SYDNEY - The bright green of Europe's second largest car rental company, Europcar, is about to start appearing in New Zealand, the operators of a new joint venture said today.
New Zealand company Barnett Transport Systems has joined with Europcar Australia to run the Europcar business, starting on March 1, in
a direct franchise with Europcar International in France.
Europcar New Zealand will absorb the 13 sites and 600-vehicle fleet that BTS operated under the National Rental Car brand, and will become the fourth largest rental car company in the country.
BTS principal Phillip Barnett, who will become Europcar NZ chief executive, said the business would have direct access to Europcar Australia's reservations and corporate customer systems.
Europcar NZ was expected to add Audi cars to its existing fleet, through Europcar's 100 per cent ownership by Audi-manufacturer Volkswagen.
It would have a presence at Auckland and Queenstown airports, where BTS is a licensed operator, and would apply for licences at Wellington and Christchurch airports.
Europcar New Zealand would also establish direct booking branches in the nine Accor Group hotels in New Zealand.
Europcar has 2600 branches in 100 countries, including 200 in Australia.
- NZPA
