Hertz Adds Award-Winning Electric Vauxhall Ampera to its Car Share Club in London

LONDON, May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

The Hertz Corporation (NYSE: HTZ), the world's largest general use car rental brand, has announced that through its partnership with Vauxhall Motors, customers will be able to rent the stylish, electric Ampera from the Hertz on Demand EV car sharing fleet in London. The revolutionary vehicle has a sophisticated propulsion system, including an extended range of up to 360 miles. The Ampera will be available to rent from next month at http://www.hertzondemand.co.uk.

Michel Taride, President, Hertz International and Executive Vice President, Hertz Corporation, said: "We are delighted to be introducing the Ampera to our growing fleet of electric vehicles. At Hertz, we are excited about new technology and innovations in smart, eco-friendly travel. This sleek car is perfect for our customers; not only is it fun to drive but also its range extender allows for longer trips."

Voted the Car of the Year 2012, Vauxhall Ampera delivers between 25-50 miles of battery-powered electric drive with zero tailpipe emissions while driving. Customers wanting to use the electric vehicle on longer trips can do so with the Ampera's on-board range-extending engine which helps to sustain the battery life, allowing the car to be used on distances of up to 360 miles in a single journey. A small 1.4-litre petrol-fuelled engine/generator runs at optimum efficiency, generating enough electricity to power the electric motor (but not the wheels) and operates seamlessly as part of the Ampera's powertrain. The car seats four adults in comfort and its hatchback design offers excellent practicality.

The Ampera will incorporate Hertz On Demand's leading, proprietary in-car technology which provides members a safe and superior car sharing experience. In the car, a hands-free audio kit connects members to an in-house Member Care Center representative - available 24/7, 365 days a year - should they have questions, need assistance or need to extend their use of the car.  Hertz On Demand is able to "communicate" with the vehicle, enabling representatives to unlock, engage and locate vehicles and cars are equipped with iPod connectivity, along with Bluetooth capabilities for hands free driving.

James Taylor, Vauxhall's Fleet Sales Director said: "At Vauxhall we are passionate about investing in state-of-the-art efficient technology so that customers have access to fun, stylish and more environmentally friendly mobility. The partnership with Hertz means that even more people can experience first-hand the latest in electric technology by renting the Ampera."

Hertz on Demand launched the first international car sharing club in December 2008 and has grown to more than 800 vehicles, 70,000 members and more than 300 locations worldwide, including corporate offices and universities. Corporate customers include Marriott International, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, and London Heathrow Airport.  The Hertz on Demand fleet features electric vehicles and plug-n hybrids. As well as the Vauxhall Ampera, its EVs include the Nissan LEAF and Mitsubishi i-MiEVs in London and Chevy Volt, Nissan LEAF, and smart fortwo electric drive in the US.

About Hertz

Hertz is the world's largest general use car rental company, operating from over 8,500 corporate locations in 150 countries worldwide. Hertz is in its 93rd year of delivering quality car rental solutions to leisure and corporate customers.  Product and service innovations such as Hertz #1 Club Gold, Worldwide Online Check-in, specially designed NeverLost® satellite navigation systems, and unique cars offered through the company's Prestige, Family, Fun/Adrenaline and Green Collections, set Hertz apart from the competition.  For more information please go to http://www.hertz.com.

About Hertz On Demand

Hertz On Demand has more than 800 vehicles available to drive from more than 250 locations worldwide, including corporate offices and universities. Hertz On Demand offers vehicles equipped with keyless entry, and benefits covered by the competitive hourly rate including fuel, insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and 24-hour in car Member Care Center communication.  For more information, or to register, visit http://www.hertzondemand.com or http://www.hertzondemand.co.uk, or call Member Care Services at 877-654-4400 in the US or 08708-45-45-45 in the UK.

About Vauxhall Motors

Vauxhall Motors has been manufacturing motor vehicles in the UK continuously since 1903. Vauxhall's range spans all mainstream sectors of the vehicle market with best-selling model names such as Corsa, Astra, Meriva, Zafira and Insignia regularly topping the sales charts. Vauxhall is also the largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles in the UK and its parent company General Motors' 4th largest global market. The company employs around 5000 people in the UK and exports three quarters of its production. It is headquartered in Luton, Bedfordshire where it also manufactures the Vivaro light commercial vehicle. A second plant at Ellesmere Port in Cheshire produces the Astra.

Hertz Press Contacts
Caroline Trotman Dickenson
Ketchum Pleon
T: +44(0)20-7611-3686
E:[email protected] 

Luke Campbell
Ketchum Pleon
T: +44(0)207-611-3835
E: luke.campbell @ketchumpleon.com 

 

SOURCE Hertz