Mayor Castro Announces Hertz on Demand Car Sharing Program Now Available in San Antonio

PARK RIDGE, N.J. and SAN ANTONIO, Texas, March 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro and The Hertz Corporation today officially unveiled a new transportation option for San Antonio with the launch of Hertz on Demand car sharing program. To celebrate the launch of Hertz on Demand, the Company is offering members, through April 30, the opportunity to receive their first hour of usage free when reserving and using a car for seven hours or less.

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Beginning today, vehicles are available in three different locations throughout downtown San Antonio. As the program expands, the plan is to add 15 cars in additional areas, with the goal of serving future demand, improving convenience and enhancing air quality in the center city.

"This is another important step toward providing multiple transportation options to residents and visitors in order to bring San Antonio closer to the SA2020 goals of creating a more energy efficient community. The City is proud to add car share to the growing list of dynamic transportation choices in San Antonio," said Mayor Castro.

Hertz On Demand provides an economical, convenient and socially conscious alternative to car ownership. The service is a pay-as-you-go system, providing members with 24/7 access to vehicles located throughout downtown San Antonio. It has more than 120,000 members and is available in six countries and on approximately 60 university campuses.

"Car sharing is becoming an increasingly viable transportation option in cities across the country because of its economic and eco-friendly benefits. Nationally, car sharing has proven to help reduce miles of travel, vehicle emissions and energy consumption. The City of San Antonio is excited to partner with Hertz on Demand to bring additional transportation options to those who live and work in downtown," said City Manager Sheryl Sculley. 

The three initial locations of the Car Share Program in San Antonio, with additional locations to launch in the coming weeks, are:

• 200 block of Market St. (across from Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center)
• Blue Star Arts Complex, 1400 S. Alamo St.
• 300 block of West Houston St. (near the Alameda Theater)

"Hertz shares the City of San Antonio's commitment to car sharing and energy efficient transportation options," commented Mark P. Frissora, Hertz Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Hertz On Demand is less expensive than other car sharing services while providing unmatched vehicle choices and unequalled customer service for our members.  Hertz is redefining the car sharing industry and offers unmatched member-centric services such as the elimination of late fees, as well as free membership and no annual renewal fees. By utilizing the resources we have as the leading global car rental company – including best-in-class technology – we are making strides to bring the future of car sharing to life for our customers."

San Antonio-area residents, employees and tourists can sign up online, reserve cars which can be picked up from one of Hertz On Demand's several conveniently located hubs, and experience the enhanced member benefits offered by the Hertz on Demand, including:

• Free membership. Hertz On Demand has no enrollment fee or annual membership fee, and offers low hourly and daily rates
• No late fees. Hertz On Demand members will not receive punitive charges/late fees for the late return of a vehicle[1]
• Rental fleet options including the Nissan Sentra, Chevy Malibu and Chevy Cruze. Hertz On Demand also plans to add a diversity of car sizes including electric vehicles, such as the Nissan Leaf, to its fleet in the coming weeks.
• 180 miles a day[2], gas and insurance are included in the rates.
• Daily rates on Hertz rental cars for longer trips; Ability to rent a car for up to 30 days
• Unparalleled member service including 24/7 live, in-car assistance from a team of Hertz Member Care experts.  

For more information about the Car Share Program, visit www.sanantonio.gov or www. hertzondemand.com.

About Hertz On Demand

Hertz on Demand, Hertz's global car sharing club, has more than 850 vehicles, 120,000 members and more than 250 locations worldwide, including corporate offices and universities. Hertz on Demand offers a variety of vehicles available for online reservation at competitive rates. All cars are equipped with Eileo® technology, and benefits covered by the hourly rate include gas, insurance, GPS turn-by-turn navigation, 24/7 roadside assistance, 24-hour Member Care Center communication, and 180 free miles per day.

[1] Late returns will only be charged rates for the additional time used in 30 minute intervals (no punitive fees)

[2] Per 24 hour period

SOURCE Hertz Corporation