December 2007

As ‘the season’ approaches, SAVRALA would like to warn the South African public as well as tourists to the country against using the services of car rental companies that are not accredited by the Southern African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (SAVRALA).

In the Western Cape alone, the association is aware of in excess of 100 car rental companies who open their doors during peak holiday periods and compete purely on price – not on service or vehicle quality and often, with scant regard for customer safety. Their international customers most especially, are often not aware of the ‘price’ to be paid for going with the cheapest deal!

SAVRALA represents between 80% and 90% of the major car rental companies in South Africa and has a very strict Code of Conduct in place. On joining the association, members agree in writing to the stringent quality and standards laid down.

A key objective of this is to ensure that customers renting from a SAVRALA-accredited member will receive world-class product and service.

Customer safety is paramount and all association members must agree to adhere to strict quality and safety standards regarding vehicle maintenance, age and mileage. The average age of members’ fleets will, in most instances be 6 – 18 months with mileage usually not exceeding 40 000 kilometres.

It is SAVRALA’s experience that in the event of a car rental company complaint being received from a member of the public, it is usually from an international client and without fail, it is a complaint levied against a non-member of the association.

One of the most common complaint relates to vehicle quality and a prime example of this is an overseas holidaymaker who rented a vehicle with 400 000 kilometres on the clock. During the period of his rental, the vehicle’s engine seized and his credit card was promptly debited to the tune of R50 000.

When it comes to one’s corporate or personal car rental requirements, for quality assured service plus, always choose to use the professional services of a SAVRALA-accredited company.

(2007-12-SAV-Don’t get caught)