How did Hertz cope with the two years of the pandemic?
Pascale Roque - Hire companies' business was impacted by the two periods of confinement, although they were authorised to remain open. However, Hertz has retained its BtoB customer base, with a commercial vehicle segment in constant and growing demand, offsetting the decline in the passenger car segment. Hertz today, all segments benefit from favourable economic conditionsEven if the 2019 levels will certainly not be reached this year. Probably by the end of 2023, or even in 2024.
Has the crisis changed certain behaviours?
P. R. - Yes, behaviour has changed...
How did Hertz cope with the two years of the pandemic?
Pascale Roque - Hire companies' business was impacted by the two periods of confinement, although they were authorised to remain open. However, Hertz has retained its BtoB customer base, with a commercial vehicle segment in constant and growing demand, offsetting the decline in the passenger car segment. Hertz today, all segments benefit from favourable economic conditionsEven if the 2019 levels will certainly not be reached this year. Probably by the end of 2023, or even in 2024.
Has the crisis changed certain behaviours?
P. R. - Yes, behaviour has changed. The rise of telecommuting and 'remote' meetings on the one hand, and on the other speeding up the consideration of environmental issues will have an impact on the shape of the takeover. Hertz relies on its strengths: the quality of service offered by our teams, which is widely recognised by our customers, but also the proximity of our branches and innovation. These include our electric fleet and our Hertz 24/7 offer, which gives customers direct, self-service access to their vehicle.
How is Hertz responding to companies' environmental concerns?
P. R. - Our first response is to make our fleet greener, both in terms of electric vehicles and rechargeable hybrids. Our fleet will evolve to respond positively to the standards promulgated in particular by the LOM law. Today, we offer electric cars ranging from the Fiat 500 to the Tesla Model 3 and the DS3 Crossback. The introduction of "Ecoprep" in 2021 is another example of our commitment to the environment. a commitment to greening our production processes by preparing our vehicles with drastically reduced water consumption. We are also investing directly by equipping our branch network with charging points, and indirectly via our airport and car park operator partners. Growing sales of electric vehicles will increasingly be reflected in the number of vehicles reserved. This phenomenon is also being driven by national and local regulations such as low-emission mobility zones. These factors will lead to an increase in reservations of electric vehicles for business reasons. Today, the decision to hire this type of vehicle is mainly taken by the end user. Nevertheless, our branches are pro-actively offering them.
How is Hertz consolidating its fleet?
P. R. - As in 2021, there is a risk of a shortage of cars due to the shortage of semi-conductors, which is holding back global car production. Nevertheless, Hertz is working with its manufacturer partners to respond positively to demand. Our customers have understood that they need to book as early as possible to secure their rental. We are also very flexible in adapting the availability of vehicles according to the geography of demand. However, we remain cautious about future developments linked to Covid and the situation in Ukraine.
