TULSA, Okla. - Thrifty Car Rental has opened stores in Venezuela and Uruguay for the first time.

"South America is emerging as a major market for Thrifty as more and more international business and leisure travelers look for ways to save money," said Bob Erickson, vice president of international franchise operations for Thrifty Car Rental. "With the addition of Venezuela and Uruguay, the door to the South American region is wide open to us. In the months ahead, we also plan to expand into Brazil, Chile, Peru and Ecuador."

In Venezuela, the new locations include in-terminal counters at Simon Bolivar International Airport in Caracas, Jose Antonio Anzoategui Airport in Barcelona, and the airport in San Tome. Also among the five new locations are suburban stores in Caracas and El Tigre.

In Uruguay, Thrifty opens a suburban location in Montevideo that also serves Carrasco Airport. Additional stores are planned in Punta del Este and Colonia in the coming months.