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Travellers warned of car hire shortages

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Source: Catherine Deshayes

Holidaymakers have been warned about a possible shortage of rental cars in Europe during the upcoming Easter and summer holiday seasons...

Travellers have been urged to book well ahead, particularly if they are heading for a popular tourist destination or are planning to pick up a vehicle at the airport.

Last year a number of firms in southern Spain reported a failure to meet demand, having been forced to reduce their fleets because they could not secure sufficient credit to buy new cars.

Other reports highlighted long delays at airport car hire firms, even when customers had pre-booked a vehicle.

Shortages were also seen in parts France, Italy and Greece, and the British Vehicle Renting and Leasing Association (BVRLA) believes the problems are likely to be repeated this year.

"Rental companies always try to look ahead and estimate demand for peak periods, but with finance in short supply and new vehicle prices rising, they can ill afford to have cars sitting around idle," said John Lewis, chief executive of the BVRLA.

"There will be periods when demand outstrips supply. You wouldn't go to an airport and expect to buy a ticket on the day you want to travel, and the same should apply to renting a car."

Source: www.telegraph.co.uk