Rental car shortage predicted in Europe for 2010

A car hire firm in the UK has warned that 2010 could face repeat of last year’s car hire shortage, with customers who have not booked their rental vehicle in advance facing much hire prices or even left without transport.

It has been reported that the economic situation which caused a shortage in availability of vehicles in 2009 has not yet eased, with shortages predicted in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Croatia, Greece and even Cyprus, with customers advised to book their rental vehicles sooner rather than later.

Prices rose steadily throughout 2009, with cars booked in August costing over twice what they would have paid if they booked a car in January.  Economy Car Hire reports that a Ford Ka booked in Spain in January 2009 for a week in August cost £117, while a car booked within a month of departure cost about £240.  The company predicts that the conditions which were experienced last year are likely to take place again, with similar financial penalties for those booking at the last minute in 2010.

Managing director for Economy Car Hire, Rory Sexton, said that those who book their car hire earlier would have a wider choice ad pay a lower price, while those who leave it to the last minute would certainly pay more and have less choice as to the type of vehicle they can hire.

He went on to point out that many counties in Europe are still suffering economically, and as a result, car hire firms were finding it difficult to raise funds to upgrade their fleets, and auto manufacturers have reduced their stocks and production.

Customers seeking car hire for the peak travel periods, such as Easter or over Summer, have been strongly advised to guarantee the availability of their rental car by pre-paying for their rental car, as last year some holidaymakers found that their pre-booked, but not pre-paid rental vehicle, did not materialise when they arrived.

Sexton concluded by pointing out that the situation was going to be very tight for 2010, especially at peak times, and advised those who know where they are going to go on holidays to book their hire cars sooner rather than later.