 | 1949
Europcar, the Brainchild of Raoul-Louis Mattei who traded as L'Abbonement Automobile in Paris and provided cars for rental "without-chauffeurs" as part of the Mattei Group, is founded.
1970
Renault purchases Europcar
1971
The new Europcars "snail" logo and orange colour is launched
1973
Europcar expands creating subsidiaries in Switzerland (purchased), Germany (purchased), Belgium and the Netherlands.
1974
The "Europcar" trademark first appears. Great Britain, Italy, Spain and Portugal subsidiaries are opened and a new franchise network developed.
1981
Europcar International is created as a holding company assuming franchise functions and a co-ordinating role. Godfrey Davids, the oldest and largest car rental company in the UK, is acquired bringing with it over 300 agencies and 50 years of experience.
1984
A comprehensive Quality Control programme is launched by the group, the quality of service is to be improved at all stations to a level representative of the Europcar "Super Service".
1988
Wagon-Lits Group and Volkswagen AG become the new joint shareholders.
1989
Europcar change of logo: from orange to green
1990 - 1991
Europcar linked with Sabre (1990) and Galileo (1991) Global Distribution Systems.
1992
Europcar becomes Europcar Interrent with National, Nippon and and Tilden making up the Interrent partners and forming a truly global network.
1994
GreenWay information and reservation system is launched giving Europcar a competitive advantage in the field of car rental.
1997
Europcar gains many ISO9002 certifications (quality assurance certification).
1998
Europcar decide not to renew the Interrent agreement and instead form a strategic alliance in the US with Dollar Rent A Car. Europcar acquires British Car and Van Rental (BCR), creating one of Britain's largest car rental networks. The Europcar identity is modernised, emphasing the green and including a yellow stylised horizon underscoring the name. The new logo increases Europcars visibility and portrays the brand's dynamism and competitiveness.
1999
Europcar launches innovative Online Reservation System via the internet in February. Volkswagen AG become sole shareholders in Europcar, demonstrating its faith in the ability of the Europcar board and showing commitment in developing as a lifestyle company.
2000
Budget Rent A Car are announced as new strategic partners for Canada and North America.
2002
Europcar contracts with EUrent Autókölcsönző Kft., as the new frenchise partner from 1st January, 2003. in Hungary.
2006
Volkswagen sells Europcar to French investor Eurazeo.
2007
Europcar acquires Betacar the leading car rental group in the Balearic and Canary Islands and Vanguard's European businesses ("Vanguard EMEA": brands National & Alamo).
2008
Acquisition of ECA Car Rental, Europcar's Master Franchisee in Australia & New Zealand Strategic Alliance with Enterprise to form the World's Largest Car Rental Network
2009 Partnership signed succesively with Nissan and Renault to market electric vehicles by 2010/2011 and advance zero-emission mobility in a global scale
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