PARK RIDGE, NJ - The Hertz Corp. said it has entered a joint commitment with Nissan to bring zero-emission mobility to car rental in the U.S. and Europe by early 2011. 

Under the terms of their agreement, Hertz will develop a program for the roll-out of the Nissan LEAF at select rental sites in those two major markets. 

Designed specifically for a lithium-ion battery-powered chassis, the medium-size hatchback seats five adults and has a range of about 100 miles (160km) as tested by the LA4 Test Cycle. The car will go on sale in Japan, the U.S. and Europe in late 2010. 

"The partnership with Nissan seals Hertz's commitment to green-car rentals and firmly demonstrates our mission to advancing zero-emission mobility on a global scale," said Hertz CEO Mark P. Frissora. "With unique solutions like the Hertz Green Collection already available to our customers, we believe in continuously providing innovative mobility solutions to sustain the growing demand for eco-travel." 

Toshiyuki Shiga, chief operating officer of Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., commented: "Our partnership with Hertz is an important step towards our goal of promoting widespread acceptance of electric vehicles. Together with our Alliance partner Renault, we aim to be the leader in zero-emission vehicles which we believe are one of the best solutions for sustaining the growing need for transport across the globe." 

The Renault-Nissan Alliance will start mass-marketing electric vehicles globally in 2012. To lay the foundations for widespread expansion, the Alliance has already formed partnerships with more than 40 governments, cities and other organizations in Japan, the U.S. and Europe to advance the deployment of EVs worldwide. 

In the future, Hertz and Nissan plan to expand Nissan LEAF electric vehicles into Hertz's global car share service, "Connect by Hertz." 

"The flexibility and environmental credentials offered by the existing Connect by Hertz fleet presents an ideal opportunity for the expansion of electric cars into the car-share market," said Frissora. "With its performance and energy-efficient technology, we're confident that Nissan LEAF will be popular with existing customers and help attract new eco-conscious motorists."