This new deal follows on from the decision made last year by Europcar to choose AA Tyre Fit as sole supplier of tyres to Europcar UK. The arrangement sees AA Tyre Fit replace all damaged tyres on Europcar's UK rental fleet of 18,000 vehicles.

AA Tyre Fit General Manager David Goodyear says: "We have built up a good relationship with Europcar over the last year and this new deal is a sensible development. With the strength of the mobile tyre fitting product, and the combined power of the AA and Europcar brands, we are sure that we can reach many new customers."

Michael McInerney Fleet Director from Europcar UK adds, "We have decided to pass on to our customers the benefits of our purchasing power and supply them with an affordable and convenient way of dealing with their tyre problems." He adds, "hassle free are the magic words and we will see many drivers opting to use this customer focused mobile tyre service."

*Service provided in mainland UK within normal working hours

AA Tyre Fit is an AA-owned business based at Binley in Coventry. For retail customers, it offers tyre fitting through a national mobile tyre-fitting network that will have 270 units on the road by the end of 2003. For fleet customers, it provides a sophisticated e-trading platform, a state-of-the-art call centre, and the UK's largest tyre network with access to a total of 3,221 outlets, composed of independent fast-fit centres and franchised car dealers. AA Tyre Fit was originally known as Tyreserve and was acquired by the AA in June 2002.

Europcar, the car rental company, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen A.G., the largest car manufacturer in Europe and number three worldwide with its VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda brands.

With 2685 world-wide locations in 123 countries and a fleet of more than 120,000 vehicles, Europcar is one of the world’s leading car rental companies. Founded in Paris in 1949, Europcar boasts greater airport coverage in Europe than any other car rental company and is the world’s largest car rental company of European origin.

Europcar is one of the UK’s leading car rental companies, with a fleet of around 15,000 vehicles and a network of 125 stations.

Europcar UK provides rental choice from 1 hour to 1 year, with or without a driver, for work or play. We provide a large selection of vehicle makes and models from small economy models and sporty convertibles to large family cars, minibuses and luxurious sedans, as well as vans.

Europcar, you rent a lot more than a car.

Sophie Ammann, Europcar UK

Tel : 07771972803 / 01923811298

Simon Wells

Paperchase Public Relations

Tel : 01283-711311