Hertz UAE, part of the Al-Futtaim Group, has launched a new website enabling customers to book and pay for rent-a-car reservations online.

The website, the first-of-its-kind for Hertz in the Middle East and Africa region, comes at a time when more UAE residents head online to shop.

A recent survey by Mastercard found that 42 per cent of UAE residents use the internet for shopping compared to 29 per cent from a previous survey conducted in 2009.

Furthermore, 69 per cent of residents said that they would make a purchase online during the next six months.

The new website allows consumers to use a credit card to rent a vehicle in any Hertz country in the world. All transactions take place on a global, secure platform thus eliminating concerns customers may have regarding security and currency exchange.  

Nigel Johnson, managing director of Hertz UAE, said the website opens up new ways for consumers to travel easily and efficiently.

“The website is extremely user-friendly. Customers can modify existing reservations, check-in online and view images of the vehicle they will rent. The site represents Hertz UAE’s commitment to making the travel process as seamless as possible,” he added.

Hertz plans to launch similar websites across the Middle East and Africa region in the coming months.

Gina Costa, commercial director, Middle East and Africa said: “As the desire to book online increases in the region, we will create online solutions to satisfy the demand and to better serve our customers.”

Customers not wishing to book reservations online still have the option of using the Hertz call centre or a travel agent to book reservations., Costa noted.

'To help visitors navigate unfamiliar terrain, Hertz provides free maps with all rentals. All cars are fully insured and undergo a 40-point quality check-up prior to rentals,' he said.

'Customers can rely on a 24-hour back up service breakdown cover which includes replacement vehicles, full maintenance and repairs, and round-the-clock roadside assistance,' the official added.-TradeArabia News Service