CODA to electrify Enterprise Rent-A-Car fleet

coda_e_blue-325x217For most people, renting a car isn’t an electrifying experience. But that could change now that automakers and rental car companies are working together to add EVs to rental fleets.

First, Hertz hooked up with Nissan in an agreement earlier this year that will see Hertz begin offering the all-electric LEAF to customers in select markets in early 2011. Now, California-based electric car maker CODA Automotive has announced it will be working with Enterprise Rent-A-Car to introduce up to 100 all-electric CODA Sedans to car rental locations in 2011.

Enterprise has more than 5,000 offices located within 15 miles of 90 percent of the U.S. population, meaning it will be able to give customers in select markets an opportunity for an “extended” CODA test drive and allow them to experience the energy-saving technology right where they live and work.

“With the mystery surrounding electric vehicles, we think this vehicle will not only meet the needs of many of our customers, but will also help to ‘lift the veil’ on EVs for many of them and help them better understand the technology and why they might want to own one,” said Lee Broughton, director of sustainability for Enterprise Holdings, which owns and operates Enterprise Rent-A-Car, along with the Alamo Rent A Car and National Car Rental brands.

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The addition of the CODA electric vehicle is part of Enterprise’s environmental sustainability plan. This includes investment in alternative fuels, a fuel-efficient fleet, and an operational commitment to reduce energy use and energy cost by 20 percent over the next five years.

“Enterprise has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability and is aligned with our mission to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles,” said Kevin Czinger, President and CEO of CODA Automotive.

In addition to the partnership announced today, the two companies previously reached an agreement to provide services for CODA electric vehicle owners. As part of that agreement, Enterprise will provide courtesy transportation vehicles to CODA customers during service and maintenance periods. CODA and Enterprise say they are also discussing other innovative partnership opportunities to help accelerate the adoption of all-electric cars.

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