Faulty Car, False Accusation.....

<p>I hired a vehicle from EUROPCAR HATFIELD via my insurance on the 15th of June 2016, So first of all the handover / inspection was rushed through by one of their staff members as it was already 6PM in the evening and nearing home time, I literally had to inspect the car myself even though it was my first time doing so, the staff member just stood looking at me or followed me around the vehicle as I pointed out any existing damage that was visible in the poor light. And now when I returned the car on the 8th of July 2016 I was told that I had damaged the front rims, which is completely ludicrous!! I drove 7 K's a day to work and back, never on any dirt roads neither on poorly tarred roads. eventually after becoming extremely upset the "fleet manager" approaches me and explains that these specific FORD FIESTA models had a FACTORY FAULT on the rims and they could even bend/damage while driving over a speed bump at low speed, however I will unfortunately be held responsible for the damages as the vehicle was in my possession at the "Alleged Time" ( which looks to me as if somebody had previously attempted to repair these rims prior to this occasion) plus he also mentioned to me that this IS NOT THE FIRST TIME this happens and they did recently receive an email from their Head Office informing them that these vehicles had faulty rims!!! Now they expect me to pay R 2647.47 for the rims to be repaired because of a "FACTORY FAULT??? Not one person informed me that "these" cars had faults nor did they even take the time to email me after they had received this "alleged" mail informing them that the rims where faulty...What kind of pathetic service do they offer??? obviously I would have requested a different type of vehicle which was not faulty!!! Even the ''BRANCH MANAGER'' confirmed that they had indeed received an email and that the rims where faulty. ( of which he was supposed to have forwarded the alleged email to me for support in disputing the claim) I have still till today the 20th July 2016 have not received a mail or a phone call... Only a nice fat invoice!!!! I am disgusted at the appalling service and bad qaulity this company offers and hope that no other innocent person is caught!!Beware of EUROPCAR HIRE folks....</p>