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Hertz Secures Naming Rights to the 2012 and 2013 New Zealand International Sevens Rugby Tournament


hertz (select to view enlarged photo)

PARK RIDGE, NJ--Jan. 30, 2012: The Hertz Corporation announced that Hertz New Zealand has signed a two-year agreement to become the naming rights sponsor of the prestigious New Zealand International Sevens Tournament, effective immediately.

The inaugural Hertz Sevens rugby event, which is already sold out, will be held at in Wellington, New Zealand at the Westpac Stadium on the weekend of 3-4 February 2012. It is part of the annual HSBC Sevens World Series, which has become so popular that rugby sevens has now been accepted as an official Olympic sport, and will debut at the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Michel Taride, President of Hertz International and Executive Vice President, Hertz Corporation, said: "New Zealand International Sevens is a major annual event on the national sports calendar, featuring teams from 16 countries, attracting 35,000 fans to games and generating a massive television viewing audience in New Zealand and internationally.  We're delighted that Hertz New Zealand has secured the naming rights for the New Zealand International Sevens Tournament in 2012 and 2013, not only because of the event's popularity in New Zealand but also because rugby sevens worldwide is about to be elevated to the status of an Olympic sport."

"For Hertz this sponsorship opportunity is ideal to increase awareness of our brand and introduce New Zealanders to Horatio, our new global goodwill ambassador," he added.

To help build awareness of both the Hertz Sevens and Horatio, Hertz New Zealand has established a Horatio Facebook site at www.facebook.com/horatioNewZealand. This site will offer information, competitions and prizes to rugby sevens fans. "To be eligible to win, fans simply need to visit the Facebook page and 'like' Horatio," Mr. Taride said. 

Hertz Sevens General Manager, Steve Walters was delighted with the partnership and looks forward to the two-year arrangement. "Hertz is a global brand and rugby sevens is too. Our tournament is one of nine stages of the HSBC Sevens World Series which continues to grow both in competitiveness and popularity. We are excited to have Hertz on board with us and we look forward to working together to continue the success of rugby sevens both in New Zealand and internationally."

About Hertz
The Hertz Corporation -- a subsidiary of Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. -- is the world's largest general use car rental brand, operating from approximately 8,000 locations in approximately 150 countries worldwide. Hertz is the number one airport car rental brand in the U.S. and at 94 major airports in Europe, operating both corporate and licensee locations in cities and airports in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. In addition, the Company has licensee locations in cities and airports in Africa and the Middle East. Product and service initiatives such as Hertz #1 Club Gold(R), NeverLost(R) customized, onboard navigation systems, SIRIUS XM Satellite Radio, and unique cars and SUVs offered through the Company's Adrenaline and Green Traveler Collections, set Hertz apart from the competition. In 2008, the Company entered the global car sharing market in London, New York City and Paris. Hertz also operates one of the world's largest equipment rental businesses, Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation, offering a diverse line of equipment, including tools and supplies, as well as new and used equipment for sale, to customers ranging from major industrial companies to local contractors and consumers from approximately 315 branches in the United States, Canada, France, Spain, Italy, China and Saudi Arabia, as well as through its international licensees.

To make car rental reservations or for more information, customers can call their travel agent, or call Hertztoll-free at 1-800-654-3131. Information and reservations are also available on the web at Hertz.