renault Clio automatic among them — chosen to be effortless on Martinique's roads: nimble in Fort-de-France traffic, comfortable on the motorway, easy to park at the beach. If you need more room for a family, ask us about availability of larger automatic models for your dates.
Every rental comes with unlimited mileage — drive the whole island, around seventy kilometres from north to south, without watching a counter.
Pick-up where it suits you
- At Aimé Césaire international airport — delivery is free, and your car is ready when you land. See how it works on our airport car rental page;
- At our Le Lamentin agency — 350 Chemin Sarrault, minutes from the airport, open 7 days a week.
What you need to rent
- Three original documents: a driving licence held for at least 12 months, a valid ID or passport, and a credit card in the main driver's name;
- US and Canadian licences are accepted for tourist rentals — bring the original;
- Minimum age 21 — a young driver surcharge applies, shown at booking;
- Security deposit, your choice: a credit card pre-authorisation, or a deposit through Swikly, subject to a service fee — the option that leaves your card limit untouched.
A local team, in touch and on time
Spar'Car is not a franchise counter: we are a Martinican company, and the people who confirm your booking are the people who hand you the keys. The team is available 7 days a week on +596 696 61 70 70 — and yes, we answer in English.
Book your automatic early
One honest piece of advice: if your trip falls between December and April, or in July and August, book your automatic as soon as your flights are set. It is the first category to sell out on the island — and the hardest to find at the last minute.
Frequently asked questions
Are automatic cars really available in Martinique?
Yes, but in limited numbers island-wide. We keep recent automatics in our fleet and confirm the gearbox explicitly on your booking — if we cannot guarantee one for your dates, we tell you before you pay.
Is my US or Canadian driving licence valid?
Yes — US and Canadian licences are accepted for tourist rentals. Bring the original document, held for at least 12 months.
Can I collect the car at the airport?
Yes. Delivery at Aimé Césaire airport is free: we meet you on arrival and the paperwork takes a few minutes. Details on our airport page.
Is driving in Martinique difficult with an automatic?
It is easier. Traffic drives on the right, road signs follow French standards, and an automatic takes the work out of Fort-de-France's stop-and-go and the hill starts on coastal roads. For routes and tips, see our guide to exploring Martinique by car.
When should I book?
As early as you can if you travel between December and April or in July–August — automatics are the island's scarcest category. The rest of the year, a few weeks ahead is usually comfortable.
Reserve your automatic now
Book online in minutes or call +596 696 61 70 70 — tell us your dates, and we will confirm your automatic right away. You can also browse our full rental fleet.