First Car Rental
First Car Rental is a South African car rental company that has been operating for 24 years (as of 2023). First was founded in 1999 as National Alamo, serving as the franchisees of those companies in South Africa. The franchise rights for those brands would be taken over by Europcar (in all of Europe, Asia, and Africa) in 2008, so the company changed its name to First at that time.
First Car Rental is owned by Combined Motor Holdings (CMH), a public company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. CMH is a holding company that in addition to First, has subsidiaries that focus on fleet management, workshop equipment, and vehicle dealerships. The latter surely helps First Car Rental in the acquisition of its fleet of vehicles.
First Car Rental is one of the four largest car rental companies in South Africa. The company has more than 8,500 vehicles and more than 55 locations across the country. It has won our Excellent Service Award for 2024 for its following locations: Cape Town International Airport, King Shaka International Airport (Durban), George Airport, Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (Nelspruit), Port Elizabeth Airport and Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg).
Most of First Car Rental’s locations are in South Africa. The company also has locations in Malta, Mauritius, and Tanzania The company partners with Sixt outside of South Africa and these countries.
One issue that causes frustration for many renters is that many rental companies only accept credit cards, particularly when it comes to leaving the security deposit. Unfortunately, First Car Rental in South Africa is one of these companies like most other car rental companies in the country. You’ll need a credit card in order to leave the security deposit or else you won’t be able to pick up the vehicle.
