Source: www.ameinfo.com
Budget Rent-a-Car, one of the world’s leading car and van rental companies, is set to boost its presence in Dubai by opening three new branches before the end of the year. The company’s newest branch was opened recently at ‘8 Boulevard Walk’ tower in the Burj Downtown area. This outlet will especially cater to clients from the surrounding areas, including Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Burj Downtown and Sheikh Zayed Road.
The announcement was made by UAE-based Liberty Investment Company (LIC), the UAE master franchisee for Budget Rent-a-Car, as it continues to implement its nationwide expansion plan.
“Budget is quite bullish on the UAE in general and Dubai in particular. We are on target to achieve 20% growth in 2010, as economic recovery continues to gather pace,” said Salim Damji, Senior General Manager, UAE, Budget Rent-a-Car. “We are delighted to open our newest branch in the heart of an area that represents Dubai’s rising ambitions as a global tourism, financial and trading centre and houses Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.”
Later in the year, Budget is set to open two more branches in Dubai Marina and Dubai Investments Park, as part of its strategy to tap growing opportunities in New Dubai. With this, Budget’s UAE network will increase to 17 branches before the end of 2010, with a fleet of over 6,000 vehicles.
Commenting on the car rental industry in general in the UAE, Damji anticipates least 25% growth over the next two years, with market consolidation for those with strong fundamentals of capital investment and established management.
“Our key strengths are our reputed global brand, modern fleet of vehicles and nationwide sales and service facilities in the UAE. We ensure that our rates are always competitive, thus giving ‘value for money’ to our customers,” added Damji.
Budget’s UAE network includes offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, making it one of the largest and most successful vehicle rental networks in the country.
Established in the UAE in 1981, Budget Rent-a-Car has built a strong reputation in the country’s car rental industry, offering daily, weekly, weekend and monthly rentals as well as short and long term leasing to individuals and the corporate sector. Budget’s growing fleet features a wide range, from small to luxury class vehicles, including 4-wheel drives and commercial vehicles.
Budget has been a customer-focused and innovative player in the UAE market. It was the first car rental company in the UAE to offer satellite navigation equipment on rent with the vehicle, and this facility is constantly upgraded with latest technology to keep track of the changing road system in the country. It offers a user-friendly online reservations facility through its website.
