Europcar to enter NZ market

Europe's largest rental car firm, Europcar, will be setting up shop in New Zealand.  

Europcar Asia Pacific has bought the National Car Rental business, which had been operated as a joint venture between Europcar Australia and Barnett Transport Systems. 

It would take over the 1000 vehicles operated by National, and start introducing its vehicles at National's 19 branch offices. 

Europcar Asia Pacific chief executive Dough Hunt said the acquisition would see Europcar offer "seamless" car rental for people travelling between New Zealand, Australia and Europe. 

"In the short to medium term, we will have the Europcar brand throughout Asia," Mr Hunt said in a statement. 

Europcar Asia Pacific, a wholly owned unit of Volkswagon, operates alongside airlines Pacific Blue and Virgin Blue.  

It has some 13,000 vehicles across the Asia Pacific region, some 800 employees and generates revenue of more than A$150 million ($161 million).  

- NZPA