Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group's strategic expansion across the GCC gains momentum

"The real estate boom, enhanced tourism offering and flourishing Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions (MICE) market have all contributed to the influx of traffic to the region, be it for work or leisure," said Sam Eltibi, regional director, Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, MENA.

"This tremendous growth presents a diversity of opportunities across the region for both the Thrifty Car Rental and Dollar Rent a Car brands. While DTG continues to evolve here in the Middle East, we are determined to use ATM 2005, where we promise our largest presence to date, as a platform to showcase our sustained efforts to capture a significant share of the regional car rental market," he added.

He went on to say that a significant expansion of car fleets combined with a broader franchise program and improved marketing efforts had all played a role in ensuring the success of both brands, particularly Dollar Rent a Car which has enjoyed a relatively smooth entry into the market since it was launched at ATM 2004.
"Dollar's fleet of cars in the UAE has already reached 600 and is poised to grow significantly in 2005 to 1500 vehicles by the end of the year," added newly-appointed general manager, Sumit Chopra.

With over 16 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Chopra has been instrumental in fostering growth within existing Dollar operations by attracting new customers and overseeing the opening of new outlets. In addition to highlighting its successes in the UAE, DTG representatives will also use the ATM event to announce the appointment of three new Dollar franchisees in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar.
"This expansion is consistent with DTG's corporate growth strategy and adds 7 locations and approximately 600 vehicles to our regional operations," added Eltibi.
Thrifty Car Rental UAE recently announced the addition of a range of luxury cars to its existing inventory of more than 7000 quality vehicles.

"With our portfolio of vehicles now enhanced by the addition of these prestige vehicles, combined with a consistently high standard of professionalism and service, Thrifty is prepared to capture a significant portion of the corporate and private luxury car rental sector," added Rahul Singh, general manager, Thrifty Car Rental.

Across the region, Thrifty continues to win strong market share through its network of franchises in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

"As the Thrifty brand gains prominence, we will continue to enhance our offering in the region, which is focused on providing value-driven travelers with a great car rental experience," concluded Singh.