Hertz Europe today announced plans to accelerate its adoption of self service technology by rolling out Self Service Express touch screen kiosks from NCR Corporation at selected locations across nine countries in Europe for all customers (not just members-only) who have prepaid for their rental. This announcement comes as Hertz launches a free reservations application for the iPhone in 18 languages for customers in Europe.

The Hertz iPhone application, which has already enjoyed widespread popularity in the U.S., allows customers to make reservations, save their Hertz #1 Club member number, search and find nearby Hertz locations, save favourite locations and receive special promotions via their mobile devices. The Hertz iPhone application is available for download on www.hertz.co.uk/app

Similar to an airline check-in kiosk, the Self Service Express touch screen kiosk is a reservation-based system that collects the customer’s personal information and identifies the customer’s reservation. It then completes the rental car pick-up process, sending the customer on his or her way quickly. In addition, the solution allows Hertz customers to select and purchase upgrades, optional insurance and waiver products, fuel options and add-ons such as child seats and the Hertz NeverLost® in-car satellite navigation system.

The Self Service Express Kiosks complement the Hertz Worldwide Online Check-in program, which allows customers to begin the check-in process in the comfort of their home or office before they travel.

“Hertz offers customers a wide range of options currently unrivalled in the car rental industry to help them get on the road faster. With Worldwide Online Check-In, #1 Club Gold, and now Self Service Express Kiosks and a comprehensive iPhone reservations platform, Hertz continues to lead the industry in innovation for customers,” said Michel Taride, President, Hertz International.

An NCR study, conducted by BuzzBack Market Research, shows that around 69 per cent of Europeans would be more likely to choose a travel provider that offered them greater control over managing their entire travel experience using self service solutions. This includes searching for, confirming or making changes to car rental as well as flight and hotel bookings.

“Consumers are demanding more control over how, when and where they interact with travel providers using multiple self service channels,” said Theresa Heinz, General Manager, NCR Travel. “The convergence of web and touch screen technologies helps to cut queues and ensures consumers are able to make last minute modifications to their bookings so they can get on with their holiday or business trip without delay.”

The kiosks use a highly reliable Common Use Self Service (CUSS) software platform that has already been adopted by many airlines to enable customers to check-in quickly and easily for their flights. NCR is also providing Hertz with comprehensive hardware support services, including remote management and helpdesk assistance on a global basis.

The Hertz Self Service Express Kiosks are already available at the following airports in Europe: Bergamo Orio al Serio, Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa, Rome Ciampino, Rome Fiumicino, Pisa (Italy); Edinburgh, London Heathrow, London Stansted, Prestwick (UK); Malaga (Spain); and Frankfurt Hahn (Germany). Further roll-out plans are underway in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland. The company also plans to enable the kiosks to accept non-prepaid tariffs in early 2011.