Located at the Marriott Hotel, Gateshead, the new branch will open next month and service the fast growing demand for value priced high quality car and van rental in the North East.

The latest location to open in Newcastle will be the company’s 16th corporately owned and operated location in the UK, contributing to its overall plan to grow the network to over 100 locations over the next three years.

Mark Brandom, operations director, Dollar Thrifty Car Rental UK said: 'Newcastle and Gateshead have large and vibrant local economies and the move into the Gateshead Marriott is part of our strategic growth plans for the North East. We are confident that by continuing our philosophy of quality vehicles and value pricing, we can continue the growth of the Dollar and Thrifty brands in the North East and will be looking to open in Sunderland and Middlesborough during 2005.'

Dollar Thrifty Newcastle will offer a comprehensive range of vehicles. Cars available are from the Renault Clio to the VW Golf and Passat whilst a selection of MPV’s and 12-seater minibuses are also available. For commercial customers, the branch offers a wide selection of vans from the Ford Connect to the Mercedes Sprinter.

Susan Reynolds has been appointed branch manager at Dollar Thrifty Newcastle, moving from the Thrifty location in Darlington. Areas serviced by the new Dollar Thrifty branch include Newcastle, Gateshead and Sunderland.