Nujchanart Panthawangkun, chief executive of Sixt Thailand, said yesterday that Sixt Thailand was negotiating with several potential partners, including hotels, airlines and corporations, in a bid to create a worldwide network.

"You can contact us via airlines, hotels and our website. Sixt Rent a Car in Europe is partnered with Lufthansa," she said. "Despite the current political tension, we have confidence in Thai economic growth."

Sixt Rent-a-Car has more than 3,500 service outlets globally. Sixt Thailand, the first Asian franchisee, will provide cars plus innovative solutions via online services and e-commerce.

Sixt Thailand was established by an agreement between Sixt AG and VIG Car Rent Thailand in March 2005, launching the first franchise in Asia of Germany's largest car-rental firm.

VIG will soon change its name to Sixt Rent a Car (Thailand). It is part of the Viriyah Group, owned by the Viriyaphant family and initially operated car rental and replacement for Viriyah Insurance Co in the Bangkok area, later expanding to Phuket, Koh Samui and Pattaya.

Nujchanart said that with the prevailing confidence in Thai tourism she expected Sixt Thailand to establish coverage in all provinces with an international airport.

The company also offers short-term car rentals, limousines and fleet-management solutions for corporate accounts.

Sixt Thailand was set up in October and officially launched yesterday by its vice chairman Thongchai Jira-alongkorn and vice president Ruediger Proske, who is also franchise director for AG Sixt, Germany.