The ANWB expects that rental cars will be available to a limited extent this summer in almost all popular holiday countries in Europe. Several major car rental companies have significantly reduced their fleets during the corona period. With some providers, the number of rental cars has even halved compared to before the corona pandemic. This may have consequences for holidaymakers who rely on replacement transport in the event of a car breakdown abroad.
In order to cope with the expected shortage, the ANWB has expanded its own fleet of rental cars destined for the Netherlands and abroad to 4300 through its subsidiary Logicx. Some of the vehicles will be distributed over a large number of hubs in popular holiday areas throughout Europe and will mainly be used to allow holidaymakers to travel home. If the stock is insufficient, alternatives will be sought, such as train, bus or plane.
Local lessors will in particular be called upon for replacement transport on site. Due to limited availability, this will probably be a challenge. Vacationers may experience longer waiting times and older vehicles. The distances to the pick-up location may also increase.
The ANWB advises holidaymakers to have their car checked well before departure to prevent breakdowns en route as much as possible. Assistance to travelers at home and abroad is provided by the ANWB Emergency Center. In the high season of 2019, the ANWB Emergency Center received more than 600.000 phone calls from people who had gotten into trouble. The ANWB Emergency Center coordinates emergency assistance 24/7 from The Hague and Assen and has support centers in Munich, Lyon, Barcelona and Athens.
Photo below: ANWB image bank.
