Europcar expanded its footprint into Western Australia (WA) after the company inked a franchise agreement with local car rental provider AUS Fleet Solutions (AFS). The partnership will see the fleet of vehicles under the Europcar brand in Australia increase by about 3,000, ranging from utes, trucks, buses, and 4WDs, and see the addition of 14 new Europcar branded stations throughout the state.

Stations will be added in Bassendean, Bunbury, Busselton City and Airport, Geraldton City and Airport, Karratha City and Airport, Onslow, Osborne Park, Paraburdoo, Port Hedland City and Airport, and Welshpool. This is in addition to existing Europcar locations in Broome, Exmouth City and Airport, Fremantle, Kalgoorlie City and Airport, Newman City and Airport, and Perth City and Airport.

The expansion cements Europcar’s footprint in WA as the local car rental industry prepares to ramp up ahead of borders reopening, with an expected increase in demand for domestic travel throughout 2022. “This partnership comes at a particularly strategic time as Western Australia prepares to reopen to Australia in 2022," says Europcar Mobility Group Australia managing director Benoit Garel. "We anticipate high demand for car rental in the state and this partnership puts us in a strong position to cater for Europcar customers wanting to rediscover the west. 

"There are great synergies between our two businesses. Europcar’s status as an innovative, market leading global brand along with AUS Fleet Solutions’ esteemed reputation established over 40 years will provide an even greater service for our customers. Whether it be general consumers who wish travel and experience all that WA has to offer or businesses looking to expand their commercial vehicle fleets, this partnership will create greater options and locations for our customers. Particularly I look forward to enhancing the network and accessibility we now have in both metropolitan and regional WA.”