With today being Indaba’s final day, many visitors to Africa’s largest tourism and travel event can sit back and reflect on what they had seen and learnt during the past four days. The same applies to car rentals. To those who utilised Tempest Car Hire or Budget Rent A Car, the following Face-Off might be of particular interest. If you are one of the Indaba visitors who used either of these car rental agencies, please vote for your favourite at the end of the article.

TEMPEST: Managing Director: Leslie Matthews

Describe your company, your history and what you offer in a couple of sentences.
We are totally committed to bring you ridiculously low car rental rates. Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, with us, you are guaranteed some of the best deals on rental wheels. Time flies when you’re having fun and we’ve been having fun since 1986. Back in the days of bad hairstyles, pastel clothing and the birth of rave music, Tempest Car Hire opened our doors for business to take on the car rental big guns. We saw a gap and went for it: The market needed a car rental provider who was super economical and offered personalised service with a smile. And our clients have been smiling ever since, after all, who can resist great rates, new cars and world class service?

How large is your fleet and what makes of vehicles do you offer?
Our fleet spans over 3 000 vehicles and include the Kia, VW Chico and various Toyota models.
We offer vehicles for every budget, but our main aim is to make car rental affordable to everyone.

How many branches country-wide?
We have 38 branches country-wide, all of whom are totally committed to making your car rental experience easy, accessible and one to remember. We have kiosks at all major airports and branches in many convenient downtown locations, with some of our newest branches having opened in Soweto, Mafikeng, Seapoint and Randfontein.

Specials on offer?

• Rent-a-TomTom GPS.
• Our weekend rates include: 200kms free per day, standard cover theft & collision waivers, VAT, airport surcharges and tourism levy.
• As one of South Africa’s leading car rental companies, Tempest Car Hire also offers affordable long-term car rental solutions. For those who require a car for 30 days or more, Maxirent is the perfect alternative to having to buy a car. Essentially, Maxirent is an alternative to leasing, designed to meet the need for medium to long-term car rentals in South Africa.
• Low weekend rates.

Rates – inclusive

• Mileage
• Super or standard theft and collision waivers
• Airport surcharges
• Tourism levy
• Personal accident insurance
• VAT

Rates – exclusive

• Delivery & collection
• One way fees
• After hours surcharges
• Additional equipment & services
• Cross border fees
• Fuel
• Contract fee

Social responsibility?
We are proud to announce our partnership with Dreamfields, a partnership which is about making a difference in the everyday lives of young South Africans. The Dreamfields initiative is about investing in communities and giving learners the opportunity to succeed and become great sports achievers. Read more about our involvement with Dreamfields here.

BUDGET: Managing Director: Ray Booth

Describe your company, your history and what you offer in a couple of sentences.
Budget Rent A Car System, Inc. was founded in 1958 as a car rental company for the “budget-minded” renter. Today, as an industry leader, Budget continues to appeal to value-minded renters by offering quality vehicles and a rewarding rental experience at nearly 1,900 rental locations worldwide.

How large is your fleet and what makes of vehicles do you offer?
The Budget Southern African fleet is made up of over 8 500 cars, offering economy, luxury and speciality vehicles, all with an average age of 6 to 9 months. We offer VW Chicos, several Toyotas, Ford Focus, BMW 320, Audi A4, Mercedes C Class, Renault, Nissan, 2X4 and 4X4 vehicles.

How many branches country-wide?
A large network of over 77 branches strategically located throughout South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. In-terminal branches at all major airports ensure that no matter how our customers choose to reach their destination, Budget Rent a Car is never far away.

Specials on offer?

• Frequent Renter Programme
• Wings ‘n Wheels Weekend Special – South Africa
• IPL Cricket Special
• Namibia Special
• Tourism Radio Special
• Mobile Phone & GPS Rentals in South Africa
• GPS Rental in Namibia
• Wings ‘n Wheels Weekend Special – Botswana
• Budget has also modified a Toyota Quantum in order to transfer two people using wheelchairs and their companions, accommodating up to five passengers in total.

Rates – inclusive

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW);
• Theft Loss Waiver (TLW)
• Airport Surcharge;
• Tourism Levy;
• 200km free per day
• 200 SAA Voyager Miles; and
• VAT

Rates – exclusive

• Fuel
• Contract Fee
• Excess Liability in the event of theft or damage
• Personal Accident Insurance
• Additional Driver Fee
• Young Driver Surcharge (Conditions apply)
• Baby seat;
• Claim Handling Fee
• Traffic Fine Handling Fee
• Delivery/Collection Fees
• Towing Charges
• One Way Fees

Social responsibility?
Our biggest responsibility as a global company is to maintain a standard of service our customers can depend on no matter where they are in the world.

Please feel free to suggest any industry players or leaders in their field to be included in our Industry Face-Off.