Europcar Mobility Group UK has announced strong growth for its Europcar van operations in the North East of England - covering Gateshead, Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Stockton on Tees, County Durham and Darlington.

The company expects to see more than a 20% upturn in sales in the North East this year compared to last, while economic growth in the region is forecast to grow by 1.1%.

Europcar has enjoyed particular successes in the construction, civil engineering and logistics sectors.

Matthew Gill, joined Europcar Mobility Group as regional business development manager for van services earlier this year. He said: “Despite all the current uncertainties, SME owners in the area have to get on with running their businesses.

“The flexibility of van hire, compared to that of outright purchase, offers businesses greater scope.

“This, along with the excellent value and service that we offer our customers at a local level – including our SMR provision in partnership with Rivus Fleet Solutions (formerly BT Fleet Solutions), with mobile servicing and quick turnarounds - means that business owners can react quickly to different demand levels, knowing that Europcar can support them with everything from daily rentals to vehicles for longer term use.”

Europcar Vans offers a wide choice of commercial vehicles including car derived vans, short and long wheelbase as well as more specialised light commercial vehicles, most of which are available within a two-hour booking window.

Stuart Russell, director of commercial vehicle sales at Europcar Mobility Group UK, said: “Europcar is a serious player in the van rental marketplace. We offer a full fleet solution that can be tailored to local business needs which we believe is the reason, along with Matthew Gill’s in-depth local knowledge, that we have achieved strong growth in the North East this year.”