The Hertz Corp., taking a page from the
major airlines' playbook, launched a low-cost car rental company
called Simply Wheelz designed specifically for price-conscious
leisure renters.
Simply Wheelz
features car rental rates from $15 a day on weekends, $94 a
week.
The company began
accepting reservations on Aug. 1 at its Web site, www.simplywheelz.com, and by phone at (888)
999-9078.
The first rental
location will open on Sept. 1 at Orlando Airport.
Hertz indicated
that leisure travelers would be a key market for Simply Wheelz,
which offers a choice of only eight vehicle models: Hyundai Accent,
Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Taurus,
Chevrolet Trailblazer, Hyundai Entourage and Chrysler
Sebring.
"More than 60% of
the leisure car rental market is booked online today, and many
online shoppers focus heavily on price," Mark Frissora, chairman
and CEO of Hertz, said in a statement. "Simply Wheelz allows the
Hertz Corp. to effectively tap into that market."
Hertz spokeswoman
Paula Rivera said that Simply Wheelz was able to offer lower rates
relative to Hertz "because we don't offer all of the products and
services" available to Hertz customers, such as reserving specific
cars by make and model.
Also, Hertz #1 Club
and #1 Club Gold services and benefits are not available to Simply
Wheelz renters.
In contrast, Simply
Wheelz locations will be highly automated, with renters using
self-service kiosks to rent and return vehicles.
Rivera said Hertz
was considering opening other Simply Wheelz locations but declined
to reveal specific locations or the number of locations being
considered.
However, Rivera
said, it is likely that future Simply Wheelz locations will be in
airports.
To
contact reporter Michael Milligan, send e-mail to [email protected].