In 2003, EUROPCAR took the lead amongst the short-term car rental hire companies in Europe. One year on, with a turnover of 1,172 million Euros, with 32 million car-hire days sold, with over 230 000 vehicles bought in the year and a profit of almost 84 million Euros, the N°1 company in Europe has gained even more ground and has confirmed its position as market leader.

Having become market leader in Spain, in Portugal and Italy, EUROPCAR is making strong headway in the majority of strategic countries, and notably in France, where it is now in second place.

The group continues to raise its flag on all continents with three new countries this year on the American continent, five in Africa and one in Europe. However, the most spectacular change has taken place in the Asia – Pacific rim, where a new agreement extends to nearly thirty countries in this major region of the world.

"Our next objectives are focussed on two countries that are of importance for our world-wide position – China and the United States. We hope to conclude as early as 2005!", stated Mr. Salvatore Catania, Chief Executive Officer of the group, who is most encouraged by the improved stability of the company balance sheet.

With a result before tax of 83.9 million Euros in 2004, EUROPCAR is announcing a new record that is up 16 % over the figures for 2003.

"This performance is primarily due to the increase in our turnover, the optimisation of our vehicle fleet and to the fall in the cost of finance", explained Gerhard Noack, the Group’s Chief Finance Officer.

For 2005, the car-hire company has confirmed the general trends observed during the year and anticipates a further two-figure result at the end of this financial year.

For the second year running, EUROPCAR has received the title of "European Car Hire Leader".