London, 12/16/2008 –

Hertz, the world’s largest general use car rental company, has launched Connect by Hertz, the only global car share club, with local parking in London, Paris and New York City. Members can drive in and out of town on a pay-as-you-go basis - an economical, convenient and socially-conscious alternative to car ownership. In 2009, the offer will be extended to further cities and other countries, in particular in Europe.  Members will benefit from reciprocal membership at any Connect by Hertz city in the world in early 2009. Hertz intends to become the world leader of car sharing by 2011.

Mark P. Frissora, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Hertz Corporation said: “The vision of Hertz is to offer total mobility solutions, and Connect by Hertz car sharing is a logical step for the company. We’re living in an increasingly mobile society with today’s consumers eagerly looking at alternate modes of transportation, whether it be for economical or environmental reasons. Connect by Hertz unites people to places while meeting the ever changing transportation needs of society. With aggressive plans for expansion, Connect by Hertz has all the elements to become a successful and profitable part of Hertz.”

In London, Connect by Hertz is available in Bayswater, Marble Arch, Shepherd’s Bush, St John’s Wood, Victoria and Westminster and will launch in Kilburn and Maida Vale in January 2009. The environmentally-friendly club cars for Connect by Hertz in London include the iconic MINI Cooper, and from January 2009, the fun Ford Fiesta and family-sized Ford Focus.  Further locations and the availability of hundreds of cars are planned for London in 2009.

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London said: “The Connect by Hertz global car club is a fantastic way for Londoners to cut their motoring costs and help cut carbon emissions in the capital. Car clubs reduce the numbers of privately owned cars on the road, helping to reduce pollution and congestion in the capital. That is why Transport for London is also supporting 21 London boroughs to introduce 500 car club vehicles into London this year."

Michel Taride, President Hertz Europe and Executive Vice President, Hertz Corporation added: “Hertz is positioned to deliver a great customer experience to Londoners through Connect by Hertz, based on our heritage of innovation, service, and ongoing commitment to the customer. In addition to being environmentally-friendly, Connect by Hertz saves members thousands of pounds a year in vehicle ownership costs, presenting an appealing option in the current economic climate. Connect by Hertz also offers fun and convenience, helping people feel a sense of freedom and independence through easy and affordable access to a locally available car.”

Starting from just £3.95 per hour (Ford Fiesta), the driving rates include insurance, fuel, maintenance, cleaning, roadside assistance and congestion charges, following payment of an annual membership fee of £50. Incorporating the latest technology, the cars are equipped with iPod/MP3 player connectivity and keyless entry via a smart chip-enabled Connect Card.  The MINI Cooper also features an in-car satellite navigation system.

The fuel emissions of all of the cars are significantly less than the voluntary target of a maximum 140 g/km CO2 output set by the EU for the European Automobile Manufacturers Association.  Each club car is the equivalent of taking up to 10 personal cars off the road (source: Carplus national charity*).

Upon enrolling, the self-service system provides Connect by Hertz members with 24/7 access to the club cars, which are located in designated parking bays. Members can reserve the cars via the internet or phone and pay by credit or debit card.

In car, a hands free audio kit connects members to a Member Care Centre representative should they have questions, require assistance or need to extend their rental.  The in-car technology also enables Connect by Hertz representatives to ‘communicate’ with the vehicle to unlock and engage cars as well as locate vehicles. 

Antonia Roberts, Co-Director of Carplus, the UK national charity promoting car clubs, commented: “It is an exciting time for car clubs in the UK who have experienced exponential growth in recent months. Over 60,000 members are now enjoying the benefits of car clubs and this figure is set to keep on rising. Carplus, who supports and promotes community and commercial car clubs across the country, welcomes Connect by Hertz into this vibrant marketplace.”

* “Car club users typically give up owning a first or second car on joining; others defer purchasing one due to using the car club instead - the result being that each car club car typically replaces 10 private cars.” [Carplus national car club member survey, 2008]

Connect by Hertz membership rates

Ford Fiesta: £3.95 per hour or £31.60 for 24 hours plus £0.25 per mile (first 30 miles free). Available from January 2009.

Ford Focus: £5.95 per hour or £47.60 for 24 hours plus £0.25 per mile (first 30 miles free). Available from January 2009.

MINI Cooper: £6.95 per hour or £55.60 for 24 hours plus £0.25 per mile (first 30 miles free). Now available.

Members pay an annual fee of £50 and must be 18 years or older (19 years in France) with a clean driving record for at least one year prior to joining.  The vehicle must be returned to the same location from where it was picked up. For more information, visit Connect by Hertz or call Member Care Services at 0870 845 4545.

Connect by Hertz background information

The fleet of Connect by Hertz is carefully chosen based on a set of aggressive standards established in the categories of manufacturing/maintenance quality, environmental sustainability, safety, and a blend of fun and functionality.  The fleet includes: MINI Cooper D, Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus (London), MINI Cooper D, Opel Meriva and Opel Corsa (Paris), and Toyota Prius (New York City).

Connect by Hertz adapts the latest in end-to-end telematics to further provide superior customer service.  Upon making a reservation, each member receives an email confirmation on bookings as well as a SMS alert indicating the reserved car’s license plate and location.  To unlock and engage the vehicle, members simply need to sweep their card over the car’s radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader. 

About Hertz

Hertz is the world's largest general use car rental company, operating from over 8,100 corporate locations in 147 countries. In 2008 Hertz celebrates its 90^th year of delivering quality car rental solutions to leisure and corporate customers.

Product and service innovations such as Hertz #1 Club Gold, specially designed NeverLost satellite navigation systems, Hertz in-car DVD Entertainment and unique cars offered through the company’s Prestige, Fun and Green Collections, set Hertz apart from the competition.