Budget Rent A Car opens Vietnam franchise

The rapid increase in visitors to Vietnam and the rise in service and amenity expectations of those visitors have been factors in convincing Budget Rent A Car to enter the Vietnam market. One of the world’s foremost rental car companies, Budget is now providing cars, including some with chauffeurs, at the Ho Chi Minh Airport and at major hotels in the city.

The number of travelers visiting Vietnam exceeded 2.2 million for the first half of 2008, which is the largest number ever for a six month period, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT).

“We are confident there is substantial demand for high quality car rental here,” commented the general manager of Budget Vietnam, Dan Cohen. “Not only does Budget fill that glaring need, but it does so in a comforting fashion. Everyone who’s been overseas knows the name, Budget, and what it represents.”

To ensure its success in this latest venture, Budget has teamed up with one of the first foreign firms to establish a presence in Vietnam, The Gannon Group. In country since 1994, Gannon has paved the way for many important international brands’ entry into Vietnam, and it now has a special interest in Budget, as it has bought the franchise rights for Budget Vietnam.

“We began discussions with Budget in 2005, believing its service has huge potential, especially as this country welcomes more visitors with discerning tastes,” noted Gannon’s CEO, Walter Blocker. “The brand offers qualities an affluent audience wants and appreciates.”

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