On Valentine’s Day 2018, the world came to a standstill as news of the latest school shooting rippled across the internet. Seeing 18 killed in Florida, the shooting sparked an international debate over America’s gun policies, with many calling into question whether President Donald Trump needed to make some revisions.
Seeing business spearheads have their say, it seems that gun crime is a subject of particular interest to the car hire industry. Just this week, the biggest car hire brands in the world completely cut ties with gun organisation; the National Rifle Association (NRA).
Until now, Enterprise brands offered NRA members discounts on their car hire services. However, in light of recent events, such co-branding partnerships lack any respect from consumers and the wider business community.
Enterprise as well as its sister brands will remove associations with the NRA, working quickly to take their names from marketing materials.
The company tweeted on Thursday to share the news:
“All three of our brands have ended the discount for NRA members. This change will be effective March 26.”
Consumer pressure takes its toll
Joining National Car Hire and Alamo, it seems that even competitors are coming together to fight back against gun crime and pass comment. And, it’s not only car rental companies who at have chosen to dissociate themselves with the organisation. Last week, First National Bank of Omaha declared that they were also parting ways with the gun group. Feeling pressure from customers, the bank will no longer be providing credit cards to members. Also sharing the news on Twitter, the bank wrote:
“Customer feedback has caused us to review our relationship with the NRA. As a result, First National Bank of Omaha will not renew its contract with the National Rifle Association to issue the NRA Visa Card.”
Airlines, hotel groups and restaurants are also featured on the list of companies that have decided to scramble.
Let us know what you think on this subject, has Enterprise made the right choice?
