Europcar history
Welcome to Europcar, a global leader in car rental and you can hire a car or a commercial van from any one of our 3835 rental locations worldwide.
With over 60 years of experience in the industry, you can be sure that whether you are looking for a family car, sedan or prestige car for your business or leisure trips or need a van or truck for a job, Europcar has the vehicle to meet every car rental need. Make the most out of our large range of services to make car rental experience a unique experience. Our free service Ready desk via online check-in is designed to get you out on the road as soon as possible, it’s a free service available in most stations. If you want to indulge in a little luxury on a business trip or on vacation, you can rent a chauffeur driven car rental can make all the difference to your journey. With FitRent, you get access to a flexible rental solution for your business. Make a car rental reservation online now!
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1949
Europcar, the Brainchild of Raoul-Louis Mattei who traded as L'Abbonement Automobile in Paris and provided cars for rental "without-chauffeurs" as part of the Mattei Group, is founded.
1970
Renault purchases Europcar1971
The new Europcars "snail" logo and orange colour is launched 1973
Europcar expands creating subsidiaries in Switzerland (purchased), Germany (purchased), Belgium and the Netherlands. 1974
The "Europcar" trademark first appears. Great Britain, Italy, Spain and Portugal subsidiaries are opened and a new franchise network developed.1981
Europcar International is created as a holding company assuming franchise functions and a co-ordinating role. Godfrey Davids, the oldest and largest car rental company in the UK, is acquired bringing with it over 300 agencies and 50 years of experience. 1984
A comprehensive Quality Control programme is launched by the group, the quality of service is to be improved at all stations to a level representative of the Europcar "Super Service". 1988
Wagon-Lits Group and Volkswagen AG become the new joint shareholders.1989
Europcar change of logo: from orange to green 1990 - 1991
Europcar linked with Sabre (1990) and Galileo (1991) Global Distribution Systems. 1992
Europcar becomes Europcar Interrent with National, Nippon and and Tilden making up the Interrent partners and forming a truly global network.1994
GreenWay information and reservation system is launched giving Europcar a competitive advantage in the field of car rental. 1997
Europcar gains many ISO9002 certifications (quality assurance certification).1998
Europcar decide not to renew the Interrent agreement and instead form a strategic alliance in the US with Dollar Rent A Car. Europcar acquires British Car and Van Rental (BCR), creating one of Britain's largest car rental networks. The Europcar identity is modernised, emphasing the green and including a yellow stylised horizon underscoring the name. The new logo increases Europcars visibility and portrays the brand's dynamism and competitiveness. 1999
Europcar launches innovative Online Reservation System via the internet in February. Volkswagen AG become sole shareholders in Europcar, demonstrating its faith in the ability of the Europcar board and showing commitment in developing as a lifestyle company. 2000
Budget Rent A Car are announced as new strategic partners for Canada and North America.2002
Europcar contracts with EUrent Autókölcsönző Kft., as the new frenchise partner from 1st January, 2003. in Hungary.2006
Volkswagen sells Europcar to French investor Eurazeo.2007
Europcar acquires Betacar the leading car rental group in the Balearic and Canary Islands and Vanguard's European businesses ("Vanguard EMEA": brands National & Alamo).2008
From 1st September Europcar Hungary (EUrent Ltd) ownes the domestic service franchise rights of National and Alamo brands too. Europcar-Enterprise strategic alliance: European and North American leaders join forces to form the world's largest car rental network (together 1,2 million vehicles, 162 countries, 13.000 locations).
In 2018 EC SK begins chauffer services, in 2019 EC SK begins car sharing.
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