Once upon a time... Do you remember this fairy tale beginning? Around About Cars do- esn‘t look back on quite as long a time. But South Africa‘s largest, most popular and most committed car rental company celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025. And if you look at it closely, the story almost resembles a fairy tale. However, the evil witch is missing. And the main couple lived happily together from the beginning already ...
To get the full picture let’s start with the South African automobile industry. Obviously, the introduction of the first motor vehicles to the country at Africa‘s southern tip dates back even longer than the founding of AAC. In 1897, the Benz Velo was demonstrated to then President Paul Kruger. And laid the foundation for a rapidly growing economic sector and the increasing interest of private individuals in convenient transportation. Not only did the country‘s residents want to drive in their own cars, but also its tourists. In 1916, the first car rental company was established with the rental of the ModelT to traveling salesmen. Almost 80 years later the largest followed suit. With the most exceptional price- performance ratios.The best insurance options.The most competent contact persons and friendliest atmosphere. In short: Around About Cars was launched.
Which events took place in 1995?The Spanish king‘s daughter Elena gets married. Pixar produces its first film. A coalition government is formed in Nepal. But all eyes are on South Africa. Because this is where the Rugby Union World Cup marks the nation‘s final reconciliation. At the same time, Geoffrey Higgo and Monika Moser founded Around About Cars. First by renting two used cars to backpackers who didn‘t feel like traveling the entire country without their own means of transport. But soon, the demand excee- ded the supply. One year in, Monika’s brother Johannes Moser joined them and became the third business partner for seven years in total. And so, the congenial triple gradually started to raise the number of their vehicles, offering them to all interested parties. Once millennial hit, their fleet had grown to over 100 cars, parallel to their growing number of employees. In the same year, Moni and Geoff not only decided to expand their services and cooperate with other car rental companies in the whole of southern Africa. They also welcomed Ray Selokala as Johannes’ successor – a move that made them the first ma- jority black owned car rental company in the whole of South Africa, and up until today they belong to the surprisingly small number of private enterprises with a black majority shareholder.
Ever since, Around About Cars customers can collect and return their favorite car models at collection points throughout the country and beyond its borders.Their range extends from economical runabouts to family sedans and luxury SUVs, pick-ups with enough space for surfboards and commodious buses for groups to fully equipped caravans or convertibles. Certified child seats, camping equipment, navigation systems and nume- rous other extras complete the immense range from what has now for long been the best-known and, with an average of 1,000 vehicles per month, also the largest car rental company in southern Africa.
With all of this, the strength of the family business lies not only in the vehicles themsel- ves. But above all in their companionship. 16 agents in total, including three German- speaking consultants, address tirelessly and passionately the needs of their customers. Friendly, competent and multilingual, they are personally available at any time - even on weekends and public holidays. And not to forget, there is Snowy: everyone‘s favorite office dog, who is of course much more than just that.
You would like to get them know better?To learn more about Monika, Geoff, Ray, and everyone else who contributes daily to other people’s dream holidays?Then read on un- der: “A team like a family”. Or just visit them all in their office in 20 Bloem Street, Cape Town. And celebrate 30 years of Around About Cars with them. No worries:You don’t have to hurry. As they plan to continue their success story and to celebrate another 30 years in 2055. Until then, they all live happily together ...
