Dubbed Business Connect, the new service gives local businesses and SMEs more choice and flexibility, as well as competitive rates on a wide range of Europcar's vehicle hire services. 

There are two options available in Business Connect, including a fixed service option that enables companies to select the rental product that will be most suitable for their business needs throughout the year. A defined set of competitive rates is then provided to make it easier to budget for the annual costs of car hire.

Alternatively, businesses can choose a flexible product, with variable rates, including discounts on Europcar's standard web offering.

A choice of payment options, including credit facilities or no-contract credit card payment, are offered as well as access to Europcar's online booking system to reserve vehicles at the company's network of 200 locations across the UK. 

In addition, an Affinity scheme is available for SMEs to provide their employees with access to competitively priced car hire for personal travel.

Other benefits usually only available to larger fleets include a guaranteed diesel option, a light damage option which waives any damage costs up to £400 and dedicated account manager support. Delivery, collection and one-way rentals also come as part of the Business Connect package, which provides access to over 45,000 vehicles across the UK.

‘The launch of Business Connect is part of Europcar's commitment to our small business customers who are the engine room of the UK economy,’ said Ken McCall, managing director, Europcar UK Group. ‘Business Connect delivers big business benefits to smaller organisations, helping them get the best out of Europcar's services by creating a rental solution that meets their specific needs.

‘We know that SMEs have to be even more conscious of costs but can often find that they are excluded from the discounts and benefits that are afforded to big volume rental users.  Business Connect brings certainty on costs with discounted rates to keep UK SMEs on the move. Plus our Affinity programme offers staff, friends and family discounts on vehicle rental booked via our consumer website, providing savings on leisure rentals.’