Are you looking to rent green?

Is your car rental company environmentally friendly?

More and more travelers are asking this question, leading to an increase in demand for cars with less impact on our environment. And that impact can be directly attributed to two things. Prices at the pump and how burning fossil fuels affects our world.

The environment is at the center of many people’s minds, and poor air quality is directly attributed to the cars and trucks on our roads. And gasoline prices will continue to rise as global demand outstrips available supplies. The economies of countries like China and India continue to grow, taxing the demand for oil with their growing number of vehicles and sprawling cities. As a result, globetrotters are asking their car rental companies for hybrid vehicles or cars that deliver better fuel economy.

Rental companies are at a bit of a disadvantage in meeting the demand for hybrid and fuel-efficient vehicles. They have been stocking their lots with big sedans and SUVs. Vehicles that don’t exactly say “efficiency” and “economy.”

Unfortunately, automakers like Toyota, one of the world leaders in hybrid technology, can’t keep up with the growing demand. Consumers are increasingly looking to Toyota’s Prius and Highlander, hybrids that have become the recognized staple among “green” shoppers. Toyota said hybrids comprised 4.7 percent of its fleet sales in 2007, with buyers including car rental companies, businesses and the government. Next year, hybrid sales are projected to rise to 7 percent of Toyota’s fleet sales. But Toyota may not be able to meet demand until sometime in 2008.

Companies that think green

Here is a list of car rental companies that, at the very least, offer more fuel efficient cars. As time goes on, more will provide better access to hybrids as well. One company, EV Rental Cars, even goes so far as to call itself “The only environmentally friendly car rental company in the country.”

• Hertz Green Collection
• Rent A Car Reviews
• National car rental
• Alamo Rent A Car
• Business
• electric car rental

Hertz Green Collection

The name can be a bit confusing. The Hertz Green Collection, at least for now, does not include hybrids. They’re touting fuel efficiency, with all four models they offer in the collection getting 28 or more miles per gallon. Three of its cars, the Camry, Fusion and LaCrosse, are also EPA SmartWay certified, indicating that a vehicle emits lower levels of air pollutants.

Here is a list of the cars they offer:

• toyota camry
• Ford Fusion
• buick lacrosse
• sonata

Rent A Car Reviews

After a bit of looking around, we discovered that Avis Renter’s Guide is where their Fleet Showcase is located. [https://www.avis.com/AvisWeb/rentalsupport/FleetDispatcher], showing a large selection of vehicles. You will be interested in their Car Group XG where they exhibit the Toyota Prius Hybrid.

National car rental

National [http://www.nationalcar.com/] they also have the Toyota Prius Hybrid but they also have the Toyota Camry Hybrid. The Camry has slightly more space than the Prius for passengers and luggage.

• toyota prius hybrid
• toyota camry hybrid

Alamo Rent A Car

Alamo is similar to National in also offering the Prius and Camry hybrids. One thing to watch out for with companies that offer the Prius and Camry hybrids. The Camry will cost you more to rent. In Alamo car rental terminology, the Prius is considered a mid-size car, while the Camry is a full-size. But the Camry may be worth getting for the extra space and security.

• toyota prius hybrid
• toyota camry hybrid

electric car rental

EV Rental Cars has hybrid vehicles available at airports in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose and Phoenix. And as its hybrid cars are rotated out of service, the vehicles are offered for sale to the public. Also, if you’re interested in buying a hybrid, check out car buying services like Carseek. Although the demand for hybrids is quite high, it’s worth checking out all of your car buying options to get the best deal.

Here is a list of electric vehicle rental offers:

• toyota prius hybrid
• Honda Civic Hybrid
• Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Business

Unfortunately, Enterprise turned out to be the odd one out in the group. After reviewing your site, we couldn’t find any hybrids. Yes, they do have budget models, but if you know your carbon footprint, even when you travel, Enterprise won’t be able to help you much.

One thing to keep in mind when planning a trip is to contact car rental companies as soon as possible. Let them know that you would like, at a minimum, a fuel-efficient car. Ideally, ask for a hybrid. With so few available, reserving one early will help you get the car you want.

And as I mentioned earlier, use these car rental companies and other sources like Carseek to purchase hybrid vehicles. All rental companies rotate cars from their stock as the miles on the cars increase and new cars arrive. With supplies scarce, a used hybrid with a few miles is a viable option. If you prefer to buy new, it’s worth trying to shop around services to help you get the best deal.