The U.S. car rental industry has been consolidating rapidly and is now left with four major players - Hertz, Avis, Dollar Thrifty and privately held Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

Yes, Dollar Rent a Car and Thrifty are one in the same. That's old news. What is new is Avis is attempting to purchase Dollar Thrifty.  Since October 2010, Avis has been awaiting antitrust clearance and is still in negotiations with the FTC.

What would this mean for consumers? Most would assume this would mean fewer choices and higher prices but with many regional, localy owned rental car companies to choose from is this really the case?