enterprise car rental

The Enterprise Rent-A-Car Company is a privately held St. Louis, Missouri based rental car company serving customers in the U.S., Canada, Germany, Ireland, Puerto Rico and the U.K.. According to Auto Rental News, their 2005 (fiscal year ending July 31) U.S. revenue is estimated at $6.4 billion. The Detroit News reports [1] that, with a fleet of over 600,000 cars, Enterprise currently purchases 7% of all new automobiles sold in the United States. They have 5,399 "local market" locations (91% of all transactions), and 419 "airport" locations (9% of all transactions). As of 2005, they are the largest rental car company in North America and the 16th largest privately held firm in the U.S. Enterprise spun off its non-automotive operations (prison supplies, luggage, travel gear, footwear, hotel amenities and a golf course) as Centric Group in 1999.

History

Enterprise Rent-A-Car is the largest rental car company in North America, and has more than 6,900 offices in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany and Ireland. Enterprise operates more than 700,000 vehicles worldwide and has annual revenues of more than $ 9.04 billion^[1]. Enterprise Rent A Car is currently number 16 on the Forbes “500 Largest Private Companies in America” list.

Jack Taylor started a small auto-leasing business in 1957. He eventually named it Enterprise Rent-A-Car after the USS Enterprise, the aircraft carrier he served on while a Naval aviator. Jack's son, Andy, became president in 1980, CEO in 1991 and Chairman in 2001.

On 30 May 2003, Enterprise lost a legal challenge with Advantage Rent a Car over the disputed slogan "We'll Pick you up!" Enterprise attempted to assert that although Advantage RAC had first used the mark, Enterprise made the slogan "famous" and so could claim it according to the 1995 Federal Trademark Dilution Act. The Fifth Circuit Court ruled in favor of Advantage, and they were awarded the mark in 2003. Following the proceedings, Advantage sold the mark to Enterprise for an undisclosed sum.[2]

Corporate Strategy

Enterprise’s primary focus is the local rental car market, specializing in car rentals to consumers who need a replacement car as the result of an accident, mechanical repair or theft, or who require a vehicle for a special occasion such as a short business or leisure trip. Just over 10 years ago, Enterprise Rent A Car also began expanding its operations to include the airport market, and now serves more than 220 airports in the United States, as well as airports in Canada, the U.K. and Ireland.

The main television advertising campaign for Enterprise Rent-A-Car shows a car wrapped in paper, and features the slogan "We'll pick you up!" Enterprise has become famous for their offer to pick up customers and bring them to the rental office.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car customer service has been recognized by JD Power and Associates as highest in customer satisfaction for rental car companies at or near airports [3].

Additionally, Enterprise Rent-A-Car repeatedly ranks number one on the Market Matrix Hospitality Index in rental car industry customer satisfaction[4].

Enterprise will often rent to individuals under 25 years old, typically for an additional fee.

Enterprise is also known for their entry level management training program, which recruits heavily at college campuses.

Enterprise's business model is structured so that every employee at every level understands how all portions of the business operate. This has become very popular for recent college graduates. The recruitment campaign is my "My Personal Enterprise."

Rental Cars Offered

As of 2006, here are some of the cars offered by Enterprise Rent-A-Car:

Enterprise Rent-A-Car Country Websites

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car US - US car rental services.
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car Canada - Canada car rental services.
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car UK - United Kingdom car rental services.
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car Ireland - Ireland car rental services.
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car Germany - Germany car rental services.

Other Enterprise Rent-A-Car Business Units

• Enterprise Car Sales - reseller of Enterprise used car sales. Nationwide dealership network for consumer car sales.
• Enterprise Car Sales Credit Union Partnership Program - Credit Unions can partner with Enterprise to offer used car sales and get all of the loans for the members they send to Enterprise.
• Enterprise Rent-A-Truck - commercial truck rental that allows companies to expand their fleets as needed.
• Enterprise Fleet Services Fleet management services for small and medium-sized businesses.
• Enterprise Rideshare & Vanpool - rideshare and vanpool services in Southern California.

Employment

Enterprise expects to hire 7000 entry level employees in 2006, more than any other U.S. employer.[5].

They have also been recognized for their military employee support [6].

External links

• Business Week Magazine Article ranking Enterprise in the top 5 places to launch a career.
• Fortune Magazine Article is a detailed article that talks about the #1 Car Rental Company and the family that wants to keep it there.
• Enterprise & Professional Bull Riders Association - For the third year in a row, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and PBR are offering a "Ride with the Best" sweepstakes.
• Yahoo! - Enterprise Rent-A-Car Company Profile
• Google Finance - Enterprise Rent-A-Car Company Profile
• Auto Rental News

1. ^ http://www.fleet-central.com/arn/t_inside.cfm?action=news_pick&storyID=25201