Rental vehicles could be an option if ‘green taxes’ are implemented

As the impact of the Stern Review Report into the Economics of Climate Change is felt by Government, business and private individuals, the vehicle rental industry could provide a solution for families and businesses who opt to run smaller, more fuel-efficient cars, but have occasional need for a larger vehicle, says Avis.

Whether the decision is dictated by a desire to reduce their own impact on the environment, or in response to potential green taxes, the factors behind vehicle choice will inevitably change. However, Avis believes that many people and companies, while wanting to downsize, can be discouraged because of an occasional need for a larger car, perhaps when they are taking a family holiday, or in business, if they need to transport a number of clients.

“This is where the vehicle rental industry has an important role to play,” says Stuart Gent, Managing Director, Avis UK.

“There is no need to run a more expensive, less fuel-efficient larger car every day when in reality you only need one for a couple of weeks a year.

The rental industry can provide larger vehicles for short-term hire as needed. It allows families and business to keep their running costs and environmental impact down, while still having the use of larger vehicles as and when they need them.

“At Avis we also have an additional benefit for those who are keen to reduce their own individual carbon footprint. We have long been associated with the CarbonNeutral Company working to plant trees and fund renewable energy programs. Our customers are currently given the option to offset their rental emissions through a link from www.avis.co.uk to the CarbonNeutral Company website when they make their booking online. We are in the process of updating this process to make it easier for our customers to achieve carbon neutrality when they rent from us. At the moment, we are the only rental company to offer this option.

“For urban dwellers that may have a car parked outside their homes during the week as they use public transport, but need a car at the weekend, rental is another cost saving option, removing the need for parking permits and the hidden cost of vehicle depreciation. Instead, they can simply rent a car when they need it.”

“In the future we are also looking at introducing new low carbon vehicles to our fleet, replicating the work of our Scandinavian and New Zealand partners who already offer Hybrid vehicles for rent.”