OAK PARK, Mich., Oct. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hertz Corporation (NYSE: HTZ), the world's largest general use airport car rental
brand, and Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD)(OTC: AZDDF) ("Azure"),
a world leader in the development and production of hybrid electric and
electric components and powertrain systems for light and medium
commercial vehicles, today jointly announced the addition of the
innovative Ford Transit Connect Electric van into Hertz's fleet, a first
for the car rental industry. The five Hertz units will be deployed
mid-November at multiple locations as part of Hertz Entertainment Services and Hertz on Demand car sharing.
"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," commented Mark P. Frissora,
Hertz Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "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."
"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," said Nancy Gioia,
director of global electrification, Ford Motor Company. "With its new
Transit Connect Electric fleet, Hertz will allow even more businesses in
a variety of new industries to experience 100 percent electric and
zero-emissions driving."
"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. "Although driving performance and cargo
versatility will be familiar compared to the conventional product, our
Force Drive(TM) powertrain runs entirely on electricity, producing zero
tailpipe emissions, and will likely be the first electric drive
experience for many of Hertz customers."
According to independent data, rental car companies collectively operate approximately 1.63 million vehicles in the United States.
As the economy gains traction, it is expected that U.S. rental
companies will add vehicles to their fleets including fuel efficient
'green' vehicles.
Hertz
Entertainment Services rents vehicles to various studios and
entertainment companies that often choose to rent vehicles during
periods of increased activity. Hertz On Demand is a pay-on-demand car
membership club based on hourly rental services. The Transit Connect
Electric program is a chance for both divisions to explore opportunities
for the van's inclusion in the fleet.
Hertz
continues to improve the fuel economy of its vehicles through is Global
EV eco-mobility program, which is championing an electric and plug-in
hybrid vehicle mobility ecosystem that incorporates transportation
options that minimize the impact of its operations on the environment
and enables the company to continue consistent sound environmental
behavior.
The
Ford Transit Connect Electric utilizes Azure's proprietary electric
powertrain system and Johnson Controls' advanced lithium-ion battery to
achieve a range of 50 to 80 miles depending on auxiliary usage and drive
cycle and is rechargeable using either a 240-volt or standard 120-volt
outlet. Commercial vans generally return to a central location at the
end of each driving cycle making for easy overnight recharging. Use of
the Transit Connect Electric vehicles will also reduce fuel and
maintenance costs, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
About Azure Dynamics
Azure
Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD)(OTC: AZDDF) is a world leader in the
development and production of hybrid electric and electric components
and powertrain systems for light and medium commercial vehicles. Azure
is strategically targeting the commercial delivery vehicle and shuttle
bus markets and is currently working internationally with a variety of
partners and customers. The Company is committed to providing customers
and partners with innovative, cost-efficient, and
environmentally-friendly energy management solutions. For more
information please visit www.azuredynamics.com.
About Hertz
The Hertz Corporation, a subsidiary of Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HTZ),
is the world's largest airport general use car rental brand, operating
from approximately 8,500 locations in 146 countries worldwide. Hertz
also operates one of the world's largest equipment rental businesses,
Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation, through approximately 320 branches
in the United States, Canada, France, Spain, China and Italy. For more information please visit www.hertz.com.
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