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PARK RIDGE, N.J. — Hertz continued to broaden the scope of its online vehicle sales program Hertz Rent2Buy, this time with a partnership with AutoTrader.com.

Executives recently revealed that the first phase of this agreement means more than 3,000 vehicles at about 2,500 Hertz locations in 20 states will be available to AutoTrader.com visitors. Hertz Rent2Buy gives customers the option of taking a vehicle on a three-day test drive to decide if they would like to purchase it.     

Consumers who find the AutoTrader.com listing for program vehicles are then forwarded to Hertz Rent2Buy's website. From there, the customer can complete a reservation for a test rental of the vehicle.

During the rental period, the potential buyer can drive the vehicle under real-world conditions and get it inspected by an independent mechanic. Rental fees for three-day test rentals vary depending on model. But if the customer proceeds with the purchase of the vehicle, the rental charges are waived.

However, if the customer decides not to buy the vehicle, it needs to be returned to the renting location and the transaction will be treated as a standard rental, according to the company.

Mark Frissora, Hertz chairman and chief executive officer, share his assessment about what the partnership with AutoTrader.com could do for the Hertz Rent2Buy program.

"In extending our availability of Rent2Buy cars to online car shoppers and specifically to AutoTrader.com customers, this partnership adds another outlet for Hertz customers to search for their next vehicle," Frissora stated.

"AutoTrader.com is a trusted site for online car shoppers, and we are proud to have them as one of our listings outlets," he continued.

AutoTrader.com president and CEO Chip Perry also believes this cluster of vehicles can provide yet another option for site shoppers.

"Hertz's Rent2Buy program provides a unique option for consumers searching for a previously owned car, truck or SUV," Perry noted.

"By partnering with AutoTrader.com, Hertz will be able to reach the largest nationwide audience of in-market car buyers anywhere in the U.S.," he added.

Last week, Hertz announced it teamed up with Chase Auto Finance to offer its Hertz Rent2Buy customers financing options. For more details, click here for the story from SubPrime Auto Finance News.