Hertz Europe announced plans to roll out NCR self-service kiosks at airports in nine European countries for prepaid bookings, and introduced an iPhone app for customers in Europe in 18 languages.
The introduction of kiosks occurs as major car rental companies -- including Hertz, Budget and Alamo -- have begun offering customers prepaid rates -- as opposed to showing a credit card at the counter and paying after the rental is complete.
The prepaid rates give car rental companies guranteed revenue and more flexibility in customer service, including the kiosks.
In 2011, the kiosks also will be geared to accept, non-prepaid tariffs, Hertz says.
Hertz says the Self Service Express kiosks collect the customer's personal information, identify the reservation and complete the car pick-up process.
Well, you still have to walk away from the kiosk and actually pick up the car.
Customers can also use the kiosks to purchase upgrades, buy insurance and choose add-ons, including the Hertz NeverLost navigation system.
The kiosks, which use a Common Use Self Service software platform, have some similarities to airline self-service kiosks.
Hertz also gets hardware support from NCR.
The new Hertz/NCR kiosks already are available at airports in Italy, the U.K., Spain and Germany, and will also be available in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland.
Hertz also introduced a free iPhone app in 18 languages for customers in Europe. Customers can make reservations, save favorite locations and receive special promotions on their iPhones.
Hertz already had an iPhone app for customers in the U.S.