The world's biggest rental car company is looking to ramp up its New Zealand fleet for an in influx of overseas tourists.
There have been supply chain issues for rental companies trying to boost their EV fleets in New Zealand. Photo: 123RF
GO Rentals new partnership with Enterprise Holdings will see it operating three brands - Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National and Alamo on the country's roads.
And going electric is becoming an increasingly viable option.
EVs are popular for people steering clear of a gas-guzzlers, but local companies have had to contend with supply chain delays in getting these new cars onto the road.
GO Rentals director John Osborne said international travel was starting to pick up pace.
"As travel opens, more people need affordable, reliable rentals to see the sights of New Zealand they have dearly missed," he said.
GO Rentals was the first company in New Zealand to have Teslas in its rental fleet.
There were plenty of advantages in opting for an EV - and not just to protect the planet.
"You don't have to fill it up on return. We'll charge it for you free of charge," he said.
With 20 Teslas already in its fleet, Osborne said GO Rentals would be adding the Model Y as soon as it became available.
"We want a sustainable world. With more than 80 percent of the power in New Zealand being green energy, EVs are a fantastic option for the Kiwi public."
In an added bonus for rental customers looking to take an EV for for a spin, some of these cars would have no rental signage.
"Over the long term the benefits to the country and the world are huge," he said.
"Think of the foreign exchange the country will save by not buying all that oil from offshore."
Rental car demand had been holding up particularly well in the domestic market, leading to rising rental costs since pre-Covid-19 times.
"I'd say prices are generally up 20 to 25 percent on pre-Covid levels," he said.
"Costs are still pretty variable depending on the season - whether it's a busy time of the year or not."
Areas like Queenstown had experienced vehicle shortages at times, he said.
American tourists will be able to book the familiar brands, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National and Alamo, from home before holidaying in New Zealand.
