Hertz On Demand, Hertz’s global car sharing club, has announced that through its partnership with Vauxhall Motors, customers will be able to rent the stylish, Ampera plug-in hybrid from its fleet in London.
Voted the Car of the Year 2012, Vauxhall Ampera delivers between 25-50 miles of battery-powered electric drive with zero tailpipe emissions while driving.
Customers wanting to use the electric vehicle on longer trips can do so with the Ampera’s on-board range-extending engine which helps to sustain the battery life, allowing the car to be used on distances of up to 360 miles in a single journey. A small 1.4-litre petrol-fuelled engine/generator runs at optimum efficiency, generating enough electricity to power the electric motor (but not the wheels) and operates seamlessly as part of the Ampera’s powertrain. The car seats four adults in comfort and its hatchback design offers excellent practicality.
The Ampera will incorporate Hertz On Demand’s leading, proprietary in-car technology which provides members a safe and superior car sharing experience. In the car, a hands-free audio kit connects members to an in-house Member Care Center representative – available 24/7, 365 days a year – should they have questions, need assistance or need to extend their use of the car.
Hertz On Demand is able to “communicate” with the vehicle, enabling representatives to unlock, engage and locate vehicles and cars are equipped with iPod connectivity, along with Bluetooth capabilities for hands free driving.