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IN BRIEF
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In Guadeloupe, where the pace of life takes on a unique island tone, a story of commitment and perseverance emerges. Auto-Discount, born in 1999 from the ambitious vision of Laurent BESNARD, embodies this dynamic. This pioneer of car rental has grown in the face of challenges, going from two cars at its creation to an impressive fleet of 3,000 vehicles today. Rooted in its territory, the company has distinguished itself by its value for money unrivaled, aiming to make mobility accessible to Guadeloupeans and tourists. Its expansion and diversification, notably through the purchase of the UCAR automobile fleet, demonstrate its unwavering commitment to the region and its inhabitants. Auto-Discount has established itself today as a key player, determined to meet local needs while supporting the economic and ecological development of the island.
Since its humble beginnings in 1999, Auto-Discount has become a cornerstone of the car rental in Guadeloupe and in neighboring islands. Founded by a bold and determined man, Laurent Besnard, the company established itself thanks to its clear vision: to offer quality service at a competitive price to measure the expectations of residents and tourists. Thanks to the constant development of its fleet, now estimated at 3,000 vehicles, Auto-Discount has diversified its offering and made a firm commitment to strengthening the social and economic fabric of the region, while actively participating in ecological and solidarity initiatives. . Discover how the history of this local business has been marked by passion, innovation and community involvement.
A story of ambition and passion
At the origin of this spectacular success is Laurent Besnard, an emblematic figure in the world of car rental in Guadeloupe. Starting as a vehicle washer, he founded Auto-Discount with just two cars in 1999. Defying skeptics, his company grew to an impressive fleet of 3,000 cars today. This development is a testament to the company’s resilience and ability to overcome initial financial hurdles and position itself as a local leader.
The expansion and diversification of the offer
Thanks to a well-thought-out strategy, Auto-Discount has been able to expand and diversify its offers. The purchase of the UCAR vehicle fleet in Guadeloupe and Martinique has enabled a varied increase in the models available. Furthermore, expansion towards neighboring islands, with agencies open to Saint Martin, in Martinique, and soon in Guyana, demonstrates the company’s commitment to territorial continuity and a desire to meet the growing needs of an inter-island clientele.
Proximity and responsiveness: values at the heart of the company
Strongly anchored in its territory, Auto-Discount continues to prioritize proximity to its customers, as evidenced by the imminent opening of an agency at the airport Caribbean Center in Guadeloupe. After years of negotiations, this new agency symbolizes the culmination of a long road to becoming a nationally recognized player, while preserving its values as a local company close to its customers.
The importance of teamwork and social engagement
A fundamental pillar of Auto-Discount’s success is its supportive commitment to its employees and the local community. Rewarded with the Bpifrance Excellence Prize, the company values the dynamism and talent of its teams, promoting local employment and ensuring the training of young people without a diploma. By integrating a diversity of talented profiles, Auto-Discount continues to encourage innovation and community collaboration.
An ecological and solidarity commitment
Auto-Discount also stands out for its commitment to ecology. With nearly 50% of its fleet in mild hybridization and 20% in electric, the company integrates sustainability into its practices. In addition, its actions in favor of the Guadeloupean territory, such as during the COVID crisis or after the passage of Cyclone Irma, demonstrate unwavering solidarity towards the region. By supporting healthcare workers with its vehicles or helping to rebuild Saint-Martin, Auto-Discount is committed to being more than just a service, but truly an integral part of the island community.
To discover Auto-Discount’s journey and commitments in more detail, visit their official website here or their page LinkedIn. Don’t miss the detailed article available on France-Antilles.
Commitment and Growth of Auto-Discount in Guadeloupe
| Appearances | Details |
| Year of Creation | 1999 |
| Number of Vehicles 1999 | 2 |
| Number of Current Vehicles | 3,000 |
| Geographic Expansion | Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Martin, Guyana |
| Local Impact | Supporting entrepreneurs with advertising utility vehicles |
| Eco-responsibility | Fleet comprising 50% of mild hybrid vehicles |
| Post-Cyclone Solidarity | Aid for the reconstruction of Saint-Martin after cyclone Irma |
| Awards | Bpifrance Excellence Prize in 2021 |
| Priority | Proximity to local and inter-island customers |
| Agency Network | Six agencies spread across the territory |
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Evolution of the company
- 1999: Start of the adventure with 2 cars
- 2010: Expansion to 200 vehicles
- Today: 3,000 cars available
- 1999: Start of the adventure with 2 cars
- 2010: Expansion to 200 vehicles
- Today: 3,000 cars available
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Proximity and accessibility
- Purchase of the UCAR vehicle fleet
- Agencies in Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Martin
- Coming soon to Guyana and Pôle Caraibes airport
- Purchase of the UCAR vehicle fleet
- Agencies in Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Martin
- Coming soon to Guyana and Pôle Caraibes airport
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Local engagement
- Support for Guadeloupean entrepreneurs
- Internal training for local young people
- Ecological initiatives with hybrid and electric vehicles
- Support for Guadeloupean entrepreneurs
- Internal training for local young people
- Ecological initiatives with hybrid and electric vehicles
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Solidarity and resilience
- Reaction to Cyclone Irma in Saint-Martin
- Support during the COVID crisis with provision of vehicles for caregivers
- Participation in sustainable mobility projects
- Reaction to Cyclone Irma in Saint-Martin
- Support during the COVID crisis with provision of vehicles for caregivers
- Participation in sustainable mobility projects
- 1999: Start of the adventure with 2 cars
- 2010: Expansion to 200 vehicles
- Today: 3,000 cars available
- Purchase of the UCAR vehicle fleet
- Agencies in Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Martin
- Coming soon to Guyana and Pôle Caraibes airport
- Support for Guadeloupean entrepreneurs
- Internal training for local young people
- Ecological initiatives with hybrid and electric vehicles
- Reaction to Cyclone Irma in Saint-Martin
- Support during the COVID crisis with provision of vehicles for caregivers
- Participation in sustainable mobility projects