EUROPCAR UK : GET ON THE ROAD TO SAVE THIS SUMMER

GET ON THE ROAD TO SAVE THIS SUMMERGET ON THE ROAD TO SAVE THIS SUMMER Families could save up to £600 by opting for road instead of rail according to Europcar

Stay-cationing families looking for value and convenience should look at alternatives to traditional rail travel this summer, according to Europcar, the UK's leading vehicle hire company. With rail fares going up by an average of 6%* this year combined with planned engineering works at weekends on some routes throughout July and August, Europcar is advising families to consider the freedom and affordability of car hire as the ideal way to get to their destination and explore the UK's more inaccessible countryside attractions and secluded beaches.  

Catriona Lougher, Marketing Director for Europcar said: 'We all want to get our holiday off to a good start and while rail is a great solution for many, the logistical issues of getting to and from the station with children and suitcases in tow can make for a fractious time.  Weighed up with higher rail fares and the chance that engineering works often means travel in replacement buses - and car hire becomes an increasingly attractive option. For example, a family of four travelling from Bristol to Edinburgh could save around £600** on the price of a train fare, by opting to hire a car instead.

'Hiring a vehicle for some journeys not only offers substantial savings but the comfort, convenience and flexibility that rail travel struggles to offer. Avoid the stress and let the hire car come to you.'

Europcar offers customers free delivery and collection from most of its 200 plus locations across the UK through its weDeliver™ service ensuring a stress-free start to the holidays. In addition, Europcar's Airport Connect service means holidaymakers can hire a vehicle from their local branch and leave it at the airport and then pick it up again at the end of their return flight. From £49 each way, Airport Connect means travellers can wave goodbye to hauling luggage across town and dealing with train connections and stressful delays.

'Car hire offers the perfect way to avoid train delays, hefty fare increases and overcrowding. In addition, there are no worries over maintenance, the peace of mind of 24 hour roadside assistance plus the fuel efficiencies of driving a relatively new vehicle suited to the journey and number of passengers. With delivery and collection and the option of additional drivers, car hire really puts travellers this summer firmly in control of their journey.'

Car Hire vs. Rail: Cost Comparison***

London to Exeter - car hire £161.70 vs. rail fare £597 An open return rail fare from central London to Exeter would cost a family of two adults and two children £597. However week long car hire from the compact car group, such as a Renault Megane, would only cost £161.70 plus fuel and congestion charge.

Manchester SalFord to Penfro, Pembrokeshire - car hire £150.39 vs. rail fare £217.80 A family travelling to one of the top 50 beaches in the UK, Barafundle Bay would pay £217.80 to travel to the nearest rail station in Penfro, plus face a wait of 90 minutes for their connection. A 7 day hire from the compact car group, such as Fiat Grande Punto, would be £150.39 plus fuel. In addition to this, the family would save on taxi or coach fares from Penro station.

Bristol to Edinburgh - car hire £161.70 vs. rail fare £744 An open return fare for a family of 4 travelling from Bristol to Edinburgh costs £744 this Summer, whereas a week's hire from the compact car group, such as Renault Megane or similar, would cost just £161.70, plus fuel - a big saving.  

Birmingham to Yarmouth, Isle of Wight - car hire £164.99 vs. rail fare £400.80 A family travelling with an open return rail fare from Birmingham to Yarmouth would pay £400.80. In comparison, a week long hire from the compact car group, such as Renault Megane, would be £164.99 plus fuel.

Nottingham to Blackpool - car hire £164.99 vs. rail fare £186 For a family looking for a traditional holiday to Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the rail fare would cost £186. Compared to that, a 7 day return hire from the compact car group, such as Renault Megane, would be £164.99 plus fuel.

ENDS

July 2009

*Source: Association of Train Operating Companies (Atoc) **Based on an open return rail fare, compared with a 7 day, pre-pay hire of compact vehicle. ***Prices correct as of 8th July 2009.

Notes to Editors Owned by the French private equity firm Eurazeo, Europcar is the European leader in passenger car and light utility vehicle rentals. Since March 2007 with the acquisition of Vanguard EMEA (National & Alamo brands), its network comprises over 5,300 rental outlets in 160 countries. Europcar serves business and leisure customers throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region. Excluding franchise operations, in 2007 Europcar signed more than 10 million rental contracts, with 7,700 employees and a fleet exceeding 215,000 vehiclesFor more information: www.europcar.com

weDeliver™ is free for the first 10 miles and after that a per-mile charge of just £1.50 will be applied.  The service is available from 152 of Europcar's 197 locations (excludes London and airports where good transport links make collecting a vehicle easier for consumers). Once booked by phone on 0871 384 1087, the car or van will be delivered to the customer's home within the 2 hour time slots from Monday to Friday and Saturday morning.

For further press information please contact Alison Reeson, Elinor Puzey, Dominic Dennis, Jenny Staniforth or Madeleine Roles at HSL, Churcham House, 1 Bridgeman Road, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 9AJ.  Telephone: 020 8977 9132.  Fax: 020  8977 5200. 

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