At this year’s ATM, the Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group (DTAG) will highlight some of its key successes in the last year, said Sam ElTibi, regional director, DTAG.
Among these are “a broader franchise programme, a significant expansion and enhancement of its regional fleet, new customer service initiatives and the phenomenal growth of both brands in the region since the last ATM,” he said.
The expansion and growth of both the Thrifty Car Rental and Dollar Rent a Car brands in the region in the last year has been remarkable.
“With a fleet numbering in excess of 12,000 vehicles, Thrifty is now the largest car rental organization in the UAE and, with its wide variety of models – incorporating everything from the basic yet value-for-money Honda Accord to the more adventurous Mitsubishi Pajero and the luxurious BMW 7 series – holds true to its word of providing transport within every price bracket,” ElTibi said.
Other highlights for Thrifty in 2006 included the launch of Thrifty Turkey in conjuction with the Garage Group. With six existing branches and a seventh planned, the rental fleet available has grown to more than 500 vehicles, consisting of premium car brands from Japanese, American and European manufacturers.
Thrifty’s growth extended to India too, where a franchise agreement was signed with the Nijhawan Group. Thrifty India hopes to flood the sub-continent car rental market with a cost-effective and reliable leasing system. Dedicated outlets are already opening in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore, ElTibi said.
Dollar Rent a Car, with a new general manager at the helm, continued its rapid expansion in the UAE, with a fleet size of more than 2000 and 14 outlets in key locations. In 2006, Dollar Sharjah was launched at Bank Street and new outlets have opened across the emirate since then.
Asked about the company’s plans for 2007, ElTibi said DTAG remains committed to firmly establishing its reputation as the region’s leading car rental company.
“With the tourism boom in the region and the growing emphasis on Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions (MICE) business, we anticipate an immediate spike in demand for rental cars in the UAE and different regional destinations caused by the influx of short-term visitors expected, followed by an upward trend as residents become more aware of the benefits of car rental versus car purchase,” ElTibi said.
For Dollar, in addition to the new rental outlets planned in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah, there will also be an increased emphasis on the company’s luxury line over the coming months, which will include Jaguar and BMW models, he added. Thrifty Car Rental recently announced details of its ambitious expansion project for 2007, aimed at meeting the increased demand for cost effective, efficient and comprehensive vehicle leasing within the region.