Hertz buys remaining 35% stake in navigation solutions

 

By Telecom Lead Team: Hertz Global Holdings has acquired the remaining 35
percent stake in Navigation Solutions, the operational arm of Hertz’s
NeverLostcustomized, in car GPS system, from Thales
Navigation
.  

 

Navigation Solutions will become a wholly-owned
subsidiary of The Hertz Corporation.

 

“NeverLost’s GPS-based technology and
customized travel content package has been an instrumental element of our
strategy to differentiate the car rental experience and it will play a
significant, strategic role in the future of car rental as we envision
it.  Now, coupled with our Eileo car sharing technology, NeverLost will
enable Hertz to transform customer service by creating an unparalleled in-car
rental experience,” said Mark P. Frissora, Hertz Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer. 

 

Around 1 million Hertz Gold members include
NeverLost as part of their profile preference, meaning they want the GPS
navigation system every time they rent a car. Equipped with 3G
communication capabilities, NeverLost surpasses other portable navigation and
smartphone devices with its ability to deliver customized content; has its own,
unique trip planning website, provides concierge services, travel planning assistance and downloadable travel
plans; is able to provide customized travel portals for commercial accounts;
and has connected services designed specifically for travelers. 

 

With more than 80,000 units in service,
NeverLost offers travelers exclusive Explore and Special Events functionality
which allow travelers to choose things to do, places to see, and trendy
restaurants to enjoy, all specifically chosen and delivered wirelessly to
NeverLost in the top 20 urban markets across America. 

 

The Explore and Special Events features are
akin to having a personal travel guide and are supported by NeverLost’s free
on-demand Travel Services Desk and Online Trip Planning website. Navigation
Solutions’ travel content team researches numerous sources, including
convention and visitors bureaus and city magazines to select the most relevant
and current travel data for each feature. 

 

Hertz NeverLost is available for rent on
Hertz full-size and above vehicles for $12.99 per day, and is
complimentary in Hertz Prestige Collection cars, excluding Volvo
S60. NeverLost customers receive free trip planning services on demand
when they call the Travel Services Desk toll-free 800-823-2547 from 6:30
a.m. to 12:00 a.m CDT every day for customized trips, trip changes,
directions, or even to find “Best in Class” hotels and restaurants.
Personalized travel information is sent wirelessly at no charge to NeverLost
within minutes of a request.

 

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