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Hertz First to Offer Volkswagen Jetta TDI Clean Diesel


vw jetta (select to view enlarged photo)

- New Green Traveler Car Has 42 Highway MPG and 600 Mile Cruising Range -

PARK RIDGE, NJ--May 23, 2012: Hertz , the world's largest general use airport car rental brand, announces the introduction of the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI clean diesel car into its Green Traveler Collection, becoming the first rental car company to make clean diesel vehicles available for rent in the US. The clean diesel engine gets 42 MPG on the highway and has a range of 600 miles per tank.

"Hertz has one of the largest, most fuel-efficient fleets in the industry with 68% of our cars getting 30 MPGs or better," commented Mark P. Frissora, Hertz Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  "With the addition of the Jetta TDI Clean Diesel, Hertz's Green Traveler Collection has an average fuel efficiency of 58 MPGs, providing travelers with a variety of cars that are fuel-efficient and that use clean, low-emission technology.  Smart mobility rental choices are an integral part of Hertz's sustainability strategy to reduce the environmental impacts of driving, without compromising convenience or customer needs."

Available in select off-airport locations, the Jetta TDI's Clean Diesel engine is a fuel-efficient powerhouse, generating 236 lbs/ft of torque for a responsive driving experience without compromising efficiency. The TDI Clean Diesel engine produces 90% less air pollution than diesels of old and the car's high efficiency,  comparable to or higher than many hybrids, allows it to deliver a lower fuel cost per mile than many conventional vehicles. 

Recently voted Best Green Options in the Zagat 2012/13 U.S. Car Rental Survey, Hertz's Green Traveler Collection taps into the increasing demand by consumers to live more eco-conscious lifestyles. To help differentiate and define the category, all cars in the collection are EPA SmartWay-approved and the collection is comprised of hybrids, including the Toyota Prius and Camry and the Nissan Altima; electric vehicles, including the smart fortwo Electric Drive, Nissan LEAF, and Chevy Volt; compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, including the Honda Civic Natural Gas and the GMC Yukon; and, now, clean diesel vehicles.  Hertz was the first car rental company to introduce electric vehicles into its fleet in December 2010.

Hertz's corporate sustainability strategy, "Living Journey", positions Hertz to be the leader in sustainable mobility and equipment solutions through various strategic initiatives that integrate sustainability best practices throughout the Company, including:

  • Smart Mobility:  Hertz is committed to providing vehicle rental options that are fuel efficient and use clean, low-emissions technology such as Electric Vehicles (EVs), hybrids, and clean diesel.
  • Environment:  Minimize Hertz's environmental footprint and operating costs through efficiency improvements, resource management and renewable energy production.
  • Community:  Dedicated to creating a positive impact and enhancing the communities Hertz serves by giving back through philanthropic and volunteer efforts.

Hertz's sustainability website (Hertz Living Journey ) highlights Hertz's achievements and plans in the sustainability arena, which includes energy-efficiency improvements such as lighting and HVAC upgrades, utilizing LEED building standards for Hertz construction projects, solar energy production, global recycling efforts, and delivering fuel-efficient fleet choices to consumers.

Operating one of the youngest and most diverse fleets in the industry, Hertz is committed to offering its customers the most technologically innovative products and services available including its 'Carfirmations' mobile SMS text/email service that confirms a Gold member's reservation and advises them of their car and location prior to arrival at the Hertz facility; 'Choose Control' Gold Choice that gives Gold members the power to keep the car they reserved or simply choose a different car from the 'Gold Choice' area; 'Zap Technology' e-Return which emails the customer his/her receipt, ensuring the fastest car rental drop off ever; and 'Acceler-Rental' ExpressRent Interactive Kiosks that let customers rent a car, with or without a reservation, through a live, face-to-face video kiosk.   Additionally, Hertz pioneered vehicle specific reservation capabilities via its Collections and has the largest fleet of make and model reservable cars in the industry.