Car rental companies in Israel have joined the global trend, with the announcement yesterday that they will be incorporating hybrid vehicles, considered economical in fuel consumption and less polluting, in their fleets. Eldan Rent-a-Car Ltd. said that it had bought several dozen Toyota Prius cars, which are earmarked principally for tourists who prefer cleantech vehicles. The company added that it was also negotiating the purchase of further vehicles for its leasing fleet.
In a parallel move, Kesher Rent-A-Car Ltd., the Israeli licensee of Hertz, also announced that it had bought 20 Honda Civic Hybrid cars, which will be offered to the private and business sectors. Kesher - Hertz Israel manager Dani Shimoni said the decision to buy hybrid cars was triggered by demand by customers interested in saving on fuel on consumption and reducing environmental pollution. He added that leading car rental firms worldwide were now buying hybrid cars in ever increasing numbers, in order to meet this demand. Kesher will class the Honda Civic Hybrid under the executive vehicle category, with cars available for rental for periods from one day up to 36 months.
Figures released by the Ministry of Environment reveal that 1,200 hybrid cars were purchased during the first half of 2007, compared with 521 in the same period in 2006. The Environment Ministry attributes the increase in sales to the lowering of purchase tax on cars, and also to higher public awareness of the effect carbon emissions from cars is having on air pollution and global warming. According to forecasts, sales of hybrid cars in Israel will reach 180,000 in 2008.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on July 23, 2007
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