HERTZ UAE OPENS FIRST CAR RENTAL BRANCH IN ABU DHABI

Hertz UAE has opened its first branch in Abu Dhabi as part of a major expansion of services across the Middle East by the world’s largest car rental company.

The new branch now open in Ali Sultan Al Hamly Building, Al Falah Street, adjacent to the Ministry of Finance and Industry building, becomes the 66th Hertz outlet in the region, and brings an immediate bonus for car rental users in the UAE capital.

Al-Futtaim Sons, the Hertz franchisee in the UAE, has marked the opening with an introductory offer of 50% discount off rack rates on all car groups, valid until August 31.

In expanding its network of Hertz branches to eight, the company expects Abu Dhabi to generate a substantial part of its overall car rental business, and is already planning to introduce more Hertz outlets in the emirate.

“Abu Dhabi should contribute a significant proportion of our business once we’ve fully developed our operations there,” said Arvind Chaddha, Finance Director, Al-Futtaim Sons.

Operating with a fleet of vehicles which includes the latest models, ranging from economy to luxury cars, buses, vans and 4WDs, the new Abu Dhabi Branch offers short-term rentals on a daily, weekly, weekend and monthly basis.

“Our major rental business will come from passengers arriving at the airport, walk-in customers, airlines, embassies, hotels and travel agencies,” said Chaddha. Customers wanting to make car rental bookings outside the UAE can make toll-free calls 800-0973-0858.

Vehicles are also available on a mini-lease basis for periods of three to 12 months, and on long-term lease from one to four years. A chauffeur drive service, one-way transfers by limousine, mobile phone rentals, and staff bus transportation are also offered.

“We expect car leasing to form a significant part of the overall business in Abu Dhabi,” said Chaddha. “The major segments for leasing are government owned oil and gas companies, oil field suppliers, defence companies, the engineering and project sectors, IT and electronics companies, and other multinationals.

The Abu Dhabi branch becomes the 31st new Hertz outlet to open in the Middle East in just over 18 months. Al Futtaim-Sons also operates five Hertz branches in Dubai, on the Airport Road, at the Sheraton Towers, the Ramada Hotel, at Dubai International Airport and at Jebel Ali Free Zone, as well as two in Sharjah in Al Mena Street and the international airport.