Club Car targets European rental

Ingersoll Rand’s Club Car business is targeting the European rental sector with its range of recently updated utility vehicles, including diesel, petrol and electric models.

The company, which produces thousands of Club Cars every year at its facilities in Augusta, Georgia, USA, has increased its sales to Europe, Middle East and Africa by 50% between 2012 and 2014 and now sees the equipment rental sector as a good market to further increase its reach into Europe.

“We already have good experience of the rental market in the US, where we have been present for 14 years, and we’ve been growing our business there year on year”, said Dennis de Roos, Club Cara’s utility sales director for Europe, Middle East, India and Africa.

“In Europe we have many dealers, and in all the main markets. But where we feel we can do more is with the 4 x 4 vehicles in construction. Club Car is synonymous with golf and turf care, now we are going into more heavy duty vehicles.” The vehicles are ideal for use in both construction and events.

Mr de Roos told IRN that the company was now investigating the best way to reach the rental market. The company attended the European Rental Association’s convention in Rome and met many of the region’s largest rental players.

The vehicles, which were updated and re-launched last year, have carrying capacities of between 130 and 800 kg and are available in two and four seat versions, with petrol, diesel and electric powered variants.

They feature an aluminium chassis, which reduces weight and eliminates rusting, and are designed to be robust and easy to use, with a single forward and reverse throttle lever. A 4WD, four-seat version will cost around €17500, with the two-seat version closer to €15000.

“We’re in here for the long haul, not just to sell a few vehicles. It’s about being a partner with rental companies, not just a supplier”, said Mr de Roos.