Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group Inc. has purchased the Thrifty Car Rental franchise operations in Seattle, Wash., and Portland, Ore.

The acquisition adds 2,500 vehicles to the company's corporate fleet and includes both in-terminal and off-airport Thrifty Car Rental locations serving Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Portland International Airport, as well as stores in downtown Portland, Seattle and local market stores in Beaverton, Ore., and Bellevue, Wash.

Also included in the purchase are parking facilities at both airports, as well as a Quik Stop business providing retail oil changes. Pacific Northwest Rental & Leasing Inc., a Thrifty Car Rental franchisee since 1974, was sold by Tom D. Huling, III. Terms of the deal, effective Feb. 1, were not disclosed.

This marks the first franchise acquisition for Dollar Thrifty in 2007, following a heavy year of acquisitions in 2006 that resulted in the purchase of 12 Dollar Rent A Car and Thrifty Car Rental franchisees, representing 16 cities and adding more than 6,000 cars to its corporate rental fleet.

The company says franchise acquisitions will continue in 2007 provided that they meet with goals for return on investment.

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