Vehicle Shortages Driving Up Algarve Rental Car Prices

Printer-friendly versionPDF version

Summer visitors to the popular Algarve region of Portugal are arriving at Faro Airport to find that there are no rental vehicles available. A widespread shortage again this summer has left holiday visitors seeking other forms of transport.

Faro, 13th August 2010

Many visitors to the Algarve this summer have had their holiday plans disrupted by the rental car shortage crisis which has hit both Spain and Portugal. It is virtully impossible to book a rental car until late August at any of the busy holiday airports.

Matt May from Blue Valley Car Hire who provide car hire in the Algarve in Portugal explains "the recession has affected Spain and Portugal just like the rest of Europe. The rental vehicle companies have been unable to obtain credit to lease additional cars for the busy summer period. The result is a severe shortage of cars which means that prices have soared. Tourists are having to pay 400 to 500 Euros a week for a small rental car, which is double the normal summer price.

The only way to ensure that you obtain a rental vehicle is to book as early as possible, and be prepared to pay up front. The situation is usually better by late august when most people have finished their summer breaks.

Matt May is an internet writer for the travel industry.