## 1 Introduction
Both from the users' and platform operators' perspectives, it is crucial to offer a fleet that meets user expectations, thereby allowing operators to generate revenue without incurring additional costs. Recognizing this research gap, this article presents research results on the preferences of potential users of peer-to-peer car-sharing systems for short-term rental vehicles. The study aimed to understand the preferences of individuals who do not currently use short-term car rental services and was conducted in the city of Katowice, Poland. The selection of this city was not arbitrary; since 1 December 2023, paid parking zones have been introduced in the city to encourage travelers to adopt alternative forms of mobility. As the range of new mobility services expands, efforts are currently underway to launch a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform, in connection with which this research was conducted. The importance of technical vehicle features in peer-to-peer car sharing is further supported by the observation that consumers in other related markets, such as traditional car rentals and vehicle purchases, increasingly prioritize advanced technological features and vehicle quality. Research by [PERSON] et al. [30] on consumer behavior in vehicle purchasing shows that customers are more likely to choose vehicles with strong brand reputations, advanced technology, and high comfort levels. These preferences apply not only to vehicle purchases but also to short-term rentals, where renters expect similar qualities in the cars they select. In a competitive market, peer-to-peer platforms that cater to these preferences by offering well-maintained, technologically advanced vehicles are more likely to retain users and achieve long-term success. Management and marketing in peer-to-peer car sharing are crucial for the proper functioning of these services, yet studies focusing on car features in this context have not been conducted. Effective management and marketing strategies ensure that the services are tailored to meet the evolving needs of users and remain competitive in the market. The importance of these strategies stems from their role in addressing user expectations and market dynamics, which are pivotal in fostering service adoption and user retention. Understanding and implementing the right mix of car features based on thorough research can significantly enhance user satisfaction and differentiate a service in a crowded market-place. Furthermore, strategic management and marketing can help identify and respond to changes in consumer behavior, technological advancements, and regulatory developments. These efforts are not only about maintaining relevance but also about driving innovation within the industry, making peer-to-peer car sharing a more attractive and sustainable option. As such, the lack of focused studies on car features within this context represents a missed opportunity to optimize these services for better performance and increased user engagement. The article is organized into five section. The first section provides an overview of peer-to-peer car sharing, discussing its developmental history and market trends. It also identifies research gaps concerning the analysis of this type of service. The second section outlines the research methodology employed. The third section details the research findings and the validation of the SNA method by using Gradient Boosting Regression (GBR), which are further discussed in the fourth section. Finally, the fifth section offers a summary and conclusions derived from the research, along with the practical implications of the findings.