New wheels for GC2018 as Thrifty joins Games

Media Release

New wheels for GC2018 as Thrifty joins Games

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) today announced Thrifty as Official Car Rental supplier for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018).

Thrifty will provide about 1,400 vehicles across up to 15 category types for Games operations. The pool of vehicles will be made up of passenger cars (small, medium, station wagon), light commercial (utes, vans, small trucks) and some small buses.

The fleet will be used for GC2018 car-with-driver services provided to Games officials, including Technical Delegates, team officials, dignitaries and sponsors.

In addition, there is a significant sport requirement including marathon press trucks, broadcast vehicles, cycling team vehicles, vehicles to support the Queen’s Baton Relay and vehicles for Games operational usage.

GOLDOC Chairman, Peter Beattie AC, said despite Thrifty being a well-known international brand, the local franchise was a Gold Coast owned and operated business.

"GC2018 is the largest event the Gold Coast has ever seen and the local Thrifty franchise have jumped at the chance to play a part in this great event in their own backyard.

"The Games are so much more than just a sports competition; we’re working to deliver economic benefits across the Coast in a range of different areas.

"As an example, through this arrangement Thrifty will reinvigorate their rental stock, support the Coast’s tourism market through the provision of newer and safer vehicles and the benefits will flow further down their supply chain," said Mr Beattie.

Thrifty Gold Coast Franchisee Keith Alexander said Thrifty is privileged and proud to have been chosen to be a partner of the Commonwealth Games.

"We’ve been on the Gold Coast for more than 20 years and have seen so many exciting events during that time, but none quite as thrilling as GC2018.

"We employ 130 people in our 28 locations throughout south east Queensland and NSW and every one of those employees is really excited to be directly involved with the Games through our sponsorship.

"As a locally owned company, we’re especially proud to be a part of the changing face of the Gold Coast and are honoured to be able to help showcase our premiere destination to the world through the Games.

"These Games are going to have a great lasting impact on local tourism and as a local tourism operator we’re excited and ready," said Mr Alexander.

Thrifty CEO Tom Mooney said Thrifty are all about keeping people moving and helping to create memorable journeys.

"We’re thrilled to be a part of what is arguably the biggest sporting event the Gold Coast, if not Australia, will see in the next decade and to be able to play a part in helping to make those memorable journeys a reality," said Mr Mooney.

Acting Minister for Commonwealth Games, Steven Miles MP said the Gold Coast remains one of Australia’s holiday hot spots with high demand for rental vehicles year round.

"Following the Games the vehicles will be absorbed into the Thrifty rental pool providing legacy usage for the local tourism market.

"All vehicles will be new or near new, meet the 5 star ANCAP ratings and be mix of Euro 5/6 emissions ratings," said Mr Miles.

GOLDOC Chief Executive, Mark Peters, welcomed Thrifty to the ever expanding GC2018 Sponsor Family.

"Our sponsors will play an integral role in showcasing GC2018, the Gold Coast and Queensland to the world.

"Having a big brand like Thrifty join the GC2018 Sponsor Family while at the same time benefitting locals in terms of jobs is a real win-win.

"In just over 12 months’ athletes, officials and spectators from around the Commonwealth will descend on the Coast for the Games, but Thrifty’s contribution will continue to deliver local benefits for years to come," said Mr Peters.

ENDS

For images and media collateral, log in or register at brand.gc2018.com or for more information, please contact:

Cobey Moore: +61 447 109 772

Communication and Media Lead

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC)

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