Volvo Rents on Dec. 1 announced its acquisition of Excel Rentals, a two-location construction equipment rental company based in California, with stores in Temecula and San Jacinto. The centers are located at 28115-A Del Rio Road and 1005 South State Street, respectively.

The Temecula Volvo Rents location is currently open, while the San Jacinto location will be opening in the first quarter of 2012.

This is the latest move as part of the company’s recent surge of nearly 50 acquisitions in the last 12 months, lifting its North American total to more than 80 stores. Volvo Rents now operates six stores in California. The other rental centers are located in Sacramento, Bakersfield, Merced, and Salida.

Michael Crouch, vice president of business development for Volvo Rents, says he is confident that the Excel Team will find great success with the brand in California.

“Lynn Ladenes is truly an industry veteran and Excel’s long-time presence in Southern California adds to our strategic growth,” Crouch said in a written statement from Volvo Rents. “Excel anchors the footprint of the West Region for Region VP Tim Herzog and his Staff in the area.”

While construction activity has declined from mid-2000 levels, the heavy equipment rental business is growing. Crouch noted that he sees “a secular shift” from contractors renting about a third of their equipment to leasing 50 percent or more, adding that he believes the trend will continue to accelerate in the coming year.

In addition to Volvo Rents’ expanding line of Volvo compact equipment — such as backhoe and skid steer loaders, compact wheel loaders, compact excavators, and compaction equipment — the rental center carries a comprehensive line of essential equipment and tools for the construction, commercial, industrial, and homeowner markets. The focus is on daily, weekly, and monthly rentals.

“The Volvo name inspires confidence worldwide and will no doubt elevate our stores to the big leagues,” Ladenes said in the statement. “As a member of the global Volvo family of business, the stores will have access to some of the most advanced equipment, technology, and marketing in the world.”