TULSA, Okla. -- Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group Inc. announced that Shary Rent-A-Car has become a master franchisee for the Thrifty Car Rental brand in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The partnership makes the Thrifty-branded fleet the Middle East market leader with more than 13,000 vehicles.

Shary, based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, owns more than 8,000 vehicles in 17 locations and employs approximately 500.

"The addition of Thrifty in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia completes the hub around which the rest of our Middle Eastern franchises can continue to grow, and is another step in DTG's strategy of expanding its presence in other parts of the world," said Peter Guptill, DTG's executive vice president for international markets.

Thrifty also has Middle Eastern franchises in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

"We see Thrifty as a partner who will help us internationalize our growth and help us serve our customers wherever they go through the Thrifty network," said Ali Al Madi, Shary's deputy general manager. "Thrifty customers, as well, will have the chance to experience our first-class service. We are delighted about our mutual future."