Latest news with #Thrifty
West Australian
23-07-2025
- Automotive
- West Australian
The Wiggles & Thrifty turning out screenless Backseat Braniacs
The Wiggles and Thrifty are aiming to break the in-car obsession with screens, as they launch Backseat Brainiacs — a fun car game for the family. Thrifty customers can receive a free interactive Backseat Brainiacs pack with their hire-car booking. Each pack has a memory game printed on cards, a road trip scavenger hunt, and the listen-along Backseat Brainiacs audio quiz which is read out by The Wiggles themselves. Red Wiggle Simon Pryce says: 'Long car rides with young children can be a challenge, so we wanted to bring a bit of Wiggles magic to help make them more fun. Backseat Brainiacs is all about sparking imaginations, sharing laughs, and helping families enjoy the journey together. It invites families to play, think and connect during the drive.' Damien Shaw, vice-president at Thrifty Asia Pacific tells us: 'As a parent, I know how tough it can be to keep children engaged on long drives. With Backseat Brainiacs, we wanted to offer something that goes beyond the usual screens and snacks, something that turns the journey into a shared experience for the whole family.' It's a sweet combination for The Wiggles which is rated as the world's most popular children's entertainment group and has three decades of history, and Thrifty Car Rental, which was established in 1958 and now has 170 locations across Australia and operates in 80 countries. fact file + For a limited time, when booking a rental car with Thrifty, customers can get The Wiggles activity pack for free. Backseat Brainiacs and the accompanying The Wiggles travel packs are available from participating Thrifty Car Rental locations across Australia and New Zealand. and + Non-Thrifty customers can head to or to download and print off the road trip scavenger hunt or access a link to the Backseat Brainiacs audio quiz. + Full terms and conditions at
Web Release
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Web Release
Simplified Car Ownership for New Residents and First-Time Buyers
Thrifty Car Rental UAE has introduced a new Lease-to-Own (LTO) program, designed to make car access and ownership easier for residents who may be locked out of traditional finance. With no bank loans, zero down payment, and no processing fees, the program offers a simpler path to owning a vehicle, all with full transparency and support. The LTO offering includes a brand-new vehicle bundled with free registration, insurance, servicing, and maintenance. Customers enjoy fixed monthly payments and can return the car or purchase it at a pre-agreed value at the end of the lease term. There are no interest charges, and customers can choose optional add-ons such as accident management, replacement vehicles, and Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW) for added peace of mind. As compared to typical car loan payments in the region, lease EMIs are competitive and offer greater overall value by covering all essential costs upfront. 'Not everyone qualifies for a bank loan or wants to take on debt just to access a car. With this program, we're putting the power of car ownership into the hands of everyday drivers with no financial guesswork or pressure to commit upfront,' said Khaiser Pasha, General Manager, Thrifty Car Rental, Abu Dhabi. In contrast to conventional bank financing, which often involves multiple touchpoints and complex processes, Thrifty's Lease-to-Own service offers a smooth, hassle-free experience with a single point of contact for any issue concerning vehicles. Service, accidents, value-added bonuses, and other issues may all be handled with exceptional convenience and comfort for customers. Thrifty's LTO solution comes as a response to the growing wave of residents eager to hit the road without the hassle and uncertainty of traditional car loans. With fixed monthly payments, all-inclusive services, Instant approval, low financial liability, transfer of warranty upon ownership and straightforward lease-end choices, the Lease-to-Own program is striking a chord with today's savvy, value-driven drivers. Understanding the diverse financial profiles of its customers, Thrifty uses the AECB score to assess risk, making the program accessible even to freelancers and self-employed individuals who may lack conventional income proof. This innovative model perfectly captures the shift toward flexible, affordable mobility, standing out as one of the market's most attractive alternatives to conventional auto financing. Compared to traditional bank financing, Thrifty's program significantly reduces the initial financial burden. Unlike typical loans, which often require a 20% upfront and carry 3-5% annual interest, there's no down payment, interest, finance charges, or processing fees. The model is built around full cost transparency, with a fixed monthly payment that covers everything. Customers know exactly what they're paying from day one, and if they choose to buy the car at the end of the lease, the final purchase price is clearly outlined in the original agreement, with no surprises. At the end of the lease, they simply choose whether to return the car or buy it at a pre-agreed price. Applying for the Lease-to-Own program is simple and hassle-free, requiring only basic documentation such as a valid Emirates ID, driver's license, UAE residency visa, and proof of income. Customers who choose direct debit and meet the minimum credit score criteria can get started with zero deposit, making the process even more accessible. Key benefits of the program include: ? Potential savings of 5–15% compared to traditional car financing ? Fixed monthly rate with zero interest or finance charges ? Free insurance, servicing, registration, and maintenance ? Optional vehicle replacement and multi-driver access ? Wide range of vehicles available across categories ? Option to own the car or return it at lease-end This structure makes the program ideal for new residents, young professionals, and anyone looking to access a vehicle without locking into a bank agreement or worrying about ongoing running costs. 'With more people rethinking car ownership and monthly expenses, LTO gives customers a smarter way to stay mobile. We're focused on affordability, simplicity, and flexibility, everything a modern driver needs,' said Pasha.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Major Rental Car Company's New Policy Drives Controversy
Major Rental Car Company's New Policy Drives Controversy originally appeared on Parade. If you plan on hitting the road in a rental car or truck this summer, consumers are warning about a new policy that took effect at one of the biggest vehicle rental companies recently. Back in April, popular car and truck rental service Hertz announced it would employ artificial intelligence (AI) to check over its returned vehicles instead of tasking a human with the inspection. At the time, Hertz explained it partnered with Israeli AI vehicle inspection system company, UVeye, to "transform" how it maintains its vehicles and "bring efficiency and greater accuracy" to the process so it can "focus on our vehicles being ready when and where our customers want them." While Hertz intended the process to be smoother, some consumers complain that the new system is reason to "never rent from them again." Especially after hearing the story of one customer who returned his Thrifty rental vehicle (part of the Hertz Corporation) to the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and was later charged over $400 for a 1-inch scuff discovered on a tire by the AI scanner, according to a report by The Drive. The outlet reported a $250 charge for the repair, $125 for processing, and another $65 administrative fee, totaling $440. The renter said he was made aware of the fees only minutes after dropping off the car, but could not speak to a human about it. Related: Social media has now become a hot spot for concerns sparked by the "frustrating" situation. "AI can't keep a reservation right for the amount of cars on the lot," one X user said, suggesting the entire system is flawed. "What a scam," a second declared. "How many times is Hertz charging customers for the same small scuffs," another asked, worried that a scuff picked up and paid for by one renter could then be "found" by the AI again when the next renter returns it. But those who have used it say that it doesn't work that way–some are even applauding the new policy. "Customers are directed to a web portal where they can view before-and-after photos captured by the scanners," a second X (formerly Twitter) user shared. "I've used this in Columbus OH and it was great." "I actually love this technology. It captures the before & after image of the car detail, and charges the renter who caused the damage rather than having to raise rates on the rest of us," they added. Related: In a statement first shared with USA Today, a Hertz spokesperson said: "Over 97% of cars scanned with this technology show no billable damage, proving that the vast majority of rentals are incident-free. Vehicle damage has long been a common pain point across the car rental industry for customers and companies alike. At Hertz, we're using this technology to tackle this head-on." "As we continue rolling out this technology, we remain committed to ongoing innovation and continuous improvement," they added, noting that any issues flagged by a customer in the chat are reviewed by a live agent. "With regards to this specific incident, a live agent reviewed this customer's escalation and manually reviewed the photos at pickup and return and confirmed the damage was new," the spokesperson said. "While we understand that some customers may hope for a different outcome, we want to ensure every case is handled fairly and objectively, using the best information available." Hertz said it's working on integrating its live agents into its app to make communicating with a customer service representative easier. The rental company, which also owns Dollar Car Rental, Thrifty Car Rental, and Firefly Car Rental, said it began the rollout of its AI scanners at the Atlanta airport this spring, but plans to expand to most major U.S. airports by the end of the year. Next: Major Rental Car Company's New Policy Drives Controversy first appeared on Parade on Jul 2, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Miami Herald
02-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Popular Dairy Queen rival franchisee files Chapter 11 bankruptcy
The ice cream retail sector has faced economic challenges over the last year that included a major chain closing down and selling off its assets, another shutting down in a corporate dispute, and several others filing for bankruptcy protection. Bankrupt drugstore chain Rite Aid is liquidating its assets, which includes a sale of its Thrifty Ice Cream brand for $19.2 million to Hilrod Holdings LP, whose general partner, Hilton Schlosberg, is also co-founder and CEO of Monster Beverage Corporation. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Rite Aid had operated about 500 Thrifty Ice Cream counters in its stores and sold its private label Thrifty brand in over 2,300 grocery stores and chain stores across the U.S. Related: Another national employment company files Chapter 11 bankruptcy In the first half of 2025, a franchisee of a popular ice cream fast-food chain, Dairy Queen, shut down about 30 locations in Texas over a dispute with the parent company. Parent company American Dairy Queen pulled the franchises from franchisee Project Lonestar after it failed to remodel its locations. That meant that those locations could not order supplies from the parent corporation and would have to shut down. "These closures are related to closures last month by the same franchise owner," a Dairy Queen spokesperson said of the closings. "The closures are an isolated event, and we refrain from publicly sharing contract terms." The dispute prevented Lonestar from selling its franchise locations, which forced it to close the Dairy Queens that it operated. Greene Family Enterprises LLC, which owns a St. Johns, Fla.-based Rita's Italian Ice franchise, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, seeking to restructure its debts. The Rita's Italian Ice franchise filed its Subchapter V petition on June 9 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, listing $100,000 to $500,000 in assets and $500,000 to $1 million in liabilities, including $362,000 owed to Cadence Bank, $64,000 in unpaid taxes owed to the Florida Department of Revenue, and a $43,000 claim by Headway Capital. And now, another Rita's franchisee is heading for bankruptcy court. Image source: Hammerschmidt/picture alliance via Getty Images Frozen treat chain franchisee Armellino Italian Ices Corp., which operates a Rita's Italian Ice franchise in Tuscaloosa, Ala., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, seeking to reorganize its business. Related: Largest fast-food chain's franchisee files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy The debtor also operates a PJ's Coffee franchise in Tuscaloosa that is part of the bankruptcy. The debtor filed its petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Alabama on July 1, listing $100,000 to $500,000 in assets and $500,000 to $1 million in liabilities. More bankruptcy: Iconic auto repair chain franchise files Chapter 11 bankruptcyPopular beer brand closes down and files Chapter 7 bankruptcyPopular vodka and gin brand files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Armellino Italian Ices indicated in its petition that no funds would be available for distribution to unsecured creditors after administrative expenses are paid. Rita's Italian Ice, founded in 1984 in Bensalem, Pa., is a specialty dessert shop selling Italian ice, frozen custard, Gelati, Italian Ice Blenders, Gelati Blenders, milkshakes, and take-home treats, such as custard cookie sandwiches and custard pints. Rita's, which claims to be the world's largest Italian Ice franchise in the world, had been owned by parent company Argosy Private Equity from December 2016 until Nov. 26, 2024, when it exited its investment in Rita's Franchise Company LLC. The Trevose, Pa., company revealed on Jan. 9, 2025, that private equity firm Maple Park Capital Partners purchased a majority interest in Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard. The Italian Ice and frozen custard chain has 592 locations in 29 states and the District of Columbia, according to its website. PJ's has 192 locations in 14 states, with over 300 locations in development, according to the company's website. Related: Popular vision care chain files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Fast Company
27-06-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
Rite Aid's Thrifty ice cream brand gets sold to a business entity linked to Monster Energy executives
Rite Aid has selected a successful bidder for its Thrifty Payless subsidiary, which includes the beloved Thrifty ice cream brand, according to a bankruptcy court filing on Thursday. The buyer was identified as Hilrod Holdings, a limited partnership linked to Hilton Schlosberg and Rodney Sacks, top executives at the energy drink company Monster Beverage Corporation. Hilrod is seeking to pay $19.2 million for Thrifty's assets, the filing revealed. The partnership is mostly known for its real estate investments Thrifty ice cream is available at scoop counters located inside many Rite Aid locations in addition to being sold by third-party retailers. It was not immediately clear what Hilrod plans to do with Thrifty should the sale be approved by the court. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for June 30. Fast Company reached out to a lawyer for Hilrod Holdings, and representatives for Monster Beverage and Rite Aid for comment. We will update this story if we hear back. Schlosberg and Sacks had until recently been co-CEOs of Monster Beverage. A filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) revealed that Sacks planned to retire this month, while Schlosberg would continue to lead the company. Thrifty Ice Cream caught up in Rite Aid's bankruptcy The fate of Thrifty ice cream has been uncertain since Rite Aid announced in early May that it would see Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for a second time. The embattled pharmacy chain is winding down its operations, closing or selling its physical stores, and has sold off most of its prescription files to competitors, including CVS and Walgreens. The Thrifty brand stretches back decades in Los Angeles, where it was sold at soda fountain counters inside the Thrifty Drug Store chain. It became part of Rite Aid through Rite Aid's purchase of Thrifty Payless in 1996.
