Live News From Spain As It Happens

British tourists heading to Spain may have trouble hiring cars due to a country-wide shortage of vehicles.

Hire companies in Spain have warned that unless holidaymakers have pre-booked cars it is unlikely they will be able to rent one, particularly from popular arrival destinations like Malaga airport.

The alarming shortage could not only leave many British visitors without cars but also push up the price of rental at a time when holidaymakers are trying to avoid spending too much.

The country, usually well known for its reasonable car hire prices, is experiencing problems as the recession has dramatically affected hire firms' ability to lease cars from manufacturers.  

A lack of available credit has meant that car rental firms do not have the money to lease the amount of cars they need to cover the summer demand.

Fleets were also reduced as hire companies predicted a substantial decrease in summer visitors to Spain based on the recorded 18 per cent drop over the winter period.

However, tempting offers and poor weather in the UK have led to a surge in last-minute beach breaks to Spain, increasing demand for cars.

Andy Lewis, head of marketing and e-commerce for Budget Rent-a-Car, said: 'It is true that rental vehicles in Spain are generally in short supply across the industry this summer. We therefore highly recommend that rental bookings are made well in advance of travel to avoid disappointment.'
 

Source: The Daily Mail