Avis has reported high demand from business motorists for portable satellite-navigation systems since they were made available to rent this year.

The company offers TomTom systems with hire cars across Europe, and the take-up has been high.

Avis says fleet managers are happy to let their drivers rent sat-nav as an extra because it improves safety levels and fuel efficiency when driving in unfamiliar areas by reducing the possibility of getting lost. Avis has had to ship extra units to its rental locations across Europe to cope with demand.

“Fleets are always looking at keeping rental costs down,” said Avis sales director Roger Grainger.

“We are pleased that our corporate customers see the GPS unit as really adding value to their drivers. They were happy to pay the extra cost for the benefits the GPS systems can bring both in the UK and Europe,” he added.

Units can be rented from just £8 a day.