Autoblog

Major car rental companies agree not to rent or sell recalled vehicles

Sharon Silke Carty — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 13:20:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety

Bowing to pressure from consumers and advocacy groups, major car rental companies have agreed to end the practice of renting cars that have been recalled for safety problems.

Legislators are introducing a bill to the Senate that would keep recalled rental cars off the road. The bill has the backing of all four major rental companies - Enterprise, which owns National and Alamo, Hertz/Advantage, Avis/Budget and Dollar/Thrifty, according to a statement released by Sen. Barbara Boxer. Those companies comprise 93 percent of the rental car market, and Hertz was the only one of the four major car rental companies to initially pledge not to rent cars under recall.

The bill will be named after Raechel and Jacqueline Houck (above, right), two young California sisters who died in 2004 in a rented Chrysler PT Cruiser that had been previously recalled for problems with the steering column. The steering fluid was prone to leaking, leaving drivers unable to control their vehicles. Enterprise Rental hadn't fixed the problem before renting the car to the Houck sisters.

"I remain very hopeful and optimistic" that the legislation will pass, Cally Houck, Raechel and Jacqueline's mother tells Autoblog. Houck has been pushing for the new legislation for the past few years. "But it's not done yet ... I remain a bit cynical, based on my history lobbying for this issue. But we do have a consensus of all the industry's major players."

Major car rental companies agree not to rent or sell recalled vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hertz pays $2.3B for Dollar Thrifty

George Kennedy — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Earnings/Financials

Car rental giant Hertz is in the process of purchasing Dollar Thrifty. The deal is said to be for $2.3 billion, according to an Associated Press report. As a result, Dollar Thrifty stock increased by seven percent in trading before the market opened today.

According to the report, Hertz has been eying its rental car rival for two years now. Additionally, Avis Budget Group was also interested in purchasing Dollar Thrifty. Hertz made the move, though, at a price of $87.50 per share, representing an eight-percent premium over Friday's closing price for the stock of $81 per share.

In a statement, Hertz Chairman and CEO Mark P. Frissora said that the buyout will give his company two more well-known brands and make the company more competitive in Europe and other international markets.

While both parties have agreed to the deal, the Federal Trade Commission must approve the acquisition. According to the report, Hertz has maintained an open line of communication with the FTC throughout the process.

Hertz has roughly 8,650 locations of various types in 150 nations throughout the globe. Dollar Thrifty has about 280 locations in the U.S. and Canada and 1,300 franchise locations worldwide. The two corporations when combined fulfills Dollar Thrifty President and CEO Scott Thompson's assertion that the "transaction is not only compelling for stockholders, but also will help broaden its reach." In addition, the deal is also projected to save Hertz $160 million each year.

Hertz pays $2.3B for Dollar Thrifty originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3 of 4 major rental car outfits won't pledge not to rent or sell recalled vehicles

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety

In 2004, Raechel and Jackie Houck were killed when they were in a fiery accident in the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser they had rented from Enterprise. The girls' mother, Cally Houck, sued Enterprise when it was discovered that their Chrysler was the subject of a recall to repair a power steering hose leak over a potential fire issue, yet the car hadn't been reparied before it was rented. The five-year trial concluded in 2010, with Enterprise admitting negligence, at which point it was ordered by a jury to pay $15 million in damages.

That hasn't stopped Cally Houck from campaigning. There is no law that requires rental car companies to repair recalled cars before they are rented or sold; companies have their own policies about how recalls are handled, but as one Enterprise manager testified during the Houck trial, getting cars repaired is balanced with getting cars rented. A report in the The Detroit News offered conflicting data about how quickly cars are repaired, but the real issue is that even if, as Enterprise says, "90 percent of recalled vehicles have completed or required inspections within 30 days," those cars might still be in the rental pool during those thirty days.

Senators Barbara Boxer (D) and Charles Schumer (D) are working to change that, having introduced rental car legislation last July called the Raechel and Jacqueline Houck Safe Rental Car Act, but nothing has come of it yet. Rental car companies were asked to sign a pledge not to rent or sell vehicles that hadn't been repaired, but only Hertz signed; neither Enterprise (which owns Enterprise, National and Alamo) nor Dollar/Thrifty would sign, with Enterprise writing its own letter saying that it wouldn't do so and Dollar/Thrifty saying it would fix cars "as soon as practically possible." Boxer has made it clear that she will continue pushing for federal legislation.

3 of 4 major rental car outfits won't pledge not to rent or sell recalled vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford defends ballooning fleet sales

Chris Shunk — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Government/Legal, Crossover, Ford

"Fleet" is sort of a dirty word when describing vehicle sales, and the Detroit Three have traditionally been quite smitten with bulk buyers. Unfortunately fleet sales have been demonized for a reason. They can adversely affect resale values, and since fleet buyers tend to expect warehouse store pricing, they're obviously not great for the bottom line, either. But one automaker seems more than happy to sell to fleets: Ford.

Bloomberg reports that a larger percentage of Ford's overall sales are going to fleets, rising from 22 percent of in 2006 to 27 percent in 2011. Of those vehicles, 41 percent reportedly went to the likes of Hertz and Enterprise. That leaves the rest of the sales at the local, state and federal level, plus a smattering of commercial buyers. In other words, needy customers with cash in hand. And those buyers tend to want high-margin rides like trucks, crossovers and SUVs; vehicles Ford make money on.

Ford fleet director Kevin Koswick tells Bloomberg that the automaker knows what it's doing, adding "I don't see it as an issue as long as you manage your fleet and you're balanced in what you do."

Ford defends ballooning fleet sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Mar 2012 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hertz urges government to oversee rental car recalls

Chris Shunk — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety

In the rental car industry, if a vehicle is on the lot it isn't making any money. The same is true for any vehicle in the shop for repairs, including vehicles that are recalled by automakers. That has created a bit of a conundrum for rental car companies, and the drive for profits can lead to vehicles getting rented that should be getting repaired.

The Detroit Bureau reports that Hertz is trying to change that. In fact, Hertz has taken the drastic step of asking the government to enact new regulations to place a priority on getting recalled vehicles repaired as soon as possible. Hertz has had to take this step because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration currently has no authority over the industry. NHTSA has been watching the rental car companies from afar since a 2010 accident that occurred as a result of a vehicle defect that didn't get repaired because of rental demand.

The Hertz pitch may just work, as a pair of high-ranking legislatures will reportedly introduce legislation to regulate the rental car industry. It makes sense that Hertz is looking to level the playing field, since the rental company already has a policy in place that stipulates that recalled vehicles must be fixed before being rented out.

Hertz urges government to oversee rental car recalls originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shelby to bring back rent-a-racer program?

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Ford, Rumormill

Most available choices at your local car rental agency are tame appliances built to shuttle you from Meeting A to Hotel B. Back in the day, however, things were a bit different thanks to Shelby and Hertz. In 1966, the rental car company and Carroll Shelby partnered up to offer a custom Ford Mustang. Shelby built 1,000 units, Hertz rented them out and a horde of happy customers used them to rip up their local dragstrips and main streets. In 2007, the duo joined again joined forces to supply some muscle into the rental fleet. Now comes word that Shelby is looking to celebrate its 50th anniversary with an all-new rent-a-racer.

According to Automotive News, Shelby plans to team up with Hertz to bring a new generation of the Mustang GT-H into the world. Starting with a 412-horsepower Ford Mustang GT, Shelby will reportedly take the two-door and juice it up a notch before applying gold stripes to either a black car or a white one. The details of the mooted 2012 Shelby GT-H program have yet to finalized, but keep an eye out for distinctive Mustangs sitting at Hertz lots in the not-to-distant future.

Shelby to bring back rent-a-racer program? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hertz offers $2.24B for Dollar-Thrifty

Chris Shunk — Mon, 09 May 2011 17:40:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal

Hertz and Avis have been fighting to get their hands on Dollar-Thrifty for over a year now, with the latest volley coming from the Hertz camp. According to Bloomberg, the world's largest airport rental car company has offered $72 per share for Dollar-Thrifty, or 24 percent more than a recent offer from Avis. The offer consists of of $57.60 in cash and .8546 Hertz shares per share of Dollar-Thrifty.

In September, Dollar-Thrifty rejected an offer from Hertz that added up to about $1.44 billion in cash and stocks. Avis had countered the last bid with an offer of $45.79 per share and .6543 of its shares. The two companies had decided to delay a deal while seeking regulatory approval, but we're guessing Dollar-Thrifty is no longer interested in that deal. And since the bidding war seems to be escalating, some analysts feel that the Hertz bid is likely not the last to come from the competing rental car companies.

While both Avis and Hertz have so far come up empty in their bid to snap up their rival, the biggest winners so far have been Dollar-Thrifty shareholders. The stock has reportedly gone up 79 percent since Hertz first bid for the rental car giant back in April, which has worked to drive up the buy price for the company. A share of Dollar-Thrifty stock was worth only 63 cents early in 2009.

Hertz offers $2.24B for Dollar-Thrifty originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 May 2011 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rental car fuel tops $9/gallon in U.S.

Chris Shunk — Wed, 04 May 2011 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

It's never a good idea to return a rental car with less than a full tank of gas. The reason? The rental car companies usually charge a fee if you don't fill up before dropping off. And according to a report in USA Today, that fee has, in some cases, gotten a lot steeper.

The national newspaper polled 102 rental companies at 13 major airports to gauge how much is being charged per gallon for renters who don't fill up before returning their loaner. Surprisingly, 54 of those airports were charging less than the average fuel price at local stations, likely because many companies haven't adjusted their per-gallon charge to reflect rising gas prices. Another 43 rental stores were charging more than the average gas station.

Meanwhile, the Hertz rental company is in a league of its own. The USA Today poll shows that the rental giant was charging $9.29 per gallon of petrol at 13 locations. Dollar and Thrifty weren't far behind at a pair of locations, with a price of $8.99/gal. For perspective, at $9/gal, it would take around $275 to fill up the typical full-size pickup, and about $110 to top off a Ford Focus.

While those are some ridiculous pump prices, this is one instance when the punishment is nearly 100 percent avoidable. After all, if you don't want to get slapped with a $9.29/gal bill, all you need to do is fill up before dropping off the vehicle. Unfortunately, you're still going to pay well over $4/gal in most areas.

Rental car fuel tops $9/gallon in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 May 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Study: Rental car companies increase customer satisfaction, Enterprise tops

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Economists and talking heads argue endlessly about our economy on a daily basis. "It's back!," "It's almost back!" and "It's never coming back!" seem to be the leaders among the varied viewpoints we hear and read about. One sector that has apparently begun to rebound is the car rental business. Not necessarily in financial terms, but from the standpoint of customer satisfaction, America's rental car companies are returning to to a position last seen in the pre-recession days.

J.D. Power has released its annual North American Rental Car Satisfaction Study, and the results are positive for every company included in the survey. Now in its 15th year, this J.D. Power study examines customer satisfaction with the airport car rental process, and it looks at six specific factors: Costs & Fees, Pick-Up Process, Rental Car, Return Process, Reservation Process, and Shuttle Bus/Van. The highest score possible is 1,000 points and, for the 2010 study, the average Overall Satisfaction score is 750. This is up from 733 in 2009 and 734 in 2008. Every company in the survey has improved year-over-year in the survey.

This year's big winner, however, is Enterprise, which received the industry's highest rankings in customer satisfaction. Enterprise is no stranger to this award, and getting the nod in 2010 makes it seven years in a row for the rental car company. Following behind Enterprise, Hertz and National also performed quite well in the survey while Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Dollar and Thrifty rounded out the results. You can see how each one performed over at the J.D. Power results page.

[Source: J.D. Power]

Continue reading Study: Rental car companies increase customer satisfaction, Enterprise tops

Study: Rental car companies increase customer satisfaction, Enterprise tops originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Nov 2010 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: Rented Chevy Corvette not the best for doing beach donuts [w/video]

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Humor

A Corvette goes for a swim in San Diego - Click above to watch video after the jump

How does a Corvette convertible - one rented from Hertz no less - end up in the salty brine at Pacific Beach in San Diego? The kindness of buzzed strangers, apparently. According to NBC San Diego, a visiting couple met a man in a bar, and after hearing that he had never driven a Corvette before, they offered him some seat time.

With the new acquaintance behind the wheel and the couple in the passenger seat, witnesses say the driver did a couple of donuts in the sand and then zoomed straight into the surf. Not known for its off-road traction, the Corvette got stuck, upon which the driver got out and ran. The couple was held and released, while the Corvette...well, we're sure Hertz is working on that right now. Follow the jump for some witness video of the aftermath.

[Source: NBC San Diego, YouTube]

Continue reading PSA: Rented Chevy Corvette not the best for doing beach donuts [w/video]

PSA: Rented Chevy Corvette not the best for doing beach donuts [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Hertz reportedly buying Dollar Thrifty car rental rival for $1.17B

Zach Bowman — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Earnings/Financials

Good news, rental car fans - Hertz has managed to expand its operations by over 1,500 locations. The company has reportedly just agreed to snatch up Dollar Thrifty car rental in a $1.17 billion deal that included both cash and Hertz stock. According to USA Today, that figure values Dollar Thrifty shares at a 5.5 percent premium over what the company's stock had been trading for recently.

Once the deal goes through, Dollar Thrifty will be completely owned by Hertz, which means we'll likely be seeing a lot more yellow at rental counters across the country. Hertz also said that it has its eye on around $180 million in potential cost cuts as a result of the merger. Odds are that means nixing locations where Dollar Thrifty and Hertz had previously competed against one another.

While that's all good news for Hertz, rental customers will also likely benefit from a larger rental network. Who knows, maybe we'll see a few more rent-a-racers crop up along the way, too.

[Source: USA Today]

BREAKING: Hertz reportedly buying Dollar Thrifty car rental rival for $1.17B originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan announces Leaf purchase process, shows off Winter Olympics campaign [w/video]

Chris Shunk — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Nissan, Electric

Nissan Winter Olympics spot - Click above to watch the video after the jump

With the Winter Olympics opening ceremony taking over the world's televisions tonight, we're fully expecting several automakers to help pay for the world-wide show of athletic might with a multimedia ad blitz. Nissan is apparently on-board, as the Japanese automaker has created a one-minute brand awareness-style commercial with a twist for the interesting festivities.

The ad contends that Nissan has stylish vehicles like the Altima, lifestyle rides like the Cube, performance vehicles like the 370Z and a rolling legend in the GT-R. What's missing? Something for the tree-hugging environmentalists and urban jungle travelers among us. Nissan will use the 2010 Winter Olympics to show the world how it will address that issue by using the bright lights of the world stage to "plug" its most electrifying upcoming vehicle. You can see the commercial for the first time by hitting the jump and watching it for yourself.

In related news, Nissan has released the first details about the purchase process for its Leaf EV. Unlike some other electric vehicle programs, Nissan will allow customers to lease or purchase the vehicle outright, including the battery pack (Nissan had previously been considering making the battery a lease-only arrangement).

At the moment, if you're interested in getting in line for a Leaf of your very own, you must register on NissanUSA.com, after which you'll be given the chance to join the reservation process in April (after the car's price is released) and pay a refundable $100 reservation fee. Of course, doing so doesn't necessarily guarantee you a car, however, as demand may outstrip supply. Following that, the automaker vows to begin taking "firm orders" in August, and initial deliveries will begin in December.

Interestingly, if you're not interested or able to purchase a Leaf of your very own, but you're still keen to drive one, Nissan says it is partnering with Hertz to rent the car at select locations in the U.S. and Europe.

Full details in the official press release are available after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Leaf EV

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan announces Leaf purchase process, shows off Winter Olympics campaign [w/video]

Nissan announces Leaf purchase process, shows off Winter Olympics campaign [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Hertz files defamation suit against analyst who says company could go bankrupt

Michael Harley — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:27:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Earnings/Financials

Founded in 1918 with a fleet of just twelve Ford Model Ts, Hertz Global Holdings Inc. has grown into the world's largest rental car company with nearly 8,000 offices worldwide. According to to Reuters, on Friday, the company filed a lawsuit against Audit Integrity Inc. and its chief executive, Jack Zwingli, after its analysts published a report earlier this month indicating Hertz would be among nearly two dozen large companies "most likely to declare bankruptcy" during the next year.

Understandably miffed, Hertz has submitted legal papers accusing Audit Integrity of defamation and being trade libel for publishing a false statement of fact. According to Hertz officials, the defendants had "no factual basis" for the report and said that the conclusions about its financial health were "baseless." The report was released on September 16 and Zwingli was interviewed about it on CNBC television that same day.

Not only is Hertz is seeking monetary and punitive damages in the lawsuit, but they are asking for an official retraction. Audit Integrity is holding its ground. "We firmly stand behind our methodology and findings, and will vigorously defend ourselves against this unwarranted litigation," countered Zwingli in a statement. Nevertheless, Hertz shares were up in today's market trading.

[Source: Reuters UK | Image: Tim Boyle/Getty]

REPORT: Hertz files defamation suit against analyst who says company could go bankrupt originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hertz So Good: Lotus Elise SC joins Italian rent-a-car fleet

Noah Joseph — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:56:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Lotus

Lotus Elise SC fleet at Hertz Italiana - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ever fantasize about driving an exotic sportscar around Italy? Well who hasn't. And there are plenty of companies on the peninsula that'll be glad to help you out. Count among them now car rental giant Hertz. But while you may have images in your head of wafting around the countryside in a Maserati or Lamborghini, Hertz has something entirely different on offer: the Lotus Elise.

Starting this summer, Hertz Italiana will be offering the Lotus Elise SC at select locations throughout the country. It's part of the company's Fun Collection and is sure to cost a hefty premium, but then nobody said realizing your dreams would come cheap. Details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Lotus Elise at Hertz Italiana

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Hertz So Good: Lotus Elise SC joins Italian rent-a-car fleet

Hertz So Good: Lotus Elise SC joins Italian rent-a-car fleet originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Prepare to shell out a lot more for your next rental car

Chris Shunk — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Earnings/Financials

Hertz Fun Collection Chevrolet Corvette ZHZ - click above to enlarge

The economy is in one of the deepest recessions in decades, and one pleasant side-effect of fiscal woes is that many companies are offering huge discounts to get you off the consumer sidelines. One industry that hasn't gone that route so far is the rental car industry. Abrams Consulting Group tells The New York Times that the cost of a week-long rental went from $199 in May 2008 to $345 this year; a 73% increase. The news hasn't gotten much better for June, as the prices went up 65% from $210 to $347. If car rentals are down 15% on the year, why the increase?

The reason for the jump in prices is that there are fewer vehicles to rent, as companies like Hertz and Avis have cut back on the amount of vehicles that they're buying. They're also selling vehicles to used-car starved dealerships. The result of smaller fleets is customers paying more for the cars and trucks that are left. And since customers have become accustomed to getting their rentals at the last minute, some aren't getting a rental at all.

To beat the car rental blues, The New York Times suggests that you start your search earlier. Not getting a rental from companies at the airport is also a good idea, as off-airport companies don't have as much demand. Sites like Priceline and Expedia also generally offer discounts over retail.

[Source: New York Times]

REPORT: Prepare to shell out a lot more for your next rental car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hertz so bad: Car rental agency to shed 4000 jobs

Chris Shunk — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 12:34:00 EST

Filed under: Earnings/Financials

Over the years, when automakers had trouble selling enough vehicles to keep assembly lines cranking, they sold the leftovers to rental car companies. Unfortunately, when the world is embroiled in a nasty economic recession, people don't travel. And when nobody's traveling, the rental car industry takes a dive into the crapper. Hertz, the second largest rental car company in the States, is feeling the pinch along with 12% of its workers. Hertz will cut 4,000 employees in the first quarter, saving the company up to $170 million in 2009. The move to eliminate staff comes after a third-quarter profit of only $17.7 million; 89% lower than in 2007. Hertz will take a one-time charge of up to $25 million in the fourth quarter to pay for the layoffs, which means the balance sheet for the last three months of 2008 aren't going to be pretty.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Hertz so bad: Car rental agency to shed 4000 jobs originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Jan 2009 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rental fleet sales down last year, 2009 will be worse

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Earnings/Financials

Last summer, it was the Detroit Three that were restraining themselves from dumping cars into the gaping maw of fleet sales just to boost the bottom line. Turns out they had some help with that discipline: Due to last year's events, rental car fleets shrunk by 400,000 units from 2007 to 2008. As we begin 2009, rental car companies have declared they will be trimming their fleet orders and curbing the number of vehicles they keep on hand even further.

Rental car companies have been thrown under a number of buses as of late. They can't borrow money to finance purchases; the recession has hammered the travel industry; wholesale used vehicle prices are falling (making rental car fleets less valuable); and besides that, car dealers can't get the money to buy the retired rental cars anyway, which subtracts yet another revenue stream.

Rental companies have been good for something like 15% of sales from General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. But not this year: Enterprise, which also buys for National and Alamo, will buy half the number of cars it did last year, and they'll keep those cars a couple of months longer. Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty also said they will buy fewer cars and work them longer. The automakers have doubled incentives to encourage sales, but there are simply no teeth left in the rental business with which to bite.

Thus, don't be surprised to find a few more stains on the seats and a few more miles on the clock the next time you find yourself at the wheel of a rental car.

[Source: Automotive News, Sub Req.]

Rental fleet sales down last year, 2009 will be worse originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Garage 419 pits GT-R against rented Hertz Corvette... with nitrous

Chris Shunk — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Videos, Chevrolet, GM, Nissan, Specialty

Click the image above to view the gassed 'Vette take on the Nissan GT-R after the jump

The Garage 419 team is anything but conventional, so when they say they're going to race a Nissan GT-R against a $500 competitor, you know it's going to be entertaining. Host Matt Farah had the easy task of rolling to the strip in the Godzilla of street racers, with 478 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and launch control at his beck and call. Editor Gene Sanchez had the tougher task of obtaining a $500 car to challenge his co-worker. Sanchez had a couple tricks up his sleeve, though, as he rented a $200-per-day LS3 Corvette from the Hertz Fun Collection and added a bargain-basement $300 nitrous system. Unfortunately, the 'Vette was burdened with lousy run-flat tires and a six-speed slush box, but at least the yellow underdog had the crowd on its side. Does a juiced up Corvette have a chance in Hell of besting a bone-stock GT-R on a one-eighth mile drag strip? The only way to find out is by hitting the jump to see the race for yourself.

Continue reading VIDEO: Garage 419 pits GT-R against rented Hertz Corvette... with nitrous

VIDEO: Garage 419 pits GT-R against rented Hertz Corvette... with nitrous originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hertz dubs its Zipcar competitor Connect

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 07:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Etc., Lifestyle

It looks like Hertz has finally heard of Zipcar. The popular car rental agency has just launched a new service called Connect, and it's a lot like the service offered by eight-year-old Zipcar. Connect customers will pay an annual fee that allows them to rent vehicles by the hour -- an arrangement very similar to the one offered by Zipcar. Members go online to make reservations and then use swipe cards to open cars that are parked at lots all over the city. Rather predictably, chic city cars like the Toyota Prius and MINI Cooper are part of the program.

The big difference between the two programs is that where Zipcar has about 5,500 cars in 13 cities, Hertz has 40,000 in New York alone. Right now, Connect by Hertz is available in New York, Paris and London, as well as in Park Ridge, New Jersey, home of the Hertz Corporation. The plan is to add 20 more domestic cities and an equal number of foreign ones next year.

[Source: New York Times]

Hertz dubs its Zipcar competitor Connect originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 07:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hertz to auction 25 Shelby Mustang GT-H Convertibles

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Tuners, Performance, Auctions, Ford, Shelby

Click above to enlarge

Are they really "one-of-a-kind," as stated by Kruse on its official auction page, if there are 25 of them going up for auction on the same day? That's not to say getting one of the 500 Hertz Shelby Mustang GT-H Convertibles (sheesh, that's a mouthful!) that were built in 2007 is a bad thing, but nobody really knows if these vehicles will ever really gain in value over more pedestrian versions of Ford's iconic pony car like their forebears have. Rest assured, though, you are not going to be bidding the same $250,000 that collector Ron Pratte paid for serial #001. For reference, the last batch of rent-a-racers that were auctioned off managed about $33K per unit.

The car itself is powered by a 319-horsepower version of Ford's ubiquitous 4.6-liter three-valve V8 engine mated to an automatic transmission -- perfect for the kind of top-down summer cruising that these vehicles are likely to see. If you want one of the 25 going up for auction, they'll be at the Kruse Select Auction in Monterey, CA next week.

[Source: Kruse via Jalopnik]

Hertz to auction 25 Shelby Mustang GT-H Convertibles originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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