Hertz is the first car rental company to launch a worldwide Online Check-in service for all of its customers. The service will speed up time at the counter for customers because their rental forms are completed in advance online – which could see Europeans cumulatively gain more than five years* of holiday time this summer.

With Online Check-in, all Hertz customers can submit their profile details on the company’s secure website at their own convenience before they travel. This provides a faster and simpler counter service as all their check-in information will be on file before they arrive.

At the counter, customers simply need to present their confirmation, hand in their credit card and driving licence, and sign the pre-filled forms. Once completed, customers are free to enjoy the rest of their travels.

Michel Taride, President, Hertz Europe, and Executive Vice President, Hertz Corporation says: “Hertz Online Check-in has been developed so that our customers can start their journey as quickly as possible. We want to make the car rental experience simple and enjoyable, and have responded to customer feedback by introducing online check-in that will save time at the counter and get them swiftly in to the driving seat. We have rolled the service out across the world, so it’s available to everyone, everywhere, anytime.”

Hertz #1 Club Gold customers will continue to enjoy Hertz Express Check-in at over 650 locations throughout Europe. The Club Gold customers are able to pick up their car with maximum ease and speed, with no requirement for paperwork. Full counter bypass is provided at London Heathrow, Frankfurt Airport and Munich Airport, allowing customers to go straight to their car with no stopping at all.

Since the company began 90 years ago, Hertz’ continued innovations have been aimed at putting the fun into driving and offering a more rewarding car rental experience for customers. The company has launched a number of firsts, including the first airport rent-a-car location in 1932, the first car rental website in 1996, and the car rental industry’s first frequent travellers club - Hertz #1 Club  - in 1972.

Hertz offers customers a wide variety of choice through its Fun, Green and Prestige Collections, along with optional extras, such as the Hertz NeverLost Satellite Navigation systems and Hertz Entertainment In-car DVD players.

In another car rental market first, Hertz launched a Get More with Hertz program in the UK this year, offering customers the opportunity to book great days out, hotels, travel insurance, airport parking, and holiday extras at the same time as making their car rental reservations online.