Hertz Europe said Tuesday it plans to accelerate its adoption of self service technology by rolling out "Self Service Express" touch screen kiosks at selected locations across nine countries in Europe for all customers (not just members-only) who have prepaid for their rental.

Similar to an airline check-in kiosk, the "Self Service Express" touch screen kiosk is a reservation-based system that collects the customer's personal information, identifies the customer's reservation and completes the rental car pick-up process. In addition, the solution allows Hertz customers to select and purchase upgrades, optional insurance and waiver products, fuel options and add-ons such as child seats and the Hertz NeverLost in-car satellite navigation system.

The Self Service Express Kiosks complement the Hertz Worldwide Online Check-in program, which allows customers to begin the check-in process in the comfort of their home or office before they travel.

The kiosks from NCR Corporation use a highly reliable common use self service software platform that has already been adopted by many airlines to enable customers to check-in quickly and easily for their flights. NCR is also providing Hertz with comprehensive hardware support services, including remote management and helpdesk assistance on a global basis.

The Hertz Self Service Express Kiosks are already available at the following airports in Europe: Bergamo Orio al Serio, Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa, Rome Ciampino, Rome Fiumicino, Pisa (Italy); Edinburgh, London Heathrow, London Stansted, Prestwick (UK); Malaga (Spain); and Frankfurt Hahn (Germany). Further roll-out plans are underway in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland. The company also plans to enable the kiosks to accept non-prepaid tariffs in early 2011.

In addition, Hertz has launched a free iPhone application available in 18 languages for customers in Europe. The Hertz iPhone application allows customers to make reservations, save their Hertz #1 Club member number, search and find nearby Hertz locations, save favorite locations and receive special promotions via their mobile devices. The Hertz iPhone application is available for download on http://www.hertz.co.uk/app.