usrentacar.co.uk ® Car Hire USA Blog

Here are the top five most viewed posts on usrentacar.co.uk® for the week commencing the 24th January.

Here are the top five viewed blogs on usrentacar.co.uk® in the last 30 days.

Hi all,

When Dollar Rent A Car decided not to take the Hertz offer and enter in to advanced talks with Budget Rent A Car the stumbling block would always be proving to anti trust regulators that the consumer would be the winner, here is the latest joint statement from Avis/Budget and DTAG (Dollar /Thrifty)

As previously reported, following the termination of Dollar Thrifty’s merger agreement with Hertz Global Holdings Inc., Dollar Thrifty and Avis Budget have been cooperating to pursue antitrust regulatory clearance of a potential acquisition of Dollar Thrifty’s common stock by Avis Budget.

During this period, Avis Budget and Dollar Thrifty have presented to the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) a jointly held view that the potential transaction would not reduce competition in the rental car industry. Each believes that intense competition from Enterprise/Alamo/National and Hertz/Advantage, as well as numerous smaller brands, would continue after the proposed transaction. In addition, Avis Budget has expressed the view that a merger with Dollar Thrifty would result in significant cost savings and other operational efficiencies. These synergies and the increased ability of the combined company to compete against other competitors in the marketplace will benefit all rental car consumers, particularly Dollar Thrifty’s core leisure customers.

Avis Budget and Dollar Thrifty believe substantial progress has been made in the discussions with the FTC on these issues, but the FTC’s position with respect to the competitive issues remains uncertain. The two companies have produced millions of pages of documents and provided vast amounts of data to the FTC regarding the car rental industry and their respective businesses as part of a “Second Request” review process. Avis Budget and Dollar Thrifty each have notified the FTC of their intention to certify substantial compliance with the Second Requests on a timetable that would require an official decision from the FTC by the end of March or early April.

As the FTC review process continues, Avis Budget and Dollar Thrifty remain focused on building their individual businesses to drive continued growth and maximize value for shareholders. Dollar Thrifty and Avis Budget reiterate that they have no agreement with respect to any merger or other business combination, and that there can be no assurance that any such transaction (or the terms thereof) can be agreed upon.

Do you think this joint merger will benefit the consumer?

I will of course keep you updated as more information becomes available.

regards,

James

Hi all,

As you probably know and have probably seen from our USA Snow in Pictures blog, 49 of the 50 U.S. states were hit with the white stuff.

To date, only Florida has escaped

With ferocious blizzards pounding the East Coast, and a number of other storms blowing across the western U.S. and plains states, the country now has the presence of snow in 49 of the 50 states. An arctic blast rolled across the country earlier this week, sending temperatures falling in southern states that normally are spared winter’s wraith. Only Florida remains free of snow at the moment.

Many residents in the North East of America are getting to grips with 10 inches plus of snow.

According to CNN, meteorologists estimate that approximately 69.4% of the lower U.S. states are currently buried under some amount of snow. Alaska of course has snow all year round and it is not uncommon for Hawaii’s Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea mountains to have snow throughout the winter either.!

Have you had any dealings with the USA snow storms?

Regards,

James

Hi all,

Today is Martin Luther King Day in the USA and therefore is a federal holiday. Martin Luther King Day is always held on the third Monday of January each year, which is around the time of King’s birthday, January 15.

How is it celebrated?

Martin Luther King Day is a relatively new federal holiday(1986) and there are few long standing traditions. It is seen as a day to promote equal rights for all Americans, regardless of their background. Some educational establishments mark the day by teaching their pupils or students about the work of Martin Luther King and the struggle against racial segregation and racism. In recent years, federal legislation has encouraged Americans to give some of their time on this day as volunteers in citizen action groups.

Martin Luther King Day, also known as Martin Luther King’s birthday and Martin Luther King Jr Day, is combined with other days in different states. For example, it is combined with Civil Rights Day in Arizona and New Hampshire, while it is observed together with Human Rights Day in Idaho. It is also a day that is combined with Robert E. Lee’s birthday in some states.

Public Life

Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday, but has slightly different names in some states. Non-essential Government departments are closed, as are many corporations. Some schools and colleges close but others stay open and teach their students about the life and work of Martin Luther King.

Small companies, such as grocery stores and restaurants tend to be open, although a growing number are choosing to close on this day. Some compensate by opening on Washington’s Birthday instead. Recent federal legislation encourages Americans to give some of their time on Martin Luther King Day as volunteers in citizen action groups. Public transit systems may or may not operate on their regular schedule.

Martin Luther King was an important civil rights activist. He was a leader in the movement to end racial segregation in the United States. His most famous address was the “I Have A Dream” speech. He was an advocate of non-violent protest and became the youngest man to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He was assassinated in 1968.

Background

In 1968, shortly after Martin Luther King died, a campaign was started for his birthday to become a holiday to honor him. After the first bill was introduced, trade unions lead the campaign for the federal holiday. It was endorsed in 1976. Following support from the musician Stevie Wonder with his single “Happy Birthday” and a petition with six million signatures, the bill became law in 1983.

Happy Martin Luther King Day.

regards,

James

Hi all,

Just a quick heads up to remind readers that if you require car hire in the USA over the Christmas period, not to leave it late.

We are already experiencing stop sales from some suppliers for popular ski locations especially the sports utility vehicles (4×4′s). A stop sale means that the suppliers has totally run out of that specific category of vehicle.

At present we have some great Florida Car Hire deals that stretch way in to 2011.

Regards,

James

Hi all,

Today I have been sent the annual survey of USA car rental fleets, locations and revenue  provided by Auto Rental News.

The U.S. Car Hire industry is set to report a combined industry revenue of over 20 billion dollars up on 2009 figures.

The impressive point to this stat is that this year’s revenue total will be achieved with a smaller rental fleet, bringing average revenue per unit to $1,051 per month, a record high.

Alamo Car Hire

Alamo Rent A Car including Enterprise Rent A Car and National Rent A Car have an estimated 850,689 rental cars in service in the USA today covering 6178 locations. Last year’s total revenue was estimated at $9.5 Billion, this years revenue see’s an estimated increase to $9.8 Billion.

Budget Car Hire

Budget Rent A Car including Avis have an estimated 270,000 rental cars in the USA servicing 2100 locations. Last year’s total revenue was estimated at $4 Billion, this years revenue see’s an estimated decrease to $3.85 Billion.

Dollar Rent A Car

Dollar Rent A Car including Thrifty Rent A Car have an estimated 108,000 USA Hire Cars on the road spread out among 464 locations. Last year’s total revenue was estimated at $1.467 Billion, this years revenue see’s an estimated increase to $1.54 Billion.

Hertz Car Hire

Hertz Rent A Car including Advantage Rent A Car have an estimated 290,000 rental cars in the USA servicing 2300 locations. Last year’s total revenue was estimated at $3.95 Billion, this years revenue see’s an estimated decrease to $4.158 Billion.

Totals

Based on all the estimates there are 1,629,561 Rental Cars servicing 17,254 separate USA pick up points earning an estimated $20.551 Billion for 2010!

I am n0t entirely sure if these figures include the buoyant second hand car sales market, but the figures are an encouraging sign that the car rental industry is back on a secure foundation after what has been an extremely difficult few years.

Regards,

James,

Hi all,

From today usrentacar.co.uk® have introduced the Standard 2dr and 4dr with Dollar Rent A Car from all USA locations.

The standard vehicle falls between the Intermediate and the Full size categories and is currently being offered as the Ford Fusion or similar.

As per Dollar’s website (screen shot shown below) the Standard vehicle can carry 5 people and 4 suitcases.

The standard vehicle will be available on both our fully inclusive rate and gold rate and are available to book right up until 31 March 2012.

Have you hired a Standard vehicle before, what were your experiences?

Regards,

James

Hi all,

As previously mentioned we have been busy putting together our top 10 list of USA ski locations. We’ll the wait is over

Top 10 USA Ski Locations

Jackson Hole , Wyoming, USA

No mistake about it. Jackson Hole is a skier’s mountain, and it’s not for the faint of heart or the weak of quads. It’s steep, often deep, the trees are tight and most would have it no other way. The resort has two mountains—Apres Vous Mountain is best known for its groomed intermediate cruisers as well as the black Saratoga Bow, and Rendezvous Mountain has a handful of groomed runs. Most of the blues here would be blacks anywhere else.

Vail, Colorado, USA

If you’re skiing with a group, arrange a meeting place in case you get separated. This is one big mountain. After about a week here, you’ll still be discovering new pitches and trails. By the way—locals call the lifts by their numbers rather than their names. If you want to play with them, do the same.

Sun Valley, Idaho, USA

The main drawback to Sun Valley is the split in the ski areas. Bald Mountain (called “Baldy”) is best suited for intermediate and advanced skiers, while beginners and first-timers should stick to Dollar/Elkhorn. Mixed-ability groups may not be thrilled, unless they truly don’t mind being separated. This also means there will be no mealtime rendezvous, as Dollar’s base is a full 15–20-minute bus trip away.

Aspen, Colorado, USA

Aspen, a famous Rocky Mountain town in Colorado, is a European-style ski village built in the 1960′s and visited by famous celebrities. It is a spectacular world-class ski resort.

Other outdoor sports in this spectacular world-class ski resort include white water rafting on the Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers, biking in the Rocky Mountains, jeep trails, horseback riding, paragliding and ballooning. Some of the best trout fishing in Colorado lies near Aspen.

Heavenly Ski Resort, Lake Tahoe

Located on Lake Tahoe, Heavenly Ski Resort is the largest ski resort in the US. The resort offers skiing on slopes in both California and Nevada, snowmobiling, sledding, tubing, and a ski school. Heavenly Ski Resort is accessible by a gondola in downtown Lake Tahoe.

Stowe, Vermont, USA

Stowe Mountain Resort is located on Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak at 4,393 feet above sea level. The resort offers a variety of terrain spread out over two distinct mountains. Spruce Peak offers intermediate and novice terrain, while Mt. Mansfield offers terrain for all ability levels.

Stowe has 47 trails with 25 percent for advanced skiers, 59 percent for intermediates and 16 percent for novices. Each trail averages nearly a mile in length, which is double the average trail length of any other resort in the East. Getting to the top of Stowe is fast and comfortable. The East’s first detachable quad chair and the world’s fastest gondola both offer top-to-bottom skiing. With high-speed lifts and exceptionally long trails, skiers are guaranteed more skiing time and less time standing in lift lines.

Winter Park, Colorado, USA

Winter Park, Colorado, located in the Rocky Mountains, is extremely popular and close to Denver. Winter Park has long boasted of a reputation as “Colorado’s favorite ski area.” It’s understandable that lucky Winter Park locals who have the best skiing on earth at their doorstep appreciate a Colorado ski area with grandiose and varied terrain, constant upgrades to lifts and day lodge facilities, consistently good snow, exceptional children’s and beginner facilities and moderate prices.

The Winter Park skiing ranges across three main peaks, Winter Park, Mary Jane, and Vazquez Ridge — topped by a vast snowfield called Parsenn Bowl. Behind Parsenn is Vasquez Cirque, 435 high-expert acres. Winter Park also is home to the world’s finest program for teaching the disabled to ski.

Deer Valley, Utah, USA

Deer Valley Resort, Park City, Utah, was the official site of the 2002 Olympic Slalom, Mogul and Aerial Events. Deer Valley Resort was also recognized by the readers of SKI magazine as the #1 resort in North America. In February of 2003 they will stage the 2003 Freestyle FIS World Championships utilizing the same runs on which Olympians competed in 2002.

Known as the ski resort that has revolutionized ski-area service, Deer Valley is nestled in Utah’s picturesque Rocky Mountain Wasatch Range.

Telluride, Colorado, USA

The Telluride ski experience offers a genuine mountain experience forall levels of skiers thanks to a mix of quality terrain at all points on the mountain.  From refined groomed runs to challenging moguls, there truly is something for everyone.  Even beginners and intermediate skiers can ride to the highest peaks and enjoy terrain and views typically reserved for the experts.  Find out why Telluride has been called, “The most beautiful place you’ll ever ski.”

Averaging more than 300 inches of snow and 300 days of sunshine each year, odds are you’ll find fantastic conditions on Telluride’s 1700 skiable acres. And forget crowds: the trails are never packed, and there is rarely a lift line.

Beaver Creek, Colorado, USA

If World Cup racers refer to Beaver Creek as their favourite place to compete, maybe there is something you should know.

Every year, athletes and spectators alike migrate to our mountain top resort for the Birds of Prey Men’s World Cup. But that is only a slice of what Beaver Creek has to offer. From the gentle, manicured slopes of Bachelor Gulch, to the open intermediate trails of Larkspur and Rose Bowl, to the steep bumps of Grouse Mountain, skiers and riders of all abilities will feel at home on our mountain.

Do you agree with our list?

Have you skied any of these resort?

Have I missed any?

Kind regards,

James

Hi all,

Ski season is in full effect and usrentacar.co.uk® has been busy compiling our list of the top 10 ski locations in America which we will release this week. Today’s blog details the amount of ski areas operating in the 2008/2009 season.

37 U.S. states operate ski areas, New York leads with 48 areas in operation during the 2008/09 season, followed by Michigan’s 36, Wisconsin’s 35 and Pennsylvania with 29. There were a total of 473 operating ski areas during the 2008/09 season.

Here’s a breakout by state:

Alabama 1

Alaska 10

Arizona 4

California 28

Colorado 29

Connecticut 5

Idaho 16

Iowa 4

Illinois 6

Indiana 2

Maine 18

Maryland 1

Massachusetts 13

Michigan 36

Minnesota 18

Missouri 2

Montana 18

Nevada 5

New Hampshire 25

New Jersey 3

New Mexico 10

New York 48

North Carolina 7

North Dakota 4

Ohio 6

Oregon 13

Pennsylvania 29

Rhode Island 1

South Dakota 3

Tennessee 1

Utah 14

Vermont 24

Virginia 4

Washington 16

West Virginia 5

Wisconsin 35

Wyoming 9

Total: 473

Have you skied in any of these states, what were your experiences and where would you recommend?

regards,

James

Hi all,

Road trips are extremely popular at the moment  and the USA has some very icon routes to follow, with Route 66 probably being the most famous.

Following on from our recent blog – How to plan a car hire usa road trip I have today put together a list of what to take with you on a road trip.

What to take with you on a road trip

• Maps - Sat Nav’s are great, but always have a map just in case.
• Blankets - Even though your first thought of the USA is warm sunshine parts of it, especially at night can be very cold.
• Warm Clothing - Same as above really.
• A Torch – self explanatory really, helpful to also pack some spare batteries.
• First Aid Kit – Like a good boy scout, be prepared!
• Drinking Water – Recommend amount in a desert is one gallon per day.
• Mobile Phone - If you’re like me it permanently stuck to you anyway however communication can be key.
• In Car Charger – As above
• Oil, Anti Freeze and Petrol – Although the hire cars are serviced and checked regularly, its always a good idea to pack these in case of emergency.
• Music
• Cat Litter - Yeah I know, why would you take a cat on a road trip? however its not for the cat its for traction. If you get stuck in mud sprinkle some cat litter round your tire for traction. It also can be used to soak up oil etc
• A Jack – Blow outs can happen.
• Tyre Iron – As above
• Jump Leads
• Swiss Army Knife

Have I missed anything out?

Tell me about your road trip experiences.

regards,

James