A tough economy next year will focus more small businesses on daily rental for business car travel.

While cuts in business travel costs will be expected, smarter solutions can reduce business costs.

Using daily rental is one way for small businesses to supply mobility. Rather than use a longer-term contract hire rental agreement with its commitment to expenditure.

“I expect to see greater demand for short and medium-term vehicle rental,” predicted Roddy Graham, commercial director, Leasedrive Velo.

“Many are predicting higher rental rates in 2009 thanks to poorer buy-back deals and restricted supply. But with so many new cars unsold, expect vehicle manufacturers to seek a short-term solution to their problems by flooding the vehicle rental market,” continued Graham.

Small businesses will be in prime position to take advantage of any such flexibility in the market.

But whether or not some of these predictions prove true in 2009, rental is still an effective cost-containment tool, says Europcar.

“Containing costs is vital to the survival of many small businesses. But this can often prove a challenge when it comes to arranging transport for staff. This is where vehicle rental from a business such as Europcar can help,” commented Frank Reynolds, small business specialist, Europcar.

“Rental of cars or vans can be for one day, up to six months or more – becoming more cost-effective the longer you rent. As a business, you have the flexibility to upscale and downscale your business cars quickly. And according to actual rather than predicted demand, with delivery in just two hours for urgent requests.

“Longer term rental is ideal for businesses affected by seasonal demands. It’s also great for providing vehicles for temporary or contract staff. Or to cover for a vehicle that’s off the road.

“Vehicle rental frees small businesses to focus on the priorities rather than getting caught up in the administration of managing private vehicles used for business or pool cars. They are a great solution that can be used alongside a core of leased business cars. It provides a level of flexibility that small businesses need in order to compete effectively in the marketplace.”