
Thrifty Car Rental is owned by The Hertz Corporation, one of the world's leading vehicle rental companies. Hertz acquired Thrifty as part of its purchase of the Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group (DTAG) back in 2012. While Thrifty operates as a distinct, value-focused brand, it benefits from the extensive global network, purchasing power, and operational backbone of its parent company, Hertz. This ownership structure means you get the competitive pricing Thrifty is known for, backed by the reliability and resources of a major industry player.
The acquisition of DTAG was a significant move in the rental car industry, consolidating two prominent budget-friendly brands under the Hertz umbrella. Thrifty maintains its own brand identity, customer service policies, and rental locations, often found at airports and in metropolitan areas. For customers, this ownership translates to a wide selection of vehicles, from economy cars to SUVs, and access to loyalty programs that may be linked with the larger Hertz system.
Here is a brief overview of the key corporate details:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Parent Company | The Hertz Corporation |
| Acquisition Year | 2012 |
| Brand Positioning | Value / Budget-Friendly |
| Global Presence | Operates in over 100 countries |
| Sister Brand | Dollar Rent A Car |
| Headquarters Location | Estero, Florida, USA (Shared with Hertz) |
When you rent from Thrifty, you are effectively dealing with a subsidiary of Hertz. This is an important point for customers to understand, especially regarding membership benefits, corporate accounts, and where to direct specific customer service inquiries. The brand is managed to cater to cost-conscious travelers without compromising the operational standards expected from a global rental car leader.

As a frequent traveler, I always see Thrifty and Dollar together at the airport counters. I looked it up once because I was curious. They're both owned by Hertz. It’s like how you have different brands of soda under one big company. Thrifty is the more budget-oriented one of the bunch. Knowing they’re backed by a huge company like Hertz gives me a bit more confidence when I’m booking the cheapest rate for a weekend trip.

From a corporate standpoint, the ownership is clear-cut. The Hertz Corporation fully acquired the Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group. This was a strategic consolidation play. Thrifty functions as a separate brand targeting the value-conscious segment of the market. This allows Hertz to cover multiple market tiers with distinct brand identities—Hertz for premium, Dollar for mid-scale, and Thrifty for budget-focused consumers, all under one corporate roof.

Yeah, I rented from Thrifty last month. The guy at the counter actually mentioned it when I asked about my Hertz loyalty points. He said Thrifty is owned by Hertz, so they’re part of the same family. It makes sense. You get the lower prices Thrifty is famous for, but with the backing of a big network. If something goes wrong, you know there's a major company behind them. It’s a good deal for everyday folks who just need a reliable set of wheels without the fancy extras.

Thinking about it from a business perspective, Hertz owns Thrifty. They bought it along with Dollar Rent A Car over a decade ago. This is a common strategy to capture different customer segments. Thrifty serves the budget-focused traveler, allowing the parent company to compete across the entire pricing spectrum. For us, it means we have access to a low-cost option that still has the infrastructure of a global rental giant, which can be reassuring in terms of vehicle and roadside assistance.


