Rent-A-Wreck

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Rent-A-Wreck is a car rental company that is primarily known for renting used cars at discount prices. They are also known for accommodating younger drivers to whom many other car rental companies will not rent. They charge less than normal rental companies, mostly because the cars they rent are used, and because they don't regulaly detail their cars. The company is known as The Smart Alternative, a trademarked phrase.

1 History
2 Company Motto
3 Racing
4 Franchising
5 External links

[edit] History

In 1973, founder Dave Schwartz owned a used car lot in Los Angeles. He was approached by a woman who needed a temporary vehicle for a few months, but couldn't afford the prices at the major rental companies. Schwartz agreed to sell her one of his used cars, then buy it back from her at the end of her stay.

Struck by the idea of renting his used cars out, Schwartz began the Rent-A-Wreck company. The business caught on for a number of reasons aside from the lower prices. Schwartz was known for his honesty in describing the flaws of his rental cars, and the business also became a popular destination for celebrities who were looking to keep a low profile by leaving the limo at home.

Although Schwartz was cautious about expanding, by the late 1970s he decided to sell franchises under strict and selective conditions. The first Rent-A-Wreck franchise was sold in 1978, and in 1999 they opened their 400th.

Rent-A-Wreck was purchased by JJF Management on January 26, 2006. The purchase privatized the formerly public company, and added it to the stable of dealerships and car rental businesses owned and operated by the Fitzgerald Automotive Group under the leadership of Jack Fitzgerald, Bill Cash and Michael DeLorenzo. Under new ownership the company has begun an image makeover beginning with the hire of major independent advertising agency Cramer-Krasselt.

[edit] Company Motto

"Don't Let the Name Fool You"

[edit] Racing

Rent-A-Wreck sponsored a NASCAR Winston Cup car, the #66 car in 1999, and the #49 NASCAR BUSCH series team owned by Jay Robinson from 2000 - 20002. From 2002 - 2006 Rent-A-Wreck sponsored the Sullivan Pulling team in the American Tractor Pullers Association.

[edit] Franchising

Rent A Wreck Sells Franchises for $8,500 per location. The ongoing fees collected from the franchisee include a per unit license fee and a national advertising fee. Each are paid per month. The company is seeking entrepreneurs in markets across the US and Internationally. Recently added franchises are located in Laurel, MD, Sheridan, WY, St. George, UT and Iceland.