Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group opened seven franchise locations in the U.S. and 17 locations outside the U.S. in the first quarter of 2012, according to a company announcement April 18.

Among the seven locations added in the U.S. this year are three dual-branded in-terminal airport locations in Midland, Texas; Montgomery, Ala.; and Fort Wayne, Ind.; and one Dollar location in Palmdale, Calif.

Dollar Thrifty continues to grow its franchise presence internationally in its four regions abroad: Europe and Sub Saharan Africa; Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America; Middle East and North Africa; and Asia/Pacific.

“We are very pleased with our continued growth in franchising, both in international markets and in certain smaller domestic markets where franchising is our preferred structure,” said Scott Thompson, president, CEO and chairman of the board of Dollar Thrifty. “Through our franchise partners, we are able to economically expand our brands’ footprint in multiple new markets and continue offering customers our compelling value proposition.”