{"id":16230,"date":"2025-02-22T17:01:30","date_gmt":"2025-02-22T17:01:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/touringcarscom-wp30316.test.cchosting.fi\/about-us\/the-history-of-touring-cars\/"},"modified":"2025-06-27T13:22:01","modified_gmt":"2025-06-27T13:22:01","slug":"the-history-of-touring-cars","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/de\/ueber-touring-cars\/the-history-of-touring-cars\/","title":{"rendered":"The History of Touring Cars"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"block block-hero text-style-white image-style-full\">\r\n    <div class=\"container container-full\">\r\n        <div class=\"glide image-slider\" data-uid=\"69d0374e0c974\"><div class=\"glide__track\" data-glide-el=\"track\"><ul class=\"glide__slides\"><li class=\"glide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-history-vehicles-1-9.34.22.jpg-534x300.webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-history-vehicles-1-9.34.22.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-history-vehicles-1-9.34.22.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-history-vehicles-1-9.34.22.jpg-714x401.webp 714w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-history-vehicles-1-9.34.22.jpg-534x300.webp 534w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-history-vehicles-1-9.34.22.jpg-846x476.webp 846w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-history-vehicles-1-9.34.22.jpg.webp 900w\" alt=\"tc history vehicles 1 9.34.22.jpg\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" fetchpriority=\"high\"><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"glide__controls\"><div class=\"glide__arrows\" data-glide-el=\"controls\"><span class=\"glide__arrow glide__arrow--left\" aria-label=\"Links\" data-glide-dir=\"<\"><\/span><span class=\"glide__arrow glide__arrow--right\" aria-label=\"Rechts\" data-glide-dir=\">&#8222;><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"hero-container\"><div class=\"breadcrumbs-container\"><ol><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/de\/\"><span>Touring Cars<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/div><h1>The History of Touring Cars<\/h1><p>Providing dream holidays since 1982<\/p>\n<\/div>    <\/div>\r\n    <\/section>\n\n<section class=\"block block-basic\">\r\n    <div class=\"container\">\r\n        <div class=\"content-container reveal\">\r\n            <h2>The history from the early years to the recent trendy lifestyle<\/h2><p><strong>With inspirations from Russian market\u00a0and a bit of a touch of\u00a0Kuopio;\u00a0Touring Cars was born under the northern stars in the Eastern\u00a0part of Finland. The exciting journey started in 1982 from a small town in Finland and this story still continues as a European wide international franchise chain\u00a0concept.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Touring Cars provides the most unique motorhome rental holidays for all generations with a fine combination of tourism and hospitality. Company was the\u00a0<strong>pioneer provider of this service<\/strong>\u00a0in Finland and has been a\u00a0<strong>strong developer in the industry\u00a0<\/strong>over the years in the\u00a0<strong>Nordic countries.\u00a0<\/strong>Today, the company, together with entrepreneurs, is the finest motorhome leasing organisation which offers high-rated travel services in luxury products across 8 different countries in Europe.<\/p>\n<p>Touring Cars is a dedicated service provider with\u00a0<strong>40 years of business competence<\/strong>, over<strong> 150 assigned tour operator partners worldwide.<\/strong><\/p>\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\n\n<section class=\"block block-columns\">\r\n    <div class=\"container\">\r\n                <div class=\"columns columns-3\">\r\n            <div class=\"column\"><div class=\"image-container reveal\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/OLD-MOTORHOME-IMAGE4.jpg-525x300.webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/OLD-MOTORHOME-IMAGE4.jpg-300x171.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/OLD-MOTORHOME-IMAGE4.jpg-768x439.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/OLD-MOTORHOME-IMAGE4.jpg-714x408.webp 714w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/OLD-MOTORHOME-IMAGE4.jpg-525x300.webp 525w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/OLD-MOTORHOME-IMAGE4.jpg.webp 875w\" alt=\"OLD-MOTORHOME-IMAGE4.jpg\" width=\"875\" height=\"500\"><\/div><div class=\"content-container reveal\"><h3>1982 &#8211; Touring Cars Founded<\/h3><p>As we start this retrospective of how Touring Cars came to be and its success, we first have to mention the most significant person of the company\u2019s life cycle, who had a pivotal role and who determined Touring Cars\u2019 future. \u00a0Touring Cars was, in fact, born under Northern Stars when a famous Hollywood movie star rented the first motorhome from what is soon to be Touring Cars.<\/p>\n<p>Hollywood star\u00a0Lee Marvin\u00a0played the leading role in the film\u00a0Gorky\u2019s Park, which was filmed in Helsinki. As a break and dressing room for the starring actor, the filmmakers decided to rent a motor home, familiar to Americans, but a rarity at that time in Finland, as well as entire Europe. After a tough search process, such motor home was finally found in Kuopio in Eastern Finland and was rented for Mr. Marvin. The foundation for the present camper renting business was thereby laid \u2013 and Touring Cars was established.<\/p>\n<p>Passion has always been an enormous\u00a0part of the company \u2013 passion towards vehicles, camping cars and above all, passion to serve its clients to the maximum and above.\u00a0The proof that this passion is deeply rooted in the company\u2019s foundation lies in the past, as well as the present. Acting upon company\u2019s values and aims, the former owner rebuilt Touring Cars\u2019 first motorhome model with their own hands, just to serve Lee Marvin as the number one rising star.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"column\"><div class=\"image-container reveal\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-90s-retro-image-1.PNG-534x300.webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-90s-retro-image-1.PNG-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-90s-retro-image-1.PNG-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-90s-retro-image-1.PNG-714x401.webp 714w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-90s-retro-image-1.PNG-534x300.webp 534w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-90s-retro-image-1.PNG-846x476.webp 846w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-90s-retro-image-1.PNG.webp 900w\" alt=\"tc 90s retro image 1.PNG\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\"><\/div><div class=\"content-container reveal\"><h3>Born under Northern Stars<\/h3><p>The key behind a franchise concept starts at the early stage, and it means constant planning, creative way of thinking, taking chances and moving forward. Always focused on the next step and looking at challenges from a higher perspective.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#8218;I remember the day clearly&#8216; \u2013\u00a0Tanja Saarnio, Head of Touring Cars Motorhome Rental Franchise and Chairman of the Board\u00a0adds. &#8218;The overall procedure was not always fairy tale and sunshine with cocktails by the beach. We had to go through all the necessary measures and challenges to start our franchise operations and to become a strong, successful brand as we are today&#8216;.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>In fact, behind every business a creative entrepreneur stands firm. Mrs Saarnio originally started to operate Touring Cars in an early age while still studying at the university. Her interest was longing to the Russian market, therefore, she chose the language as her major while she was actively working for Touring Cars and participating in several sports activities<\/p>\n<p>Former owner quickly realized Tanja\u00b4s outstanding skills. Thanks\u00a0to her\u00a0hard-work, strong dedication and creative mindset, she was meant to take care of Touring Cars. Eventually in\u00a01991,\u00a0Mrs. Saarnio became the Managing Director of the company and the world never been the same after all.<\/p>\n<p>Touring Cars started to blossom\u00a0and spread its seeds across Scandinavia. This time with a different concept and\u00a0fresh idea. After carefully choosing the right partners with full allegiance, TC Vehicle Oy\u00a0became the number one operator with a\u00a0unique business model and concept.<\/p>\n<p>Since then, Mrs. Tanja Saarnio represents as\u00a0one of the most remarkable franchise business owners in Finland and across\u00a0Europe.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"column\"><div class=\"image-container reveal\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-history-vehicles-1-9.34.22.jpg-534x300.webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-history-vehicles-1-9.34.22.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-history-vehicles-1-9.34.22.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-history-vehicles-1-9.34.22.jpg-714x401.webp 714w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-history-vehicles-1-9.34.22.jpg-534x300.webp 534w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-history-vehicles-1-9.34.22.jpg-846x476.webp 846w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-history-vehicles-1-9.34.22.jpg.webp 900w\" alt=\"tc history vehicles 1 9.34.22.jpg\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\"><\/div><div class=\"content-container reveal\"><h3>1985 &#8211; The first steps ahead<\/h3><p>The first business cooperation began immediately in 1985. Sweden was seen as a potential market for a\u00a0combination of motorhome rental and holiday concept. That was a start for a flourishing operations in Stockholm. Within few year, company also expanded into the Norwegian market (1989).<\/p>\n<p>Over the following years, Touring Cars became like a family which provided\u00a0<em>`Good Feelings`<\/em>\u00a0motorhome rentals\u00a0and assured\u00a0the greatest holiday experiences with maximum quality of hospitality.\u00a0The concept formed its special meaning\u00a0in\u00a01999\u00a0at the time when the currently recognized brand and a\u00a0comprehensive marketing communication was built.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"column\"><div class=\"image-container reveal\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Viva-Rovaniemi-finnair-santa-claus-tc.png-534x300.webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Viva-Rovaniemi-finnair-santa-claus-tc.png-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Viva-Rovaniemi-finnair-santa-claus-tc.png-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Viva-Rovaniemi-finnair-santa-claus-tc.png-714x401.webp 714w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Viva-Rovaniemi-finnair-santa-claus-tc.png-534x300.webp 534w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Viva-Rovaniemi-finnair-santa-claus-tc.png-846x476.webp 846w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Viva-Rovaniemi-finnair-santa-claus-tc.png.webp 900w\" alt=\"Viva Rovaniemi finnair santa claus tc.png\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\"><\/div><div class=\"content-container reveal\"><h3>1991 &#8211; 1995 The key to freedom<\/h3><p><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Mrs. Tanja Saarnio<\/span>\u00a0became the sole owner of Touring Cars. The company decided to invest in a good-quality camper fleet and put an emphasis on customer service; the customer-oriented magazine\u00a0Key To Freedom\u00a0was also founded.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"column\"><div class=\"image-container reveal\"><div class=\"glide image-slider\" data-uid=\"69d0374e1d21e\"><div class=\"glide__track\" data-glide-el=\"track\"><ul class=\"glide__slides\"><li class=\"glide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Spain-buying-Viva-1996.jpeg-534x300.webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Spain-buying-Viva-1996.jpeg-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Spain-buying-Viva-1996.jpeg-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Spain-buying-Viva-1996.jpeg-714x401.webp 714w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Spain-buying-Viva-1996.jpeg-534x300.webp 534w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Spain-buying-Viva-1996.jpeg-846x476.webp 846w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Spain-buying-Viva-1996.jpeg.webp 900w\" alt=\"Spain buying Viva 1996.jpeg\"><\/li><li class=\"glide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-12-558x269.png\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-12-300x144.png 300w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-12-1024x493.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-12-768x370.png 768w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-12-1232x593.png 1232w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-12-714x344.png 714w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-12-558x269.png 558w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-12.png 1350w\" alt=\"Untitled design (12)\"><\/li><li class=\"glide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Workshopissa-Milanossa-1997.jpeg-534x300.webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Workshopissa-Milanossa-1997.jpeg-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Workshopissa-Milanossa-1997.jpeg-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Workshopissa-Milanossa-1997.jpeg-714x401.webp 714w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Workshopissa-Milanossa-1997.jpeg-534x300.webp 534w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Workshopissa-Milanossa-1997.jpeg-846x476.webp 846w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Workshopissa-Milanossa-1997.jpeg.webp 900w\" alt=\"Workshopissa Milanossa 1997.jpeg\"><\/li><li class=\"glide__slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Workshopissa-1998.jpeg-534x300.webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Workshopissa-1998.jpeg-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Workshopissa-1998.jpeg-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Workshopissa-1998.jpeg-714x401.webp 714w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Workshopissa-1998.jpeg-534x300.webp 534w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Workshopissa-1998.jpeg-846x476.webp 846w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Workshopissa-1998.jpeg.webp 900w\" alt=\"Workshopissa 1998.jpeg\"><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"glide__controls\"><div class=\"glide__arrows\" data-glide-el=\"controls\"><span class=\"glide__arrow glide__arrow--left\" aria-label=\"Links\" data-glide-dir=\"<\"><\/span><span class=\"glide__arrow glide__arrow--right\" aria-label=\"Rechts\" data-glide-dir=\">&#8222;><\/span><\/div><div class=\"glide__bullets\" data-glide-el=\"controls[nav]\"><span class=\"glide__bullet\" data-glide-dir=\"=0\" data-parent-uid=\"69d0374e1d21e\"><\/span><span class=\"glide__bullet\" data-glide-dir=\"=1\" data-parent-uid=\"69d0374e1d21e\"><\/span><span class=\"glide__bullet\" data-glide-dir=\"=2\" data-parent-uid=\"69d0374e1d21e\"><\/span><span class=\"glide__bullet\" data-glide-dir=\"=3\" data-parent-uid=\"69d0374e1d21e\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"content-container reveal\"><h3>1996 &#8211; 2000 Steady Growth<\/h3><p>By that time, the company grew strongly and at the same time the investment earning system was created. Touring Cars\u2019 major focus was to strengthen local presence and expand across the country. That is the reason why Touring Cars started to\u00a0import motorhomes\u00a0into Finland e.g. Viva, Frankia and Hymer campers, but terminated the import business and concentrated on the cooperation with\u00a0Lohja Caravans,\u00a0Solifers\u00a0made by\u00a0Hymer.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"column\"><div class=\"image-container reveal\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-history-image-family-camping-1-9.34.22.jpg-534x300.webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-history-image-family-camping-1-9.34.22.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-history-image-family-camping-1-9.34.22.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-history-image-family-camping-1-9.34.22.jpg-714x401.webp 714w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-history-image-family-camping-1-9.34.22.jpg-534x300.webp 534w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-history-image-family-camping-1-9.34.22.jpg-846x476.webp 846w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-history-image-family-camping-1-9.34.22.jpg.webp 900w\" alt=\"tc history image family camping 1 9.34.22.jpg\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\"><\/div><div class=\"content-container reveal\"><h3>2001 &#8211; 2004 The upheaval and the industry<\/h3><p>Meanwhile, in\u00a02001\u00a0global tourism industry faced a challenging period caused by the terrible incident known as the 09\/11.\u00a0However, according to the company mindset,\u00a0challenges are meant to be overcome. Despite the global situation, Touring Cars did not give up on its innovative operations and decided to focus on\u00a0technology and business digitalization.<\/p>\n<p>In\u00a02002, Touring Cars created its staff training program and quality handbook, with the help of which their qualifications were enhanced and their aspiration to an even better customer service heightened. The company joined the quality system\u00a01Q00 (Laatutonni) of the Finnish Tourist Board MEK.<\/p>\n<p>Touring Cars expanded its activities to Sweden by buying the already established business of its franchising partners. The customer magazine was revised and was marketed to international travel bureaus. The company became a member of the\u00a0Association of Finnish Travel Agents AFTA.<\/p>\n<p>In\u00a02004, Touring Cars expanded its activities even further by opening offices in Kuopio, Pori and Oulu. We wer awarded official praise by the Finnish Tourist Board while Dunn &amp; Bradstreet awarded the company the highest credit rating,\u00a0AAA.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"column\"><div class=\"image-container reveal\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-history-GARAGE-1-9.34.22.jpg-534x300.webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-history-GARAGE-1-9.34.22.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-history-GARAGE-1-9.34.22.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-history-GARAGE-1-9.34.22.jpg-714x401.webp 714w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-history-GARAGE-1-9.34.22.jpg-534x300.webp 534w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-history-GARAGE-1-9.34.22.jpg-846x476.webp 846w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/tc-history-GARAGE-1-9.34.22.jpg.webp 900w\" alt=\"tc history GARAGE 1 9.34.22.jpg\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\"><\/div><div class=\"content-container reveal\"><h3>2005 &#8211; 2009 Dedication and support<\/h3><p>Only a year later,\u00a0in 2005, Touring Cars expanded its camper fleet and started its own direct import cooperation\u00a0with Hymer Fabric. We were elected as `The Most Innovative Tourist Company` of the year. One of the jury members was the Finnish Tourist Board, which also awarded Touring Cars with the\u00a0Quality Award.<\/p>\n<p>Along with the expansion of business activities, Touring Cars opened a new full-service camper centre in Vantaa. New premises enabled diverse renting and service activities, such as customer service, to be done simultaneously and even smoother. The Association for Finnish Work awarded Touring Cars Oy the Key Flag symbol, which shows that a product is manufactured or a service produced in Finland. It is a symbol for quality, safety, and sustainability.<\/p>\n<p>Touring Cars Oy always had a strong belief in the future.\u00a0In 2007,\u00a0by means of its excellent staff, the company created unique tourist experiences for its customers and rewarding experiences for its cooperation partners as a decision-making company member of the Quality Centre\u00a0Excellence Finland.<\/p>\n<p>When the conceptualizing process began, numerous doors opened for our fruitful business. The next chapter in\u00a02009\u00a0started with\u00a0Touring Cars Iceland\u00a0and its motorhome rental operations. During those years in between, the brand grew significantly with 125 motorhome vehicles and 30.000 overnight stays. The vision and the brand\u00b4s visibility resulted in over 120 tour operator partnerships and travel agent co-operations worldwide.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"column\"><div class=\"image-container reveal\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/6af38fa4-f6ac-40ce-b64d-71a2dafc31c6_0-558x173.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/6af38fa4-f6ac-40ce-b64d-71a2dafc31c6_0-300x93.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/6af38fa4-f6ac-40ce-b64d-71a2dafc31c6_0-768x238.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/6af38fa4-f6ac-40ce-b64d-71a2dafc31c6_0-714x221.jpg 714w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/6af38fa4-f6ac-40ce-b64d-71a2dafc31c6_0-558x173.jpg 558w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/6af38fa4-f6ac-40ce-b64d-71a2dafc31c6_0.jpg 800w\" alt=\"6af38fa4-f6ac-40ce-b64d-71a2dafc31c6_0\" width=\"800\" height=\"248\"><\/div><div class=\"content-container reveal\"><h3>2013 &#8211; 2016 A Valued Partner \u2013 Cooperation with Hobby-Wohnwagenwerk GmbH<\/h3><p>Before 2013\u00a0the company never stopped pursuing its success.\u00a0Back in\u00a02012, Touring Cars celebrated\u00a0its\u00a030th\u00a0anniversary\u00a0and a massive three decades of extraordinary growth by initiating the company transformation through a new growth strategy.<\/p>\n<p>In\u00a02013\u00a0Touring Cars officially became a\u00a0franchise business. Back then, Touring Cars already verified dedicated partnerships with world-wide tour operators and travel agencies and was running a vehicle fleet of over 200 units. In fact, our dream became true when Hobby, the leading motorhome and caravan manufacturer, became our most valued business partner.<\/p>\n<p>It did not take much time until the second agreement was signed, this time in Iceland. In\u00a02014, local franchisee agreement is signed\u00a0in\u00a0Reykjavik, Iceland\u00a0and\u00a0TC Rent Ltd\u00a0is founded and the current franchise network concept and structure is established.<\/p>\n<p>As our business concept flourished, in\u00a02016\u00a0we made our\u00a0strategic partnership\u00a0with Hobby\u00a0which allowed Touring Cars to provide the maximum quality motorhomes available to our valued customers.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"column\"><div class=\"image-container reveal\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/shutterstock_estonia_saaremaa_cliff.jpg-450x300.webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/shutterstock_estonia_saaremaa_cliff.jpg-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/shutterstock_estonia_saaremaa_cliff.jpg-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/shutterstock_estonia_saaremaa_cliff.jpg-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/shutterstock_estonia_saaremaa_cliff.jpg-890x593.webp 890w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/shutterstock_estonia_saaremaa_cliff.jpg-714x476.webp 714w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/shutterstock_estonia_saaremaa_cliff.jpg-450x300.webp 450w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/shutterstock_estonia_saaremaa_cliff.jpg-367x245.webp 367w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/shutterstock_estonia_saaremaa_cliff.jpg.webp 1200w\" alt=\"shutterstock_estonia_saaremaa_cliff.jpg\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\"><\/div><div class=\"content-container reveal\"><h3>2017 &#8211; 2018 Fruitful Territories<\/h3><p>In\u00a02017, Touring Cars\u00a0expanded its concept to new countries\u00a0like Estonia, United Kingdom and Spain.<\/p>\n<p>The following year, in\u00a02018,\u00a0Barcelona and Riga joined our franchise team and\u00a0opened its rental stations to assure\u00a0the most unique, yet luxurious motorhome rental concept in the local and international markets.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"column\"><div class=\"image-container reveal\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/touringcars_team.jpg-525x300.webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/touringcars_team.jpg-300x171.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/touringcars_team.jpg-1024x585.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/touringcars_team.jpg-768x439.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/touringcars_team.jpg-1038x593.webp 1038w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/touringcars_team.jpg-714x408.webp 714w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/touringcars_team.jpg-525x300.webp 525w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/touringcars_team.jpg.webp 1400w\" alt=\"touringcars_team.jpg\" width=\"1400\" height=\"800\"><\/div><div class=\"content-container reveal\"><h3>2019 The significant changes<\/h3><p>As Touring Cars followed a massive sustainable development period,<strong>\u00a0it reached a strong European-wide international presence<\/strong>\u00a0with over 17 rental stations and franchisees\u00a0<strong>by 2019<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Throughout 2019, several rental stations opened its doors to the public. The most exciting destinations became members in the Touring Cars concept with dedication and premium quality. Zagreb (Croatia), Nantes (France), Evenes (Norway), Moscow (Russia) and Scotland (UK) joined Touring Cars to strengthen our international mobility and to spread the passion of an exclusive motorhome holiday concept across Europe.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"column\"><div class=\"image-container reveal\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/kari-neilimo-photo-landscape.jpg-525x300.webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/kari-neilimo-photo-landscape.jpg-300x171.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/kari-neilimo-photo-landscape.jpg-768x439.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/kari-neilimo-photo-landscape.jpg-714x408.webp 714w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/kari-neilimo-photo-landscape.jpg-525x300.webp 525w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/kari-neilimo-photo-landscape.jpg.webp 875w\" alt=\"kari-neilimo-photo-landscape.jpg\" width=\"875\" height=\"500\"><\/div><div class=\"content-container reveal\"><h3>Together we are stronger<\/h3><div class=\"paragraph paragraph--type--faq paragraph--view-mode--default\">\n<div class=\"faq__content active\">\n<div class=\"faq__answer\">\n<div class=\"clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-answer field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item\">\n<p>Sustainable business growth is more than strategic choice of market expansions and fine tuning with internal processes and standardized operations. To have the lead role in the business, organisation should also be managed by<strong>\u00a0skilled, highly motivated, energetic and committed professionals.<\/strong>\u00a0Hence, several new positions were opened over the years alongside the growth path to strengthen the capacity and expertise of the licence owner organisation.<\/p>\n<p>Another significant change was made when new board members entered our international team. Since 2019, Mr. Jonas Idestr\u00f6m and Kari Neilimo has been at core of building Touring Cars success.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mr. Jonas Idestr\u00f6m<\/strong>\u00a0is the most contracted franchise consultant and internationally wellknown of his talented franchise operations with over 100 companies in Scandinavia. Mr. Idestr\u00f6m is a chairman of the Swedish Franchise Association and has been a board member of the European Franchise Federation (EFF) throughout many years. Today, Mr. Idestr\u00f6m himself is a Found Partner and Honorary Member of Franchise Arkitekt with a dedicated support towards Touring Cars. His presence in our business culture allows us to strategically reach out the franchisees with a sustainable growth, to fully support our entrepreneurs and expand Touring Cars portfolio to a European-wide coverage by 2025.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><em>&#8218;I have worked with independent company owners as franchisees practically all my professional life. The energy, optimism and drive that I find in these people is the most invigorating I know. Nothing is impossible for an entrepreneur. That&#8217;s what I call The Power of Franchise&#8216; &#8211; Mr. Jonas Idestr\u00f6m adds.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Many of us could study from\u00a0<strong>Mr. Kari Neilimo, Ph.D<\/strong>., and his Strategic Management and Management Accounting written footprints. In fact, not many know about the professor\u00b4s significant path and highly demanding professional activities across decades. Mr. Neilimo was the CEO and Chairman of Board of Directors of S-Group, visiting professor of Strategic Management and Management Accounting in several universities in Finland and abroad, Director of General Executive MBA Program since 2008, Industrial Advisor, CEO and the founder of Neiconsulting Oy, a consultation company for strategic management. Today Mr. Kari is a dedicated board member of Touring Cars. His presence helps our local and international business culture to flourish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"column\"><div class=\"image-container reveal\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/2022_rm_optima_deluxe_intro_BEAR_PRESSE_lowres-480x300.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/2022_rm_optima_deluxe_intro_BEAR_PRESSE_lowres-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/2022_rm_optima_deluxe_intro_BEAR_PRESSE_lowres-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/2022_rm_optima_deluxe_intro_BEAR_PRESSE_lowres-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/2022_rm_optima_deluxe_intro_BEAR_PRESSE_lowres-1536x960.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/2022_rm_optima_deluxe_intro_BEAR_PRESSE_lowres-949x593.jpg 949w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/2022_rm_optima_deluxe_intro_BEAR_PRESSE_lowres-714x446.jpg 714w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/2022_rm_optima_deluxe_intro_BEAR_PRESSE_lowres-480x300.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/2022_rm_optima_deluxe_intro_BEAR_PRESSE_lowres.jpg 1600w\" alt=\"2022_rm_optima_deluxe_intro_BEAR_PRESSE_lowres\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1000\"><\/div><div class=\"content-container reveal\"><h3>2020 The key to success<\/h3><p>Each day, thousands of travelers choose Touring Cars in order to\u00a0experience a genuine urban and rural places in Europe and to enjoy the flavors of vibrant unique atmosphere.<\/p>\n<p>If you are a passionate explorer with a strong interest in outdoor activities or if you consider yourself a culture guru with a need to know more about history and art, a motorhome holiday with Touring Cars allows you to fulfill the adventurous side of you. Our motorhome holiday concept is easy, comfortable, unique, yet greatly adventurous and exotic. Let&#8217;s share moments together!<\/p>\n<p>Touring Cars currently operates in 12 countries with 20 local rental stations with the mission to provide you with excellent starting points for your next holiday.<\/p>\n<p><strong>We Are Touring Cars Motorhome Rental\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Your Key to Freedom<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/section>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":9810,"parent":14463,"menu_order":380,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-16230","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16230","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16230"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16230\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20087,"href":"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16230\/revisions\/20087"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14463"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9810"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.touringcars.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16230"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}