Europcar puts lifeboat volunteers in the driving seat

Europcar is helping the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) to save lives at sea in a new 3 year contract extension. Under the new agreement, Europcar will provide the 40,000 RNLI volunteers across the UK and Ireland with access to daily rental vehicles to support their work for the charity, in many cases, helping them reach remote coastal areas. The new deal will also see Europcar provide longer term rentals to meet the RNLI’s transport needs.

At the centre of the relationship has been Europcar’s support of the RNLI’s fundraising efforts for the creation of a memorial to commemorate those lifeboat crew lost in service since the RNLI was founded in 1824. This level of assistance, combined with a quality service and extensive network of locations were key in the decision to make Europcar the RNLI’s chosen rental supplier.

Steve Wallington, Business Services Manager for the RNLI, adds, “Our volunteers are united by a willingness to commit time and energy to a cause about which they are passionate. The least we can do is ensure they can travel safely and securely. This is critical, especially in some of the more isolated locations. This is where we really value Europcar’s local knowledge, the size of its fleet and the flexibility offered by its delivery and collection services.”

To help RNLI volunteer crews to reach lifeboat stations as quickly as possible, rental reservations have been made swift and secure through the creation of microsites for each region the RNLI operates in around the coast of the UK and Ireland. The microsites also facilitate detailed Management Information, putting the RNLI firmly in control of rental usage and costs.

David McNeill, Regional Sales Director for Europcar comments, “We are delighted to have won this new 3 year extension on our existing contract with the RNLI, giving Europcar an opportunity to continue to play an active role in supporting the charity and all its great work. This contract is a clear illustration of the quality of service Europcar provides and a mark of the confidence RNLI has in our ability to support their volunteers round the clock.”