Background

Founded in 2010 in Alicante, Drivalia gradually built its strength and reputation in its home market, fast earning a name for trust, transparency and a wide choice of vehicles at great prices. It expanded by taking over established companies like Marbenjo (Spain) and SadoRent (Portugal). Part of LEASYS, Drivalia’s recent acquisition of EasiRent cemented its place in the UK market.

A firm with its own unique success story, EasiRent was established in 1999 and served over 2 million customers in the years since – pioneering car rental industry tech advances like automated check-ins, self-checkouts and contactless rentals along the way.

In Spain, Drivalia built the type of customer loyalty any competitor would be proud of with its Ultimate signature package. This is a completely transparent, all-inclusive car hire package where the price is clear and comprehensive from the start – with no hidden extra charges for excess, no deposit and no other extra costs at all. Thanks to this straight-talking deal, the Ultimate package is first choice for 95% of Drivalia’s Spanish customers. With the phenomenon of hidden costs plaguing the Spanish car hire market, in retrospect it’s easy to see how Drivalia’s approach was (and is) so refreshing. And it’s this differentiation and dedication to customers that drives the company forward in multiple markets today.

With sky-high ambitions and its feet firmly on the ground, Drivalia’s ascent to the top of the car hire sector looks written in the stars.

Locations

With Drivalia offering customers such a high-end car hire experience (albeit at a low price), it would be easy to presume that it’s only available at a select few, exclusive, locations. But you’ll be glad to know that this isn’t the case. In fact, in the UK alone you’ll find Drivalia at over 20 locations, including major airports and downtown hubs.

Aberdeen might be Britain’s coldest city, but things are definitely looking hotter now there’s a Drivalia car hire office there packed with top-notch vehicles. And you can also pick up a car from this super supplier at Edinburgh Airport (Scotland’s busiest), as well as in the city proper. Drivalia is also available at Glasgow airport and also in a downtown location in Scotland’s biggest city. Meanwhile, Heathrow Airport is covered by Drivalia, as is Gatwick Airport, Stansted Airport, Leeds Bradford Airport, Manchester Airport, Birmingham Airport and Belfast International Airport.

You’ll also find Drivalia locations at Waterloo, Tower Bridge, Queensway, Marble Arch, Pimlico/Victoria and Ilford.

Cars

As you might expect, the Drivalia fleet includes a great choice of cars and vans – there’s something to suit every type of driver and travel group.

For instance, if you need a small car that’s easy to park and perfect for zipping around city streets, the Fiat 5OO manual is a great choice. And if you’re a couple or small family, there’s even room for a couple of suitcases in the boot.

For something just a little larger, consider the Ford Fiesta manual. With a little more boot space, this car has ample seating and luggage space if you’re travelling with an elderly relative or a couple of teenage kids.

Alternatively, if you prefer a sleek, saloon-type car, the Kia Optima manual fits the bill. It seats five in comfort, has A/C to keep interior temperature at the optimum level and has decent luggage space too.

If you like an SUV-style vehicle, Drivalia doesn’t disappoint either. Just look at the spacious, rugged Ford Kuga. With an elevated driving position that offers the driver a commanding view and lets passengers enjoy the scenery to the maximum, this is a good choice if you’re planning a Great British road trip.

Fans of German auto brands should definitely take a closer look at Drivalia too. Whether you just like the signature sound of the engine or appreciate the stylish corporate look too, the BMW 3 Series automatic is a lovely model to drive around for the duration.

And if you’re planning a few rounds of golf or participating in any outdoor activities where you need to haul gear around, the fleet also includes models like the Ford Focus Estate and VW Passat Estate. And drivers with large travel groups can also hire bigger vehicles like the Volkswagen Touran 7 Seater and SEAT Alhambra 7 seater. There are also even larger passenger vehicles like the Ford Transit Torneo – but please book as far in advance as possible as availability can be limited with these more unusual models.

Maybe you need a van? No problem. Drivalia’s fleet includes reliable vans like the Citroen Berlingo, Transit SWB and VW Transporter SWB.

Culture

Despite its burgeoning size, Drivalia prides itself on being a car rental firm that remains focused on family values and excellent customer service. Instead of viewing interactions with customers as mere transactions, this forward-thinking brand prefers building relationships – providing vehicles and packages that propel clients towards their business and personal goals.

Trust and honesty are also paramount. Having set out its stall as Spain’s most straightforward and transparent rental company, it extends this noble attitude to all of its locations in every nation.

And this values-based attitude also influences the people Drivalia hires. Employees are the backbone of any business, and the firm expects high standards of all staff, while encouraging a healthy life-work balance. Drivalia is also an employer willing to fast-track talented employees with the right attitude – which is always refreshing to hear.

The road ahead

Drivalia was acquired by FCA Bank in 2020 and, with this rock-solid backing, looks set to continue its expansion throughout Europe (and perhaps beyond). Already famous for leading-edge technology and 360 ° mobility, it anticipates expanding its offering of innovative products and service in the future.

In the UK, Drivalia is headquartered in Slough and has customer service centres in Leeds and Warrington – evidence of its commitment to expanding its British base and achieving even greater market penetration.

Whether you hire a small, low-cost car from Drivalia or a high-end luxury model, you’re always treated with the same respect and courtesy. All vehicles are beautifully maintained and have an average age of less than 6 months old. And further, this firm always offers the lowest price on any model available.

As you can see, Drivalia has everything it takes to achieve its ambition of competing with (and even surpassing) the biggest names in global car hire. With such a strong culture, robust values and terrific technology, it’ll be no surprise whatsoever when it achieves its aims.

So the next time you hire a car with Enjoy Travel and Drivalia pops up as one of your options, this is a car hire partner you should seriously consider.