Nissan and Hertz Roll-Out Eco ‘Leaf’ Car

Hertz and Nissan Team Up For Eco Vehicle Roll-Out

Rental cars across the US and Europe will be transformed by a joint venture between Nissan and the Hertz Corporation.

Environmentally-conscious holiday and business travelers will be able to rent the zero-emissions electric Nissan LEAF in early 2011.

Those in the market for the new car can currently buy the eco vehicle in Japan. The car will be available in the US and Europe in late 2010.

The car seats five adults and has a range of around 100 miles, or 160km, before it needs to be recharged.

Mark P. Frissora, chairman and chief executive officer of Hertz, said, "The partnership with Nissan seals Hertz's commitment to green car rentals and firmly demonstrates our mission to advance zero-emission mobility on a global scale."

Nissan and Renault have formed an alliance in order to mass-market electric vehicles globally within two years. The two companies have been working in partnership with governments and organizations across the globe to create an infrastructure to support the roll-out.

Hertz is the largest general use car rental company in the world.

It is hoped that the collaboration will change the face of car sharing and general vehicle use in the world's major cities. Nissan and Hertz are also planning to monitor the impact of integrating the LEAF vehicle into Hertz’s global car service, 'Connect by Hertz'.

Mr. Frissora added, "With its performance and energy efficient technology, we're confident that Nissan LEAF will be popular with existing customers and help attract new eco-conscious motorists."