U-Save is proceeding with its expansion into Europe with the sale of its Master Country Franchise for Italy, the company reported Aug. 15.

Italian Motor Group and Gruppo Morini acquired the franchise and are working to launch their first location at the Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport, an international airport serving the city of Bologna.

Gruppo Morini brought in seasoned industry expert, Pierre Bertoli, to head up the airport location. Bertoli has had an extensive career within with Italian car rental sector, spending over 18 years with leading Italian rental company, Autovia.

Richard Lowden, president of U-Save International, said, "Morini Group, in collaboration with Pierre and his wider management team that includes Tommaso Semperboni, have partnered with U-Save and support the brand's further expansion throughout one of Europe's most important rental markets. We are confident that this partnership will prove one of the strongest and most successful within our industry."

Gruppo Morini is one of the oldest and most well-established dealership groups in Italy, representing major motor manufacturers such as Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, Honda, Subaru, Cadillac, Corvette and Infiniti for over 40 years.