1. The problem states that the cost of hiring a car in 2018 is 264 rupees, which is 20% more than the cost in 2013. 2. Let the cost in 2013 be $x$ rupees. 3. Since the 2018 cost is 20% more than 2013, we can write: $$264 = x + 0.20x = 1.20x$$ 4. To find $x$, divide both sides of the equation by 1.20: $$x = \frac{264}{1.20}$$ 5. Calculate the division: $$x = 220$$ 6. Therefore, the cost of hiring the car in 2013 was 220 rupees.