Hertz Now Smoke-Free

Company's Fleet is Now Non-Smoking

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Jul 23, 2013, 03:38 ET

PARK RIDGE, N.J., July 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hertz Corporation (NYSE: HTZ) announces that it has transitioned its car rental fleet to non-smoking as part of the Company's commitment to provide the cleanest fleet in the car rental industry.

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"Hertz is committed to providing customers with the best cars and best fleet in the industry," commented Mark P. Frissora. "While most of our cars were already non-smoking, the vast majority of customers, as well as Hertz employees who transport cars, now indicate that they prefer to drive a smoke-free vehicle every rental. For that reason, the time is right to transition our fleet to non-smoking. Incorporating customer and employee feedback is a critical step to ensure we provide the most valued car rental experiences. By moving to a non-smoking fleet, car rental customers, car sales buyers and employees will be even more assured that Hertz vehicles are clean and safe."

Previously, the vast majority of Hertz's fleet was classified as non-smoking. With the entire fleet converting to the new policy, implemented based on strong customer preferences for non-smoking vehicles, all cars have been classified non-smoking. The company has adopted a $100 cleaning fee assessed for vehicles returned with evidence of smoking. To make customers aware of the new policy, Hertz locations display non-smoking signs and non-smoking stickers have been installed on each car in Hertz's fleet. Should a customer inquire at the time of reservation, they will be advised of the new policy.

To provide the cleanest cars in the industry, Hertz vehicles undergo a 36 point cleaning and service process. In addition, Hertz employees responsible for cleaning vehicles are professionally trained in car cleaning, general operations and safety. Hertz also uses commercial grade car washes at its airport locations, that recycle 80% of the water used, and the Company uses biodegradable and environmentally friendly cleaning products and Fresh Wave IAQ, a non-toxic, natural odor eliminator. Additionally, cleaning processes have been standardized to ensure that no task is overlooked and cars not meeting standards are set aside for additional cleaning or servicing if needed. The addition of the non-smoking policy ensures Hertz continues to offer the finest fleet available for rent.

About Hertz
Hertz operates its car rental business through the Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty brands from approximately 10,400 corporate, licensee and franchisee locations in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Australia, Africa, the Middle East and New Zealand. Hertz is the largest worldwide airport general use car rental brand, operating from approximately 8,800 corporate and licensee locations in approximately 150 countries. Hertz is the number one airport car rental brand in the U.S. and at 111 major airports in Europe. Dollar and Thrifty have approximately 1,580 corporate and franchisee locations in approximately 80 countries. Hertz is an inaugural member of Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards Hall of Fame and was recently named, for the thirteenth time, by the magazine's readers as the Best Car Rental Agency. Hertz was also voted the Best Overall Car Rental Company in Zagat's 2013/14 U.S. Car Rental Survey, earning top honors in 10 additional categories, and the Company swept the global awards for Best Rewards Program and Best Overall Benefits from FlyerTalk.com. Product and services such as Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, NeverLost®, and unique cars and SUVs offered through the Company's Adrenaline, Prestige and Green Traveler Collections, set Hertz apart from the competition. Additionally, Hertz owns the vehicle leasing and fleet management leader Donlen Corporation and operates the Hertz On Demand car sharing business. The Company also owns a leading North American equipment rental business, Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation, which includes Hertz Entertainment Services.

SOURCE The Hertz Corporation