The Hertz Corporation and Azure Dynamics Corporation recently announced the addition of the Ford Transit Connect Electric van into Hertz’s fleet, a first for the car rental industry.
Hertz is considered to be the world’s largest general use airport car rental brand, while Azure Dynamics is a world leader in the development and production of hybrid electric and electric components and powertrain systems for light and medium commercial vehicles. The five new Hertz units will be sent to multiple locations as part of Hertz Entertainment Services and Hertz on Demand car sharing in mid-November.
Mark P. Frissora, Hertz Chairman and CEO, said, “Hertz Entertainment Services and Hertz on Demand customers have unique vehicle needs and the Transit Connect Electric is a perfect fit for customers looking for the latest in mobility solutions while also achieving best in class sustainability practices. We expect to deploy the Transit Connect Electric in our B to B programs for customers who need a light duty van with a high degree of cargo capacity as a part of their fleet solutions.”
Nancy Gioia, director of global electrification at Ford Motor Company, said, “Since launching last year, a broad cross-section of businesses, including utilities, delivery companies and even law firms have used the Transit Connect Electric to green their fleets.”
“The value-add of working with a marquee rental company like Hertz is that multiple end-users will get behind the wheel and experience our Transit Connect Electric first hand,” said Scott Harrison, Azure Dynamics CEO.
Rental car companies collectively operate approximately 1.63 million vehicles in the United States. It is expected that rental companies will start to add more fuel-efficient ‘green’ vehicles to their fleets. Hertz continues to improve the fuel economy of its vehicles through its Global EV eco-mobility program, which pushes for an electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle mobility ecosystem that incorporates transportation options that minimize the impact of its operations on the environment.
The Ford Transit Connect Electric can achieve a range of 50 to 80 miles with its battery and is rechargeable with either a 240-volt or standard 120-volt outlet. Commercial vans return to a central location at the end of each driving cycle for overnight recharging. The use of Transit Connect Electric vehicles will also reduce fuel and maintenance costs, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Visit www.hertz.com or www.azuredynamics.com