PARK RIDGE, NJ -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 05/05/2011 -- As part of its Global Electric Vehicle (EV) expansion throughout New York City, Connect by Hertz, Hertz's global car sharing club, the first car sharing club to introduce the 100% electric Nissan LEAF^TM in Manhattan, is bringing the LEAF to Manhattan's Seward Park Co-op. To celebrate the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, a formal unveiling, attended by Speaker of the New York State Assembly, Sheldon Silver, will be held at Seward Park (413 Grand St in Manhattan) on Friday, May 6 at 12 noon.

The all-electric Nissan LEAF joins the Prius Hybrid and smart fortwo that are part of Seward Park's car sharing program. In an effort to make EVs a viable option for its residents, Seward Park has installed four Coulomb Technologies networked charging stations that are part of the ChargePoint® Network. The ChargePoint Network gives all EV drivers unique, easy-to-use services including: real-time status and location of unoccupied charging stations, tracking and reporting greenhouse gas and gasoline savings, and charging status notification, all by SMS, email or smart phone applications. ChargePoint also includes a billing system so that station owners can recoup the costs of electricity, maintenance and capital from drivers. Two of the stations are part of Coulomb's $37 million ChargePoint America program.

The 2011 Nissan LEAF^TM, the world's first affordable, zero-emission car, is designed specifically for a lithium-ion battery-powered chassis. The Nissan LEAF is a medium-size hatchback that comfortably seats five adults and has a range of 100 miles on one full charge to satisfy real-world consumer requirements. Powered by 48 laminated compact lithium-ion battery modules and a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 107 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, the LEAF provides a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience.

Located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, Seward Park Co-op is one of the largest free market co-ops in Manhattan with more than 1,700 apartments, approximately 50 commercial tenants, 13 acres of land and more than 4,000 residents. Celebrating its 50th year, Seward Park has a strong commitment to the environment, working with Comverge and the Clean Energy Network NY, and is in the process of opening a green market on Hester Street.

Connect by Hertz car sharing has approximately 30,000 members, is available in six countries and on 54 university campuses. Connect by Hertz offers its members products and services that are unmatched in the car sharing industry, including a fee free program, one way usage for New York City area members, guaranteed reservations, Monday through Thursday including holidays; a variety of Electric Vehicles, including the Nissan LEAF, Chevrolet Volt, and smart fortwo electric drive; an in-house Member Care Center available 24/7, 365 days a year; an in-car GPS system in every vehicle, included in the hourly rate; a fast and easy-to-use website; and rates as low as $5 in Manhattan.

Connect by Hertz's industry leading, propriety in-car technology provides members a safe and superior car sharing experience. Upon enrolling in Connect by Hertz, members receive a smart chip enabled Connect card, which gives them keyless entry to any car in the fleet that the member reserves. In the car, a hands-free audio kit connects members to an in-house Member Care Center representative should they have questions, need assistance or need to extend their use of the car. Connect by Hertz is able to "communicate" with the vehicle, enabling representatives to unlock, engage and locate vehicles and cars are also equipped with iPod connectivity, Bluetooth capabilities, for a hands free driving experience, and EZ Pass transponders.

For more information, visit www.connectbyhertz.com or call Member Care Services at 877-654-4400.