Could you give us an overview of Hertz Car Rental in Suriname?

Ten years ago we started with a rental business. At that time, it was a completely new concept and nobody had an idea of what a car rental was. We had taxis of course, but rental and leasing cars was still unknown. The idea came up, because the Surinamese started to travel more. We had very good connections with the United States, Miami in particular. It was also very cheap at that time. The economy was good and it was still very cheap to travel. I travelled twice a year with my family and we proposed to Hertz to become their representative in Suriname and obtained the license.

Our fleet now counts 45 units, out of which our main brands are Toyota, Mitsubishi and Chevrolet. The Toyota is our star product, which is very popular and well known for its good quality.

Our average rent depends on the seasons. Our high and low seasons are determined by the foreigners. Right now, we are in a high season, since the holidays in Europe just started. December and January are also high season, since we celebrate New Year. Here in Suriname, New Years’ Eve is one of the most prominent celebrations in the Caribbean and South America. During the high season our average rental is 80-85% and 55% during low seasons. Reaching 100% is a challenge, because of the competition.

You will notice that people in Suriname like vehicles on high wheels. Our fleet counts with 50% of those units. However, small vehicles are a big hit among the Europeans, who prefer economic cars.

Could you walk us through the organizational structure?

I’m responsible for everything that happens within the company. I am also responsible for the rates, shifting of cars, ordering and selling new vehicles, etc. We have an operation manager and two administrative clerks. They work from 8 till 5, but sometimes also on Saturdays and Sundays. Part of our organization is our pick-up service.

There are two board members, with whom I officially meet every two months. However, we have daily contact. Within this business I have a lot of freedom. We are working with the largest automobile company in the world. I have known the people from Toyota for more than 30 years now and it is an amazing, huge company. They do a lot for you. Whenever you have a problem, they will have the solution. And they are very good. I often don’t need my CEO in particular situations. I am very happy to work with Toyota. It is not just a brand; it is a way of thinking.

Where do your clients come from?

We have two types of clients; the private and the fleet owners. Since Suriname is such a small country, doing business here is different than in the US. It is like a village and you have to know the right people and have friends.

Once you have good relations with them it’s not difficult to sell or rent vehicles. The car rental is more for tourists and for business people who visit Suriname. We have two offices at the two main hotels Krasnapolsky and Torarica. Besides that we are also online. Most of our foreign clients come from America and some from Europe. I would say that 50% of our clients are Americans, as compared to 30% of Europeans. The remaining 20% represent the locals.

What kind of marketing strategies are you using?

We put ads in flyers and magazines. Sometimes we combine special packages with hotels. We also have special rates sometimes, even though I don’t consider our rates as high, compared to the companies in the States. This is an important fact here, because technically renting a car is not always necessary. If you compare Paramaribo with for example Miami, all offices and other main locations are very close to each other. But if you want to go to the district of Nickerie, in the west of the country, for example, renting a car could be useful. Also if you want to stay for multiple days, it would make sense to rent a car.

What are your competitive advantages compared to other well known brands such as Avis and Budget?

Since we were the first rental, we have the most experience. We are not related to a private company or organization. Hertz has vehicles that are very new and known world wide.

Where do you see your company three years from now?

I am very positive. My intention is to bring the company to the highest level. Right now, I consider our company as good, but in three years it will be excellent. I realize that there are some things we need to work on. The technology changes very fast and we have to train our staff and they need to obtain even more knowledge. I will still be here in this company. However, in four years I will look for someone who will replace me. I don’t want to work after my sixties, since I think it is not fair to the younger generation. I want to give the opportunity to someone else to develop this company. I might still be around, but in a consultative position. Anyway, we will be the biggest seller of the country and the number one in selling, service and performance.

What would be your final message to our readers, who are business people and who will read about your company in the New York Sun and on our Internet site www.winne.com?

CKC Motors Company N.V. invites them to visit this beautiful country and with a warm heart, we are ready to give them the best service we can with a Japanese policy.