Kia UK has expanded its Kia Rental service, with a new digital app to streamline the car rental experience.

Kia offers hourly, daily and weekly hire periods with the new Kia Rental app helping to simplify the rental process.

The app, which is available for iOS and Android devices, allows customers to view, book and manage rentals, as well as sign digital rental agreements.

Customers can choose from Kia’s model range with a selection of all-electric vehicles available.

Each of the participating Kia dealerships determine the makeup of their own individual rental fleet. Currently, only select Kia dealerships offer Kia Rental with more scheduled to offer the service next year.

Customers should download the Kia Rental app or visit the Kia website to find their nearest Kia Rental location.

New customers can register using secure in-app software. First time setup includes a real-time DVLA driver licence and identity check that uses facial recognition algorithms, the phone’s camera and a secure and encrypted connection to help prevent fraud.

Once logged in, users can select desired dates and search for available rental cars from their nearest Kia dealership. Only available cars can be booked.

John Hargreaves, general manager for fleet and remarketing at Kia UK, said: “Since even before its launch in late 2014, Kia Rental has attracted some dedicated retail and fleet customers because of the quality of service.

“The new app is designed to streamline the process even further and get rid of the usual time-consuming processes associated with renting cars. We want this to be as simple as possible for customers.

“Whether it is for a job-need, to try out a new model or take a larger car on a family trip, Kia Rental offers a truly flexible service.”

The entire checkout process has been automated and is completed within the app. Customers are directed to take photos of various angles of the rental car, noting any existing damage.

The app will also show mileage and fuel remaining, with most rentals available on a like-for-like fuel returns policy.

Following this process, the digital rental agreement can then be signed and submitted using the app.

To return a car, customers return it to the dealership where it was collected and hand over the keys.

Managing partner of the Kia Rental programme for the past eight years, Nexus Business Solutions developed the app alongside Kia to take the customer mobility journey to the next level through the use of its inhouse technology and in-line with both company’s mobility strategies.

Kia has been a long-term supporter of the rental car market, having first introduced Kia Rental at dealerships in October 2014, available to both retail and fleet/business customers.