This September, Autohorn celebrates its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of growth, innovation and service.
Autohorn began in 1995 as a small vehicle rental office operating from a York railway station platform with nine Rovers 400s, and is now one of the country’s leading vehicle hire and fleet providers. Today Autohorn operates from a 24-acre purpose built site, serving a national customer base while remaining a cornerstone of York’s business community.

Autohorn’s first chapter, 1995 - York railway station, starting out as a British Car Rental franchise (Left) with Autohorn HQ today, 2025 – the Clifton Moor site, York (Right)
Since its inception, Autohorn has grown into a full vehicle solution provider offering car and van rental, contract hire, salary sacrifice and subscription. Strategic growth remains core to Autohorn’s operating model and it continues to explore new opportunities for further expansion across the fleet and mobility sector.
“Reaching 30 years is a fantastic achievement and testament to the hard work of our whole team. When we started out in 1995, we could not have imagined the scale of the business as it stands today – we’re very proud of the business we’ve built and our long-standing customer relationships. We’re now looking forward to the next chapter as we continue to expand and innovate – here’s to the next 30 years!”
– Scott Jenkins, Operations and Sales Director for Autohorn Fleet Services
Key milestones in Autohorn’s 30-year journey
Business started
Business is started by Richard & Frances Baines in York as a British Car Rental franchise.
Europcar franchise
Opened sites in Hull, Bradford and Leeds as a Europcar franchise.
Acquisition
Acquisition of 1st Car Leasing.
Relocation
Relocation to 7-acre site at Leeman Road.
New brand
Launch of Flexed brand for vehicle subscriptions.
Awarded
Awarded ‘Fastest growing company in Yorkshire’ by Insider.
£50m turnover
Autohorn hits £50m turnover.
Head office move
Relocation of head office to larger Clifton Moor site.
Independence
Amicable separation from rental partner Europcar, enabling full independence as Autohorn Fleet Services.
Acquisition
Acquisition of Meridian Vehicle Solutions.
Partnership
Fleet Alliance partnership announced.
HQ expansion
Expansion of headquarters site to house 2,500 vehicles.
30th Anniversary Celebration
To mark the anniversary milestone, Autohorn will host an invite only celebration in central York on 9th September, welcoming 250 guests – including long standing customers, suppliers, plus business and charity partners.




