For more than two decades, DAT Car Rentals has helped keep Samoa moving—serving locals and international visitors with reliable, well-maintained vehicles, trusted service, and genuine Samoan hospitality.
Based in Apia, the proudly family-owned business led by husband-and-wife team Peseta Demetrius Fogaseuga Taofiga and Seiuli Toleafoa Alesi Asovale Taofiga is also committed to supporting the local economy through youth employment and community contribution.
Investing in quality supported by a BLP Grant
In 2024, DAT Car Rentals successfully secured a BLP Grant of $20,000 WST, to help the business invest in high-quality car cleaning equipment, including a commercial-grade water blaster, advanced vacuum systems, and premium cleaning products.
“The grant was like a facelift for our business – lifting our standards to the next level,” says Peseta Demetrius.
“We had basic equipment before, but quality tools deliver quality results. With the upgraded systems, our vehicles now present at a much higher standard.”
Recognising the high cost of cleaning supplies in Samoa, DAT strategically sourced products directly from New Zealand.
“Importing directly made a real difference. Products like tyre shine and specialised soaps were more cost-effective compared to buying locally.”
This investment has reinforced DAT’s commitment to clean, safe, high-quality vehicles, strengthening customer experience and brand trust.
BLP Advisor Subsidy supports Xero transition
As part of a broader restructuring and drive toward operational excellence, DAT Car Rentals transitioned from manual bookkeeping to the globally recognized Xero accounting system.
This shift was also aligned with banking requirements and reflects the business’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
“Moving to Xero was a major step for us. We were used to a more traditional, manual system, so the transition was both challenging and necessary,” says Seiuli Toleafoa Alesi.
Through the support of a BLP Advisor, DAT secured a 30% BLP Advisor Subsidy, significantly reducing the cost of professional accounting services.
With expert guidance from BDO, DAT successfully:
- Migrated its accounting systems to Xero
- Streamlined financial processes
- Completed end-of-year reporting to a professional standard
“It wasn’t easy at the beginning, but now the benefits are clear. We’ve reduced paperwork, improved accuracy, and can manage our finances more efficiently. For example, receipts can now be uploaded directly into the system – simple, fast, and reliable,” Seiuli Toleafoa Alesi says.
DAT Car Rentals’ journey reflects a business committed to continuous improvement—adopting modern systems, lifting operational standards, and keeping safety and customer satisfaction at the heart of its service. Their experience highlights how targeted support can help Pacific businesses strengthen operations and build long-term resilience.
To start your journey with BLP, you can self-assess your needs by using the free online tools available to help small- and medium-sized businesses diagnose areas in their businesses that an advisor could improve.
The first step can be the online Business Health Check. You can also check your business’s resilience to respond to crises or climate change challenges on the Business Continuity Planner and the Climate Action Sensor. If you prefer to meet a local BLP representative in person to discuss your business, get in touch with our local partners to arrange a face-to-face Diagnostic.