Europcar UK Group adds CO2 data to car groups

In a ground-breaking initiative for the car rental industry, the UK’s leading provider, Europcar UK Group, has announced plans to add vital information to its car group descriptions to reflect the average CO2 emissions of vehicles. The new information will be provided for both Europcar and National brands, helping leisure and business travellers make greener decisions when renting.

“Through this industry-leading initiative, Europcar and National will be the first daily rental brands to include average CO2 emissions in how cars are grouped, along with shell size and transmission,” explains Tim Bailey, Fleet Director, Europcar UK Group. “We believe this is an enormously positive step for the industry and we hope that the other rental providers will soon follow suit.

“Our environmental commitment is central to our business development strategy and the addition of this information to our car groups is just the first of a number of initiatives we are developing. For example, we are also exploring new technologies such as biofuel, HDI and BlueMotion in order to introduce a sub-120gms CO2 emissions group. But most importantly, this initiative means our customers can make more informed choices about the vehicles they rent and, as a result, help them contribute to an overall reduction in CO2 emissions.”

The lowest emissions group will feature average 130gms CO2 emissions vehicles. This will typically include mini three-door hatchbacks, such as the Peugeot 107. The highest group will comprise 230gms emissions vehicles such as executive saloon automatic estates including the Saab 9-5 and the Volvo V70.

“We are tremendously excited about this move” confirmed Tim Bailey. “It provides vital clarity for both leisure and business renters and reaffirms our position as the number one daily rental provider in the UK.”