Europcar Mobility Group UK has announced a new senior role of UK van and truck director and has hired David Saint to take on the new position.

He will report to UK managing director, Gary Smith.

Previously, Saint was van and truck director at Europcar Mobility Group Germany, gaining experience in the van rental sector.

Speaking of his new role, Saint said: “With the change in the UK economy, and the Government’s push to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2040, the industry will be seeing some major transformations.

“Add to this the burgeoning logistics marketplace and growing gig economy changing the way the van rental industry operates, it’s clear that future business mobility will require some imaginative thinking. It’s exciting times.”

His role will include looking at strategies to continue providing sustainable commercial vehicle solutions for UK businesses.

Meeting Government emissions standards and working at expanding the UK Van Supersite network will also be key factors in his new role.

Prior to working with the company, he worked within the International Van & Truck Business Unit, with a focus on fleet, operations and network.

Smith, said: “We are delighted David is heading up our Van & Truck division in the UK.

"He has an enviable knowledge of the industry and we’re very much looking forward to help UK businesses navigate through the range of challenges in the coming years.”

The appointment comes as Europcar Mobility Group UK announced it has added 750 Mercedes-Benz Sprinters to its rental fleet of commercial vehicles.

The business says it has already seen significant demand from fleets looking for the latest tech without the commitment of a long term leasing deal.

Europcar Mobility Group delivers its services in 140 countries (including 20 wholly owned subsidiaries in Europe, 2 in Australia and New Zealand, franchises and partners). More than 2,300 people work for its UK branches, with a combined fleet - across all brands - of more than 45,000 vehicles on UK roads.