TULSA, Okla. -

As a part of Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group’s overall expansion unveiling Tuesday, the company indicated that eight cities that now have Thrifty Car Sales and Thrifty Car Rental combination locations.

Among the sites offering used-vehicle sales are Grand Rapids, Mich.; Delano, Minn.; Johnston, R.I.; Dublin, Calif.; Charlotte, N.C.; Kearney, Neb.; Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and Centerville, Ohio.

Company executives explained these retail sales and rental operations are part of an expansion that includes 16 new U.S. franchise locations since July 1. So far this year, DTAG has rolled out 31 new franchise sites.

Management noted its domestic franchise expansion includes the refranchising of two former corporate locations now re-entering the market as dual-branded Dollar Rent A Car and Thrifty Car Rental locations. Those facilities are in Bentonville, Ark., and Springfield, Mo.

The company said its domestic franchise growth also includes Dollar openings in Wilmington, N.C.; Staten Island, N.Y.; and Marquette, Mich., as well as a Thrifty location in Danvers, Mass.

In addition, DTAG continued to expand its global franchise presence, adding five master licensees to its international operations.

Executives highlighted that they have four international regions, including Europe and Sub Saharan Africa (ESSA), Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America (CMLA), Middle East and Latin America (MENA) and Asia/Pacific (AP). They have added five master licensees, which represent whole countries, since Jan. 1.

The company noted the ESSA region growth includes dual-branded franchises in both Israel and Italy. DTAG also indicated new franchise openings in the CMLA region included a Thrifty franchise in Turks and Caicos and a dual-branded Dollar and Thrifty franchise in Barbados.

DTAG now has more than 1,550 corporate and franchised worldwide locations represented in 81 countries including approximately 600 in the U.S. and Canada.

“We are delighted with the number of new franchise locations in the U.S. and across the globe,” stated Scott Thompson, president and chief executive officer of DTAG.

“Domestic and international franchise growth is one of the keys to increasing our brands’ visibility worldwide,” Thompson went on to say. “Through our new franchise partners, we are able to offer our expanding customer base incredible value in multiple new markets, all in a capital-efficient manner.”