New General Manager for Dollar Rent a Car in the UAE

Dollar Rent a Car in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has appointed Sumit Chopra as general manager.

Zabeel Rent a Car LLC, part of A.A Al Moosa Enterprises (ARENCO Group), is the master licensee for the Dollar Rent a Car franchise in the UAE. In his capacity as general manager, Chopra will oversee Dollar Rent a Car’s UAE operations with executives responsible for all aspects, including sales and marketing and administration, reporting directly to him.

With the Dubai Shopping Festival just around the corner, and the growing emphasis on Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions (MICE) business, Dollar anticipates an immediate spike in demand for rental cars caused by the influx of short-term visitors expected in the city, followed by an upward trend as residents become more aware of the benefits of car rental versus car purchase.

“Sumit’s appointment comes at a crucial time for Dollar Rent a Car, a name synonymous with convenience and value for money, a reputation that has enabled the brand to enjoy a relatively smooth entry into the competitive car rental market here in the UAE,” said Sam Eltibi, regional director, MENA, Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc.

“As car rental becomes the more viable option for an increasing number of people in the UAE, I am confident that Sumit’s experience will ensure that Dollar remains at the forefront of this growing market,” said Vijay Raghavan, group finance manager, ARENCO.

“As general manager, his main responsibility will be to foster growth in existing operations by attracting new customers and overseeing the opening of new outlets,” added Raghavan.

With over 16 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Chopra has held managerial positions at some of the subcontinent’s leading conglomerates including hospitality giants Welcomgroup (ITC) and Oberoi Hotels and Reliance Industries, a US $ 22 billion Fortune 500 company.

Chopra earned his MBA from the world-renowned Cornell-Essec University in Paris on a scholarship granted from the French government. He has also worked in France at prestigious hotels including the Intercontinental, Plaza Athenee, and The Crillion in Paris.

“My experience has shown that the car rental business operates with similar parameters to the hospitality industry. I am determined to use my expertise in the latter to enhance the Dollar Rent a Car brand in the region while maintaining the tried and tested strategy of providing superior customer service and unsurpassed value for money,” said Chopra, commenting on his new role.

Dollar Rent a Car has opened outlets in strategic locations in Dubai, since it was first launched in May 2004, including Sheikh Zayed Road, Bur Dubai, Deira, Karama and the Dubai International Airport Terminal 2. Dollar’s fleet of cars in the UAE has already reached 400 and is poised to grow significantly in 2005.

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