Travellers heading for London can join electric vehicle revolution 17.05.2012: Hertz adds eco-friendly electric Ampera to fleet as city looks to become electric capital of Europe Caption: The electric Ampera will be available to rent from the Hertz in London

Hertz adds eco-friendly electric Ampera to fleet as city looks to become electric capital of Europe



Caption:         The electric Ampera will be available to rent from the Hertz in London from next  month.  


Middle East travellers heading for London can look forward to joining the electric vehicle (EV) revolution when renting cars in the UK capital from next month.


The Hertz Corporation, the world’s largest general use car rental brand, has announced that through its partnership with Vauxhall Motors, customers will be able to rent the stylish, electric Ampera from the Hertz on Demand EV car sharing fleet in London.


The revolutionary vehicle has a sophisticated propulsion system, including an extended range of up to 360 miles. The Ampera will be available to rent from next month at www.hertzondemand.co.uk.


Michel Taride, President, Hertz International and Executive Vice President, Hertz Corporation, said: “We are delighted to be introducing the Ampera to our growing fleet of electric vehicles. At Hertz, we are excited about new technology and innovations in smart, eco-friendly travel.”


The Ampera will incorporate Hertz On Demand’s leading, proprietary in-car technology which provides members a safe and superior car sharing experience.  In the car, a hands-free audio kit connects members to an in-house Member Care Centre representative - available 24/7, 365 days a year - should they have questions, need assistance or need to extend their use of the car. 


Hertz On Demand is able to “communicate” with the vehicle, enabling representatives to unlock, engage and locate vehicles and cars are equipped with iPod connectivity, along with Bluetooth capabilities for hands free driving.


Earlier this week Hertz hosted a discussion with representatives from the Office of Low Emissions Vehicles, Transport for London’s Source London, and PricewaterhouseCoopers on the EV revolution. Electric vehicles have become a reality in London, which is a leader in advancing a new model for mobility.


Hertz also confirmed this week that it will help promote Source London’s EV charging network to customers in support of London’s vision of becoming an electric capital of Europe.


The move comes as part of Hertz’s on-going commitment to sustainable motoring. The first global rental car company to provide Electric Vehicles across three continents and offering the most diverse range of EV’s on the market, Hertz has in recent months announced a range of agreements to expand upon its fleet of electric cars and vans. 


In the UK, Hertz operates 16 Source London funded charging points at six locations across Greater London including London Heathrow and London City Airport.


The company has just signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Chargemaster plc, the UK’s premier supplier of EV charging solutions, and the parties are in discussions to launch the operation of an electric vehicle (EV) car share scheme in the university city of Oxford.


- Tony Lewis, Total Communications Dubai - also photo