Hertz Sponsors Innovation Center to Promote Mobility

Tel Aviv-based DRIVE Innovation Center will connect Hertz with early-stage startups and entrepreneurs to help influence the development of innovation for smart mobility.

Hertz Global Holdings Inc. has announced its sponsorship of the DRIVE Innovation Center. Launched by the Mayer Group in Tel Aviv, the center is dedicated to promote the development of technology for the smart mobility domain, including car rental.

The DRIVE Innovation Center will introduce Hertz to Israeli-based startups and entrepreneurs to provide them with guidance on car rental business model development and value creation, as well as explore partnership opportunities, according to the company.

"We are very excited to join the DRIVE community of smart mobility innovators in the 'Silicon Wadi,'” said Tyler Best, Hertz chief information officer. “Being involved in initiatives like the DRIVE Innovation Center program enables us to stay connected to development efforts around the world. It also complements our own research and development activity, which is aimed at helping us remain competitive and truly differentiated in this rapidly emerging sector. Additionally, we are pleased with the opportunity to work with fellow DRIVE sponsors Volvo Cars, Honda Silicon Valley Lab, and Israeli telematics company Ituran."

The Hertz sponsorship of DRIVE also builds upon the company's partnership with Mayer Cars and Trucks LTD, which has operated Hertz car rental and leasing in Israel for more than 40 years.

The DRIVE center incorporates a start-up accelerator, advanced prototyping labs, and co-working space.

"Through the DRIVE concept, we will be collaborating with start-ups and entrepreneurs in Israel on defining real-world applications for their ideas for smart mobility including car rental, and providing them with the opportunity to pilot their initiatives,” said Michel Taride, group president of Hertz International. “Our ambition is to seek out and influence the development of disruptive innovation to transform aspects of our core business model as well as drive customer experience to a whole new level."

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