HYUNDAI has signed its first rental supply agreement with Thrifty Car Rental UK. The agreement will see Thrifty take on board a selection of 255 new Hyundai vehicles from across the range during 2002, including the Amica, Accent, Matrix, Elantra and Coupe.

Dennis Bennett, Hyundai business development director, said: 'This partnership enables Hyundai to gain access to the daily and corporate rental market.

'Thrifty's corporate customer base is exactly the type of people we need to demonstrate our product to and we are confident this deal will lead to incremental sales in this category.'

Thrifty plans to increase its fleet base across its 74 locations by 20% this year. Currently holding a fleet of 6,500 vehicles, Thrifty aims to increase its commercial vehicle fleet and double its luxury vehicle fleet this year.

John Ryan, fleet director of Thrifty Car Rental UK, said: 'Hyundai has an impressive range of vehicles, including the exciting new Coupe.

'The brand is synonymous with quality, value and dependability and we anticipate these vehicles will be extremely popular with Thrifty customers.'