PARK RIDGE, NJ, Aug 05, 2009 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- It's mid summer and to celebrate the remainder of the travel season, Connect by Hertz, Hertz's global car sharing club, has significantly expanded its presence throughout Manhattan, increasing its number of locations and fleet size more than 10-fold with the addition of more than 420 cars, conveniently situated at more than 170 parking locations.

With the increase in fleet, new cars have been added to the Company's roster, including the Toyota Yaris, Mazda 6, Volvo C70 convertible and C30 hatchback, and the Volkswagon Jetta and Beatle. The cars suitably fit the 'Personal,' 'Social,' and 'JetSet' cars currently available, which include the Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry and Mini Cooper, respectively.

In addition, with more than 170 new parking locations, cars can be found as far south as Wall Street, as far north as West 91st Street, and everywhere in between. To view the locations' details, visit www.connectbyhertz.com, click 'New York City' and then click 'Locations.'

Connect by Hertz has also installed a new interactive screenpad in each Connect vehicle, which allows members to extend and/or end their reservation without calling the Company's Member Care Center.

"Connect by Hertz has the most competitive rates in New York City and the most features in the car share market, including an unlimited mileage allowance," said Mark P. Frissora, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hertz. "We've expanded rapidly since our launch in December and will continue to expand globally to provide members with an economical alternative to car ownership wherever they are located."

Connect by Hertz offers businesses an economical, convenient and socially conscious alternative to fleet ownership. The Company 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.

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, EZ Pass transponders, and NeverLost(R) in-car navigation system.

About Hertz

Hertz (NYSE: HTZ) is the world's largest general use car rental brand, operating from approximately 8,000 locations in 145 countries worldwide. Hertz is the number one airport car rental brand in the U.S. and at 42 major airports in Europe, operating both corporate and licensee locations in cities and airports in North America, Europe, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. In addition, the Company has licensee locations in cities and airports in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Product and service initiatives such as Hertz #1 Club Gold(R), NeverLost(R) customized, onboard navigation systems, SIRIUS XM Satellite Radio(R), and unique cars and SUVs offered through the company's Prestige, Fun and Green Collections, set Hertz apart from the competition. In 2008, the Company launched Connect by Hertz, entering the global car sharing market in London, New York City and Paris. Hertz also operates one of the world's largest equipment rental businesses, Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation, offering a diverse line of equipment, including tools and supplies, as well as new and used equipment for sale, to customers ranging from major industrial companies to local contractors and consumers from approximately 330 branches in the United States, Canada, China, France and Spain.

SOURCE: The Hertz Corporation