Car rental companies capitalizing on population explosion in the Middle East

At a recent meeting in Bahrain, a number of the region's top car rental officials discussed ways in which they can capitalize on this traffic increase and ensure that they have the resources, vehicles, and presence to accommodate it.

Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group (DTG) used the meeting as an opportunity to take stock of the company, discuss key developments over the last financial year and brainstorm on upcoming projects.

"Meetings such as this play a key role in strengthening existing ties between the different Dollar and Thrifty licensees, who remain at the forefront of the Middle East's increasingly competitive car rental market. It gives each of them a forum to share key successes and ideas for enhancing DTG's presence in the region," said Sam ElTibi, regional director, DTG.

The company supplies more than 8000 automobiles to the region under the Dollar Rent a Car and Thrifty Car Rental brands. Over the past year, DTG has introduced a broader franchise program in the Middle East and significantly expanded and enhanced its fleet. New customer service initiatives were implemented and the Dollar Rent a Car brand was introduced to the region.

"The prime locations we have chosen for our new outlets reflect our strategy, aimed at capturing further market share across the region. Now that we're in the right places, we have to ensure that we continue to provide the best possible service to our valued customers."

"Keeping this in mind, over the next year, we also plan to improve the efficiency and velocity of our marketing programs, and deepen relationships with customers through the delivery of targeted and relevant offers," he added.

DTG remains committed to making life easier for customers as demonstrated by the introduction of a call centre at Thrifty UAE, an initiative that the company intends to implement across the region in the coming months.

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

Having opened in strategic locations in the UAE and Bahrain over the past year, Dollar Rent a Car is poised to remain at the forefront of this growing market with a number of new outlets set to open across the region in the next few months.

"Apart from its centrality, Bahrain remains a role model for DTG franchisees. It seemed only fit to hold this meeting on the island, where the rapid growth of Thrifty has been remarkable and a true inspiration to other franchisees," concluded ElTibi.

Other attendees at the meeting included Abdulla Al Kobaisi, managing director, Thrifty and Dollar Bahrain, Murtadha Jaffer, chairman and managing director, Thrifty Oman, Sumit Chopra, general manager, Dollar UAE, and Ibrahim Al Muftah, managing director, Thrifty Qatar.