A new Kia app has “paved the way” for more of its franchised car dealerships to offer short-term car rental services ranging from hourly to weekly vehicle loans.

Only a limited number of Kia retailers currently support the Korean brand’s Kia Rental service, but more are scheduled to join the scheme next year, with the new apps roll-out claiming to reduce admin and boost customer service.

Dealerships participating in Kia Rental determine the makeup of their own individual rental fleet, with short holding periods and high preparation levels ensuring that customers get a service similar to new car ownership, Kia said.

The new app, which can be downloaded via Apple or Google stores, “digitises and automates almost the entire rental process”, it added, offering hourly, daily and weekly hire periods.

The app allows customers to view, book and manage rentals, as well as sign digital rental agreements.

John Hargreaves, Kia UK’s general manager for fleet and remarketing, 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.”

Kia said that a range of vehicles, from its Picanto city car to flagship Sorento SUV, were offered via Kia Rental.

The scheme is also being promoted as a way for potential customers to gain experience of an electric vehicle (EV) range which now includes the Soul, new Niro crossover and EV6.

Created in partnership with managing partner Nexus Business Solutions, the new Kia Rental app is integrated with real-time DVLA driver licence and identity checks and uses facial recognition algorithms, the phone’s camera and a secure and encrypted connection to help prevent fraud.

Rental agreement can be signed and submitted using the app, helping to reduce paperwork and minimise paper waste.

It also allows the entire checkout process to be automated, with customers directed to take photos of various angles of the rental car, noting any existing damage.

And the app will show mileage and fuel remaining, ensuring complete transparency at the point of handover, Kia said.