UK Car Rental Firm Expands to Ethiopia to Attract International Tourists

Green Motion International has partnered with Excellence Car Rental Services in Ethiopia to launch an electric and hybrid vehicle rental service for international visitors. The initiative aims to leverage Addis Ababa’s growth as a tourist destination, integrating technology and enhancing customer experience. The partnership is poised to facilitate knowledge transfer and generate foreign currency while aligning with Ethiopia’s commitment to eco-friendly transportation.

Green Motion International, a prominent car rental company from the United Kingdom, has partnered with Ethiopia’s Excellence Car Rental Services to establish an electric and hybrid vehicle rental service. This venture aims to attract international visitors and will operate with a technology stack integrated into major booking platforms. The franchise agreement, signed this week at the Skylight Hotel, marks a significant step in expanding services in Ethiopia and will initiate operations immediately.

Richard Lowden, CEO of Green Motion, emphasized the potential of Addis Ababa as a growing tourist destination. He stressed the importance of local partnerships in adopting technology that can transform the rental market. The collaboration took two years of discussions, highlighting the commitment to aligning local operations with global practices, including the availability of rental services at airports.

The franchise agreement allows customers to book cars, hotels, and reservations through a single portal. Local partner Excellence Car Rental is responsible for supplying vehicles, while Green Motion provides the technology. Pricing will be set by the franchisee based on local market dynamics, ensuring competitiveness and adaptability.

While the firm’s global fleet comprises approximately 6,000 vehicles, only about 10% are fully electric. Lowden mentioned they would assess local charging infrastructure before offering electric vehicles to ensure customer convenience. Ongoing discussions with Ethiopian airport authorities aim to establish rental kiosks at terminals, enhancing service accessibility.

Bizuayehu Tadesse, General Manager of Excellence Car Rental, remarked that this partnership signifies Ethiopia’s welcoming stance towards foreign investment, with over 100 vehicles available for rental. He noted the partnership’s potential to generate foreign currency and facilitate knowledge exchange between the UK and Ethiopia.

The Ethiopian government is committed to advancing eco-friendly transportation, indicated by increased tariffs on combustion engine vehicles while offering nearly zero tariffs for electric vehicles. However, challenges such as the development of sufficient charging stations and a robust power grid remain a concern.

In summary, Green Motion International has established a franchise with Excellence Car Rental Services to introduce electric and hybrid vehicle rentals in Ethiopia, aligning with the country’s goal of developing an eco-friendly transportation system. The initiative is aimed at attracting international tourists and enhancing local rental services while addressing infrastructure challenges. This partnership not only signifies a promising investment in Ethiopia but also emphasizes a knowledge transfer between nations, ultimately aiding economic growth.

Original Source: shega.co