usrentacar.co.uk® Car Hire USA Blog

Hi all,

Yesterday the Dollar Thrifty Group (DTG)  released full 2011 end of year accounts and also quarter 4 details.

In a nutshell Dollar Thrifty have had another record year eclipsing last years results which at the time was also a record year!  Boosted by a buoyant second hand market DTG boasted profits of $159.6 million,  up from $131.2 million,  in 2010. Revenue rose to $1.55 billion from $1.54 billion.

Scott L Thompson, Chairman and CEO stated

“We are pleased to announce that for the second consecutive year, the company is reporting record earnings,”

“During 2011, we benefited from a robust used vehicle market, a recovering travel market with increasing demand for value-oriented product offerings, and our ongoing focus on expense control and productivity initiatives.”

What does Dollar Thrifty expect for 2012?

2012 Outlook  

The Company is providing the following guidance for 2012 with respect to key drivers of its business model:

• Vehicle rental revenues are projected to be up 3 – 5 percent compared to 2011.
• Vehicle depreciation costs for the full year of 2012 are expected to be within a range of $220 to $240 per vehicle per month.
  • The Company is utilizing a Manheim index of 124 for the full year of 2012 for purposes of estimating residual values and depreciation rates.
  • Gains on sales of risk vehicles in 2012 are expected to moderate significantly on both an aggregate dollar and per unit basis compared to vehicle gains recorded in 2011.  This decrease is the result of continued refinements of residual value assumptions to more closely align with market conditions at the time of sale.
• Interest expense is expected to decline significantly on a year-over-year basis, primarily as a result of lower overall interest rates on the Company’s fleet financing facilities as compared to the fixed rates on matured and maturing financing facilities, and the repayment of all of the Company’s corporate debt in 2011.  These decreases will be partially offset by higher rates on the newly completed revolver and the expected re-leveraging of our Canadian fleet.

Hi all,

Here at usrentacar.co.uk we are in the process of modifying how we display the user generated reviews we collect. usrentacar.co.uk was the first car hire company to contact their customers requesting information on how their supplier had performed.

Today I was sent a spreadsheet listing over 30k car hire usa reviews dating as far back as April 2006. I thought it might be nice to list the first 10 reviews we ever received from customers.

Our first ever review was from

Mr Nicholas Henshaw  collected in Orlando on the 17-Apr-06 with     Budget Rent A Car

Long wait to pick-up car at Orlando:-(  Free upgrade to convertible   Great holiday, car fab   Delivered car back, asked by Budget to pay $170 extra, they messed up their records, refused to pay, walked off.   So far they haven’t taken the extra on the card I gave them, hope they realised their mistake:-}

After this review they came thick and fast.

Mr Samuel Barklie  collected from Orlando on the 19-Apr-06 with Budget Rent A Car

I have booked with you several times now and have always found your staff extremely helpful and courteous. I doubt if I would use anyone else in the future.   Thank you and Kind Regards  Sam Barklie

Mr Stanley Jackson collected from Orlando on the 20-Apr-06 from Dollar Rent A Car

  Absolutely no problem with USrentacar but Dollar staff just didn’t seem to give a damn. If you could cut their processing time you would be doing everyone a favour.

Mr john burt  collected from Tampa on the 20-Apr-06 with Budget Rent A Car

although the car I rented was new it had dents on the roof and numerious scratches on the wheel arches everything else was great

Mr P DAVIDGE collect from Sanford on the 20-Apr-06 with Budget Rent A Car

We hired though budget, and were told to collect though avis, but then had to go and find a budget, to add a second driver

Mrs S Drew collected from Orlando on the 21-Apr-06 with Alamo Rent A Car

We went toFloridawith family who hired a car with the flight. They paid double the amount & their car was not up to the standard that we got with Budget. They now have your web site & will use you in the future. Thanks

Dr Michael Gettings collected from Orlando on the 21-Apr-06 with Dollar Rent A Car

   We have used you numerous times and recommend you to friends. Your new www site layout is good BUT it is a pain to have to choose the venue specifically (Rodeway inn 192, holiday inn kissimmee etc etc) all we want is the chepaest supplier in the area.  We have to grind thro’ each venue choice one ata time in the area to compare prices.  Could there be a "any supplier in Kissimmee button?  We don’t care where – we go we are looking for the best deal! Thanks

Mr Marcus Topple collected from Sanford on the 22-Apr-06 with Budget Rent A Car

Bus driver had mega BO!

Rev Derek Gibson collected from Boston on the 27-Apr-06  with Alamo Rent A Car

Wonderful as usual

Mrs Fiona Shepherd collected from Orlando on the 28-Apr-06 with Budget Rent A Car.

From ordering car on-line to leaving vehicle at airport was absolutely brilliant.  Have already recommended US Rentacar to around 6 people so far who have now booked.  News travels fast.  Thanks again, will definately be using next year.

Great too look back at some of the very interesting reviews our customers send us, I particular like Mr Topples reviews

regards,

James

Hi all,

You’ve been travelling for approximately 10 hours, you’re excited to be in the U.S. but you’re tired… you want to grab your USA car hire and get to your accommodation.

How can I get my car as quickly as possibly?

usrentacar.co.uk through its partners sites including Alamo, Budget and Dollar can offer you the chance to pre-register some of your details here in the UK which in turn will save you time in America.

Here’s how to do it…

Step 1 – Visit the usrentacar.co.uk homepage when you have your car rental voucher. Hover over the navigation tab at the top of the site that state Online Offers and from the drop down list click on pre-registration.

Step 2 – The pre-registration page is divided by supplier, simply click on the link associated with the supplier you have booked with to access their pre-registration form.

Alamo

Budget

Dollar

Once you’ve clicked on the link to your appropriate supplier please follow the online instructions, you will require you driving licence number and the credit card you will be using as the security deposit.

regards,

James

Hi all,

Alamo were doing so well this week, on Monday they amended their petrol policy and Tuesday they revealed their new Cape Canaveral location, Wednesday was a bit quiet but today we’ve been advised of some new terms that aren’t quite as positive.

One Way Rentals

Ford Mustang and Convertible lovers collecting in San Francisco may have to rethink their schedule due to this new fee.

One way rentals commencing 01 July 2012 – 31 August 2012. Intercity fees from all San Francisco Locations for the STAR (Convertible) to all destinations will be charged at 350.00 USD

So to confirm, if you are collecting a Convertible from a San Francisco location and looking to drop it off at a different location between the 01/07/12 and the 31/08/12 you will be liable for a one way rental fee of $350.00 plus tax. Please note if the usual one way fee is greater you will pay the greater amount, for example SFO to MCO would still be $500 plus tax.

Gold rate

Starting from February 1st 2012, the Alamo gold rate will now only be available on rentals of 4 days or more from all locations.

The minimum rental period for all of our Gold products will be changing to 4 days (Alamo and National brands) for destinations USA and Canada and will apply to rentals picking up on or after 1st April 2012; this will apply for all new bookings made from 1st February 2012. Existing bookings will be unaffected.

These changes will effect all companies offering Alamo/National products.

Remember at present Dollar Rent A Car are still offering free one way rentals on their Convertible product within certain locations, contact our reservations department for more information or use our website to obtain a quote.

regards,

James

Hi all,

Following on from yesterdays fuel policy alteration, Alamo Rent A Car have followed in the foot steps of Budget Rent A Car and Dollar Rent A Car by offering a Florida Car Hire services out of Cape Canaveral.

Located near the port at 6211 N. Atlantic Avenue, the office will run a free shuttle bus service to and from the cruise area during the following hours.

Mon-Fri: 07:30 am 05:30 pm

Sat: 08:00 am 04:00 pm

Sun: 07:00 am 04:00 pm

Alamo’s addition to the area can only be a positive move for customers as increased competition should see a positive effect on service and rates.

regards.

James

Hi all,

Good news from Alamo Rent A Car today. After a lot of lobbying from ourselves, Alamo have agreed to return too the fuelling policies of  the past.

With our inclusive (silver) USA car hire product the customer is expected to purchase a full tank of fuel upon arrive and return the vehicle empty. Pump prices from suppliers can be more expensive, as we touched on during this post and if you’re renting for a short amount of time can work out to be more expensive.

So its refreshing to see that Alamo Rent A Car have heard our concerns and agreed that from 01/04/12 usrentacar.co.uk customers will be given the option to either pre-purchase their fuel upon arrival at an agreed price or return the vehicle the same way it was collected (full).

I’m sure you’ll all agree this is good news from Alamo Rent A Car and nice to see that the largest car rental supplier in America isn’t too big to listen to our concerns.

Now all we need is for the other car rental companies to follow suit.

regards,

James

Hey everyone,

For those of you that like statistics and fact based blogs – come on now, dont pretend like this stuff is boring and you’re not a car hire nerd Here are a couple of stats that you might find intresting. Honest! 

While looking at some numbers from a data post from 2011 regarding the amount of cars each major supplier operates versus the amount of revenue generated, we can grab a snippet of which supplier is generating the most revenue per vehicle for car hire in the USA. Its not an exact science but its in the ball park.

Check out these numbers;

We all know that Enterprise/Alamo is the monster player in the market with almost 1 million cars in the market but its surprising to find they are not the top dog when its comes to getting the most revenue per vehicle.

As you can see above the master’s of milking every last dime out of their vehicles is Avis/Budget making on average approximately$14,421.05 per vehicle.

Now the second hand market has been extremely buoyant for the last couple of years, and this is where the car rental suppliers are really making their profits.

So can we assume that Alamo are selling their vehicles before Budget, therefore not getting the most out of the rental revenue but getting more from the second hand market?

If you liked this post and still have a little ‘nerd time’ left to fill why not check the related blog James posted back in December.

Cheers

Simon

Hi all,

Here at usrentacar.co.uk we were the first car hire company to ask and provide real car hire USA reviews from our customers.

After the car rental has been returned we ask our customer a series of questions which the customer marks out 5, these questions cover the pick up service, the drop off service and value for money. These scores are added together to create a percentage score.

Below are a selection of 100% reviews supplied this year (2012).

Alamo Rent A Car

Mr D Baines 100% review.

Very helpful Alamo staff including shuttle driver who helped put cases in hire car and gave us directions.. We were upgraded for free! Smiles all round!!

Budget Rent A Car

Mr D Boyle 100% review.

usrentacar.co.uk has always provided me with excellent service and good value over the years that I have been visiting Florida. I can recommend them without reservation.

Mr D Stanley 100% review.

I specifically wanted a Mustang as every time I”ve rented in the past, we”ve ended up with a Sebring because of the ”Mustang or similar” statement. Through Budget via US Rent A Car, I had my Mustang this time and an excellent car it was too.

Dollar Rent A Car 

Mr R Potts 100% review.

The rental process was so easypeasy. The Dollar representative who took my details was excellent, efficient and full of enthusiasm for his job and the on airport facility had me heading down the interstate highway from Tampa very quickly. The hire vehicle was very clean and fresh inside and out and prepaired to a high standard and full of fuel and ready to go. Upon return the Dollar agents have you on your way to the airport terminal as easy as 1 2 3 with a “Thank you sir enjoy your trip, your on your way”. Another “Absolutly Fabulous” Car Hire from “usrentacar.co.uk”.

Mr S Harding 100% review.

IN THE PAST WE HAVE ALWAYS FLOWN INTO TO ORLANDO AIRPORT AND HAVE FOUND THE DOLLAR STAFF ON THE RENTAL DESK TO BE VERY RUDE. THIS TRIP WE LANDED IN TAMPA AIRPORT. THE STAFF ON THE DOLLAR DESK AND IN THE GARAGE GAVE US EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE AND FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A VERY LONG WHILE OUR RENTAL CAR LASTED US THE ENTIRE FIVE WEEK RENTAL!!!!(IT DIDN”T NEED TO BE RETURNED FOR A SERVICE)

Mrs E Byers 100% review.

Small SUV unavailable so given an upgrade and really enjoyed the car – just a bit thirsty on the gas. Customer service from Sam was great. No problems and would definitely use this company again.

Some great positive comments to start 2012 and we hope this continues. Remember you can also leave a review via our iPhone and Android app’s available at the app store and android market, search “usrentacar”.

regards,

James

Hi all,

The Dollar Rent A Car perceived buyout dominated this blog last year, offering up 14 individual posts, time lining perfectly the swings and roundabouts of trying to sell the 4th largest car hire USA supplier.

Dollar Thrifty Timeline 

30/07/10 – Avis Budget Enter Bidding For Dollar Thrifty Car Hire

05/08/10 – Dollar Thrifty Politely Decline Avis Budget Offer

03/09/10 - Budget Car Hire Increase Dollar Car Rental Bid

30/09/10 – Avis Budget’s Response To Hertz’s Comments Over Dollar Thrifty

21/01/11 – Dollar And Avis/Budget Provide Joint Statement Regarding Takeover

22/02/11 – Avis Budget Seeks Dollar Thrifty Clarity

10/05/11 – Hertz Make New Bid For Dollar Thrifty

29/07/11 – My Take On The Dollar Thrifty Buy Out

12/08/11 – Could Dollar Rent A Car Be Losing Patience?

30/08/11 – Letter From Dollar Thrifty To Hertz And Avis Budget

08/09/11 – Dollar Thrifty Set Deadline For Purchase Offers

14/09/11 – Avis Budget Withdraw Bid For Dollar Thrifty Group

06/10/11 – What’s The Hold Up With The Dollar Thrifty Deal?

28/10/11 – Hertz Pull Out Of Dollar Bid

What’s next?

Now first off, I have no insider knowledge. Anything written here is purely guess work and to be honest it might not even be intelligent guess work but here we go…

I believe in the first quarter it will be announced that Hertz have found a buyer for their low cost brand Advantage Rent A Car, I think the buyer will either be Fox Rent A Car or Sixt Rent A Car.

The reasons I believe it will be one of these two are as follows; Fox Rent A Car fresh of their victory in this year JD Power awards have been looking to expand quickly and have recently opened their first Florida location, purchasing Advantage would open many more doors for them across the U.S.

For Sixt, its no secret that they want to become more prominent in America but this is a costly and time consuming exercise unless you can purchase a company that already has contracts in place at major U.S. airports, for example Advantage Rent A Car…

So that’s my thinking behind those two, I could be totally wrong but I thought I pop it in writing in case I do turn out to be correct

With Hertz finding a buyer for Advantage Rent A Car, I believe this will appease the FTC and they will go back to Dollar Thrifty shareholders with a new offer. It’s still an interesting negotiation as Dollar don’t really need to sell but Hertz do need to head off the threat of Avis/Budget for the title of 2nd biggest USA Car Hire supplier and the purchase of Dollar would leave quite a gap between the two, also if negotiations drag on between Dollar and Hertz in to the summer; Avis Budget will have the buying power to compete based purley on cash flow generated by the united Avis USA and Avis European deals.

On the other side I’m not sure Dollar will increase in value, many already think they are punching above their weight in terms of share price, so having an extended round of negotiations will not interest them.

I think by the end of 2012 Dollar Thrifty will be owned by Hertz…. however I could be wrong…

Whatever happens, the first quarter could be very interesting.

regards,

James,

Hi all,

2011 has been hard for the average Joe but for Car Hire USA suppliers things couldn’t have been rosier, statistics show a total revenue of $22.4 billion, an 8.1% increase over 2010.

At this time of year I always like to take a look at the statistics I think are the most important; Number of vehicles, Number of pick up locations and total revenue for the top four car hire suppliers.

Alamo Rent A Car

The number one supplier and largest in the U.S. is The Enterprise group consisting of Alamo, Enterprise and National Car Rental in 2011 they had an estimated 920,861 vehicle on the road being picked up from 6187 locations across America including airports and city locations. They had 2011 total total revenue exceeding $1 Billion.

Hertz

The number 2 car hire usa supplier for 2011  is Hertz. Including their budget brand (Advantage Rent A Car), Hertz had an estimated 320,000 rental cars available from 2500 pick up locations bringing in a combined approximate revenue of $4,241,000,000.

Budget Rent  A Car

The Avis/Budget Group consisting of Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car operated approximately 285,000 USA rental cars out of 2,300 locations bringing in a estimated yearly revenue of 4,110,000,000.

Dollar Rent A Car

Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group consisting of Dollar Rent A Car and Thrifty Car Rental had 118,000 vehicles on the road from an estimated 445 USA locations bringing in a revenue of appropriately $1,645,000,000.

As you can see from these statistics the battle to buy Dollar Rent A Car between Hertz and Budget is very important in securing the number 2 spot in the U.S.

Enterprise continue to dominate the U.S. market in 2011 and the likely hood of anyone toppling them is very slim.

regards,

James