February 21, 2004

By: John Aschcroft
Website: http://www.1st-in-cars.com

Budget Rent A Car Of Beverly Hills Unveil Environmental Vehicle Fleet

Budget Rent a Car of Beverly Hills and EV Rental Cars announce the opening of Beverly Hills first environmental vehicle fleet including hybrid and electric-powered vehicles.

The opening will be highlighted by a special appearance by Beverly Hills Mayor Tom Levyn who will officially kick-off the fleet at a special ribbon cutting ceremony at the Budget Rent a Car of Beverly Hills at 9815 Wilshire Blvd.

Budget Rent a Car of Beverly Hill and EV Rental Cars will be the first rental agency in the world to rent the Honda Insight, the first gasoline-electric hybrid powered car sold in the U.S. They will also be the first to rent GMs Gen II EV-1, which can go over 100 miles before re-charging, and Nissan Altra electric-powered vehicles.

The opening also marks the third-ever alternative-fuel vehicle fleet location in the nation, following the debut at Budgets Los Angeles International Airport facility in December 1998, and at Budgets Sacramento location in August 1999.

The launch of EV rentals in Beverly Hills is a joint effort between Budget Rent a Car of Beverly Hills and EV Rental Cars with support from Honda, Ford Motor Co., General Motors, Nissan and Toyota. The project is also supported by a competitive bid by the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Air Resources Board.

Budget Rent a Car of Beverly Hills will initially offer a fleet including the Honda EV PLUS, Ford Ranger EV, Nissan Altra and Toyota RAV-4 EV. These EV rentals will be offered at a special introductory rate, starting at $89.95 per day depending on the model.

At the time of rental, EV Rental Cars' specialists offer customers a 10-minute orientation of the vehicle and review travel plans with them. Many of the electric vehicle models can travel up to 100 miles before being recharged, while the natural gas vehicles can travel up to 200 miles. There are currently 300 electric charging stations in Southern California, and charging is free. In Beverly Hills, there are charging stations at the Beverly Hills Hilton and a future site planned at the Hotel Sofitel.

Environmental vehicles are a fast, fun and reliable rental option as well as a great way to help the environment said Jerry Siemons, owner and CEO of Budget Rent a Car of Beverly Hills. We hope that visitors and residents of Beverly Hills will try these vehicles out.

About The Author:

John Aschcroft is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-cars.com.  Great car accessories and parts plus financing, insurance and leasing tips.