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Hertz Offers Hybrid Cars for Rent
In 2007, Hertz announced plans to begin developing a fleet of hybrid rental cars. This announcement came as a reflection of the rapidly increasing popularity of hybrid vehicles across the country. Toyota reportedly sold over 180,000 Prius hybrids in 2007, which was a 68% increase from 2006. These sales numbers illustrate an increasing consumer desire for fuel efficient, environmentally friendly, vehicles, and Hertz has decided to respond to meet this demand.
Besides hybrid offerings, Hertz maintains what it calls the “Green Collection.” This group of vehicles includes more than 35,000 fuel efficient and environmentally friendly cars. Models available in this category include the Ford Fusion, Buick LaCrosse, Toyota Camry, Subaru Outback, and Hyundai Sonata, all with an EPA rated average of 31 miles per gallon or more. More than 40% of Hertz’s fleet gets 34 miles per gallon or better.
As an addition to the Green Collection, Hertz, at a cost of $68 million, added 3,400 Prius hybrids to rental offices across the country. This addition complements the 268,000 vehicles, about 60% of the company’s entire fleet, already in service that achieve 28 mpg fuel economy or better. The hybrids were initially introduced to Manhattan and 50 major airports in the United States at a rate of $50 per weekend day. The New York City rental fleet received the most hybrids with one hundred specifically assigned to the city. These vehicles are also available through the hourly rental program which Hertz introduced to New York in 2007.
At the time of the announcement, Hertz also introduced plans to donate $1 million to the National Park Foundation and $250,000 to New York City environmental programs. These donations were intended to compliment the new fleet of rentals and establish Hertz as a leader in environmentally friendly transport.
In addition to these initiatives, Hertz has taken efforts to improve the environmentally friendliness of the entire company. They have installed vapor recovery controls on 99% of their vehicles, significantly reducing their emissions during the fuel process. In addition to this, water recycling systems have been installed in all Hertz car washes, allowing the facilities to recycle or reuse up to 80% of their wastewater. Finally, fluids like used oil and brake fluid, are saved and recycled, saving 1.2 million gallons of oil and up to 18,000 gallons of other fluids. These programs are representative of Hertz’s commitment to green initiatives in the rental industry.
By the summer of 2008, Hertz plans to have 4,300 Prius hybrids available at locations across the country. Hertz, which is the most popular rental company at U.S. airports, charges $5 to $10 more per day for a hybrid car. They claim that this added rental fee is easily made up by fuel savings, which are estimated at $20 to $45 per 500 miles. Of course, there is the added convenience and positive environmental impact which, though not a financial savings, are great reasons to support the Hertz hybrid expansion.
From initiatives in the their offices, to the car washes and maintenance garages, to the vehicles available for rent, Hertz has made a commitment to establishing an environmentally friendly industry. If you are looking to rent a hybrid this summer, one of the 4,300 or more offered by Hertz is a great place go.
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September 15th, 2008 at 5:35 am
What other hybrid cars for rent selection do you have, other than Toyota Prius Hybrid in Hertz Rental CARS?