Students and Staff get Connected by Hertz on Brunel University Campus

LONDON -

- Global Car Sharing Club Connect by Hertz Announces First University Contract Signing in Europe

Connect by Hertz, The Hertz Corporation’s global car sharing club based in London, New York City and Paris, today announced its first contract with a university in the United Kingdom. Brunel University, based in West London, now offers its 16,000 students and staff the opportunity to reserve and drive Connect by Hertz club cars parked in specially designated spaces within the university’s campus. Models including the Fiat 500 and Ford Focus can booked by the hour, at any time of day, from the www.connectbyhertz.com website.

Michel Taride, President of Hertz Europe, said: “We are very excited to be working in partnership with Brunel University. All Connect by Hertz club cars meet or exceed the voluntary fuel emissions standards set by the EU. Membership with Connect by Hertz offers Brunel students, faculty and staff the freedom and convenience of having a car on their doorstep without the expense of owning one. Members can just click, book, drive - it’s that simple.”

Peter Berresford, Head of Operations for Brunel University, commented: “Brunel University is delighted to be able to supplement our existing transport options with dedicated Connect by Hertz club cars. Staff and students alike are excited about the arrival of these environmentally friendly and economical cars on campus, which have already generated great interest with our new intake of students.”

He added: “Brunel University is committed to reducing its carbon footprint through a number of schemes across campus including recycling, food composting and sourcing electricity from 100% renewable sources. Cutting down vehicle ownership on campus and encouraging car-share is a natural step for us to take and is also as part of our agreed travel plan with Transport for London.”

Connect by Hertz will be available for an annual GBP50 membership fee, with vehicle use charged by the hour. The driving rates include insurance, fuel, maintenance, cleaning, roadside assistance and congestion charges. Incorporating the latest technology, the cars are equipped with iPod/MP3 player connectivity and keyless entry via a smart chip-enabled Connect Card.

As well as benefitting from cars on campus, Brunel University students and staff will be able to reserve and use vehicles across sixty-two locations in London including Shepherds Bush, Ealing, Kensington, Russell Square and Victoria.

Website: www.connectbyhertz.com

Source: Hertz

Alicia Mistry: +44-(0)20-7611-3574, alicia.mistry at ketchumpleon.com