As part of the Autohellas Group, which has been the absolute leader of Greece’s automotive sector since 1974, Hertz is more than just a traditional car rental company
Thanks to its experience and flexibility, this company is able to satisfy almost all the demands of clients, even when they extend beyond standard products. And in addition to standard daily car rental and long-term leasing services, this company also offer monthly rentals and its new Flex Drive program.
What makes you the number one choice on our market and on many others that are much more demanding?
— As franchisees of a brand that has been a global leader of the car rental industry for over a century, we are obliged to apply the highest standards in all aspects of our operations.
Moreover, as part of the Autohellas Group, we proudly emphasise that service provision and customer orientation are ingrained in the very DNA of our corporate structure. As a globally recognisable brand, our commitment to providing customers with the best possible experience in using our services every day and our readiness to meet our customers’ needs, even the most complex, is what sets us apart from the competition.
Thanks to experience and flexibility, you are able to meet almost all client demands, even when they extend beyond your standard services. Which services are in the highest demand?
— Daily car rental and long-term leasing (operational leasing) still represent the largest part of our business activities. In addition to these now-standard services, I would highlight the increasing interest in so-called monthly rentals, both among corporate clients and, increasingly, among individuals. This type of arrangement combines operational leasing and daily rental, taking the best of both services and providing customers with flexible rental at costs that are priced almost at the level of operational leasing. In these times of rapid change and uncertainty, this type of vehicle rental represents an ideal way to ensure mobility with a high level of cost efficiency.
The Flex Drive brand allows clients to use a vehicle without a contractual obligation
Recognising this trend, we have developed a special programme for our clients at the level of the Autohellas Group under the Flex Drive brand. This programme allows clients to use a vehicle for a period of at least 30 days without a contractual obligation, on a subscription basis, at an extremely favourable price that includes a full-service (all-inclusive). This programme is extremely simple and allows the customer to conclude an arrangement with minimum engagement and provides maximum comfort during use, because it requires almost no additional interaction. The programme has been designed with a view to the model of popular digital subscription programmes, providing users with simplicity, flexibility and cost-effectiveness in vehicle rental.
The participation of vehicles acquired through operational leasing in the total sales of new vehicles in Serbia is estimated at around 20% annually. Could this percentage be higher, i.e., is there growth potential?
— This concept is still in its infancy in our country and the potential for development is great. I believe that this percentage should be much higher and – following the example of European countries – has the potential to exceed 50% of total sales of new vehicles. The presence of multiple companies providing operational leasing services creates a competitive market environment, which can stimulate innovation and improve service offers for customers. This can drive further growth in this segment of the market. Institutional support, in the form of tax incentives and clear regulatory frameworks, could prove crucial to the further development of operational leasing. These mechanisms can reduce the costs and legal uncertainties associated with this type of financing, thereby increasing the attractiveness of operational leasing for potential users. Additionally, the organising of associations or groups that bring together companies that provide operational leasing services can facilitate exchanges of knowhow, experiences and best practices.