Car rental company Avis Europe has revealed that its geographical spread and diverse customer portfolio are helping to mitigate the impact of the severe economic downturn.

Its fleet capacity has been "tightened" and the strengthening of used car prices in Germany and the UK has also helped, according to its interim management statement for the calendar year to date.

"We have continued to implement price increases with some success, achieving gains in many areas of the individual customer group and in the insurance/replacement segment," it said.

"However, the impact of mix, with proportionately more contracted business, together with an increase in average rental length, lowered overall reported rate per day."

Further actions to reduce costs have included the continuation of a group-wide recruitment freeze, rigorous control of seasonal staff and an ongoing salary freeze.

The company has also taken advantage of the strengthening used car market to offload more cars from its fleet.

The interim results for the six months ending June 30, 2009, will be announced on August 27, 2009.