Compacts Inch Into the Market

To test how the sub-compact idea is catching on in the daily rental industry, AF recently contacted several of the leading companies in the field that are based in the Chicago Land area. We feel that the result are revealing and show that if the midget motor vehicles are not overpowering their bigger and brawnier counterparts, they are at least gaining a toe-hold in a high, economy-minded market.

AVIS

Though Avis is not currently thinking in terms of the much touted Vega or Pinto, they have ordered approximately 40 of American Motors' spunky Gremlins for their Chicago rental fleet. Further, they also advise they are looking into Plymouth's new entry, the Cricket. As yet the role on the Gremlins has not been established, but there will be restriction on the use of the vehicles-they will be for local rental only, and will have to be returned to the station from which they were rented.

HERTZ

Pintos will be available after the first of the year at Hertz' Chicago stations. The initial testing will involve between 50 and 100 of the young stallions, (some with air) and they will be offered on a first-come-first-serve basis. Rates will be $7.47 per day plus ten cents per mile (gas not included). Special requirements are that they must be returned to the original station, unless the customer is willing to pay a ten cents per mile charge for the return of the vehicle (there will be a $10 minimum and $25 maximum on this charge). California and Florida are excluded as one-way drop-off points.

NATIONAL

National is waiting for production to catch up with their ordering of 25 Vegas for their Chicago offices. The rate will be $7 per day plus seven cents per mile (plus gas). At first they will be available only in National's downtown stations, and the cars must be returned to these stations at the end of the rental. National's thinking regarding the small cars is that they will be making them available to local businessmen who may find them on easier car to handle in the busy Chicago area. They do not feel, however, that they will attract the businessman traveling through the city.

AIRWAYS

Currently, Airways has five Vegas and eight Pintos. They are planning to add six more of each. The rate is $7 per day plus nine cents per mile (plus gas). They are offered from noon Friday until noon Monday and according to the manger of Airways' loop office. "They go out as fast as they come in," They are available at all Airways' locations downtown, suburban and airport, Commenting on the performance of the two sub-compacts, an Airways spokesman they have really not had the models long enough to make any worthwhile appraisals.

ECONOCAR

Finalization of rates has not yet been established by Econo-Car on the six Vegas they have ordered. As with others, however, they will require that small cars be returned to the station from which they were taken.

BUDGET

Budget advises they have no plans for using any of the new American sub-compacts, though they have ordered some Comets and Cougars. However, they do have some Volkswagens available (150) at $6 per day and six cents per mile (plus gas). These "beetles" are not available at Budget's airport locations and must be returned to the original rental office.

THRIFTY

Beginning with an initial sampling of four Pintos (stick shift), Thrifty is also planning to include a number of Vegas in their rental fleet, Prior to the addition of the American sub-compacts, the company had Datsuns and VW's available. Rates on all the small cars are $8 per day and eight cents per mile (no charge for gas or oil). They must all be returned to the location where originally rented.