Hire Car Shortage – Check Car Hire Availability
Shortage of Hire Cars in Europe
A terrible threat looms this summer – 2009 may become known as “the year of the great European car hire shortage”.
Check up to date car hire availability accross Europe online at easyCar
An unexpected side effect of the economic down turn this year has resulted in early reports of a car hire shortage throughout Europe. Places most likely to suffer most from the shortage of hire cars will be popular holiday destinations in Europe especially Spain where car hire companies have cut fleet sizes to reduce operating costs.
Popular locations and airport car hire companies all expect demand to exceed supply but are resisting the temptation to buy in more cars for rental during the busy summer months because they fear that a falling second hand car market wont allow them to sell on the used hire cars in the volumes they are used to.
Car Hire Shortage.
Whilst many of the leading car rental companies have no solution other than to turn away customers who haven checked car hire availability there are some businesses who should do well from the shortage of hire cars – car rental brokers.
Car hire brokers don’t actually have any vehicles – instead they specialise in finding cars for their customers from other third party rental companies. Brokers have excellent relationships with many small independant car hire companies throughout Europe and are confident that they will be able to secure cars even at short notice.
Car shortages in Spain
By far the most popular European destination for UK holiday makers is Spain and the fact that people return year after year makes the market for car hire in Spain one of the biggest in Europe. Although the public transport system in Spain is adequate – see previous post about Malaga Bus Station the attraction of hiring a car to give you the freedom to explore is high.
If you are planning to visit Spain and don’t want to be disappointed by either lack of choice or indeed lack of availability due to the hire car shortage then consider checking various websites to secure an advance booking.
Car Hire Price Increase?
In fact there have been suggestions that if the demand for hire cars cannot be met rental firms will hike the prices so it may be worth considering booking now even if you haven’t got the full trip details worked out. When we last looked the prices offered on the main websites were still cheap – Spain has enjoyed cheap motoring for many years – but with the current exchange rate abd the threat of price increases it may be worth buying now – if the hire car shortage takes hold it is unlikey that any better deals will come along.
I think the crisis in the economy has even badly affected the Car hire industry. Hope this crisis will soon be demolished and again the economy will stand strong in its way.
Its true that unexpected effect in the economy had badly affect the car hire industry. Its the time for the brokers who are earning more through this . For changing the situation the government must look into it.
Every industry whether small or large is suffering with same economic recession. I think by having less luxurious cars in the fleet may reduce the invested capital. shubhranshuji@yahoo.com
I recently went to Ireland and had a hard time finding a car in Dublin to be sure to be sure. I had to wait an entire day for a hire car to be available, a day isn’t that bad but usually I would be able to get it right when I landed. This car shortage is going to be a problem for tourists throughout Europe. Regards!
This crisis is really affected almost any industry existing. I’m sure everyone has already been affected with it. I just feel bad about it cause almost anyone relies on car hire especially the tourist.
contactweddingsource@gmail.com
i haven’t got the full trip details worked out. When we last looked the prices offered on the main websites were still cheap – Spain has enjoyed cheap motoring for many years.
I’m going to visit Spain next month but I can’t find any websites with really useful info about car hire. Maybe someone could help me?
Great set of companies there. I think easycar.com is one of the best and their service is really good. Not that others are bad though.
Brokers have excellent relationships with many small independant car hire companies throughout Europe and are confident that they will be able to secure cars even at short notice.
Thanks
The economic crisis has made a bad impact on mostly all industries.But effect on car hire industry has directly affected the tourism industry .
Its seems a bit backwards to cut hire cars if there is a demand – that will only hit the bottom line. They would have been better to invest in a collection of budget cars that people would have been more likely to hire?
I knew there was something going on because I usually leave it late to book a car and normally have no problem! I couldn’t believe it this year when I searched around to find hire cars sold out or huge price increases.
I knew there was something going on because I usually leave it late to book a car and normally have no problem! I couldn’t believe it this year when I searched around to find cars sold out or huge price increases.
I am renting a car from Palma airport and have had to pay over double the normal price for a week’s car hire. Unbelievable! I don’t like paying this much for car hire but without a car the holiday would definitely not be the same.
All the car rental companies at Palma airport have increased their prices so you just feel stitched up!
We have just been told by our carhire company that a car no longer is available for us to collect from Valencia. As we booked and paid for this in April I find it dreadful that Spanish companys can do this with just four days notice. We have spent hours trying to book another car with no luck at all. Don’t know what we will do as Villa is quite remote, no shops or anything. As we leave on Sunday I feel we may be on the bus if there is even one. I think the tourist trade in Spain will really suffer as I for one will think twice about going again, and we go at least three times a year.
Immobilien
Might be worth be getting a car sorted now, just had a look on the net and prices seem to be alot higher than last year and thats even with alot more people holidaying in the Uk this year.
Finding a good deal does not necessary mean you would get a car when you land.
I have booked a car from SixT three week before my holiday only to receive an E-mail a week before it that my booking was cancelled.
Economic downturn have affected many fields. It is true that popular locations and airport car hire companies all expect demand to exceed supply. It is all the result of this economic downturn.
Aspect Car Rental gives customers a chance to drive their dream car – we even throw in a courtesy spam sandwich as a gesture.
I visit Spain every year and hire a small to medium sized car. Last year the cost for 2 weeks was £226, this year the cost for the same car with the same company on the same dates has risen to £872. I have tried other companies and all of the prices are the same. I shall be driving myself down through France, the Spanish economy will suffer because of car hire companies making a quick profit. No doubt they will blame the recession for the fewer customers, and not the ridiculous price increases.
@Michael Bennett
thanks for the heads up – update on prices always welcome