Hertz On Demand launches its car sharing program in Sydney, Australia.
PARK RIDGE and MELBOURNE – The Hertz Corporation has launched its car sharing club Hertz On Demand in Sydney, making Australia the seventh country in the international program. Members have 24/7 access to a fleet of self-service vehicles placed throughout Sydney, which are bookable online.
Mark P. Frissora, Hertz Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said: “By utilizing the resources we have as the leading global car rental company – including best-in-class technology – we are bringing the future of car sharing to life for our customers in Sydney. Hertz On Demand is less expensive than other car sharing services while providing unequalled customer service as well as free membership and no annual renewal fees. A progressive international city, Sydney is a natural choice for Hertz On Demand.”
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said she was pleased to see Hertz joining the car share market in Sydney – a clear demonstration that this is a growing market. “Car share has more than tripled in Sydney over the past three years. Each car share parking space in the city replaces the need for 12 other cars. Providing more transport options for residents helps them save money and reduces congestion on our roads. Car share is a smart way of having access to a car when you need it, without the cost of buying, insuring, registering, maintaining and running a car.”
Currently Hertz On Demand has 30 spaces in locations around Sydney, which will increase to 100 by 2013. As well as its car sharing services for urban dwellers, Hertz On Demand can place cars on corporate sites to operate as pooled cars for employees. The corporate program – which is enjoyed by companies such as PwC, London Heathrow, and Marriott Hotels – allows companies to significantly drive down overall fleet costs by improving vehicle utilization and management along with reducing administration and overheads.
Chris Rusden, Regional Vice President and Managing Director of Hertz Australia added: “We are very excited to bring Hertz On Demand to Sydney, a significant step in bringing all of Hertz’ global products and services to the Australian market. Hertz On Demand operates with state-of-the-art technology and is for people who want the use and convenience of a car without the associated ownership costs. It is also ideal solution to replace or complement company fleets in order to drive down overall fleet costs.”
Greg Giraud, General Manager, Hertz On Demand Australia, added: “We are thrilled to provide residents of Sydney with a great car share alternative, and the business community with a complete end-to-end fleet replacement solution unique in Australia. Members will also be able to use their Australian membership in London, Paris, New York and other Hertz On Demand locations throughout the world at the click of a mouse.”
Vehicles are installed with an RFID reader for SmartCard identification, giving each member keyless-entry to the cars. If during their trip members need help, have questions, or would like to extend the length of their rental, they can contact the Hertz in-house Member Care Center based in Australia via the hands free in-car communication technology. The proprietary end to end car sharing technology has been created by market leading company Eileo, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hertz, allowing Hertz to tailor its technology according to its member’s needs.
Across Australia, more and more drivers are choosing car sharing as the smart, savvy way to get around. In Sydney car sharing has more than tripled over the past three years, resulting in eased traffic congestion, freed up parking and savings to residents of AU$21 million a year. The recent SGS Economics and Planning study, commissioned by the City of Sydney, shows the economic benefits of car share for both citizens and businesses outweigh the costs by a ratio of 19 to one.
Luc Citrinot a French national is a freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years experience. Based in Paris and Bangkok, he works for various travel and air transport trade publications in Europe and Asia.
