Enterprise Holdings brands Alamo and National have a large presence at airports around the world. photo / supply
GO Rentals has secured the right to operate the Enterprise Rent-a-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent-a-Car brands in New Zealand.
Enterprise Holdings is one of America’s largest privately owned companies and through Its network of affiliated companies manages a diverse fleet of more than 1.85 million vehicles in its approximately 10,000 fully staffed neighborhoods and airport rental locations in more than 90 countries and territories.
Enterprise has had a presence here before, but the new deal allows it to expand and grow in the New Zealand market.
John Osborne, a shareholder and director of Go Rentals, said his firm has always admired the work of Enterprise, which is one of the big three car rental firms along with Hertz and Avis.
“This presents an incredible opportunity for our team. Enterprise brings international sales channels and many experts to our corporation.”
In addition to Jio’s fleet of 1500, there will be around 300 vehicles initially under the Enterprise banner, which is expanding.
Go Rental’s Jens Dalglish and John Osborne with Marco Beltjens of Enterprise Holdings (centre). photo / supply
“As travel begins, more people are in need of affordable, reliable rentals to see the New Zealand sights they’ve missed out on.”
Jio pays an undisclosed licensing fee to Enterprise. The Go brand will be retained but the Enterprise brand is more familiar to long-distance visitors.
“When an American comes here, they have a lot of trust in those brands – the UK and Europe as well,” Osbourne said.
“We will keep Go Rental as a brand. It has a good sweet spot in the market. We prefer to be cheaper than the international brands.”
Jio says that the partnership is a huge milestone for the firm which is growing again after being hit hard by border closures and domestic lockdown since March 2020.
Enterprise was previously “mildly represented” in parts of New Zealand by Australian firm Redspot. GO purchased some of Redspot NZ’s business assets, including airport leases and fit-outs, as well as retaining its employees.
“Retaining Redspot NZ employees is beneficial for consistency and local knowledge, which is beneficial to the ground running, and being part of the wider team will play an integral role.”
James Dalglish, chief operating officer of Go Rentals, says a major focus of Tourism NZ on North America and Air NZ on resuming long-haul flights means the partnership could not have come at a better time.
“With the ramp-up of more international flights, including more planned flights between New Zealand and the United States, there is tremendous opportunity to bring enterprise standard excellence to a wider base of customers.”
Marco Beltgens, Assistant Vice President, Global Franchising – Asia Pacific at Enterprise Holdings, said his firm was thrilled to partner with Go Rentals, which offered an innovative approach to providing a seamless travel experience.
Enterprise was established in 1957. Founder Jack Taylor chose the Enterprise name as a salute to the World War II aircraft carrier on the USS Enterprise.