PARK RIDGE, NJ - The Hertz Corporation signed a Letter of Intent to add Renault's new range of electric vehicles (EV) to the Hertz fleets and car sharing club Connect by Hertz across Europe, according to Hertz. The rental operator will be one of the first to offer Renault's Twizy for hire, and will also rent the ZOE, Fluence Z.E. and Kangoo Z.E. models.

Hertz plans to add 500 units of the Renault range to its fleet over the next two years across Europe. The partnership will form part of the European development of Hertz's Global Electric Vehicle Program, an initiative designed to bring a variety of zero emission (ZE) electric vehicles to the general public.

"Hertz is committed to global implementation of our Electric Vehicle initiative and our planned partnership with Renault will be a vital component of our European roll-out. Renault has developed a full range of electric vehicles demonstrating that design, style and flexibility are compatible with zero-emissions," according to Mark Frissora, chairman and CEO of Hertz Corporation. "We look forward to providing our Hertz customers and Connect by Hertz members with the opportunity to drive these vehicles from the beginning of 2012."

Renault's EV lineup includes the Fluence Z.E., a family car; the Kangoo Z.E., an electric van; the Twizy, a practical car ideal for city driving; and the ZOE, a 100% electric car built for busy urban environments but also at ease out on the road, according to the company.

Hertz is also forming partnerships with manufacturers, charging station providers, municipalities, NGOs, corporations and other stakeholders to introduce multiple groups of consumers to the new EV's and plug-in hybrids, according to the company.

"Our partnership with Hertz will allow the public to experience our innovative driving technology first-hand, as well as developing their understanding of the environmental benefits of our Renault ZE Range," according to Uwe Hochgeschurtz, senior vice president, Renault Corporate sales division.

During the next several months, Hertz Global EV will leverage the company's rental and car sharing locations as bases for vehicles and charging stations, and tap into its technology to help form an EV grid, according to the company.