About Thrifty Van Rental Ireland
First impressions do last. While conducting our research for Fleet Van’s ‘Rentals Guide’ last year, one company stood out as a highly efficient and friendly organization. Most were very cooperative but Thrifty were especially easy to deal with. That prompted Fleet Management to investigate what generates that great first impression. Gerry Murphy went behind the scene to see what makes Thrifty tick.
Thrifty is more than your run-of-the-mill car and van rental company. It was originally set up in 1995 by Joe Malone, former Director General of Bord Failte and Cathal Mullen, former Chief Executive of Aer Lingus as Malone Car Rentals. Later the fledgling company was acquired by Colm Menton and Bill Keary in 1998. Thrifty is now the fastest growing Car Rental Company in Ireland. Employing seventy people all over the country, Thrifty are now an integral part of and a serious player in the car and van rental industry.
When we think of car rentals, we think of the tourist industry and short term summer renting. There is a lot more to this game than that. Thrifty is quick to point out that there are several different areas of business involved and it goes on for twelve months of the year. Yes, they do rent cars to tourists and visitors and this is a big part of their business but Thrifty also rent vans and commercials. At any one time a fleet of 150 commercial vehicles in several shapes and different sizes are available to customers. This line-up includes chilled vans and freezers units as well as a wide selection of 4 x 4 vehicles. However, it is in the supply of specialist corporate vehicles that Thrifty excel and this is where they see a big future for their business.
Day, Month and Long Term Hire
Not everyone requires a car or van for three years and not everyone wants to commit themselves to a long vehicle lease with get-out penalties attached. Neither does everyone want to purchase of a vehicle outright and this is where Thrifty come into their own. The company will supply any vehicle, be it van or car to any company on a daily basis or for a number of months and even years.
Under the guidance of Corporate Sales Manager, Jon Jeromes, they have a dedicated team looking after the various needs of the corporate sector. No transport problem seems to faze the team at Thrifty. Be it a specific request for vehicles for special events or liveried vehicles for a specific period of time or a product promotion, Thrifty can supply. In fact, Thrifty never say no immediately to any request, they will say, ‘let us see what we can do’. Little wonder then that Thrifty has grown eight times in size in the last six years. Indeed, Jon expects that the corporate side of the business will double in size in the coming months.
Open Nationwide
Headquartered on the Old Airport Road in Cloghran, Dublin very close to the airport. Thrifty also operate from all other major airports and from Dublin City Centre, close to O‘Connell Street. At peak times of the year the Thrifty fleet of cars reach over 1,400 cars including people carriers, automatics and luxury cars.
Customer Service – second to none
As we found from our initial contact with Thrifty, customer service and a willingness to say yes, is very high on their agenda. Director of Business Development, Colm Brady says, “Every company has different transport needs. We try to facilitate their requirements where it is at all possible. There is a solution to every need or problem and we are here to provide that solution for our customers.”
Thrifty put a lot of work into tailoring the right package to suit the needs of the individual customer. No two clients require the same transport solution so it is important to the people at Thrifty that all sides are satisfied with the deal. “It is vital that we make the right deal at the start for both the customer and for ourselves, which is why satisfied customers return and share their good experience of working with the company with other potential clients” added Colm.
With business in Ireland changing significantly over the last ten years, some customers don’t necessarily want the standard rental packages offered by car and van rental companies, or vehicle leasing companies. For example, Thrifty currently has a large fleet of vans out in contract with the ESB. This fleet was ordered for a specific project that is operating over a specific time period. Apparently, the ESB did not need to purchase or lease this fleet for a long time, so Thrifty provided the perfect solution.
Changing Times
At this time of the year the peak season for tourist travel is coming to an end so the fleet has been reduced accordingly. Many external factors can affect the car rental business - fuel prices, currency exchange rates, international incidents and even our own on-off peace process. Van rentals are also susceptible to fuel price fluctuations but, while the Irish economy is currently strong, Thrifty is constantly monitoring the economic landscape for further possible opportunities.
In 2002, the Irish operation was awarded the European Thrifty Franchise of the Year for which Colm and Jon are very proud. The Dollar franchise was added to its portfolio in February 2004. Constant auditing of customer service at all levels of the company is a key tool for keeping standards at a high level. That scrutiny and attention to detail is vital for the continued growth and success of this vibrant organisation. The last impression I got on leaving the Thrifty office was one of a group of people that have great drive and confidence that there is a bright future for the company.
Thrifty Van Rental Dublin, Old Airport Road, Cloghran, Co Dublin, Ireland.
TEL: +353 1 844 1944 FAX: +353 1 844 1915
Email: rent@vanrentalireland.com Copyright © 2006 Thrifty Van Rental Dublin All Rights Reserved