June 29th 2011

Car hire prices across the globe have fallen for the first time in four years according to the Holiday Autos Car Hire Price Index. The price of hiring a compact car for one week fell 6% in 2011 to £251, compared to £268 in 2010.*

The cost of renting a car has risen exponentially over the past few years due to a number of factors, including the recession and recent natural disasters which have squeezed car manufacturers. However, Holiday Autos has revealed that prices are finally decreasing for the first time in nearly half a decade.

Of the 180 destinations surveyed, prices fell fastest in Ireland, where prices have dropped 51% to an average £125 for a week’s car rental. There are also bargains to be had in Gibraltar, (where prices fell by 35% to £195) and major Spanish destinations.

Top five decreases in rental prices in 2011 (compared to 2010)

However, there are still a number of pricing hot spots where a week’s car hire will cost in excess of £300. Switzerland tops the list of most expensive destinations for car hire this summer at £317 for one week’s rental, closely followed by France at £304 a week.

Hema Nagar, head of marketing at Holiday Autos says: “The fact that car hire prices are showing signs of coming down after such a long time is great news for holidaymakers. There are a number of locations where you can pick up a good deal on your rental so it’s worth thinking about destinations where your money will go further.

“However, as our data reveals, there are still places where you could pay a hefty premium for car hire, particularly if you book last minute or during peak season, so we would always advise customers to book early to ensure they get the car that suits their needs at a good price.”

* Prices based on hiring a ‘compact’ category car for seven days in July 2010 compared to July 2011.

Holiday Autos is the world’s largest car hire broker operating in over 5,000 locations around the world. Working with partners including Avis, Alamo, Europcar, Sixt, Hertz, National, Thrifty and Budget, Holiday Autos offers competitively priced car hire and a high level of service to all its customers. As well car hire, holiday autos also offers campervan hire, van hire, prestige and hybrid car hire as well as chauffeur drive services through its consumer website.

Travellers can book directly at www.holidayautos.co.uk

Source: Holiday Autos

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