A year after debuting in Vietnam, Budget Car & Driver, the only international car rental brand in Ho Chi Minh City, is expanding its reach by teaming with Southern Airports Services Company (SASCO), a subsidiary of Southern Airports Corporation and a specialist in airport services.

The landmark agreement was signed last week at Tan Son Nhat Airport, where Budget Car & Driver General Manager Simon Fraser talked about the symbiotic relationship created and impact the alliance will have on domestic and international tourism.

“By combining staff, assets and experience, we can organically grow each other’s business in a way that couldn’t be achieved otherwise,” said Fraser. “More importantly for foreign travelers who recognize the Budget name and local travelers who recognize the SASCO name, this deal ensures both enterprises will boast a strong presence in each terminal, making Tan Son Nhat Airport, Vietnam’s main thoroughfare, an easy place from which to hire a vehicle.”

In operation since 1993, SASCO has parlayed its link to Vietnam Airlines into a top state-owned business whose travel arm provides everything from last-minute air, hotel and car reservations to organization of events, conferences and incentive tours.

By partnering with SASCO, Budget Car & Driver has access to the Vietnamese company’s unparalleled network of domestic clients - a luxury that will serve Budget especially well in Ho Chi Minh City, SASCO’s strongest market.

The synergy will continue to generate benefits when Budget Car & Driver makes a push later this year into Hanoi and Danang - Vietnam’s second and fourth-largest cities, respectively - with SASCO in turn gaining additional exposure in those regions, where it currently has minimal presence.

“It’s a win-win,” said Walter Blocker, CEO of The Gannon Group, which owns the franchise rights to Budget Car & Driver in Vietnam. “This deal brings together two great companies that are known in their respective markets for the ability to serve customers the right way. It’s our expectation and belief that by joining forces, we’ll both be able to take our brands to an even higher level.”

Budget became Vietnam’s first international standard vehicle hire service when it rolled into the market September of last year. To maximize its chances of success, it teamed with The Gannon Group, one of the country’s most steadfast foreign firms.

On the ground since the lifting of the trade embargo in 1994, Gannon has paved the way for a host of big-name brands, including L’Oreal, Pepsi, Nestle and Budweiser.

Budget’s move into Vietnam was a major cross-cultural leap, as precious few foreigners drive on Vietnam’s frenetic roads. To address this issue while rounding out a first-class experience, the service provides each client in Vietnam with a well-trained native driver who functions as a traveling concierge, complete with strong English-language skills and knowledge of the immediate region.

Budget Car & Driver’s customers can choose from an extensive fleet of desirable vehicles, including Toyota Innovas, Ford Everests and Escapes and Mercedes-Benz sedans and vans.