“Superstorm Sandy” and its aftermath have generated an unprecedented demand for rental cars – from consumers as well as from government agencies, insurance companies, local utilities, and catastrophe teams (CAT). To respond to this urgent need, the American Car Rental Association’s member companies are working night and day to relocate tens of thousands of cars and trucks to the Eastern Seaboard as quickly as possible.

However, there are still significant waiting lists in some communities where residents are requesting replacements for their damaged vehicles. In addition, many business travelers and tourists in the region are having difficulty securing vehicles for their trips. In short, although our member companies took extraordinary steps in advance of Sandy, they are simply not able to meet the current need for vehicles in some locations.

Meanwhile, the U.S. car rental industry remains committed to helping restore daily business operations and the lives of our neighbors who have been impacted. For instance, ACRA is coordinating with the Deputy Secretary of State for Business and Licensing Services in New York. Car rental companies also have brought in emergency fuel and have responded to requests for vehicles from the Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This is just another example of how the car rental industry can pull together and support American communities after disaster strikes.