Hertz 2009 Annual Report Download - page 13

It is estimated that the global car sharing market
could exceed $1 billion by the end of the decade.
In December 2008, Hertz launched its car sharing
business Connect by Hertz in London, Paris and
New York City. The environmental benets of car
sharing are unquestionable, as it is estimated that
one car sharing vehicle can eliminate up to 14 cars
from the roads, an especially appealing prospect in
crowded urban areas.
In just one year, Connect by Hertz has attracted
over 13,000 members. Connect has over 600
vehicles equipped with industry leading technology
created by Eileo, the Paris-based company we
purchased in 2009, which pioneered integrated
car sharing technology. Eileo’s technology enables
Connect to track and monitor the positioning and
service needs of car sharing vehicles, and creates
a two-way communication channel between
customers and our service representatives on
a 24/7 basis. In-car technology also includes
NeverLost navigation as a standard feature as well
as Bluetooth technology and Satellite Radio service.
Connect is focused initially on four key markets:
n Urban centers: In cities with good mass
transportation, car ownership may be unnecessary
for many city residents. Car sharing is the
perfect option for these consumers, combining
the economic advantages of car sharing and the
convenience of multiple vehicle options. At the end
of 2009, Connect expanded into Madrid, Spain,
and Berlin, Germany, and will add additional North
American and European cities in 2010.
n Universities: Car sharing is ideal for university
students who can’t afford a car but want a personal
mobility option, and for parents who don’t want that
expense or liability. Connect is the exclusive car
sharing provider at over 30 college campuses in
North America and Europe.
n Corporate Campuses: Large and small
companies are increasingly concerned about
managing their carbon footprint, and car sharing
enables corporations to facilitate necessary, local
corporate travel in one of the most environmentally
conscious manners possible. Connect has a
presence at the corporate headquarters of Marriott,
and GE as well as at Hertz World Headquarters in
Park Ridge, New Jersey.
n Municipal Fleets: Eileo has developed a special
car sharing technology package for government-
owned eet vehicles, enabling an efcient car
sharing option for government agencies whose
employees must travel during working hours.
The Connect-2-Go technology, which is already in
use in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, can be deployed
cost effectively to manage eet vehicles and
monitor usage.
11
Car Sharing
with Connect by Hertz
Connect by Hertz is a key link in our drive to
create Total Mobility Solutions, and is an environmentally
friendly, “High-Tech, High-Touch” rental option for
urban, university and corporate travelers.