Pay as you go transport for cash-strapped consumers

With unemployment rates still on the rise and loans getting harder to obtain Europcar, the UK’s leading vehicle rental company, is urging consumers to consider pay as you go transport such as car rental to help manage their outgoings.

Catriona Lougher, Marketing Director of Europcar says "We're seeing a shift amongst businesses to rent rather than own a traditional pool fleet - this means no long term financial commitment ensuring a vehicle fit for purpose as and when it's needed. We believe consumers currently struggling with the economic downturn could take the same approach to get them from A to B if they don't need a car on a regular basis. With door to door delivery and collection services, renting is easy, accessible and affordable.”

In a survey with YouGov, Europcar found that around 1 in 4 (26%) think that the cost of car ownership outweighs the benefits and over 1 in 5 (23%) have either used or are considering using car rental as an alternative to ownership.

68% are using their car less frequently and almost half (46%) have changed the way they drive to conserve fuel.