Europcar is supporting a new initiative to take Volkswagen technicians out of their workshops and give them the chance to work alongside fellow professionals in motor sport. The scheme went ‘live’ last weekend (5/6 April) at the Rockingham Motor Speedway where four qualified mechanics were recruited to work on Volkswagen Racing UK’s cars in the first two rounds of the Volkswagen Racing Cup competition.

Europcar was strongly represented at the two-day meeting, with Volkswagen Racing’s competition Beetle RSi resplendent in the company’s corporate livery. More than that, taking the wheel to compete in the double-header event was Europcar Fleet Director Michael McInerney.

Europcar is sponsoring two technicians to work alongside the race team on the Europcar Beetle at each of the season’s six meetings. The first pair to enjoy the experience were Gareth Stephenson, from Lincoln Volkswagen, and David Mott, from Heron Newark.

"It’s a great experience to see what the job is like for real," said Gareth, 23, who completed his Volkswagen apprenticeship two years ago. "I’ve always had an interest in motor sport and after this weekend I’d certainly like to do more if I had the chance."

A different team of technicians will be recruited for each meeting, drawn from Volkswagen dealerships within the region local to the circuit. By the end of the season, more than 12 will have had the chance to enjoy the atmosphere of the pit lane and paddock and make a real contribution to the success of the Volkswagen Racing team. At the end of the year a prize will also be awarded to the technician who has shown the greatest promise.

The motor sport initiative is an industry ‘first’. All of the 400 Volkswagen’s qualified technicians were directly contacted by mail with details of the scheme. Volkswagen Racing and Europcar believe the scheme will do much to encourage men and women to develop their technical skills and demonstrate to young people considering their career options the kind of opportunities the motoring industry can offer.

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 Volkswagen, 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.

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