Thrifty Car Rental has been named as a car rental supplier to the Australian Government under a panel arrangement estimated to be worth more than $23 million a year.

From July Thrifty will provide car rental services to more than 100 Government agencies. Following an announcement of the outcomes of the travel tenders by the Government, Thrifty is one of two suppliers for car rental services in a three-year contract.

Thrifty’s National Sales Manager Martin Buckland said: “Thrifty is the only 100% Australian international car rental brand, owned wholly by the NSW-based NRMA Motoring and Services. This announcement by the Government is a testimony to the improvements that have been made in the years NRMA has owned our business and also to the strength of our locally owned and operated franchise network.

“To be one of only two suppliers to what is arguably one of the top three car rental contracts in Australia is a fantastic achievement for the business.”

To prepare for the new account, Thrifty is now looking at infrastructure and fleet requirements across all of its major airport and city locations in Australia.

Martin continued: “This account provides a great opportunity for us to invest and expand the business. The contract is a real platform for growth for Thrifty, for the people we employ and for homegrown Australian business.

“The contract complements Thrifty’s other key accounts such as our exclusive partnership with Australia’s seven motoring clubs, as Member travel is predominantly leisure and often on weekends, while the Government business will be mainly Monday to Friday.

“So all of Thrifty’s customers will enjoy the benefit of our upcoming investment in extra fleet, new technology and infrastructure.”