Car rental customers to benefit from fleet share

In a major development for the vehicle rental sector, customers of both the Europcar and National Car Rental brands are to benefit from access to the combined fleet of both organisations. They will also benefit from a wider network of locations.

From early March the fleets of Europcar and National have been combined, creating the biggest fleet in the UK daily rental market comprising over 60,000 vehicles, including a significantly extended fleet of over 6,000 vans. By making services for both brands available from a number of locations that previously had been sole branded, Europcar and National customers have access to daily rental from over 250 locations throughout the UK. Crucial to the development is giving customers of both brands the confidence that their transportation needs will be met every time.

“This is an important initiative, expanding the scope of the network and enhancing the level of customer care across the UK,” confirmed Tim Bailey, Fleet Director, Europcar UK Group. “The importance of vehicle availability should not be underestimated in the current marketplace. By combining the fleets of both brands, customers will be able to access the particular group of vehicle they require. And by putting both brands into a selection of locations where previously only one brand was accessible, we are providing further confidence that customers’ daily rental needs will be met every time.

Europcar customers will also now have access to sub-contracted vehicles through National’s Specialist Vehicle Management Centre as well as nationwide access to luxury and performance vehicles from Guy Salmon Prestige Rental. These initiatives will ensure Europcar and National customers have the right vehicle for the right job, whenever they need it - day or night.”

With over 250 locations across the UK, the opportunity to consolidate delivery and collection services will also be developed during 2008, to further support operational efficiencies and cut journey times.

“With combined fleets and an extensive network, both Europcar and National customers will benefit from future expansion and growth”, concluded Tim Bailey. “In addition, we will have the opportunity to offer greater product diversity from hourly rentals up to six month rentals, thus tailoring the proposition to the customers' needs.”