Last-Minute Car Hire Bookers Risk Disappointment

LONDON - (www.auto-europe.co.uk)

International car hire brokerage Auto Europe has warned customers of the
possible risks of leaving car hire to the last minute this year, as suppliers
cut back on vehicle purchases.

According to Auto Europe’s Commercial Director for the UK and Ireland,
Peter McAree, March 2009 has seen an increase in the trend for late bookings:

“We’re receiving a healthy number of short-lead orders, but we would
normally see a much higher number of advance bookings being made for summer
breaks by now,” explains McAree. “Naturally, in the current economic climate,
many people are reluctant to commit to holiday plans. But last-minute bookers
may be faced with higher prices or limited availability this year, following
fleet reductions being made by some of the major car hire suppliers.”

Auto Europe is advising travellers to book early for busy school holiday
periods and popular locations, to keep costs down and guarantee the type of
vehicle required. As this Easter falls after the main ski season, car hire
for sunshine resorts in Spain and France is quickly being snapped up.

To ease concerns customers might have about the risks of booking in
advance, Auto Europe guarantees that any payment received will be returned in
full if a change or cancellation is made up to 48 hours before the time of
collection.

About Auto Europe (www.auto-europe.co.uk)

Auto Europe has been a leader in worldwide car hire services for over 50
years. Recently the company has expanded to include over 7,000 car hire
destinations worldwide. The company strives to provide competitive rates and
the best service available under the motto “customers should not expect less
because they pay less”.

Source: Auto Europe (www.auto-europe.co.uk)

Press contact details: Gemma Rees at Born PR, Tel: +44(0)2380-435-548, Email: gemma at bornpr.com