Drivalia expands branch network in the UK with franchise partnership

Drivalia targets franchise partnerships to expand UK network
  • Drivalia opens its first UK franchise dealership, Research Garage Group, in Nuneaton
  • Customers will benefit from Drivalia’s comprehensive range of mobility solutions, from electric car sharing to innovative car subscriptions, rentals, and leasing
  • Drivalia aims to increase its UK network from 25 to more than 80 within the next two years

Slough, 16 May 2023

Drivalia, the pan-European automotive rental, leasing, and mobility company from the Crédit Agricole Auto Bank Group, has today announced the opening of its first UK franchise operator, Research Garage Group, in Nuneaton.

The partnership represents a key milestone in the expansion of Drivalia’s UK network, and demonstrates significant progress in the company’s wider commitment to becoming one of Europe’s leading operators in the new mobility sector.

The introduction of its first franchise operator is part of a Drivalia’s new phase of network expansion in the UK. The company aims to grow from 25 to more than 80 locations in major towns and cities within the next two years, and will rely on partnerships with motor retailers, like Research Garage Group, car park operators, and traditional car rental franchisees, to achieve this goal.

Managing Director of Drivalia, Alex Hughes, commented,

“There are now more ways than ever that motorists can access a car, with many choosing to rent, lease, share or subscribe to a vehicle, rather than buying one. As this trend continues, we want to ensure that we make it as easy as possible for customers to use Drivalia, which means expanding our network across the UK. We believe franchising high quality, experienced dealerships is an effective and efficient way to do this.

Welcoming Research Garage Group into our network marks a significant achievement for Drivalia and its expansion plans. It’s thanks to Research Garage Group’s reputation for exceptional customer service and a strong focus on customer satisfaction, that Drivalia customers can expect to be well served.

Created to provide motorists with a comprehensive range of mobility solutions, Drivalia offers an array of services from electric car sharing to innovative car subscriptions and rentals of all durations – including operational leasing. The company also supplies innovative mobility plans that combine flexibility, digital use, on-demand approach, and sustainability.

Today, Drivalia operates in seven European countries – the United Kingdom, Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain. Its ‘Planet Mobility’ integrated mobility system covers vehicle rental, leasing, sharing and subscription.