Hertz plans expansion of Simply Wheelz self-service car rental
November 16, 2008
PARK RIDGE, N.J. - The Hertz Corp. has expanded Simply Wheelz by Hertz, which according to a news release, puts travelers in the driver's seat with faster, easier and more affordable access to today's most popular rental cars. The program will be expanded to Los Angeles and San Diego Airports in California and Miami International and West Palm Beach Airports in Florida. In addition Simply Wheelz will be available at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. First launched in September 2007, the expansion is based upon the success of Simply Wheelz in Orlando. With low, competitive rates starting as low as $99 a week through December 15, 2008, Simply Wheelz offers an easy-to-use Web site for reservations (www.SimplyWheelz.com), and a self-service rental kiosk to rent vehicles. Simply Wheelz accepts third party reservations, via travel agents and online booking channels, and reservations via its Web site.
"Following the consumer popularity of our pilot program in Orlando, it's only natural we expand Simply Wheelz into additional leisure destinations," said Mark P. Frissora, chairman and chief executive of The Hertz Corp. "While there are numerous economic headwinds facing the American public, people continue to travel. Trip dynamics are evolving, and Simply Wheelz targets the 60 percent of leisure travelers who now book their car rentals online, as well as those primarily focused on price."
Designed for online customers looking for a low price from recognized companies, Simply Wheelz makes car rental economical and hassle-free. Customers reserve one of the six vehicle types (from economy to fullsize plus SUVs and convertibles) offered and, when arriving at the Hertz airport location, rent cars using a self-service rental kiosk. The kiosk scans a bar code from a printed online reservation or the renter's driver's license, the customer selects a few additional options, such as child seats or GPS and insurance/waiver options, and then a vehicle is assigned and the kiosk prints the rental agreement. Once the rental transaction is completed, customers go can to their car and proceed off the lot.