easyCar

Legal name / brand names: easyCar (formerly easyRentacar). Brand of easyGroup Ltd
Founded: 2000 (UK)
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom (easyGroup HQ)
Type: Private (easyGroup subsidiary)
Categories: Comparison Site
Markets: Global (serves travelers booking via European sites)
Parent: easyGroup (Stelios Haji-Ioannou)

Overview:

easyCar.com is the car rental division of easyGroup, the conglomerate founded by Sir Stelios (who also founded easyJet, easyHotel, etc.). Originally launched in 2000 under the name easyRentacar, it was rebranded as easyCar. The site lets users compare and book rental vehicles from major agencies (Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, etc.) worldwide. It advertises itself as a low-cost broker, leveraging the easyGroup brand to assure travelers of no hidden fees and customer support. easyCar features flexible cancellation and a fuel policy, and it has partner links with other easy brands (easyBus) for ground travel. It primarily targets leisure customers, especially package holidaymakers who know the easy brand.

Products and Services:

easyCar does not own a fleet; it’s a comparison broker. Key offerings include online quoting, insurance add-ons (excess waiver), and assistance features (24/7 support). The easyCar website provides an English-language interface for over 45,000 pick-up locations globally. The company markets through easyGroup’s channels and stands out with its “free cancellation” guarantee. Official statements emphasize its long history (“over 25 years” of operation) and “trusted easy family” branding.

Geography and Markets:

Based in the UK, easyCar serves customers booking in Europe, North America, and Asia. The company ties into easyGroup’s international presence, so it has dedicated sites/affiliates for different currencies (GBP, USD, EUR). Key markets include UK, the Middle East (via package partners), and Australasia (via partnerships). Although headquartered in London, booking operations are global.

Ownership and Corporate Structure:

easyCar is owned by easyGroup Ltd, a private UK company founded by Stelios Haji-Ioannou. easyGroup licenses its brands and operates via subsidiaries. The easyCar platform itself was initially run by www.easyCar.com Ltd (renamed from easyRentacar Inc) and is now managed by easyGroup’s car rental division. EasyGroup is privately held by Stelios and family offices.

Some Key Dates:

– 2000: Company established as easyRentacar (EasyGroup’s first non-aviation brand)
– 2000: Renamed to easyCar.com in launch year
– 2010s: Expanded partnerships within easy travel network; maintained steady operations
– 2020s: Continued online presence as easyCar.com, integrating new car hire locations and insurance products

(Sources: Company financial reports, SEC filings, official press releases, and reputable news outlets were used.)