Connect by Hertz signs Marriott as Corporate Customer

Connect by Hertz, Hertz’s global car sharing club, has signed Marriott International as a corporate client. Cars will be placed at Marriott’s Bethesda, MD headquarters providing its more than 3,000 employees with an environmentally friendly, economical alternative to car ownership and a solution for short-term transportation needs.

Hertz launched its car sharing club in December.

Mark P. Frissora, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hertz, said, “Car sharing is another good way for corporations to manage business travel in an efficient and environmentally-friendly manner. The partnership between Marriott and Connect by Hertz enables Marriott, a long-time Hertz partner, to create a new, cost-effective travel option for its headquarter employees. We believe many corporations can realize significant savings and benefits by adding a car sharing option to their business travel portfolio.”

Arne Sorenson, Chief Financial Officer of Marriott International and co-chair of the company’s Executive Green Council said, “If our headquarters employees have access to Connect by Hertz cars to run errands or attend offsite meetings mid-day, we believe they’ll be more likely to carpool, bicycle and take public transportation to and from work. Based on this program’s success, we will review making it available at our hotels throughout the world.”

Four EPA SmartWay certified cars have been placed at Marriott’s headquarters and will be available for use 24/7. Cars are available to all employee members of Connect by Hertz with gas, maintenance, insurance and parking included in the low, hourly rate (starting at $8.50 per hour).

Marriott and Hertz are also allowing membership and vehicle usage by other businesses located near the Marriott headquarters as well as local-area Bethesda residents.

Connect by Hertz offers businesses an economical, convenient and socially conscious alternative to fleet ownership. Connect by Hertz helps promote public transportation usage and car pooling, reducing congestion and parking problems while helping the environment. Businesses can reduce expenses and control costs by converting fixed fleet costs into variable costs by only paying for per trip usage. Shared cars can be used for professional purposes, including trips to nearby offices and off-site business meetings. Additionally, businesses can give employees a money-saving perk by offering Connect cars at work, making cars available for personal usage.

With a variety of programs available, Connect by Hertz eliminates the need for businesses to worry about owning a corporate fleet. Connect by Hertz’s basic business package is great for small companies with such benefits as no minimum commitment, free membership and a variety of parking options. For larger businesses, Connect by Hertz’s semi-exclusive and exclusive packages offer exclusive vehicle usage, membership in Connect by Hertz and Hertz #1 Club Gold, and personal, employee accounts.

Connect by Hertz uses the latest in end-to-end telematics to provide superior customer service. Members enroll online where they can retrieve invoices and access their driving history. After reserving, an email confirmation and text message indicating the car’s license plate and location is sent to the member. To unlock and engage the vehicle, members simply swipe their Connect card over the car’s identification reader. In car, a hands-free audio kit connects members to a Member Care Center representative should they have questions, need assistance or need to extend their rental. Cars are also equipped with iPod connectivity and NeverLost in-car navigation system.

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