Hertz UAE has launched the second phase of its Dh60 million ($16.3 million) expansion programme with the opening of its new branch in the Dubai Marina area.

Hertz Radisson SAS Dubai Marina has opened its doors for business less than three months after the successful launch of the Hertz Festival City branch.

In order to meet the demand from the increasing number of visitors to Dubai, Hertz will open a car rental desk at the new Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport next month as well as a Honda service centre on Sheikh Zayed Road.

The company is also investing heavily in two mega-sites at Dubai Investment Park and Mussafah in Abu Dhabi, with parking for 500 vehicles and full servicing facilities.
Meanwhile, Hertz is looking to introduce a branch in Al Ain as well.

Nigel Johnson, the recently appointed new General Manager of Hertz, UAE said: 'Hertz is expanding rapidly here in the UAE along with the growth across all sectors of this country.

'We are very excited to open a branch at Dubai Marina, one of Dubai's newest areas and we are dedicated to maintaining high quality service for both new and returning customers.'

In line with the expansion, Hertz has increased its management team with a series of high profile new recruits, including Paul Milne as the Business Unit Finance Manager and Neil Parkins, who will take on the role of Fleet Operations Manager.

The latest branch opening means that Hertz UAE, part of the Al-Futtaim Group of companies, now has 15 locations across the UAE, including branches in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.

Hertz is also expanding its fleet of vehicles, which is expected to grow to 8,500 vehicles this year compared with 6,500 in 2007.

Several new models have been added to the fleet including the 2008 Honda Accord, 2008 Toyota Landcruiser and the Toyota FJ Cruiser, with further plans to add the Honda MRV and the Honda City later this year. - TradeArabia News Service