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Australian family owned rental vehicle group Apollo announced today that it will be spending AU$16.2 million in Australia and NZ$10.6 million in New Zealand on new vehicle purchases in 2004 to meet increasing demand.
Luke Trouchet, CEO of Apollo said, "Our forward bookings are extremely strong and we have secured a number of additional travel wholesale contracts for the new season which will bring us even more business."
Apollo is now one of the largest recreational vehicle operators in Australasia with ten branches in Australia and two in Zealand. It is well known for its top quality fleet of luxury motorhomes and personalised service. More recently Apollo has gained publicity for its successful foray into off-airport car rental with over 300 cars on fleet.
Mr Trouchet commenting on Apollo Car Rental said, "There is a gap in the market for a national off-airport car rental operator who can provide good service and great rates and we will capitalise on this."
In Australia the AU$16.2 million will be mainly spent on Mercedes, Ford and Toyota vehicles. The motorhome bodies will be built in Apollo's own factory and by leading manufacturers Winnebago and Swagman.
After seeing an opportunity to expand into New Zealand Apollo started operations there in March 2003. Demand has exceeded expectations and the NZ$10.6 million will be spent on doubling the size of the current motorhome fleet as well as starting car rental.
For Apollo, expanding into car rental is a logical step as they already have infrastructure set up through their network of motorhome outlets around Australia and New Zealand.
According to Mr Trouchet, the growing popularity of self-drive holidays for both domestic and international holidaymakers has fuelled the expansion opportunities. |
