HONOLULU, HI–(Marketwire – August 21, 2009) - Enterprise Rent-A-Car is designating four rental locations in Hawai’i as “hybrid branches” — part of an ongoing nationwide effort that includes nearly 100 rental locations in 30 major markets across the U.S. The designated “hybrid branches” have a higher concentration of hybrids available and customers will be able to reserve these hybrids online or by phone.

Enterprise made the announcement today at a press conference hosted by Gov. Linda Lingle and the Hawai’i Department of Transportation at the Hawai’i Convention Center, as part of Hawai’i's celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Statehood, commemorating the state’s rich history as well as its plans for a sustainable future.

Enterprise is home to the world’s largest fleet of fuel-efficient vehicles. The designation of the hybrid locations in Hawai’i is part of a larger effort that added nearly 5,000 hybrid vehicles to the company’s nationwide fleet earlier this year. Hybrids have a number of environmental benefits, including better fuel economy, less fuel consumption and fewer emissions than traditional vehicles.

The four hybrid branches are located at:

• Honolulu: 677 Ala Moana Blvd., #101
• Kailua: 345 Hahani St.
• Maui: 40 Hana Highway, Kahului
• Waikiki: 1778 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 202

“The ability to choose an environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient vehicle is important to many of our customers here in Hawai’i,” said Paul Kopel, vice president and general manager for Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Hawai’i. “Increasing the number of hybrid vehicles in our fleet means customers can reserve them online from our hybrid branches, making the process that much more convenient.”

Nationwide, Enterprise operates nearly 100 hybrid locations, including at the 10 busiest airports for business travelers in the United States, as well as rental offices in the following markets: California (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, Fresno); New York (Albany, Buffalo, New York City, Rochester); Colorado (Denver, Boulder); Florida (Orlando, Tampa); Oregon (Eugene, Portland); Texas (Austin, Dallas, Houston); Virginia (Newport News, Roanoke, Richmond, Norfolk); Atlanta; Boston; Detroit; Minneapolis; Philadelphia; St. Louis; Seattle and Washington, D.C.

Use the banner below to get the best hybrid rental deals.

“As we strive to build a cleaner, more sustainable Hawai’i, we welcome opportunities to work with the business community to offer more options to our local communities. Increasing the number of hybrid vehicles in Hawai’i — along with the benefits they bring in terms of lower fuel consumption and fewer greenhouse gas emissions — are an important step toward our preferred future,” said Sen. J. Kalani English, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Transportation, International and Intergovernmental Affairs and Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment.

Customers can reserve a hybrid from any of the designated “hybrid branch” rental locations online at www.enterprise.com or by calling 1-800-RENT-A-CAR. In Hawai’i, customers can choose hybrids such as the Honda Civic and Insight, or the Toyota Prius.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s investment in more hybrid vehicles is an important, positive step toward a more sustainable future for our community. This is a great example of how much there is to gain from working with the private sector to increase sustainable transportation options throughout the state,” said House Speaker Calvin Say.

Maui County Mayor Charmaine Tavares said, “Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s hybrid branches provide another practical way for residents and visitors alike to be ‘greener’ in their daily lives. I’m thrilled with Enterprise’s ongoing investment in sustainable transportation and ‘green’ living options to create a more sustainable Maui.”

Enterprise, which has served customers in Hawai’i since 1994, has grown to 20 home-city branches throughout the state, and five airport locations in Hilo, Kona, Honolulu, Maui and Lihue, Kauai. The local branches employ 180 local full-time employees; 102 of those attended local colleges and universities.

The designation of hybrid branches nationwide continues Enterprise’s environmental commitment to growing the market for alternative fuels and technologies. Enterprise Holdings, which owns the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Alamo Rent A Car and National Car Rental brands, has the industry’s most comprehensive environmental sustainability platform that includes:

• Embracing new, clean technologies – In addition to the focus on hybrids, Enterprise Rent-A-Car has designated eight “E85/FlexFuel” branches where as much as 30 percent of the local fleets are FlexFuel vehicles capable of using E85 (a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline). In addition, Enterprise fuels those vehicles from nearby E85 fueling stations.
• The world’s largest fleet of fuel-efficient vehicles – Nearly 450,000 cars in the combined Alamo, Enterprise and National fleet average a highway fuel efficiency rating of at least 28 mpg or better; nearly 230,000 average 32 mpg or better; and nearly 425,000 have earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay certification mark — a distinction the EPA grants to vehicles that emit relatively low levels of both regulated pollutants and greenhouse gases such as CO2.
• Customer Carbon Offsets – Alamo, Enterprise and National customers can offset the CO2 emissions of their rental cars by opting to pay $1.25 per rental to fund certified offset projects through TerraPass. The company’s charitable foundation will match customer contributions dollar-for-dollar, up to $1 million. In the first year, the carbon offset program generated $440,000 and offset 42,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide.
• Research – In 2007, the company’s owners, the Taylor family of St. Louis, donated $25 million to create the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Institute for Renewable Fuels, where top scientists are working on alternatives to finite fossil fuels by finding new ways to create fuel from renewable, reliable plant sources.
• Conservation – The company’s charitable foundation has pledged $50 million to plant 50 million trees over 50 years through the 50 Million Tree Pledge, a public/private/nonprofit partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation and the U.S. Forest Service. Trees are being planted on public lands in the U.S., Canada and Europe.

All told, over the past several years Enterprise Holdings and the Taylor family have contributed or pledged more than $120 million to environmental initiatives. For more information about the full environmental platform, visit www.keystogreen.com.

About Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Founded in 1957 and headquartered in St. Louis, Enterprise Rent-A-Car is an internationally recognized brand operating neighborhood and airport rental locations in the United States, Canada, the U.K., Ireland, and Germany. In addition, Enterprise of North America is part of a global strategic alliance with Europcar, creating the world’s largest car rental network.

Enterprise, which has more than 5,000 neighborhood branch offices located within 15 miles of 90 percent of the U.S. population, picks up local customers at no extra cost. Known for its exceptionally low rates and outstanding customer service, Enterprise was named to BusinessWeek’s annual list of “Customer Service Champs” in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Enterprise also has ranked highest in customer satisfaction among airport rentals in nine of the past 10 years, according to J.D. Power and Associates Rental Car Satisfaction Study. For more information about Enterprise, visit www.enterprise.com.

Post from: Airport Hybrid Rentals

Enterprise Rent A Car Offers Hybrid Rentals in Hawaii

More car rental companies are making hybrid cars and other fuel efficient vehicles available for rent. Here’s a rundown on the top companies renting hybrid cars in the U.S.

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Based in St. Louis, Missouri, Enterprise has about 7000 hybrid cars in 24 markets across the nation. This includes 10 of the busiest airports. Since 2008, they have increased the size of their hybrid rental car fleet from 4000. According to Enterprise spokeswoman Lisa Martini in an AP interview published on Feb 4, 2009, “consumers and corporate customers have continued to express interest in hybrid cars.” She said demands are particularly high in urban areas and at airports where large numbers of business travelers are most active, so the company has concentrated new hybrid cars in those markets, including Toyota Prius hybrids and Toyota Camry hybrids. Read more about Enterprise renting hybrid cars.
• National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car, also owned by Enterprise, also offer hybrid cars for rent.
  
• Hertz Car Rental: This is another company that has significantly increased its fleet of hybrids. In 2007, they had 1200 of them, and have increased to 4000. Hertz hybrid rental cars can be found in the top 50 airports throughout the US, and even some in global cities overseas such as London. Read more about Hertz renting hybrid cars.
• Avis Rent A Car: Although they don’t have quite the fleet that Enterprise and Hertz do, at 2500 hybrid cars, Avis has a modest foothold in the industry of hybrid rental cars. The main brand available at the moment is Toyota’s Prius, and only in some cities. California and Florida have adopted the hybrid models state-wide, but other cities such as Seattle, Portland, and Dallas have only recently picked up on hybrids. Read more about Avis Prius rental cars.
• Budget Rent A Car: This car rental company is based in New Jersey, where the green movement has shown itself to be in full swing. There are over 2000 hybrid cars in Budget’s fleet, and they often have bargains for weekend rates. Read more about Budget Smartway Certified Green Machines program.
• Dollar Rent A Car: Working from San Francisco, Dollar is new to the hybrid scene. Currently, they have 215 Toyota Priuses in their fleet, but they are working on getting more. The cost of going green is relatively high, and expect to pay a little more for hybrid rentals.
• Fox Rent A Car: Fox Rent a Car was the first company to offer hybrid cars. They can be found at many locations around the world, such as airports in Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, Austin, Salt Lake City and Orlando. Ford and Honda are the main models of hybrid cars owned by Fox. Follow the link below to reserve a Fox hybrid rental car.
• Advantage: Advantage has voiced its intent to go 100% green. They offer Toyota Priuses, as well as many other vehicles that get at least 25 miles to the gallon in city travel. As of now, Advantage is the only rental car company that intends to go fully green, according to its website. They have 50 locations in the United States and 130 affiliates overseas.
• Toyota Car Rentals: Toyota, the maker of the Toyota Prius which is the world’s most well-known hybrid, has begun to go green, rental that is. This is actually a service offered by Toyota dealers. Over 80% of Toyota dealers in the nation participate. Read more about Toyota Rent A Car program.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car (owned by Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, which also owns Dollar Rent A Car) offers hybrid cars in airports around the United States. They are located in over 30 countries, and in almost every state in America. However, their rates are expensive. For one day, a Prius rents out for $124.
• Midway Car Rental: Established in 1970, Midway Car Rental is the largest privately owned vehicle rental company in Los Angeles. With over 1,500 vehicles in its fleet and offices in areas around Los Angeles and Hollywood, Midway has hybrid cars and other fuel efficient vehicles for rent. Read more about Midway hybrid rental cars.

No matter what type of hybrid car you want to rent, one of these companies is sure to have a hybrid car that can help you do your part to help the environment and save on fuel costs. Enterprise, Hertz and Avis are the main contenders, because they have locations all over the world and have been among the first to adopt hybrids. There are also signs that other independent and/or privately owned car rental companies are making hybrid cars for rent as well. As in any car renting situation, do your shopping around to get the best rates available.

If you know of a hybrid car rental company that we missed, please add them to the comments below and we’ll include them in updates to this article.

Post from: Airport Hybrid Rentals

Renting a Hybrid Car? Top US Rental Car Companies Going Green with Hybrid Cars

Hartsfield Jackson International Airport is the busiest airport in the world, and as anyone who’s traveled in Atlanta knows, the city itself is busy.

For travelers to Atlanta, hybrid rental cars are often a good way to save on fuel costs as well as helping to protect the environment. Car rentals at airports can be found all over the world, but car rental companies have found themselves riding the wave with the recent green movement. Many are working closely to provide Atlanta Airport car rental service that includes a fleet of hybrid cars.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Enterprise Rent-A-Car is the top company for hybrid rental cars. In 2007, they had 4000 hybrid cars and have recently doubled their fleet to include over 8000 hybrid cars. The company is based in St. Louis, Missouri, and provides rental car services to markets around the world. Most U.S. major cities in which Enterprise maintains its branches in have hybrid cars available for rent. The company is doing its part to minimize its business’ environmental impact by offering hybrid rental cars in selected markets, or by encouraging its customers to participate in its Carbon Offset Program. You can read more about Enterprise’s GreenHouse Gas Emissions Offset Program.

Enterprise allows you to reserve a specific hybrid vehicle, including the Ford Escape, Toyota Prius or Toyota Camry. So if your next destination is Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, Enterprise can help with your hybrid rental car needs. 

Hertz Car Rental

Hertz Car Rental, another well-known car rental company affiliated with Atlanta Airport, has shifted more toward offering hybrid rental cars and other fuel efficient cars. Called Hertz Green Collection, Hertz has nearly 35,000 cars in the Green Collection fleet, of which approximately 4000 are hybrid cars. According to Hertz’s website, all Green Collection vehicles are:

• Reservable by specific make and model
• EPA Highway Fuel Efficiency rating of 28 Miles or more per gallon
• Available at 50 major airport locations in the U.S.

At this time you can reserve Nissan Altima Hybrid and Toyota Prius Hybrid cars from Hertz’s fleet.

Avis Budget Car Rentals 

Hartsfield Jackson International Airport also has strong presence of Avis Budget Car Rentals, which operates both Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car. They are the third-ranked company as far as hybrid cars are concerned. There are 2500 hybrid cars available in Avis’ fleet, including the Toyota Prius, Nissan Altima hybrid and Ford Escape hybrid.

Even if you can’t reserve a hybrid, Avis claims it has other ways for customers to drive responsibly. According to the company, about half the vehicles in its fleet have a fuel efficiency rating of 28 miles per gallon or better (highway), and one-fourth of the fleet is rated at 30 miles per gallon (highway) or better. But for green customers who wants to look cool, the hybrids are the way to go. Visit Avis Prius Rental.

Avis and Budget also offer their customers opportunities to offset emissions through an alliance with Carbonfund.org, one of the leading international non-profit organizations providing carbon offset solutions to individuals and businesses.

Hartsfield Jackson International Airport is well aware of the need for more hybrid cars to offset the levels of pollution in the city and surrounding area. Because of the high volume of travel to and from the city, the airport is very prepared for the rising green movement by aligning itself with the leading airport car rental companies to have the widest selection of hybrids available for visitors. If more cities follow Atlanta’s lead, it’s a safe bet that the travel industry’s negative impact on the environment will be significantly lessened. So the next time you arrive in Atlanta, Georgia, go hybrid.

Airport photo courtesy www.atlanta-airport.com.

Post from: Airport Hybrid Rentals

Renting a Hybrid Car at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport