The company did not have to create controversial add campaign to get noticed, their racing version of the potent Beetle RSI was sufficient to create a great interest at the Volkswagen stand.

Staged in front of millions of visitors, this over sized powerful rounded car has under the bonnet a 2.8-litre, 220bhp V6 engine mounted transversely over the front driving wheels; power is delivered via a six-speed gearbox.

The Beetle, backed by Europcar, is now a familiar sight at many race tracks around the UK and was seen this season in the fastest growing circuit club championship in the UK, the Volkswagen Racing Cup. In the hands of Michael McInerney, Europcar UK Fleet Director, the Beetle put in an impressive performance finishing all of its debut races and competing against similar models and a host of other petrol and diesel powered racing Volkswagen saloons.

Having had a major accident early on in September during a test session at Thruxton where she spun off the tarmac and into a marshall post, she had to be fully refurbished. Now in all new trim she certainly looked the part at the show this year.

• Melissa Wright, Business Development Director, Tel : 01908 210088, E-mail : m.wright@Volkswagenracing.co.uk
• Sophie Ammann, Europcar Public Relations Executive, Tel : 07771972803 / 01923811298, E-mail : ammanns@mail.europcar.com

Europcar central reservations can be contacted on 0870 607 5000.

Europcar, the car rental company, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen A.G., the largest car manufacturer in Europe and number three worldwide with its VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda brands.

With 2685 world-wide locations in 123 countries and a fleet of 220,000 vehicles, Europcar is one of the world’s leading car rental companies. Founded in Paris in 1949, Europcar boasts greater airport coverage in Europe than any other car rental company and is the world’s largest car rental company of European origin.

Europcar is one of the UK’s leading car rental companies, with a fleet of approximately 20,000 vehicles and a network of over 120 stations, servicing 820,000 passengers a year.

Europcar UK provides rental choice from 1 hour to 1 year, with or without a driver, for work or play. We provide a large selection of vehicle makes and models from small economy models and sporty convertibles to large family cars, minibuses and luxurious sedans, as well as vans.

Europcar, you rent a lot more than a car.