Hertz Global Holdings, Inc., commonly known as Hertz, is one of the largest and most well-known car rental companies in the world. The company was founded in 1918 by Walter L. Jacobs in Chicago, where it started with a modest fleet of just 12 Model T Fords. In 1923, Jacobs sold the company to John D. Hertz, a prominent businessman who expanded the business significantly, giving it his name. Hertz has since grown to become a global leader in the car rental industry, known for its extensive network of locations and a diverse fleet of vehicles, catering to both leisure and business travelers.
Hertz operates under multiple brand names, including Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty, offering a variety of options to suit different customer needs and budgets. The company’s operations span across 160 countries, with a strong presence in airports, city centers, and suburban locations. Hertz has maintained its position as a top choice for travelers due to its reputation for customer service, convenience, and a broad selection of vehicles, ranging from economy cars to luxury and specialty vehicles like electric cars and SUVs.
Innovation has been a key component of Hertz’s growth strategy over the years. The company introduced the first-ever car rental loyalty program, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, which provides customers with exclusive benefits and faster service. Hertz has also embraced technology to enhance customer experience, incorporating features like contactless rentals, mobile app reservations, and electric vehicle rentals to meet the evolving demands of the modern consumer. In recent years, Hertz has made significant investments in electric vehicles, partnering with Tesla and other EV manufacturers to transition its fleet towards sustainability.
Despite its strong brand and global reach, Hertz faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, as travel restrictions and economic uncertainty severely impacted the car rental industry. In 2020, the company filed for bankruptcy protection, but it quickly reorganized and emerged stronger in 2021. With a renewed focus on innovation, customer service, and sustainability, Hertz aims to adapt to the shifting landscape of mobility and car rental services, positioning itself as a forward-thinking leader in the industry.
Hertz Car Rental logo
Here are 16 interesting facts about Hertz to know more about it.
- Founded Over 100 Years Ago: Hertz was founded in 1918 in Chicago, making it one of the oldest car rental companies in the world.
- Started with 12 Model Ts: Walter L. Jacobs, the founder, began the business with a fleet of just 12 Model T Fords, which he rented out and maintained himself.
- Named After John D. Hertz: The company was sold in 1923 to John D. Hertz, who expanded it significantly and gave the business his name.
- Global Reach: Hertz operates in over 160 countries, making it one of the most widely available car rental brands globally, with locations in airports, city centers, and suburban areas.
- Hertz Gold Plus Rewards: Hertz pioneered the first car rental loyalty program, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, which allows members to earn points and access perks like expedited pick-up and drop-off.
- Electric Vehicle Partnerships: Hertz made headlines by ordering 100,000 Tesla vehicles in 2021, becoming one of the first major car rental companies to incorporate EVs on a large scale.
- Hertz NeverLost: Hertz introduced the first GPS navigation system for rental cars in 1995, called Hertz NeverLost, revolutionizing how travelers navigate unfamiliar areas.
- Hertz Car Sales: Hertz offers used car sales through Hertz Car Sales, allowing customers to purchase former rental vehicles at competitive prices.
- Major Sponsorships: Hertz has sponsored high-profile sports teams and events, including NASCAR, the PGA Tour, and NFL teams like the New York Giants and Miami Dolphins.
- Dollar and Thrifty Ownership: Hertz acquired Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group in 2012, expanding its brand portfolio to offer more budget-friendly options under Dollar and Thrifty brands.
- Innovative Car Rental Apps: Hertz offers a mobile app that allows customers to make reservations, locate their rental car, and access roadside assistance directly from their smartphones.
- Instant Return Service: Hertz introduced the “Instant Return” service to speed up the drop-off process. Customers simply hand their keys to an employee, and the car’s inspection and billing are completed on the spot.
- Celebrity Campaigns: Hertz has had notable ad campaigns featuring famous faces, including a campaign with football legend O.J. Simpson in the 1970s and more recent campaigns with actors like Kevin Hart.
- Hertz Bankruptcy and Recovery: In 2020, Hertz filed for bankruptcy due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on travel but emerged from bankruptcy in 2021 after restructuring.
- Hertz Dream Cars: Hertz offers high-end luxury rentals through its “Hertz Dream Cars” collection, which includes brands like Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and Tesla, catering to premium customers.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Hertz has set ambitious goals to reduce its environmental footprint by investing in hybrid and electric vehicles and implementing sustainability programs at its locations worldwide.
