Convertibles a hot choice at this car rental company
ANDREW Ballantine has been passionate about cars pretty much all his life – since long before he could drive in fact – and that’s been a big factor in his decision to set up a car rental company specialising in luxury and performance vehicles.
Devine Rentals has been operating since December 2010, and has a stable of nine cars, including a high performance Porsche 986 Boxster, which has quickly become the most requested of the vehicles.
Mr Ballantine says he did plenty of research before starting the business but even so has been surprised at just how much demand there has been for the convertibles.
‘‘The Porsche is definitely the most popular car. At this time of the year it’s out almost all the time.’’
Mr Ballantine is a long-time admirer of European cars and the fleet reflects his personal preferences, although he has also chosen with an eye to what will be the most desirable rental vehicles. Alongside the Porsche, there is a convertible BMW Z4, as well as Jaguar, Audi, Lexus and Mercedes Benz sedans. ‘‘It is quite important [to have the sedans] because not everyone can get away with only having two seats,’’ he says.
The cars are often used for weekend getaways or special events, with many customers hiring them for school balls or to celebrate milestone birthdays when they hit 30, 40, 50, or even 80.
Mr Ballantine says the cars are often taken away on weekend jaunts to the Kapiti Coast, the Wairarapa and Hawkes Bay, with the Porsche booked most summer weekends.
Devine Rentals also has cars which are particularly well suited for weddings, including two silver Mercedes sedans and an S-type V8 Jaguar. And like the other vehicles, they can be hired with or without a driver.
Mr Ballantine is also considering adding some American vehicles to the lineup, with a Chrysler 300C likely to be the first addition.
As well as New Zealand clients, Mr Ballantine says he has had a lot of custom from Australian visitors, who pick up the cars at the airport after a quick flight over the ditch.
He particularly remembers a night he had to meet a delayed Sydney flight, which didn’t land until 2am. But, he says, it’s all par for the course when running a business which operates 24/7.
The job does have its glamour, with Mr Ballantine able to drive the cars of his dreams. On the downside, he spends a lot of time cleaning the vehicles.
‘‘I am pretty good at cleaning cars now – inside and out,’’ he says wryly. For more information, visit the Devine Rentals website: www.devinerentals.com or phone 0508 338 463.