Hertz Rebrands Car-Sharing

Zipcar take note, Hertz On Demand is in the 'hood and redefining car-sharing.

Hertz's new service, formerly known as Connect by Hertz, has rebranded and now offers: no membership fees; expanded one way service; guaranteed availability Monday through Thursday in New York City; more car and SUV options including electric vehicles (EV’s) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV’s) at select locations; simplified reservation process; and 24/7 live, in-car assistance.

“Hertz On Demand reflects our commitment to radically improve the car sharing experience and take it to the next level by providing our members with lower costs, greater choices, further simplicity and unequalled customer service,” said Mark P. Frissora, Chairman and CEO in a release.

Hertz On Demand self-describes as “an economical, convenient and socially conscious alternative to car ownership…. [with] approximately 40,000 members, available in six countries and on approximately 60 university campuses.”

The company has been ramping up marketing, including introducing membership kiosks in New York City, and an expanded fleet of vehicles including Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, Ford Transit Connect and the Nissan Titan pick-up truck. 

Also just added, the Ford Transit in Germany and 50 Fiat 500’s in the U.S. next month. EV’s at select locations include the Chevy Volt, and Nissan LEAF, and in Europe, the Fiat 500, Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus, Mitsubishi i-MiEV (London) and Ford Transit High Roofs (London and B&Q Countrywide), Opel Meriva and Opel Corsa (Paris), Ford Focus, Ford Fiesta, BMW Mini and Nissan Pixo (Berlin), Toyota Yaris and Toyota Verso (Madrid).  

As for in-car, on-road customer service, Hertz On Demand “communicates” with the vehicle, so representatives can unlock, engage and locate vehicles, which are equipped with iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, for hands free driving, as well as EZ Pass. 

In Europe, Hertz On Demand just signed a three-year agreement with the UK’s leading retailer, B&Q, for short term van rental at 137 stores. And a partnership with Castorama in France is in pilot stores. 

“Our approach to car sharing reflects a commitment to offer member-centric services, utilizing best-in-class technology, which no competitor is matching, backed by the resources of the leading global car rental company.  This really is the future of car sharing available now and nobody else has it,” adds Frissora.