A MAJOR body representing the interests of companies in the European leasing and rental industries has been created by the merger of two organisations.

Leaseurope, the European federation of leasing company associations, has joined forces with the European Car and Truck Rental Association (ECATRA).

It comes after both organisations’ general assemblies agreed that Ecatra would be integrated into Leaseurope, resulting in an organisation that represents 46 national associations in 33 countries. Leaseurope chairman Jean-Marc Mignerey said: ‘Leaseurope’s growth estimates show that the financing of road transport vehicles in particular is set to contribute to the European leasing industry’s expansion, with industry growth estimated at as much as 18% for 2005.

‘The integration with ECATRA therefore comes at an important point in time as it is becoming increasingly important to efficiently address regulatory and other issues facing this fast-developing part of the leasing market.’

Mike Sells, member of Leaseurope’s board and former ECATRA vice-president, said: ‘ECATRA has considerable expertise in matters of importance to car and truck rental and leasing, for instance future EU car taxation rules. We are looking forward to bringing that expertise to Leaseurope and to sharing it with our new colleagues.

‘Meanwhile the integration will provide former ECATRA members with access to Leaseurope’s knowledge on other, often complex, regulatory matters that earlier remained outside ECATRA’s reach.’