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Dollar Thrifty Automotive Grp Posts Expected Earnings for Q1 1999

17 March 1999

Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group Expects Strong First Quarter Results

    TULSA, Okla., March 17 -- Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group,
Inc. , today announced earnings for the first quarter of 1999,
which ends March 31, are expected to exceed $.15 per diluted share,
significantly above current First Call consensus estimates of $.06.
    "Both Dollar Rent A Car and Thrifty Car Rental are experiencing excellent
revenue growth and improved vehicle utilization as a result of a strong
increase in rental car demand during this first quarter," Joseph E. Cappy,
Chairman, CEO and President, said.  "Favorable results from the disposal of
our used vehicles at both operating companies, combined with the recovery of
previously anticipated losses due to the successful refranchising and
continuation of Thrifty's Hawaiian locations, are expected to contribute
approximately $.08 per diluted share to the company's first quarter 1999
results."
    As a result of these developments, the company stated that it expects its
1999 year-end earnings to range between $1.70 to $1.80.
    The Dollar and Thrifty systems have worldwide locations in approximately
75 countries including 900 corporate and franchised locations in the United
States and Canada.  The companies provide car rental services primarily to
value-conscious discretionary and leisure travelers.  Dollar has on-airport
locations at major airports throughout the United States with a focus on
serving the leisure and international tour business.  Thrifty serves the
airport and local car rental markets, is a leading lessor of rental vehicles
to car rental franchisees in North America and operates a used car dealer
franchise system.
    Some of the statements contained in this press release may constitute
forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Although Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc.
believes such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable
assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and
certain factors could cause results to differ materially from current
expectations.  These factors include: economic and competitive conditions in
markets and countries where our customers reside and where our companies and
their franchisees operate; changes in capital availability or cost; costs and
other terms related to the acquisition and disposition of automobiles; the
ability of the company to adequately address the Year 2000 issue; and certain
regulatory and environmental matters.  Should one or more of these risks or
uncertainties, among others, materialize, actual results could vary materially
from those estimated, anticipated or projected.  Dollar Thrifty Automotive
Group, Inc. undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking
statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated
events or changes to future operating results over time.