About Hertz – History, Evolution & Vision

The Global History of Hertz

The global history of Hertz spans more than a century of innovation in mobility. From its earliest beginnings to its international expansion, the company has continuously evolved to meet the needs of travelers and businesses worldwide. Below is an overview of the key milestones that have shaped Hertz into one of the most recognized names in car rental and mobility services today.

1918: The Beginning of Car Rental Services Worldwide

The story about Hertz company begins in Chicago, USA, where W. L. Jacobs opened the world’s first car rental office in 1918. Starting with twelve used Ford Model T vehicles—purchased and repaired on his own—Jacobs introduced an entirely new mobility concept.

Over the decades, Hertz expanded across continents, becoming one of the largest and best-known providers of car rental services globally, holding a leading position in the industry for almost a century.

Hertz in Europe: Expansion and Development from the U.S. to Greece and Beyond

Hertz established its first European office in Athens in 1961. In 1974, Autohellas ATEE became the official Hertz franchisee in Greece, laying the foundation for a long-term partnership that would later extend across multiple countries.

About Hertz Company in Romania

Hertz officially entered the Romanian market in 2007, when Autotechnica Fleet Services, part of Autohellas ATEE, began operating as the Hertz franchisee. In a short time, Hertz Romania became a key provider of car rental services and car leasing in Romania, offering both short-term rentals and long-term operational leasing.

Today, Hertz Romania provides a full suite of mobility solutions:

• short-term car rental
• long-term and monthly rentals
• car leasing in Romania (operational leasing)
• fleet management services

With a fleet of more than 2,500 vehicles across diverse car groups, Hertz Romania is one of the country’s leading mobility companies. The brand operates in three major cities—Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara—ensuring national coverage and easy access to modern car rental services.

About Autohellas – The Group Behind Hertz Romania

Autohellas has been active in the automotive and mobility sector since 1974 and has been listed on the Athens Stock Exchange since 1999. As part of the Vassilakis Group—well known for its involvement in aviation through AEGEAN Airlines—Autohellas brings decades of expertise and innovation.

Its core activities include:

• Rent a Car (Car Rental & Operating Leasing)
• International Activities (Car Rental, Car Leasing, Car Sales)
• Car Sales (Importing, Distribution, Retail)

With more than 44,000 vehicles and over 143 locations, Autohellas operates the largest privately owned fleet in Greece, offering complete and innovative mobility solutions across Europe.

Vision & Values: What Defines Hertz and Autohellas

The values at the heart of Autohellas and Hertz reflect their heritage and form the foundation for future development—both in global markets and in car leasing in Romania.

Integrity: Acting honestly and transparently, respecting customers, and maintaining high ethical standards in all car rental services.

Respect for People: Employees remain the core strength of the Group, supported through fairness, development, and dignity.

High Performance: A commitment to continuous improvement while preserving ethical principles and customer respect.

Teamwork: Collaboration and knowledge-sharing are key elements that strengthen trust and performance within the company.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Autohellas has always emphasized responsible business conduct, focusing on the environment, employees, local communities, and cultural heritage. CSR actions support:

• ecological responsibility
• Greek tourism development
• cultural heritage preservation
• sports initiatives
• educational programs
• vulnerable social groups

Learning about Hertz car rental and the history of the Hertz brand provides insight into how the company became a global leader in car rental services and mobility innovation. From its origins in 1918 to its expansion into car leasing in Romania, Hertz continues to build on its values, offering reliable, flexible, and forward-thinking mobility options. Supported by the strength and expertise of the Autohellas Group, Hertz remains committed to delivering exceptional service to individuals and companies across Romania and beyond.