Our Mission : From car rental company to mobility service provider

Europcar has developed into a global provider of mobility services. The foundation for this evolution consists of partnerships with airlines, railway operators, hotel groups, automobile clubs and road-side assistance services. Europcar thus integrates the business of renting cars within a consistent, global mobility concept.
Europcar has succeeded in gaining this market position as a mobility service provider not least through its synergetic relationship with Volkswagen, its parent company. Europcar is an integral component of the VW Group and its comprehensive mobility concept.

Europcar also offers its customers a wide spectrum of service solutions in the reservation process. In this area, the Internet has become an increasingly important tool for booking, alongside the telephone or travel agencies' Global Distribution Systems. As a matter of principle, Europcar does not promote any particular reservation channel, but offers the customer the choice of all possible reservation methods to meet their individual needs.

In an increasingly complex world, the personal freedom of each person to set individual priorities - whether in the business or private domain - is becoming more and more important. Europcar has therefore set itself the goal of providing tailored mobility solutions that respond to these individual needs and desires.

Europcar creates flexible driving solutions which fit your individual mobility needs

Our History

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 Europcar

1971
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.

Our Shareholder

Europcar is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, the number one car manufacturer in Europe. As the largest automobile manufacturer in Europe, the Volkswagen Group's activities focus on the automotive market and offers products and services along the entire automotive value chain.

With nine independent brands the Group is able to offer a unique range of models. While each of the brands has a distinct personality, it also benefits from its membership of the Volkswagen Group with its global manufacturing base - 45 plants worldwide - and its international sales and marketing strength.

As a global player, Volkswagen is represented in all significant markets of the world. The Volkswagen Group is also becoming a mobility provider, and its broad spectrum of services include financing and leasing business through its Financial Services Division. It also provides one of the leading information technology consultancies in Germany.