Budget Issues Statement to Customers About Toyota Recall
Budget's Executive Vice President Thomas Gartland says Toyotas represent a small percentage of the company's overall fleet.
In an e-mail sent to customers Jan. 29, Budget Executive Vice President Thomas Gartland said the car rental company was removing all of the vehicles identified in the Toyota recall from its corporate fleet in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.
Gartland reassured customers that removal of the recalled Toyotas was “to protect the safety of our customers” and that all Toyotas in the company’s “fleet are safe, given the regular maintenance and the low mileage of our overall fleet.”
Gartland also said Toyotas represent a small percentage of Budget’s overall fleet and the company would be able to continue to meet customer demand.
He added that Toyota vehicles not affected by the recall will continue to be offered for rental. “However, if you are uncomfortable driving a Toyota vehicle, we will make every effort to offer you an alternative vehicle if one is available,” Gartland said.
Gartland’s statement was issued shortly after Budget’s parent company Avis Budget Group Inc. issued a separate statement announcing the removal of recalled Toyotas from its U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico rental fleet.
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