Auto Rental News

Which Hybrids Pay Back the Quickest?

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 8:48:19 PST

After five years and 15,000 miles of driving per year, are there any hybrids that actually have a lower cost of ownership than their gas-engine counterparts? One unexpected vehicle takes the prize.

More Reported Trips Booked for Eastern Europe this Valentine’s Day

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 10:41:34 PST

eRentals.co.uk reports a higher demand for Valentine’s Day trips to Eastern European destinations such as Sofia, Prague, Bratislava and Krakow.

London's Car Rental Demand Increases for Olympic Games, 2T's Rental Reports

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:51:58 PST

2T’s Rental reports that unseen highs in car rental during the games will put pressure on top UK rental locations.

Car Rentals a Bright Spot in Gloomy U.K. Travel Report

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 13:16:29 PST

Vehicle rentals increased by 21.1%, according to a report from the Guild of Travel Management Companies.

Singapore Sees Uptick in Car-Sharing Market

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 14:25:42 PST

With rental car companies booked up, demand for car sharing has increased during the New Year, according to Today Online.

Saudi Car Rental Companies Look to Recruit Foreign Workers

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 14:49:48 PST

Car rental companies in the region have had trouble filling positions such as drivers and mechanics.

Car Rental Discounts Available through CouponSnapshot

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 9:10:17 PST

CouponSnapshot compiles online coupons, deals and special offers from thousands of merchants, and partners with Hotels.com, Marriott, Enterprise, CheapOair, Avis, Budget, Expedia, Priceline, Orbitz and Travelocity, among many others.

Supreme Court Says Police Must Have Warrant to Plant GPS Devices

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 11:55:32 PST

The Supreme Court’s ruling could impact a case in Ohio involving a rental car, in which the judge said the defendant had no reasonable expectation of privacy because the GPS device planted by police was on a rented vehicle.

Hertz Opens New Locations in West Virginia and Michigan

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:10:34 PST

Hertz Corp. has opened three more Local Edition locations in Huntington and Danville, W.Va., and in Port Huron, Mich.

Mass Transit Key Factor in Expanding Car Sharing, Hertz On Demand Says

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:31:34 PST

Hertz On Demand, the hourly rental service — or car-sharing branch — of Hertz. Corp., told Transportation Nation that it looks for cities with a ‘well-defined mass transit infrastructure’ before moving into a new area.

PGA of America Names National Car Rental as ‘Official Rental Car’

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 9:29:44 PST

National Car Rental will extend specially priced car rental rates to PGA Professionals, the 41 PGA Sections and the PGA's family of nearly 90 corporate partners.

IMpres Rent A Car Expands in New York with New Location

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:23:52 PST

A Feb. 12 grand opening event and coat drive will mark expansion of the locally owned company.

Onslow County in North Carolina Approves Airport Contract Facility Charge

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:55:03 PST

At $3.50 per rental car contract day at a limit of 10 days, the new fee was approved unanimously by the Onslow County board of commissioners at its regular monthly meeting on Jan. 18.

Avis Becomes UK's ‘Fastest Growing’ Car Rental Company

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 9:11:52 PST

Avis’ growing U.K. network now includes 29 airport locations, and 306 town and city locations.

Chicago Looks to Implement New Concession Fee at Airports

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:49:08 PST

In the proposal, 10% of the revenues from the 11.1% concession fee would go to the companies to help mediate their expenses to stay at the city’s two airports, while the remaining 1.1% would help fund airport projects, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Avis UK Partners with Etihad Airways Loyalty Program

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:51:01 PST

Members of Etihad Guest can earn triple air miles on all Avis locations worldwide until March 14.

How Far Will Cell Phone Bans Go?

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:54:03 PST

The federal government means business with its new law banning cell phone use while driving commercial vehicles. Can the laws go even further, and how should fleets react?

FSNA Reports Revenue Drop While Net Loss Decreased in 2011

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 9:04:22 PST

For the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2011, Franchise Services of North America Inc. announced that its net loss was cut by more than half compared to fiscal year ended Sept. 30 2010.

Personal Vehicle-Sharing Bill Introduced in Washington State

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:50:47 PST

Heading to the state’s House Committee on Business and Financial Services, HB 2384 would closely outline the Oregon and California legislation on peer-to-peer car sharing.

Enterprise Launches Mobile Booking Sites for European Customers

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 9:09:40 PST

A new mobile website is available for European customers in the UK, Ireland and Germany who book through Enterprise.

UK’s DOT Announces Plug-in Van Grant

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 9:43:21 PST

Buyers purchasing a qualifying vehicle under the grant program can receive a 20% percent incentive toward the cost of the vehicle — up to a maximum of £8,000.

Dubai: Rhinocarhire.com Expects an Increase in Car Rental Demand

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 9:55:58 PST

Car rental broker Rhinocarehire.com, an online booking site, expects the demand for car rental in Dubai to increase in 2012, following last year’s booking trends.

Avis in Israel Offers iPad2 with Car Rental

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:21:42 PST

Avis customers traveling in Israel can add-on an iPad 2 with their rental, which includes Internet access and GPS.

New Mobile Booking Site for Avis UK

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 9:18:09 PST

The site includes branch search, calendar view, pricing, service details, quick checkout and other reservation tools.

Seven Cars Missing from Phuket Rental firm

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:12:53 PST

Renters were either arrested or in hiding from police.

Avis Named World's Leading Business Car Rental Co. for 6th Consecutive Year

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:08:34 PST

The car rental company received 12 World Travel Awards for customer service and business performance in its various operating regions.

ACRA Welcomes Several New Car Rental Companies and Associate Members

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:48:12 PST

The American Car Rental Association is currently accepting new members and renewing memberships for 2012, and has already received numerous additions to its membership base.

Avis Budget Group Generated $65 Million in Savings from ‘Performance Excellence’ Initiative

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:37:32 PST

In 2011, compared to prior-year results, the program saw significant cost reductions and revenue enhancements through enhancing operational efficiency, driving incremental revenue, reducing fleet depreciation and fleet maintenance costs, and improving the Avis and Budget customer experience.

Family Gets Full Refund After Rental Car Plunges Off Ferry

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:27:49 PST

Fox Rent A Car was first reported to have refused a refund to a family whose rental car was bumped by another vehicle off the ferry boat. The company said it did not know at the time of the claim that the family was not at fault, according to the Orange County Register.

Updated Zipcar Appoints Frerk-Malte Feller as Zipcar Europe President

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:56:55 PST

And in an announcement Jan. 24, the company also appointed a director of finance for its European operations, David Pillinger.

South Korea to Get Its First Car Rental Facility

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:27:52 PST

The project, according to The Jeju Weekly, is already 60% complete and is being constructed at the Jeju International Airport.

China: Travelers Find it 'Difficult' to Rent a Car

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:58:10 PST

Car rental customers are finding few model selections, restrictions on length of rental and surging prices, according to China Daily.

Hertz ‘Ticket to Ride’ Winner to Meet and Interview Pop Band Fitz and the Tantrums

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:16:44 PST

The promotion is part of Hertz’s recently launched Movin’ with Music program, which includes the introduction of Hertz Live Radio, which will be streamed at Hertz facilities and on Hertz buses; and the Hertz Music Store, where Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members will be able to use their reward points to acquire music online.

China Auto Rental Files for Public Offering in NYSE

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:35:16 PST

Since starting in 2007, China Auto Rental has grown a fleet of 26,000 and said it hopes to take this number up to 100,000 in 2015.

Hertz UK and Nectar Renew Partnership to Reward Customer Loyalty

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:44:41 PST

Since Nectar's launch in 2002, more than £1.5 billion of rewards have been redeemed by its collectors.

Righting a Wrong in Arizona

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 8:52:03 PST

Arizona is one of a super minority of states in which auto rental companies are required by statute to pay for the negligent acts of their renters. Look for new legislation in the coming weeks that proposes to change that.

Sixt Rent A Car Launches Operations At Florida Airports

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 8:06:28 PST

In addition to announcing the start-up of an Orlando Airport location, Sixt will also open a branch at Palm Beach International.

Economy Car Hire Adds 70 New Locations Worldwide

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 8:35:33 PST

The new locations from the car rental website will include the U.S., the U.K., Macedonia and Poland.

Hertz Acquires Remaining Stake in Navigation Solutions

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 9:08:23 PST

Formed in 1998, Navigation Solutions was created to oversee the expansion and operation of NeverLost in Hertz rental cars throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Woman Files Suit Against Avis for Not Receiving Alleged ‘Gay’ Discount

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 9:37:12 PST

According to the San Diego News Examiner, a woman in Arizona is filing a federal class-action lawsuit against Avis for being denied discounts that were offered to members of two gay and lesbian associations.

Hertz On Demand, Miami Beach Partner to Offer Car Sharing

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:01:51 PST

The service will become available to residents starting Jan. 24.

ACRA Executive Director Visits Arizona to Express Views on Insurance Legislation

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:44:44 PST

Currently, Arizona is an outlier state that by statute makes car rental companies primary in all claims and prohibits recoveries through subrogation.

U.S. Appeals Court Says Insurer Must Pay in Geico v. Garcia, Sends Case Back

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:24:50 PST

In Garcia v. Geico General Insurance Co., the 11th circuit U.S. Court of Appeals said that even though the driver of the rental car involved in the crash wasn’t the original renter, the insurance company of the driver is still responsible for coverages.

Hertz On Demand Enrollment Included in Hertz Gold Membership

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:43:00 PST

The company announced that the enrollment is automatic, and Hertz On Demand members are also eligible to enroll in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program.

TRALA-Supported Virginia Legislation Would Limit Motor Vehicle Rental Tax

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:08:51 PST

The bill, HB 322, was introduced Jan. 11 and would attempt to expand the definition of "gross proceeds" as they relate to the collection of the rental tax.

Avis Becomes ‘Official Rental Car Company’ for PGA Tour

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:34:03 PST

Avis will also have placement on the official PGA Tour website, tie-ins to television programming and national advertising opportunities in print and broadcast channels.

Gear Up for Mobile Transactions: Visa OKs Smartphones for Use as Payment Device

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 9:05:44 PST

The transactions — certified by Visa Inc. and Visa Europe — will use Visa’s ‘payWave,’ so car rental companies that offer this type of Visa transaction should be prepared when customers begin pulling out their cell phones instead of credit cards at the point of sale.

Suspect Sought in Death of Exotic Car Rental Business Owner

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 9:21:38 PST

Victim was working to sell a silver 2008 Mercedes Benz coupe that he hoped would bring him $60,000.

Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing Officially Legal in Oregon

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 9:57:16 PST

At least two companies have announced expansion to the West Coast state since the Oregon Legislative Assembly passed HB 3149, which made peer-to-peer car sharing in the state legal as of Jan. 1.

RelayRides Updates Website, Requires Renters to Replace Gas

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:30:40 PST

Peer-to-peer car-sharing company announced that gas will no longer be included in the reservation price starting Jan. 16.

Auto Rental Rate Analysis: Miami Hit More than $100 for 2 Weeks

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:33:18 PST

Among the six cities in the rate analysis that Auto Rental News publishes monthly with the help of the The Tennant Group, Miami saw a huge spike in early- to mid-December auto rental rates.

Hertz Named Best U.S. and International Car Rental Company by Travel Weekly

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 9:41:59 PST

These were two of 25 total awards that Hertz Corp. won in 2011.

OnStar Opens API to Selected Developers

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:02:32 PST

Peer-to-peer car-sharing company RelayRides will be the first 2012 business partner by creating its own mobile app on the OnStar application program interface (API).

U-Save Car & Truck Rental Offers Advanced Search Features, Mobile Site

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:39:42 PST

The updated website allows customers to use an interactive map, and search for airport and international locations.

TSD Expands Reporting Features, More than 20 Other Upgrades

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:23:06 PST

The rental management company’s customers can now validate VINs in real-time, and create and design rental agreement reports from the recently expanded report system.

PhillyCarShare Expands, Replaces Entire Fleet

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:49:14 PST

The car-sharing company replaced all its vehicles and expanded to 23 new neighborhood locations by increasing its fleet size by 25%

Getaround to Launch in Portland with $1.725M Federal Grant

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:38:39 PST

Getaround has partnered with the city of Portland to start a peer-to-peer car-sharing program, and will be observed and researched by the Oregon Transportation Research and Education Consortium.

Company Shutdown Exposes Peer-to-Peer Car-Sharing Issues

Mon, 9 Jan 2012 11:49:18 PST

The theft of exotic cars due to lack of proper security controls brings up insurance, liability and quality concerns regarding the peer-to-peer model. Sometimes it’s not so smart to cut out the middleman.

JustShareIt Enters Peer-To-Peer Vehicle Sharing, Launches ‘Ridelink’

Mon, 9 Jan 2012 13:17:24 PST

The new car-sharing company JustShareIt said that it gives consumers ‘the safest option for peer-to-peer vehicle sharing.’

Thieves in London Target Vehicles with Keyless-Entry Systems

Mon, 9 Jan 2012 14:22:39 PST

One BVRLA rental member reported that a customer made an electronic copy of the key and fitted a tracking device to the car so it could be located later, entered using the duplicate key and then stolen.

Virgin Islands Car Rental Surcharge Increases

Mon, 9 Jan 2012 14:55:11 PST

The surcharge is getting raised along with the U.S. Virgin Islands’ hotel room tax.

Italian National Car Rental Franchise Partners with Alitalia Airline

Fri, 6 Jan 2012 9:19:54 PST

According to Incentive Travel & Corporate Meetings, Maggiore, the Italian franchise partner for National Car Rental, made a 5-year agreement with Alitalia to be its exclusive auto rental provider.

UK EasyCar Founder Rolls Out Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing

Fri, 6 Jan 2012 9:51:07 PST

The service is called the Car Club, according to the The Guardian, and runs as a subsidiary to the car rental company EasyCar.

Paris’ Autolib Fleet Vandalized, About 50 Cars Taken Out of Service

Fri, 6 Jan 2012 10:28:40 PST

Around 25% of the city’s car-sharing fleet was vandalized or suffered from breakdowns after about a month of service.

China: Car Rental Ads ‘Bombarding’ Residents

Fri, 6 Jan 2012 14:28:12 PST

As China’s auto rental industry grows — 20% annually over the last three years — advertisements at subway and bus stops urge residents to ‘drive home instead of being packed in a train.’

Dubai: Illegal Car Rental Companies Still a Problem

Thu, 5 Jan 2012 14:27:40 PST

After cracking down on illegal car rental operations in a 2008 campaign, Dubai police said unregistered and uninsured vehicles are still an issue on auto rental lots.

Correction Canada Province Requires Dealers to Disclose Former Rental Vehicles

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 9:46:45 PST

In a law that is now in effect in the Manitoba Province of Canadia, vehicle dealers are required to disclose if a vehicle had at any point been used as a rental.

Overstock Selects Priceline to Power New Travel Website

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 9:55:21 PST

O.co Travel customers will have access to a collection of travel services, including auto rental, from the Priceline Partner Network.

High Life Auto Rental Receives 2011 Best of Scottsdale Award

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 10:09:27 PST

U.S. Commerce Association’s award is aimed at local businesses throughout the country.

Car-Sharing Company Folds after Major Vehicle Theft

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 10:44:10 PST

HiGear, a peer-to-peer, luxury car-sharing company in San Francisco, announced it is shutting down after a series of vehicles were stolen from customers.

Chicago Car-Sharing Nonprofit Uses Solar-Powered Charging Station for EVs

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 12:08:50 PST

I-GO Car Sharing announced that its electric vehicle project will add 36 all-electric vehicles to its fleet and 18 solar charging stations to provide clean power to its cars.

2012 Car Rental Show Preview: Gather for Solutions

Tue, 3 Jan 2012 11:52:14 PST

The 2012 Car Rental Show will be one of our biggest in years. The best yet? You be the judge.

Debit Card Payment Processing Changes: Are You Taking Advantage?

Tue, 3 Jan 2012 12:30:59 PST

New, federally mandated caps on debit transaction fees may benefit car rental companies accepting debit cards. However, be prepared for stricter IRS information reporting rules and the proliferation of payments via smartphone.

How to Move Up on Google: From Page 99 to 1

Tue, 3 Jan 2012 13:18:35 PST

Having an online presence is essential for an independent car rental company, but this means more than just having a website and a Facebook account — you have to engage your customers and understand your targeted market.

Investigating the Renter: Are you Responsible for Verifying Licenses with the DMV?

Tue, 3 Jan 2012 14:56:45 PST

Technology has enhanced rental car companies’ ability to verify the status of a customer’s license, and with it, has opened the door for potential negligent entrustment cases. What is your duty in light of recent case law?

ACRA: 'It's that Time of Year Again!'

Tue, 3 Jan 2012 15:11:05 PST

The fiscal year for ACRA is now over, and the organization reports it ‘enjoyed significant growth in 2011.’

Car Rental Q&A: What's a Manufacturer's 'Non-Return Allowance' in a Repurchase Program?

Tue, 3 Jan 2012 15:21:54 PST

Q: I saw on one of your manufacturer’s Repurchase Programs a reference to a “Non-Return Allowance.” What is that?

Jan/Feb Issue of Auto Rental News is Online

Tue, 3 Jan 2012 15:44:54 PST

Read features on how to boost your page ranking on Google; what's new in negligent entrustment and your duty to investigate the renter; and how debit card legislation could help your business.

Boston Requires Car Rental Companies to Report Customer Names To RMV

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 9:32:37 PST

Boston City Councilmember Rob Consalvo authored the legislation in which the Boston Police Department and major car rental companies in the city agreed that police should have immediate access to drivers’ names when the license plate is pulled.

Rent Centric Releases Mobile App and Interface

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 10:01:49 PST

The app is aimed at further enhancing the Rent Centric on-demand smartphone and tablet experience for its globally accredited vehicle rental software service.

Top 10 Auto Rental Headlines in 2011

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 10:25:58 PST

A quick review of the top 10 read stories on Auto Rental News.

Re-Refined Oil: How Quality and Pricing Compare to Virgin Oil

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 10:53:13 PST

Re-refined oil is now certified by the American Petroleum Institute and recognized as equivalent to virgin oil by leading auto rental companies in the industry, yet only 10% of used oil is re-refined each year.

Hertz Reduces Winter Rates in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 9:19:20 PST

Hertz UAE is now offering reductions of up to 15% on its car rental rates and double bonus air travel points with Emirates Airlines, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa and Air France for visitors to the Emirates when they book a Hertz UAE rent-a-car.

Avis in India Doubles Its Bookings in 2011

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:21:29 PST

According the The Globe and Mail, the car rental company saw about 10,000 bookings in 2011.

Hertz Global Sale Discounts Car Rentals Up to 33% in 111 Countries

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:02:19 PST

The discounts received on international auto rentals in participating countries in Europe and the Middle East are up to 33% depending on the location, and the discount received for car rentals in participating countries in the Americas and Asia Pacific is 20%.

Enterprise Holdings' Airport Holiday Rentals Up 11%

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 8:25:28 PST

Compared to 2010, the company's three brands have seen an overal holiday reservation increase of more than 20%.

Congressman Sam Graves to Deliver 2012 Car Rental Show Opening Address

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 9:26:07 PST

Graves, a U.S. Representative for Missouri, will give updates and insights into the 2012 legislative agenda and new challenges that will affect all Car Rental Show attendees.

car2go Enters Official Agreement with Austin’s Car-Sharing Program

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:14:38 PST

Austin was the first North American car2go city, and will remain as corporate headquarters.

GSA Increases Vehicle Rental Timeframe for Federal Agencies

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 18:21:41 PST

WASHINGTON - The new rule increases the rental timeframe to less than 120 continuous days (originally less than 60 continuous days) in addition to making other changes.

Hertz Makes Additions to Prestige and Adrenaline Collections

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 9:09:40 PST

The new vehicles in Hertz’s car collections include the Cadillac CTS, Camaro SS Convertible and Corvette Convertible.

Rental Car Thefts: Two Women Get Caught Up in Schemes

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:06:51 PST

In one case last week, a woman was trying to pay off her drug dealer by letting him test drive her rental car, and another thought she was on a romantic movie date … but both ‘got duped.’

6 Predictions for the Car Rental Industry in 2012

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:44:36 PST

What roles will independent car rental companies, car dealers and car-sharing technology play in the car rental industry in 2012? And will Hertz deal anew for a Dollar Thrifty merger?

Zipcar Purchases a Majority Stake in Barcelona-based Avancar

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:45:38 PST

Avancar is Spain's largest car-sharing operator.

UK Enterprise Rent-A-Car Sees Success in Social Mentoring Program

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:56:07 PST

Arrival Education is a social enterprise organization that partners with companies to give their employees a chance to learn by mentoring young students.

Dollar Thrifty Board Appoints Scott Thompson as Chairman

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 9:58:53 PST

Thompson is also the company's president and CEO.

Year-end Holiday Travel to Increase by 1.4%, AAA Says

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:31:16 PST

Auto rental rates, according to the survey, are down 21% compared to the last year-end holiday period.

Updated: Boxer Withdraws Amendment on Rental Recalls

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:54:59 PST

Feeling the pressure from the lobbying effort of the industry and acknowledging the controversial nature of the issue, Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) withdrew her amendment on rental recalls Dec. 14 during the Senate Commerce Committee's mark-up of the Auto Safety Bill.

Sixt Expands in Caribbean

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 8:56:26 PST

Business and leisure customers can rent vehicles at the new Sixt location on the main island of Grand Cayman.

Advantage Rent A Car Opens 8 New Locations Across Europe

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 9:03:22 PST

In Europe, Advantage offers vehicles in mini, economy, compact, intermediate and premium categories.

Hertz Now Offering Luxury Cars in the U.K.

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 9:27:44 PST

The car rental company announced a partnership with with luxury car rental company Première Velocity.