Europcar has reported its UK vans and trucks business has continued to see growth throughout the lockdown period.

Europcar say that strong demand from new and existing customers from sectors such as the home delivery market, UK crop growers and the continuity of infrastructure and ground transportation contracts has allowed the company to remain open during the coronavirus outbreak.

Some rental companies have taken the decision to limit it's offerings or close it's doors, including Hertz, who recently filed for bankruptcy in the USA and Canada due to the losses made during the Coronavirus pandemic. 

Europcar has launched several new initiatives to help support UK business, especially in the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and micro business sector. It has also launched new products to help support frontline workers such as the new ‘Van and Driver’, ‘Emergency Services’ and the ‘Back to Work’ product, for individuals who can return to work, live too far away to walk or cycle and want to avoid public transport.

Stuart Russell, specialist vehicle director at Europcar, said: “We have not been immune to the effects of the Covid-19 lockdown. However, the fact that we have been able to offer our customers continuity of service across all our product range throughout this challenging period, while keeping our teams safe at work is testament to the dedication and devotion of our staff.

“This coupled with the loyalty of our customer base has given us confidence that the van and truck strategy will continue to pay dividends.”

Europcar say that hygiene standards have been significant for all customers and it’s introduced new protocols for customer interaction including safe distance deliveries and collections, in-station deep clean, social distancing measures, providing personal protecting equipment (PPE) including screens, masks and sanitisers and vehicle deep cleaning.

As a result of the introduction of the measures, Europcar has been consulted by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) to advise rental businesses as part of their new publication, ‘The BVRLA’s Guide to Operating during the Covid-19 Pandemic'.

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