Hertz Australia Expanding Used Car Sales Business

Hertz Australia is expanding its direct-to-the-public used car sales business, increasing from its five current retail outlets in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to at least 10 by the end of 2007.

The expansion begins this month when Hertz Car Sales opens two new sites at Klemzig, in Adelaide’s north-eastern suburbs, and Ferntree Gully, in Melbourne’s outer eastern suburbs.

By the end of this year, Hertz Car Sales will more locations in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and regional NSW. Additional sites in other parts of Australia are also being evaluated.

“The sale of our ex-rental vehicles has become a significant new element of our business in Australia,” said Mr Stephen Short, Director, Fleet for Hertz Australia.

“Our vehicles range from hatchbacks and small sedans to full-size sedans, SUVs and minivans. They are near new – generally between nine and 24 months old – and most are still covered by the balance of the manufacturer’s warranty,” said Mr Short.

“All of our vehicles have also been maintained meticulously during their time in our rental fleet, and are sold with at least six months registration and a full tank of fuel.”

Hertz Car Sales in Australia uses a no haggle, fixed-price policy, enabling customers to browse without being bothered or pressured by sales staff.

“This has proved to be very popular,” said Mr Short. “So has our policy of ensuring that vehicles meet strict quality standards before being offered for sale. There are no surprises. As a result, we have repeat customers and a growing number of referrals.”

Mr Short said ex rental vehicles appealed not only to customers seeking a quality, late model used vehicle, but also to a growing number of buyers who are evaluating brand new cars.

He said most customers were private buyers - many of them ex rental customers who liked the vehicles they had driven - though there was growing demand from small business seeking to purchase vehicles for their fleets.

Mr Short said clearance rates for all vehicles were high, particularly smaller cars following recent increases in fuel prices.

Most Hertz Car Sales locations stock vehicles ranging in price from A$13,600 for a Hyundai Getz to A$41,200 for a Ford Fairlane Ghia.

Typically, the vehicles available include Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry, Ford Territory, Ford Falcon XR6, Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Tarago. Hertz does not accept trade-in vehicles, but does offer referrals to finance providers. Hertz Car Sales has locations in Campbelltown, Haberfield and Penrith in Sydney, Ascot Vale in Melbourne and Newstead in Brisbane.

See other recent news regarding: Hertz, Car Rental, Australia