Holidaymakers heading to Spain could find themselves in difficulty hiring cars due to a nationwide shortage of vehicles.

Car hire companies are warning that unless travellers’ pre-book cars it is unlikely they would be able to rent one, especially in popular destinations such as Malaga airport.

The vehicle shortage may not only cause the hassle of leaving travellers without transport, but also boost the cost at a time when tourists are price-conscious.

Spain, usually renowned for its cheap car rental prices, is currently suffering as the credit crunch has affected the car hire companies’ ability to buy and lease cars from manufacturers.

Lack of available credit means car rental companies do not have the money to lease or buy enough vehicles to cover the high tourist season.

Cutbacks in fleets have been made as forecasts were based on an 18% drop in tourist numbers over the winter season, but tempting offers and poor weather in the UK have led to a sharp increase in last-minute holidays to Spain, pushing the demand for cars.

Head of marketing and e-commerce for Budget Rent-a-Car, Andy Lewis said:  ‘It is true that rental vehicles in Spain are generally in short supply across the industry this summer. We therefore highly recommend that rental bookings are made well in advance of travel to avoid disappointment.’

Thanks to the Daily Mail for the above quotes.  For more information visit their website at dailymail.co.uk