Programs Available for Large and Small Businesses Accounts
Connect by Hertz, Hertz's global car sharing club, has signed its first major corporate account -- Marriott International. Cars will be placed at Marriott's Bethesda, MD headquarters providing its more than 3,000 employees with an environmentally friendly, economical alternative to car ownership and a solution for short-term transportation needs. The effort underscores Hertz's commitment to aggressively expand its car sharing club which was launched in December.
Mark P. Frissora, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hertz, said, "Car sharing is another good way for corporations to manage business travel in an efficient and environmentally friendly manner. The partnership between Marriott and Connect by Hertz enables Marriott, a long-time Hertz partner, to create a new, cost-effective travel option for its headquarter employees. We believe many corporations can realize significant savings and benefits by adding a car sharing option to their business travel portfolio."
"At Marriott International, part of our Spirit To Preserve™ strategy is to engage our employees and guests to support the environment through their everyday actions at home, at work and on travel," says Arne Sorenson, Chief Financial Officer of Marriott International and co-chair of the company's Executive Green Council. "If our headquarters employees have access to Connect by Hertz cars to run errands or attend offsite meetings mid-day, we believe they'll be more likely to carpool, bicycle and take public transportation to and from work. Based on this program's success, we will review making it available at our hotels throughout the world."
Four EPA SmartWay® certified cars have been placed at Marriott's headquarters and will be available for use 24/7. Cars are available to all employee members of Connect by Hertz with gas, maintenance, insurance and parking included in the low, hourly rate (starting at $8.50 per hour). Hertz was selected by Marriott for its advanced technology, solid infrastructure and quality vehicles and Hertz's history of providing superior customer service. Marriott and Hertz are also allowing membership and vehicle usage by other businesses located near the Marriott headquarters as well as local-area Bethesda residents.
Connect by Hertz offers businesses an economical, convenient and socially conscious alternative to fleet ownership. Connect by Hertz helps promote public transportation usage and car pooling, reducing congestion and parking problems while helping the environment. Businesses can reduce expenses and control costs by converting fixed fleet costs into variable costs by only paying for per trip usage. Shared cars can be used for professional purposes, including trips to nearby offices and off-site business meetings. Additionally, businesses can give employees a money-saving perk by offering Connect cars at work, making cars available for personal usage.
With a variety of programs available, Connect by Hertz eliminates the need for businesses to worry about owning a corporate fleet. Connect by Hertz's basic business package is great for small companies with such benefits as no minimum commitment, free membership and a variety of parking options. For larger businesses, Connect by Hertz's semi-exclusive and exclusive packages offer exclusive vehicle usage, membership in Connect by Hertz and Hertz #1 Club Gold, and personal, employee accounts.
"The applications for businesses are great," continued Frissora. "Connect by Hertz is able to situate cars on corporate campuses, allow employees to access vehicles for personal usage and we're also able to offer corporate members the added benefit of classic rent a car services. Businesses, government entities with fleet operations, and even companies operating residential buildings, such as apartment complexes, can all benefit by offering employees and tenants car sharing services."
Connect by Hertz uses the latest in end-to-end telematics to provide superior customer service. Members enroll online where they can retrieve invoices and access their driving history. After reserving, an email confirmation and text message indicating the car's license plate and location is sent to the member. To unlock and engage the vehicle, members simply swipe their Connect card over the car's identification reader. In car, a hands-free audio kit connects members to a Member Care Center representative should they have questions, need assistance or need to extend their rental. Cars are also equipped with iPod connectivity and NeverLost® in-car navigation system.
The Hertz Corporation, a subsidiary of Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HTZ), is the world's largest general use car rental brand, operating from approximately 8,500 locations in 141 countries worldwide. Hertz is the number one airport car rental brand in the U.S. and at 42 major airports in Europe, operating both corporate and licensee locations in cities and airports in North America, Europe, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. In addition, the Company has licensee locations in cities and airports in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Product and service initiatives such as Hertz #1 Club Gold®, NeverLost® customized, onboard navigation systems, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, and unique cars and SUVs offered through the company's Prestige, Fun and Green Collections, set Hertz apart from the competition. In 2008, the Company launched Connect by Hertz, entering the global car sharing market in London, New York City and Paris. Hertz also operates one of the world's largest equipment rental businesses, Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation, offering a diverse line of equipment, including tools and supplies, as well as new and used equipment for sale, to customers ranging from major industrial companies to local contractors and consumers through approximately 350 branches in the United States, Canada, China, France, and Spain.
