Hybrid Rental Car Availability: Enterprise Rent-A-Car Leaving the Competition Behind
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Edited 04-03-09. Early in February, 2009, Enterprise Rent-A-Car announced plans to double its fleet of hybrid rental cars, adding 5000 cars and small SUVs, and making them available to eco-conscious motorists at nearly eighty “hybrid branches” nationwide. Enterprises specifically designated “hybrid branches” specialize in new-hybrid car rentals, and they offer customers the convenience of reserving their hybrid cars either online or by phone.
Enterprise already boasts the industry’s largest fleet of fuel efficient vehicles: three-quarters of the Enterprise fleet get 28 mpg or more, and more than 25% are rated at 32mpg or more. Enterprise also sponsors a carbon offset program. For every 100,000 customers who participate in the program, 30 million pounds of greenhouse emissions are taken out of the atmosphere.
Now, Enterprise takes it eco-conscious initiatives to the next level, setting the industry standard for hybrid car rentals. Enterprise will expand its hybrid car rentals in all three of its classes -”standard” hybrids, comparable with larger sub-compacts, “full size” hybrids, which comfortably will seat five passengers and carry all their gear, and “hybrid SUVs,” comparable with cross-over vehicles.
“Standard” Hybrids
Toyota Prius Hybrid, one of the most popular and best engineered hybrids on the American market, leads the “standard” class. Enterprise rents four-door models, which have room for five passengers; and all of their Prius hybrids come equipped with automatic transmission, air-conditioning, and AM/FM stereo with CD player. Daily rental rates start at $89.99 in many markets. Insurance and local charges will boost the actual cost to a little over $100. Enterprise also plans to add Nissan Altima to its standard hybrid fleet.
“Full Size” Hybrids
Toyota Camry Hybrid, the second generation of Toyota’s advanced hybrid technology, and a Kelly Blue Book Customer Favorite, leads Enterprise’s fleet of “full size” hybrids. Exceptionally comfortable and fun to drive, Enterprise’s four-door Camry hybrids all have automatic transmissions, air conditioning, and AM/FM stereos with CD players. Daily rates for Camrys start at $94.99 per day, and the Camry hybrid probably represents the best value for traveling families.
Hybrid SUVs
The Ford Escape Hybrid, arguably the finest American-made hybrid, anchors Enterprise’s fleet of SUVs. Roomy as most full-sized SUVs, the Ford Escape handles and parks far easier than a full-size, and the Escape hybrid has 40% better fuel efficiency than Ford Escapes with conventional engines. Enterprise’s Ford Escape hybrids come fully equipped with automatic transmission, tilt steering wheel and cruise control, split rear seat which folds three different ways, air conditioning and AM/FM stereo with CD player. At just $99.99 per day, the Escape hybrid is the perfect choice for vacationing families with lots of gear and serious tourists who expect to rack-up lots of miles exploring their vacation destinations.
A quick check on Enterprise’s website results in the following sampling of rates for mid-May 2009 hybrid rental availability for Tempa Airport, Tempa FL. The Camry Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid still look like difficult vehicles to get, given a smaller fleet than the Prius.
Daily rates, Tempa Airport, mid-May, 2009
Weekly rates, Tempa Airport, mid-May, 2009
Leading the Hybrid Rentals Bandwagon
Enterprise Hybrid Car Rentals will be available in twenty-four major US markets, including the country’s busiest airports. The most “hybrid branches” will open in California and New York, where demand for hybrid car rentals has soared in the last several years. Enterprise plans to open hybrid branches in Oregon, Texas, and Washington in future expansion.
Enterprise executives frequently have stressed the company’s commitment to new engine technologies and development of alternative fuels for use in their rental fleet. Doubling its available hybrid car rentals, Enterprise clearly demonstrates its commitment and gives demanding customers the vehicles they want, when they want them. Meanwhile, market analysts have noticed the impact of Enterprise’s green initiatives on its bottom line; even in a seriously depressed economy, Enterprise’s bold and aggressive move into hybrid rental cars and flex-fuel vehicles of all kinds has increased its market share. In some markets, Enterprise has gained 15%, stealing customers from airport leader Hertz and customer-friendly Avis.
When Enterprise will guarantee availability of hybrid rental cars, you know they are serious about helping to clean up the environment. To check availability go directly to Enterprise’s hybrid rental cars webpage.
