The agreement forms part of the rental giant’s strategic plan to build its global footprint and bring new choice to customers. This has seen it focus over the past 18 months on building its network across Europe, both through acquisition as well as franchise agreements with well-established businesses in “gateway” territories, vital to tourism and business.

The company’s growing network is already established in five European countries; Germany, France, Ireland, Spain and the United Kingdom, with franchise agreements in Greece, Italy and Portugal. Together these countries represent over 90% of European car hire demand.

The new operational units in Portugal have been opened at the Lisbon, Faro, Madeira and Porto airports.

Delfina Mendes Acacio, general manager for Guerin in Portugal, said: ‘Today we are introducing the public to the Enterprise Rent-A-Car brand in Portugal, which is a very important moment for our business. This is not just another car hire company. As the largest car hire business in the world, and with its reputation for outstanding customer service, Enterprise has the resources and the vision to help us to develop a truly exceptional organisation serving the many business travellers and tourists who travel to Portugal every year.’