As business travellers’ needs become more complex, car rental companies have had to adapt and introduce various value-added services. Business Traveller takes a closer look at what is on offer.
Budget
Budget, a member of the Bidvest Group of Companies, has been a major player in the car and van rental markets for over a decade. By providing a focused product in a highly competitive environment the company continues to retain a leading position within the top three car rental companies in the industry. Internationally, Budget is represented in 128 countries and opens doors to 3 400 locations worldwide. Its distinctive orange kiosks are found in major airport terminals around the globe, so no matter how customers choose to reach their destinations, Budget is never far away. Branches: Budget has an impressive national footprint. Budget opened four new branches this year at University of Fort Hare, University of Rhodes in Grahamstown, University of Bloemfontein and Amanzimtoti. The company now has a network of 102 branches located throughout South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. The new kiosks at OR Tambo, CTIA and KSIA have undergone extensive expansion and have been redesigned to meet international standards. Services and products: Apart from car rental, Budget also offers Van Rental, Chauffeur services, Door2Door transfers and Wheelchair Accessible Transport.
Contact details:
Tel: 096 101 66 22
Website: budget.co.za
Tempest
Tempest Car Hire provides car rental services to corporate, government and leisure markets, with further speciality focus on Film, Vehicle Replacement and Maxirent (long term rental) rental channels. Opening its doors in 1986, Tempest’s aim has always been to provide its clients with affordable rental solutions, whilst not compromising on quality or service levels. Its 300 staff across the country are committed to providing a Good 2 Go service experience.
Branches: The Tempest Head Office and main Gauteng feeder depot is located in Pomona, just 7kms from OR Tambo International Airport. It houses most of Tempest’s admin functions and its 24/7 Reservations and Vehicle Replacement hubs. Tempest’s branch footprint spans over 35 branches countrywide, including newly upgraded Tempest kiosks at all ACSA airports. Services and products: Some of the additional services and products include Tempest Transfers, Tempest MaxiRent, Tom Tom GPS rentals, Windscrren and Tyre waivers, complimentary magazines at all major airports, 24 hours call reservations hub and online bookings. One ton bakkies have also been added to the fleet. Corporate clients can manage their own reservations at temprestres.co.za .
Contact details:
Tel: 0861(TEMPEST) or 011 552 3900
Website: tempestcarhire.co.za
Corporate Site: tempestres.co.za
Dollar Thrifty
Thrifty’s mission has always been to become South Africa’s favourite vehicle rental company for the moneyconscious traveller. Thrifty Car Rental has set itself high ethical and moral standards, providing strategic guidance to all business and individuals in the Safy group. Branches: Dollar Thrifty has branches located at all of South Africa’s major airports as well as a few other key locations in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu- Natal. There are also two branches located in Namibia. Services and products: Apart from affordable car rental, the company offers GPS unit rental and will soon introduce a Corporate Traveller Express queue.
Contact details:
Tel: 086 100 2111
Website: www.thrifty.co.za
E-mail: helpdesk@thrifty.co.za
Avis
Avis has delivered on its brand promise of ‘We try harder’ for over 40 years in South Africa and its commitment to its customers and employees has catapulted the company to iconic brand status. It is a market leader in the South African car rental sector and has achieved many firsts, such as being the first to rent automatic and air-conditioned cars, first car rental company at airports and, most recently, the first car rental company to become carbon neutral. Branches: Avis has over 100 branches located throughout South Africa. There is an Avis branch at all of the major airports as well as most of the smaller airports and other key parts of the country. Avis has branches located in each province. Services and products: Avis provides a total transport solution. While the mother brand remains Avis Rent a Car, the company offers several other specialised services including Avis Chauffeur Drive, Avis Luxury Cars, Avis Point 2 Point, Avis Van Rental, Avis Truck Rental, Avis Coach Charters, Zeda Car Sales, Avis Fleet Services, Avis MiniLease, Avis Assist and Satellite Navigation system from NeverLost Global Positioning System (GPS) at major airports.
Contact details:
Tel: 0861 022 111
Website: www.avis.co.za
First
CMH Car Hire (Pty) Ltd trading as First Car Rental is 85% owned by Combined Motor Holdings (CMH) and 15% owned by Thebe Investment Corporation. The First Car Rental brand was founded in April 2008 after formerly trading as National Alamo Car Rental since 1999. First Car Rental’s world-class, convenient and secure online multi-market segment and method of payment capability booking portal, is a strong competitive advantage. It is the only car rental service provider with an advanced three-step booking process ensuring customers a fast and efficient booking procedure with every rental. The portal’s unique CRM technology also allows every customer access to invoices, compliment logging, query management and more. Branches: First Car Rental continues to appeal to value-driven renters and corporate companies by offering over 6 000 quality vehicles and rewarding car rental experiences at 42 branches in South Africa, including all major airports. First Car Rental has offices in Mauritius, Malta and Turkey and access to excellent car rental rates at 7 000 locations in 125 countries worldwide, ensuring there is always a rental vehicle available when you need first-class vehicles at the best prices. Services and products: First Car Rental offers a professional chauffeur service, with an industry first online booking system. The company has combined the service offering with an operator called EZShuttle, which runs the operational side of this business. There is also a meet and greet service at Lanseria Airport. Other items available from the rental locations include cell phone rentals and GPS rentals.
Contact details:
Call Centre: 0861 1ST CAR
Website: firstcarrental.co.za
Hertz
Hertz re-opened its doors in South Africa in 1997, after disinvesting in the country during the Apartheid era. Alisa Car Rental had purchased the franchise from Hertz International. Hertz is part of the Steinhoff Group, and its financial backing enables Hertz to take full advantage of opportunities offered by the Global Hertz network and expertise. With a new Divisional Chief Executive at the reigns and a countrywide training programme being instituted to bring the global best practices to the fore in South Africa, Hertz is looking to further improve its customer service levels. Branches: Hertz has 8 100 locations in over 147 countries worldwide. The head office in South Africa is located in Cape Town. Services and products: Hertz offers an exclusive and professional service at major centres around South Africa to the business and leisure traveller. Some of the additional services and products include the chauffeur drive, GPS rental at certain outlets, Hertz transfer service, centralised billing system, rent-it-here/leave-it-there, child car seats, driving guides and maps, discounts for over 55s and rentals to over 23s.
Contact details:
Tel: 011 977 9700
Website: hertz.co.za
Europcar
Imperial Car Rental was started 31 years ago, but re-launched as Europcar in June last year, which converted the company from a national player to a global player. It is still 100% owned by Imperial Holidngs. Becoming a part of Europcar International presented customers with instant access to a global fleet of over 220,000 vehicles at over 3,000 locations in over 160 countries. The local fleet peaks at over 16,000 vehicles. Branches: Europcar’s head office is located in Bruma, Johannesburg, but the company has over 120 branches located across South Africa. Services and products: The extra services offered by Europcar include Europcar chauffeur drive, GPS rentals and personal baggage insurance.
Contact details:
Tel: 011 574 1268
Website: europcar.co.za