Car makers off to flying start in 2010 with orders from vehicle rental companies

Car manufacturers are hoping that 2010 will be a turnaround year. Having suffered plummeting sales figures in previous 12 months, things finally seem to be looking up for the industry, and the car hire market is playing a big role in it.

Car rental firms were very reluctant to put their hands in their pockets last year to fork out for new vehicles, and this had a serious affect on the manufacturers. One of their biggest markets, simply wasn’t buying. Some smaller car ire firms failed to get the financial backing from the bank which prevented them from investing in a new fleet, whereas those companies which were struggling to stay afloat, started selling off vehicles to help raise funds.

The car hire companies which had to shed cars during the difficulties, and have now come through the other side, will be looking to boost their fleet back up to its previous size, which is music to the ears of the manufacturers.

The decline in the number of car hire vehicles available last year did cause major problems especially during the peak holiday season. Several cases reported tourists in European destination being left without any transport whatsoever, and those that did find a car available, were charged a premium rate and a massive hike in hire prices was noted.

Ford and Chrysler car manufacturers in the US have both reported an encouraging start to 2010 having taken a number of big orders. Both saw a significant drop in sales last year, but it seems the tide is finally turning and the industry is looking forward to a successful year.