ECATRA - the European Car and Truck Rental Association - is relocating from Dusseldorf to Brussels to get closer to the hub of European transport and finance decision-making. The move comes as ECATRA assumes a more prominent role within the European leasing industry as closer economic ties offer increased opportunities for pan-European leasing deals.

Until now, ECATRA has operated from the offices and with the assistance of BAV - the association that represents the German short term rental industry. ECATRA president Freddie Aldous said the association's long term objectives could only be met by establishing itself as an independent organisation and concentrating its efforts where they would be most effective.

'The association has been considering for some time now, how ECATRA can best serve the evolving and long term needs of our members and their industry, and we believe that this move will allow us to do just that,' said Aldous. Placing our voice at the centre of European activities will ensure that it will be more readily heard where it matters.'