The vital role being played by vehicle rental during the coronavirus outbreak has been spotlighted by the BVRLA, which says that tens of thousands of cars, vans, minibuses and trucks are being provided to ensure that key workers are mobile and essential services are maintained.
While the UK vehicle rental industry is already an integral part of the supply chain and operating model for many businesses across the logistics sector, NHS, police, social care, local and central government, the association has highlighted how the provision of vehicles at very short notice is even more essential to operations at the moment.
BVRLA rental members operate 1,800 outlets across the full breadth of the UK, running a combined fleet of 371,000 vehicles that includes HGVs, vans, ultra-low emission cars, minibuses and temperature-controlled trucks.
“Many people think of vehicle rental as the car that they pick up from an airport on their annual holiday. In reality, around half of all vehicle rental transactions are with businesses supporting the transportation of people and goods,” said BVRLA chief executive, Gerry Keaney.
“In these challenging times, vehicle rental is focused on its most important customers. Right now, our members are providing cars to police forces, district nurses and Ministry of Defence sites; vans to plumbers and gas engineers; refrigerated lorries to food distributors and minibuses to schools with special educational needs.
“They may not have flashing lights or logos, but tens of thousands of rental vehicles across the UK are helping to keep our infrastructure running, our food stores stocked and our families safe and well.”
His comments come after the Government listed car rental firms in the list of ‘exceptions’ in the retail sector which can stay open. These also include garages, supermarkets, health shops, pharmacies and petrol stations.
