Europcar Mobility Group has announced its decision to phase out its car-sharing service. Europcar on Demand in France, but also in Spain and Italy. The mobility group justifies this decision " too high operating costs "says Valérie Sauteret, Group Director of Communication & Corporate Engagement at Europcar Mobility Group.
Among the factors that derailed Europcar on Demand, the rental company highlights the following incivilities and damage to the fleet dedicated to this service, but also parking spaces that are too often "squatted" by vans and private vehicles, particularly in Paris. All is not lost in this venture, however, since the Europcar on Demand service is maintained in SwitzerlandThe same is true in Germany, but only for B2B customers. " The service will probably be operated under a new name "she adds.
Europcar on Demand was launched just over a year ago, following on fromUbeequoa start-up acquired by the car rental company in 2015. In France, rather than business customers, Europcar on Demand has primarily attracted individuals and families in urban areas who did not have their own vehicles. In Paris, rentals were concentrated at weekends and in the XIeXVth and XVIth arrondissements of the capital.
Improving service in Europcar agencies at stations and airports
Following this shutdown, Europcar Mobility Group intends to focus on the operational excellence of its rental business and on the " premiumisation "It is also constantly improving its territorial coverage through agreements with new franchisees. He also highlights the constant improvement in its territorial coverage through agreements with new franchisees, as well as the development of Goldcar, its low-cost brand.
In the business travel market, Europcar is focusing on its "travel hubs", the agencies located in railway stations and airports. The aim is to have best locations to strengthen its customer service, with extended opening hours, and to make it easier to collect and return vehicles. The aim is to offer a more upmarket fleet, particularly to business customers, who use these travel hubs extensively.
Business travel: recovery or slowdown?
Business tenants represent 17% of Europcar customers in France, a proportion that is virtually stable from one year to the next for the rental company. Last year, however, the company recorded an increase in its business travel business in connection with the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This is not the case this year, which saw a slowdown in rentals in June. Given the economic situation in France, there is a degree of uncertainty surrounding this market for the autumn.
