UK Car Rental Firm Green Motion Partners with Ethiopia for Eco-Friendly Rentals

Green Motion International has entered into a partnership with Excellence Car Rental Services in Ethiopia to launch a rental service with a focus on electric, hybrid, and low-CO2-emission vehicles, targeting international tourists. This collaboration is seen as a major step towards enhancing tourism and promoting eco-friendly transport options in Ethiopia, with plans to facilitate vehicle rentals directly from the airport.

A prominent UK car rental firm, Green Motion International, has established a partnership with an Ethiopian business to launch a rental service focused on electric, hybrid, and low-CO2-emission vehicles. This initiative targets international visitors, and the franchise agreement with Excellence Car Rental Services Ethiopia was signed in a ceremony held at Skylight Hotel. The management teams expressed their intent to commence operations promptly.

Richard Lowden, CEO of Green Motion, emphasized the burgeoning tourist appeal of Addis Ababa and its significant growth potential. He articulated the necessity of collaborating with local partners who can integrate their technology, thus facilitating advancements in the rental vehicle sector. He remarked, “We hope to see the brand grow throughout Ethiopia.”

The franchise agreement was the result of two years of negotiations, beginning with initial meetings in Thailand and several subsequent discussions in Britain. Green Motion has eight existing partners in Africa, with its first franchise operations established in Morocco. They provide a comprehensive technology stack that includes software compatible with major booking platforms such as Expedia and Booking.com, while Excellence Car Rental will manage the vehicle fleet.

Visitors can now make hotel bookings and vehicle reservations through a unified portal due to this new arrangement. Richard maintained that pricing decisions would be left to the franchisee, allowing them to adapt prices based on market conditions and operating expenses. Green Motion’s global fleet comprises approximately 6,000 vehicles, with only 10% classified as fully electric. Richard noted the intention to adapt the availability of electric vehicles to coincide with local charging infrastructure.

Additionally, discussions are ongoing with Ethiopian airport authorities regarding the establishment of a rental kiosk at the airport. Richard pointed out the absence of car rental services at Ethiopian airports, unlike many international counterparts. The arrangement will align operations with global standards, letting users pick up and drop off vehicles conveniently at the airport.

Despite expanding its international presence, Green Motion has faced unfavorable feedback in the past over billing practices related to damages. Bizuayehu Tadesse, General Manager at Excellence Car Rental and CEO of Green Motion Ethiopia, highlighted that the partnership showcases Ethiopia’s openness to foreign investment. He noted that the service will launch with over 100 vehicles available for rent. Bizuayehu stated, “The partnership will bring in foreign currency and enable knowledge transfer between the two countries.”

The Ethiopian government is increasingly committed to transforming its transport sector to prioritize eco-friendliness through initiatives such as higher tariffs on combustion engine vehicles and reduced tariffs for electric vehicles. However, challenges remain regarding the availability of charging stations and the establishment of a robust national grid throughout the country.

The partnership between Green Motion International and Excellence Car Rental Services signifies a strategic move towards eco-friendly transportation in Ethiopia, aiming to cater to the increasing number of international tourists. As Green Motion introduces its low-emission vehicles and modern technology to the Ethiopian market, it hopes to enhance local tourism and promote sustainability. This collaboration reflects Ethiopia’s growing openness to foreign investment and the government’s commitment to transforming local transport infrastructure.

Original Source: shega.co