AA of New Zealand and Thrifty Car Rental Launch ‘AA Thrifty’
In New Zealand and Australia, Automobile Association members will receive year-round auto rental benefits and discounts. If booking before Jan. 1, members are eligible to win one of two car rentals for a year.
The New Zealand Automobile Association (AA) announced a business partnership with Thrifty Car Rental that began Oct., 1 giving AA members year-round benefits and discounts on auto rentals in New Zealand and Australia. AA members will be able to book car rentals 34 Thrifty branches.
"We're delighted to be partnering with one of the great New Zealand membership organizations,” said Bryn McGoldrick, CEO of Thrifty Australia and New Zealand. “Thrifty has become adept at serving motoring club members, and with 244 locations across Australia and New Zealand, we are looking forward to welcoming AA members wherever they might be traveling.”
To celebrate the launch of AA Thrifty, any AA member booking a rental car before Jan. 31, 2012, will be eligible to win one of two cars for a year.
For more information, get online at aa.co.nz/carrental or visit your local AA Centre or Thrifty branch.
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