EUROPCAR is piloting a long-term rental product that gives drivers the chance to drive one car during the week and an estate, saloon or MPV, for the weekend.

The daily rental giant is currently trialling the scheme, called Easylease, in Italy, and says it could soon be testing ground-breaking new flexible rental products in the UK.

Easylease customers pay a flat rate every month to access a specific level of car. Drivers can then opt for a different style of vehicle, for example, moving from a hatchback to an estate, saloon or MPV, for the weekend, with potential for the service to provide customers with the same level of vehicle, anywhere in the world.

Dr Michael Kern, chief executive of Europcar International said: 'Worldwide flexibility for this product can be built in. You commit to renting the vehicle for a certain period, then you can move around within that group. However, we need to find the right balance between the needs of the client and logistical overkill.'

The firm is also watching developments with a city car club in Hamburg, offering hourly rental of a dedicated fleet to members, to see whether this project can be rolled out more widely.

Kern said: 'We are looking at total mobility management. We have a booking machine on some trains in Germany that allows you to order your rental car. When you arrive at your station, someone is waiting for you with the keys.'