Car-Hire Specialist Making Every Minute Count

“Because every minute counts”: Bidvest Car Rental’s new motto says it all. This car-hire enterprise differentiates itself from others in its field through a commitment to exemplary on-time customer support. Bidvest Car Rental may be a new name, but behind the brand are years of world-class car-hire services. Bidvest successfully operated Budget Car Rental in Southern Africa for 10 years beginning in 2004, but decided not to renew its agreement with the global Avis-Budget Group and instead to do business under its own Bidvest Car Rental brand as of March 1, 2015.

CEO Paulette McGhee explains that only the name has changed for Bidvest; the company’s existing infrastructure, management and team will remain in place. She says, “This has been a smooth transition. Our staff – including the senior management-team members, who have been with the Budget brand for, on average, 17 years – have fully supported the move, and the feedback from customers has been positive. At the moment, it is about getting the basics right: understanding our customers’ needs, their journey and experience.” Defining the Bidvest difference, she adds, “People do not buy from brands. They buy from people. So, it all boils down to customer service.”

New brand name for well-established enterprise

Bidvest Car Rental operates a network of 120 offices throughout Botswana, South Africa and Namibia and employs around 850 people. Bidvest has a cutting-edge fleet of over 13,500 economy, luxury, speciality and commercial vehicles. Its specialised offerings include chauffeur-driven vehicles, chartered coaches seating from 15 to 59 passengers, services for wheelchair customers, transfers, and special plans for corporate customers and tour operators, among many other options. Bidvest Car Rental’s signature Bidvest Door2Door Transfers include a professional chauffeur, a choice of a luxury vehicle and a service tailored to each customer’s individual itinerary.

As the former operator of Budget Car Rental, which entered Botswana 15 years ago, Bidvest Car Rental has had a wealth of experience serving local and international customers. Solly Mmokele, Country Manager states, “The Bidvest brand may be the new name but the quality of people, the quality of cars and the quality of service still remains as the best in Botswana. Reminiscent of Paulette McGhee’s sentiment of ‘Because every minute counts’, our people know that whether you are on business or holiday, every minute of your journey is important to you. We give you our commitment that you will be attended to promptly and in a helpful manner.”