PARK RIDGE, N.J., April 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hertz Corporation (NYSE: HTZ) is announcing the introduction of compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles to its fleet in the US. Hertz will begin renting eight CNG Honda Civics and two CNG GMC Yukons at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City early next month. All vehicles will include NeverLost GPS units to assist renters in mapping local CNG refueling stations.
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"Hertz is committed to providing our customers with a full spectrum of vehicle options to suit their rental needs including clean emission vehicles such as CNG, electric vehicles, as well as other fuel-efficient vehicles included in our Green Traveler Collection," said Mark P. Frissora, Hertz Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "As more low emission, fuel efficient vehicles become available for general use we will continue to expand our rental fleet, reflecting our dedication to offering sustainable travel options."
The new vehicles will be on display at the Oklahoma City Thunder's home game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, April 11. In conjunction with the Oklahoma City Thunder's Green Week, an NBA initiative for environmental awareness, Hertz will also be raffling off 10 weekend CNG vehicle rentals to game attendees.
The expansion of energy-efficient and clean vehicles stems from the launch of Living Journey, Hertz's global sustainability strategy announced earlier this year.
CNG is a cleaner-burning fuel, emitting up to 30 percent less carbon dioxide and up to 75 percent less carbon monoxide. The fuel also typically costs half the price of gasoline and is produced domestically.(1)Last year, Hertz introduced the addition of CNG vehicles through Hertz On Demand at Oklahoma State University. Hertz also deploys CNG airport buses at its Los Angeles Airport location and rents CNG vehicles in both Italy and the United Kingdom.
Oklahoma City is serving as a pilot program for Hertz's CNG airport rentals program. In addition to having significant CNG fueling infrastructure across the state – approximately 70 existing or planned public stations – Oklahoma is also home to several of the top natural gas producers in the country, including Chesapeake Energy Corporation.
"Through its natural gas vehicles rental program, Hertz shows its industry leadership and further illustrates the exciting future of natural gas as a transportation fuel," said Aubrey K. McClendon, Chesapeake Chief Executive Officer. "By renting a CNG vehicle, Hertz customers will cut their fueling costs in half, while driving a vehicle that is better for the environment.