Swedish carmaker Volvo is rolling out its car rental programme to its 150-strong dealer network after a successful trial period at a handful of dealers.

Ten retailers tested the scheme, called Volvo Rental, during a nine-month pilot stage (AM December 6, 2002). They recorded 400 rentals, which add up to more than 3000 rental days. The average short-term hire was eight days.

Volvo Rental allows retailers to boost profits and showroom traffic by targeting company and private buyers who want short term vehicle cover. All current models – apart from the XC90 – are available on the scheme with daily rates starting at £40 for an S40 to £100 for a C70, including VAT and insurance.

Sturgess of Leicester has become the latest dealer to sign up and Volvo expects the majority of its city centre hubs to offer the scheme. Sturgess joins Hull-based Riverside, which says the scheme has been a major success with a 60 per cent increase in demand over three months.

Other pilot retailers were Bells Motor Group, Northampton, Cambridge Garage, Portsmouth; Lipscomb, Ashford; Fawcetts Garage, Newbury; Kastners, Exeter; Kings, Southampton; Motorworld, Oxford and Page Motors, Bournemouth.