Also see: Toyota Recall: Four Different Causes. So Which is it?
The following email was sent to Budget rental car company customers today:
Yesterday Budget announced that it was removing all of the vehicles identified for recall by Toyota from its corporate fleet in the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico. This step was taken to protect the safety of our customers, which is always our top priority.
It is important to note that the safety problems that have led to Toyota’s recall of certain vehicles are believed to arise out of usage over time. Accordingly, we believe that all of the Toyota vehicles in our fleet are safe, given the regular maintenance and the low mileage of our overall fleet.
We also want to reassure you that the affected Toyotas represent only a small percentage of our overall fleet, so we expect to be able to fulfill all projected demand and you can continue to make reservations with complete confidence for any rental occasion. Our fleet strategy emphasizes diversity so that we are able to respond to the full range of vehicle rental needs of our customers, as well as to reduce our risk from any issues arising out of any individual manufacturer.
We further want to emphasize that only certain Toyota makes and models, in addition to the Pontiac Vibe, are affected by the recall. Those Toyota vehicles that are not affected will continue to be offered for rental; however, if you are uncomfortable driving a Toyota vehicle, we will make every effort to offer you an alternative vehicle if one is available.
Our commitment to customer safety is also behind our decision to offer what we believe is the youngest and lowest-mileage fleet in the vehicle rental industry. Whether you place as high a premium on safety as we do, or whether you just like driving new cars, either way Budget continues to be your best car rental choice.
Thank you for continuing to choose Budget for your vehicle rental needs.
Sincerely,
Thomas M. Gartland
Executive Vice President, Budget
Carlingford Auto Fleet one of Australia’s biggest car rental fleet suppler has gone into receivership as of Jan 29. An administrator has been appointed. Carlingford well known for over supplying fleet to the car rental industry in Australia also were actively involved in car rental having taken over insolvent businesses they were supplying fleet to. A fleet of 3000 vehicles will be affected. Of the 4 finance companies involved 2 are recalling all their fleet with the other 2 including Esanda Finance unsure of what they will do. Carlingford Auto Fleet have debts of 10 million dollars. This will surely send a ripple effect through the whole car rental industry in Australia.
the car rental business is a very competitive business but i dont believe that a company can go bankrupt over a car re call, there is a warranty process and i am sure a major company like toyota will rectify the issues at hand.
i am the owner of a car rental brand and i have a mix of car makes and models, i do this to have a variety and i dont have my eggs in one basket.
in todays economy you must offer a great rate and a new car, if the rate at Avis is $55 per day and Thrifty are $33 i bet the the client will go to Thrifty, the odds are in there favour if the price is right.
I am so happy that CARLINGFORD FLEET PTY LTD went bankrupt.
they deserve everything they got.
Carlingford Fleet were theives.
i had business dealings with them in the past.
Carlingford Fleet were not a big car rental supplier, they were a back door operation with back door rules. they always lied and everytime you gave them a vehicle back they would try and hit you for damage.
carlingford fleet was the worst company i ever dealt with
the person who closed them down should win an oscar.
im glad they finally got cut down
the shifty pricks
anthony nicholls and trevor suotter
dodgy as.