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GRA countries represent $73 billion in combined rental revenue.
The 12th annual meeting of the Global Rental Alliance (GRA) was held in February at The Rental Show 2014 in Orlando, Fla. All GRA member associations were present, including: Associação De Locadoras, Brazil (ALEC); Canadian Rental Association (CRA); European Rental Association (ERA), Belgium; Hire Association Europe (HAE), U.K.; Hire & Rental Industry Association Ltd. (HRIA), Australia; Hire Industry Association of New Zealand (HIANZ); and American Rental Association (ARA).
Agenda items focused on advancing member success and promoting the equipment rental industry throughout the world. Topics addressed included technological trends in the industry and status of implementation in the associations, safety and regulatory matters, and the GRA International Rental Business Leadership Program. Always of great interest are the educational initiatives being undertaken, the basis of the education and how it is made available to membership.
A focus of discussion on membership trends and growth included the recruitment and involvement of young professionals within the associations, or the next generation of rental owners, with each association describing their focus on this segment of membership. A number of issues were brought forward related to the marketplace activity of rental owners and suppliers regarding rental equipment technology, performance measures and safety.
The agenda also included a review of the global survey initiative of the GRA, with release of a 2012 combined rental revenue figure among the GRA associations representing $73 billion. This figure represents a 6.6 percent increase over 2011 rental revenues, as calculated by IHS Global Insight, one of the world’s most respected economic forecasting firms. All associations are committed to increasing rental penetration on behalf of their membership through their program work.
The purpose of the Global Rental Alliance is to increase the profile of equipment rental worldwide and to build global understanding of the industry. It is a partnership of rental associations from around the world that meet semi-annually and share information on program initiatives throughout the year. The unity of this group has brought about an increased awareness of overall priorities internationally, adding to the strategic outlook and resources of each rental member association.