2007-10-01Europcar Spreads Wings with New Branch at Christchurch International Airport

Europcar New Zealand has reached an important milestone for the vehicle rental group's global expansion plans with the launch of a new branch at Christchurch International Airport.

The company announced today that it had been successful in its bid to expand its services and planned to open the new branch on November 1.

Europcar New Zealand General Manager Geoff Gilfedder said the Christchurch branch was the final step in the company's New Zealand expansion program.

"Christchurch airport is one of the final pieces of the puzzle for Europcar in New Zealand," Mr Gilfedder said.

"Timing is perfect, coinciding with the launch of our partners Pacific Blue's domestic service in New Zealand on November 15. Being "on airport" will allow us to provide consistently levels of service. We are anticipating and planning for strong growth that will help us achieve our gaol of becoming one of the top 3 players in the New Zealand market.

In May this year Europcar added a branch at Auckland International Airport which has already had a significant impact on New Zealand revenue, helping the company in meeting its goal.

Europcar Asia Pacific purchased National Car Rental in New Zealand in 2005 with the intention of adding New Zealand to the global Europcar network.

"It has been planned from the initial purchase to expand the locations offered in New Zealand and to develop the business from there," Mr Gilfedder said.

The Christchurch branch fills an important niche for Europcar New Zealand which sees harnessing the corporate market as critical in combating the seasonality of tourism in the country.

"The seasonal nature of New Zealand's tourism business makes it problematic for a rental car company to focus solely on tourism and traditionally the corporate market helps counter this seasonality," Mr Gilfedder said.

"Corporate clients demand on site airport branches and without these Europcar would not be able to concentrate on this important market."

Europcar New Zealand is a part of the extensive network of Europcar Asia Pacific, which currently operates franchises in ten countries including Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Singapore, The Philippines, India and Thailand.

ENDS

Media enquiries to Geoff Gilfedder
General Manager
Europcar New Zealand
Mob: 027 220 5434

Europcar is one of Australasia's largest car hire agencies, with over 110 car rental service locations around Australia, New Zealand & Fiji including all major airports, capital cities and many suburbs and regional locations.

 

 

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