EUROPCAR has announced its year-end results with an increase in pre-tax profits to 52 million euro from 26.2 million euro in 2001.

The group also saw revenue from rental business rise by 2.8% over the year, despite a fall in rental days and contracts. Chief financial officer Gerhard Niack attributed the increase in business to its international franchise network. He said: 'The positive business development can be primarily attributed to the continuous growth of the international franchise network and the increased revenue per day attained within individual countries.'