Hertz, a subsidiary of Ford Motor Company and the leading car rental company in the world, is planning to establish its presence at major domestic and international airport arrival lounges to service international inbound and domestic, business and leisure travellers.

In each of the major cities, there will be multiple locations for easy access.

All locations will be manned round-the-clock and customers can make bookings anywhere within India or all over the world through a local call with instant confirmations.

Rajiv K Vij, chief executive officer, Carzonrent India Private Limited (Hertz India), said, "We are talking to airport authorities at all major towns and cities. Besides requesting for space around the airport, we are also participating in the tender process, where the lowest bidder is allowed as the branded car rental operator in the vicinity of that airport.

"In order to promote this 'self drive' market, we plan to build a network of operations in 32 cities of business and tourist importance over the next 18 months."

Carzonrent has been appointed as the licencee of Hertz in India. Carzonrent is a venture promoted by industry professionals who already have significant experience in managing operations for major car rental brands in India.

Having established themselves as the country's leading car rental operator in the chauffeur-driven segment, Hertz India is now planning to tap the self-drive market, besides collaborating with leading hotels for car rental services as well as operating on lease for corporate houses.

According to Vij, these segments have an immense potential in the Indian market.

"While 99 per cent of the market is dominated by the chauffeur driven segment, this market is also fragmented. Therefore we will now focus on the self-drive and other segments to the extent that they begin to contribute equally to our revenues," he added.

Currently, Hertz India rents about 25 cars per day on a self-drive basis. This service is also available at Bangalore airport, Kolkata airport, Ashok Hotel in Delhi as well as near Spencers Plaza in Chennai.