Hertz will rent electric Smart car fortwo

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Car-rental giant Hertz Corp. said it planned to offer the Smart fortwo electric vehicle as part of a car-sharing program in three metropolitan areas starting later this month.

Hertz will make the tiny vehicle -– a two-seater smaller than a Mini or even the new Fiat 500 that’s about to hit the U.S. auto market -– as part of the Connect by Hertz car-sharing program in New York later this month. It is part of an effort by Hertz to offer a variety of electric and plug-in hybrids worldwide.

Later, it will be available for rent as part of Connect by Hertz and at Hertz Rent a Car locations in Washington, D.C., and San Francisco.

“We are thrilled to place vehicles with Hertz and offer consumers the opportunity to experience the joy of driving a Smart fortwo while showcasing the benefits of electric technology,” said Jill Lajdziak, president of Smart USA, a subsidiary of Penske Automotive Group Inc. that distributes the Smart in the U.S. The Smart vehicles are built by Mercedes-Benz owner Daimler AG of Germany.

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-- Jerry Hirsch