National Refuels At Low Cost For Frequent Renters - 2001-01-15

<B>National Refuels At Low Cost For Frequent Renters</B>

By Annalise Bomenblit

National Car Rental on Monday announced that it is offering a new, time-saving refueling option that allows Emerald Club members to have their rental car refueled by National service agents at the drop-off area's local self-serve prices.

Until now, the only way a traveler could avoid the refueling errand was to pre-pay for fuel at the time of rental. While pre-paying eliminates the need to refuel, it can result in unnecessary monetary loss for the corporate client, as the unused fuel is nonrefundable. However, National's new program--created specifically with the frequent business traveler in mind--has received high praise from corporate clients.

Martin Wahoske, director of travel and expense management for Carlson Cos. Inc., called National's new approach innovative and an essential part of saving time and money during the return process. "I like the concept of a counter bypass on the front side and, on the back side, getting people home quickly. All this is critical for the travel experience," he said.

Carlson's potential savings could be $40,000 based on 2000 rental use figures, said Wahoske. "We know about a third of employees return a car without refueling and we know the percentage that prepurchase the fuel option. The prepay option can often wind up a loss. Now people can return the vehicle empty and be assured of receiving the best fuel price. That's exciting."

National conducted research among its frequent renters, and found that while most did refuel their rental cars prior to drop off to avoid the refueling charge, customers said that not having to stop for gas would be desirable and time saving.

National spokeswoman Judy Joffe said the new service was rolled out after focus groups and telephone interviews conducted by an independent company found customers placed a high priority on the speed of the transaction.

"An overwhelming majority of respondents said, 'Don't make me stop for gas!' " said Joffe. "We also tried to think of things that are 'low-touch,' because our customers don't need a lot of handholding or explanation. They want speed and a clean car."

BP Amoco travel manager John Vogt said, "We also see the safety and security benefit of allowing our travelers to drive directly to the rental lot at the airport, without searching for a gas station in unfamiliar surroundings, especially at night.