Auto Rental News
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Malta Franchise Celebrates 60 Years with Hertz

International Franchisee United Garage celebrated 60 years of partnership with Hertz, today operating as Hertz Leasing, offering passenger cars and LCVs (light commercial vehicles). 

December 21, 2021
Malta Franchise Celebrates 60 Years with Hertz

Malta was the 10th European country in which Hertz started operating an International franchise and, today, Hertz Malta is the oldest Hertz franchise holder in Europe. 

Photo courtesy of United Garage Ltd.

2 min to read


United Garage Limited, Hertz International franchisee for Malta, is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its partnership with Hertz. The late Charles Gatt Baldacchino first signed the franchise agreement in November 1961 with, at the time, Hertz American Express International Limited. 

“We are pleased to be part of a global franchise network that immediately enabled us to be a leading player in the local market,” said Simon Gatt Baldacchino, managing director of United Garage Limited. “We enjoy a strong partnership with Hertz, a global organisation, and the strong relationship established 60 years ago with my late father has withstood the test of time. We have emerged stronger and look ahead with confidence to a bright future of mobility.” 

Ad Loading...

He pointed out that each decade presented different challenges, with the company growing in line with the development and growth of tourism, the automotive evolution, and the diversification of the local economy. “We have seen quite some change, especially in our core business, the automotive field, but there was also change in the different channels in which customers drove the car rental business forward, moving from the traditional element to the digitalisation of the business,” Mr. Gatt Baldacchino added.

Today, United Garage is the franchisee of the Hertz multi-brand portfolio that comprises of Hertz, Thrifty, Dollar and Firefly. United Garage has also been operating Hertz Leasing for the past 25 years, offering both passenger cars and LCVs (light commercial vehicles). 

“We are very proud of our longstanding partnership with United Garage Limited and the great work they do operating our full portfolio of brands," added Angela Brav, president of Hertz International. "We’re looking forward to continuing to work together to grow the Hertz brands in Malta while offering all our customers a fast and seamless car rental service.” 

United Garage has also unveiled a 60th anniversary logo, which incorporates the years 1961-2021 and the Maltese national colours in commemoration of Hertz’s 60 years in Malta. This launch is the kick-off of a series of activities and events to celebrate this prestigious milestone.

More Rental Operations

A tech collage of electronic devices against a computer chip blueprint map.
Rental OperationsMay 1, 2026

Why Car Rental Can No Longer Run On Workarounds

The shift from branch-based software to connected operations is turning rental technology into strategic infrastructure.

Read More →
A tech collage of electronic devices against a computer chip blueprint map.
Rental OperationsMay 1, 2026

Why Car Rental Can No Longer Run On Workarounds

The shift from branch-based software to connected operations is turning rental technology into strategic infrastructure.

Read More →
A black Audi SUV superimposed on a historic scene from downtown Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Carwiz Sets Up Rental Operations In Central Asia

The global franchise operation reaches a first in its rental fleet portfolio with new service in Uzbekistan.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A raging brushfire in the countryside.
Rental Operationsby Martin RomjueApril 30, 2026

Where Rental Fleets Must Adjust To Shifting Catastrophe Risks

West Coast disasters pose unique challenges and liabilities for rental fleet operators, who are advised to take steps tailored to their specific situations.

Read More →
ARN Industry Newsmakers thumbnail page with ARN and ICRS logos and shots of Nick DiPrima and Martin Romjue
Rental Operationsby Martin RomjueApril 27, 2026

Using AI To Find Rental Car Damage

Angry car renters are storming social media, the mainstream media, and online ratings platforms to complain about charges they claim are either unfounded or excessive.

Read More →
Photo of CEO Krešimir Dobrilović against a gray modernist crooked-tile mural display.

Carwiz Opens Car Rental Service In Panama

A Carwiz partner in Puerto Rico is taking on the Panama franchise with operations in the nation's largest airport.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A world map with Flexways logo and new locations headline.

Flexways Opens 10 Locations Among Franchise, Affiliate Rental Networks

The integrated business model combines each operator’s local expertise with international standards to boost sales.

Read More →
Photo of a suitcase, passport, and smartphone.

Traveler Customer Satisfaction Up This Year Data Study Shows

The study looks at customer analytics to size up performance in car rentals, rideshare, airlines, lodging, and OTAs.

Read More →
A rental car between two placards showing a symbolic revenue increase from $300 to $1600.

New Consulting Company Ready To Boost Point-of-Sale Revenue

Revcuity, an outgrowth of Frontline Performance Group, aims to help clients capture more revenue moments with face-to-face customers, including in the car rental space.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Martin Romjue stands at conference stage podium close to a dangling, glistening chandelier.
Rental Operationsby StaffApril 15, 2026

Meet The (Semi-New) ARN Editor

Martin Romjue has been editing and reporting for ARN since 2023 and fully transitioned to the role of chairman of the International Car Rental Show in 2026.

Read More →
Ad Loading...