PARK RIDGE, N.J. -

In an effort to better contend against competitors such as Zipcar that recently made an initial public offering, Hertz expanded its global vehicle sharing club Wednesday.

Officials highlighted the expansion of Connect by Hertz, which includes a significantly increased number of locations where members can pick up or drop off their vehicle. The program can allow members to rent one-way from any of more than 100 locations in greater New York City, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., the Hamptons and Hoboken, N.J. Locations include all of the New York City area airports, LaGuardia, JFK and Newark.

As the program expands, Hertz indicated that Connect members will eventually be able to rent one-way from New York City to other Connect cities and college campuses throughout the country.

“Car sharing customers want the flexibility to pick up and drop off at different locations, and Connect by Hertz is the first major car sharing company to offer this service," explained Hertz chairman and chief executive officer Mark Frissora.

“Members will be able to drive a car to or from the NYC-area airports at prices which beat limousine and taxi service,” Frissora emphasized. “Also, we are providing the option to drive one-way from the 100 locations in the City, Hoboken, the Hamptons, Philadelphia and D.C.

“We are leveraging Hertz’s infrastructure and advanced, proprietary in-car technology to provide Connect car sharing members competitively priced, premium car sharing experiences unmatched in the industry,” he went on to say.

Furthermore, company executives also announced Connect by Hertz is waiving all membership fees for U.S. customers, expanding vehicle options and guaranteeing availability of vehicles Monday through Thursday, with holidays included.

Connect members can pick up units from approximately 100 Connect by Hertz and classic Hertz Rent A Car locations in New York City and leave the car at Connect by Hertz and classic Hertz rental locations in the City, at Hertz’s on-airport facilities at the three airports, or at the Hertz location in the Hamptons.

The company added Connect units can also be picked up at the airport and driven one-way back into the City.

“The success of our one-way program depends on systems to manage Connect’s vehicles so a car is always ready for the next member,” Frissora stated.

“By capitalizing on Hertz’s fleet management technology and in-car telematics, as well as Hertz’s on- and off-airport car rental locations, Connect by Hertz is able to expand its service offerings to meet the needs of its members,” he continued.

Officials noted Connect by Hertz vehicle sharing has approximately 30,000 members and is available in six countries and on 54 university campuses. They insist Connect by Hertz can offer members products and services that are “unmatched in the car sharing industry,” including guaranteed reservations Monday through Friday including holidays, and offering a variety of electric vehicles, such as the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan LEAF

The company also highlighted the program includes an in-house Member Care Center available 24/7, 365 days a year; an in-vehicle GPS system in every vehicle; a fast and easy-to-use updated website; and rates as low as $5 in Manhattan.

Upon enrolling in Connect by Hertz, members can receive a smart chip enabled Connect card, which gives them keyless entry to any vehicle in the fleet that the member reserves. In the unit, a hands-free audio kit can connect members to a Member Care Center representative should they have questions, need assistance or need to extend their use of the vehice.

Moreover, officials pointed out Connect by Hertz is able to “communicate” with the vehicle, enabling representatives to unlock, engage and locate vehicles and units. Models are also equipped with iPod connectivity and Bluetooth capabilities, for a hands free driving experience, as well as EZ Pass transponders.

For more information, visit www.connectbyhertz.com or call Member Care Services at (877) 654-4400

Zipcar’s IPO Details

Hertz has made all of these announcements only about a week after Zipcar — a Cambridge, Mass., company offering the same kind service — unveiled an initial public offering. Zipcar executives priced more than 9.5 million common stock shares at $18 per share.

Zipcar explained it is offering 6,666,667 shares of common stock and certain selling stockholders are offering 3,017,442 shares of common stock. In addition, the company said certain selling stockholders have granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 1,452,617 shares at the initial public offering price.

“Zipcar intends to use the net proceeds from this offering for repayment of certain debt, business expansion, working capital and other general corporate purposes, including the development of new services, sales and marketing activities and capital expenditures,” company executives explained. “Zipcar will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholders.”