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Hertz Adds 6 New Markets to Its Prestige Collection

- Ford Thunderbird Introduced into the Prestige Fleet -

PARK RIDGE, N.J., May 15 -- Hertz has added new rental locations to its Hertz Prestige Collection and expanded the program's fleet to include the award winning Ford Thunderbird. The Hertz Prestige Collection is an exclusive program that combines several makes and models from Premier Automotive Group, a unit of Ford Motor Company, including Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln and Volvo, with Hertz' exclusive customer services.

New locations offering Prestige Service are: Albuquerque, NM, Charlotte, NC, Cleveland, OH, Jacksonville, FL and Portland, OR. Hertz now operates its Prestige Collection in more than 35 markets throughout North America.

In addition, the Ford Thunderbird is now available to rent from Hertz Prestige Collection locations throughout the United States. The Thunderbird, one of Ford's "Living Legends", is a modern interpretation of the classic 50's roadster and delivers 'relaxed sportiness' and a unique combination of balanced performance and touring comfort. Delighting drivers with a smooth ride and handling characteristics that are as unique as its styling, the Thunderbird was engineered to deliver sportiness without compromising comfort.

Brian J. Kennedy, Hertz' Executive Vice President, Marketing and Sales said, "The Hertz Prestige Collection has been a very popular addition to our product portfolio since its introduction in 2001. Customers enjoy the premium services offered as well as the selection of luxury vehicles and we're confident that renters seeking a premium, sporty rental vehicle will be pleased with the addition of the Thunderbird. The current expansion is a result of customer feedback and Hertz' belief in the marketplace for such a program."

  The service component of the Hertz Prestige Collection program includes:

   * Model specific reservability of Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Volvo and
     the Thunderbird
   * Dedicated, on-site staffing to answer questions about the vehicles and
     to assist customers
   * Free pick-up and return from suburban hotels and resorts within a
     15 mile radius of Hertz Prestige Collection locations
   * Vehicles parked in a weather protected, identified area
   * Reservations at a new toll-free number 800-654-2250
   * Special section at hertz.com for information on the Hertz Prestige
     Collection vehicles, services and locations
   * Expedited return service
   * Complimentary NeverLost(R), Hertz' on board navigational system in all
     Hertz Prestige Collection vehicles
   * One-year fee-waived membership in Hertz #1 Club Gold(R) after first
     completed Prestige Collection rental.

Hertz operates from approximately 7000 locations in more than 140 countries. Hertz is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company.

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/406850.html