Despite the critical situation that occured last summer, the car rental companies of Spain are finding themselves in the same situation.
The economic crisis hit the sector hard. Not only because the demand for rental cars dropped drastically, but also because said companies have been unable to increase their fleet of rental vehicles due to lack of financial aid.
If we take in to account the fact that these companies have to sell their oldest fleet through the second hand market, they end up in the same situation; with a reduced fleet.
This business has always followed a clear strategy in the purchase of its vehicles through the dealers.
After a period of 7 to 9 months the dealers buy back the vehicles in order to sell them on the second hand market. However, the economic crisis has made the selling of new vehicles a priority. This means, in accordance with previous agreements that they are currently unable to cooperate with rental car companies.
During easter and summer, Spain ran out of rental cars.
The obvious consequence of this shortage of cars is the rising cost of the rentals. Turists visiting spain saw the prices rise even higher as the holiday seasons approached. Apart from this, people who waited untill the last moment, were unable to book a car.
The rent a car associations have already pointed this problem out to the officials with the aim of rectifying the situation.For example, the assosiation for car hire in Andalucia (AECA) has asked for financial help from the administration of car sales.
If rent a car companies do not receive financial aid soon, we will have a repeat of last summers situation.
The first signs are starting to show, during the christmas season they have already forseen a shortage of vehicles.
Rent-a-car companies are advising their customers to make their reservations as early as possible,thus avoiding the rise in prices and assuring a rental vehicle during the desired dates.
Nevertheless, the rent a car companies are aware that their clients may heed this warning as a comercial strategy, urging people to book early.
Luis garrote from the company VictoriaCars stated,”we are aware that most customers will take this notice as advertising, and will therefore ignore it. We have already begun to detect shortages in Car Hire Murcia and Car Hire Madrid around christmas and new year. There are predictions that the same will occur in Alicante during the next week. We urge our customers to book early, but in the end, it is their choice.”
For more information http://www.victoriacars.com