Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP)

This new initiative was a reaction to the recent emissions scandal, and is designed to provide an accurate CO2 rating per vehicle model derivative for all makes of car. The accreditation required is extensive, and has to be carried out for each individual model derivative, and taking account of all possible permutations of vehicle extras fitted (sunroof, alloy wheels etc.). For some manufacturers with a diverse model range, and an extensive list of extra options, this can mean many thousands of individual accreditation tests are required. The knock-on effect of all of this activity, has been to severely reduce the number of new registrations due to the delay in carrying out all the testing required. The new compliance regime challenges some manufacturer to such an extent that some have withdrawn some models from sale altogether. This puts further pressure on Avis to procure the most attractive models for our customers to rent.

Both issues are impacting the whole rental industry. There is an overall restriction of supply available for rental companies to buy, coupled to a reduction of choice of the actual makes/models that are available. This will inevitably have some negative impact on rental customers until all vehicles are WLTP accredited, the fall-out from Brexit dies down, and we hopefully return to more normal trading patterns.