The summer, and the wedding period that goes with it, is not over, but Hubert de Villeneuve already sees that his objective of a 40% increase compared to 2022 is holding up. The founder of We Drive Ita Bordeaux-based start-up for the rental of old and collectible vehicles between individuals, aims to become the French leader in this niche market of “vintage tourism”, by 2024.
To do this, the company recently acquired Retro Balades, a classic car rental platform present in the Great West. “We are well established around Bordeaux, Aix, Nantes, and certain spots around Paris, but there are still regions where we are not sufficiently developed, such as the Great West, between La Rochelle and Morbihan”, explains Hubert de Villeneuve. The second axis of development of We Drive It will be to expand the catalog to “youngtimers” (cult vehicles from the period from the 1980s to the beginning of the 2000s) and small modern convertibles.
Have fun for a weekend
The concept of the start-up is based on connecting owners of classic vehicles and individuals for short-term rental. “We are targeting a clientele who wants to treat themselves for a weekend, or offer a gift to a loved one. However, 50% of the company’s turnover is made through weddings, for which convertibles are most popular. “We are also approached more and more for filming clips, even films”, points out Hubert de Villeneuve.
The flagship models? “Without hesitation the Beetle, the 2 CV and the Ford Mustang”, enumerates the founder of the start-up. “Right behind them are the Triumph Spitfire and the MGB, not forgetting the popular Volkswagen combi for weddings as well. » The rates vary greatly, since rentals can be made with or without a driver. But a Ferrari is offered for example at 300 euros per day, a Triumph TR3 at 429 euros and a Spitfire at 220 euros. Security deposits are obviously required by the owners.
Towards a catalog of 3,000 vehicles by 2024
“Our idea is to open the garage of vehicle owners in France, and allow individuals to be able to drive the vehicle of their dreams themselves”, continues Hubert de Villeneuve. For the owners, who use them very little on a daily basis, the objective is to rent out these vehicles to share their passion, and cover maintenance costs.
With the acquisition of Rétro Balades, We Drive It now has a catalog of around 1,450 vehicles. The start-up, supported by the Bordeaux incubator Unitec, had 200 for its launch in 2020. Hubert de Villeneuve’s objective is to continue to accelerate, to reach 3,000 cars by 2024.