Car Hire Shortages Expected This Summer
Car hire experts have urged travellers to think ahead when it comes to booking a vehicle for their holidays to avoid disappointment at the airport.
The British Vehicle Renting and Leasing Association (BVRLA) said that popular holiday spots such as Spain, France, Italy and Greece are likely to suffer from vehicle shortages as the busy summer season looms.
They noted that in 2009, many car hire companies in the south of Spain complained that they were unable to meet demand because their fleets were too small and the credit crunch meant that they could not finance new vehicle purchases.
There were also reports of long delays in securing a hired vehicle at airports – even when customers had booked ahead. BVRLA chief executive John Lewis said: “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.”
“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.”
Carrentals.co.uk also warned of straitened vehicle fleets and higher prices among European car hire companies. Managing director Gareth Robinson said: “We are advising people to book car rental before travelling to help them get the very best value deals and a wider more choice. By getting online and making use of a price comparison specialist they can enjoy the most options in one place."
Car Hire News posted by 
on 24 February 2010
car hire, holidays, France, Spain, Greece, Italy
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/7306210/Travellers-warned-of-car-hire-shortages.html
http://www.journalism.co.uk/66/articles/537684.php
False
False
