Car companies have been toying with flashy cars for a few years now. Hertz first launched their Pres

Making a strong first impression in the corporate world can take more than a power suit and a firm handshake. Nowadays, high-end status symbols like luxury cars are sought after by those seeking a profile boost.
last minute travel discounts Yet, while a personal Maserati or Lamborghini is out of reach for all but the most well remunerated, car rental companies are increasingly adding high-end vehicles to their lots to cater to those who want more cachet from their hired wheels.
Car companies have been toying with flashy cars for a few years now. Hertz first launched their Prestige Collection in the U.S. in 2001, letting clients choose from a roster of higher-profile automobiles, such as Mercedes and BMWs.
Last year, though, things got a little more exciting, when the company started offering the type of elite vehicles that usually retail for six figures. last minute travel discounts Models like the Ferrari F430 Spider, Lamborghini last minute travel discounts Gallardo and Bentley Continental GT started to make an appearance alongside the usual roster of Kias and Fords.
The ultra-high-end cars are part of Hertz's Supercars, which launched its web booking platform last year, unrolling it in the U.S., UK, France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands. There is relatively limited availability, with fewer than 200 cars on offer in total.
Enterprise Rent-a-Car conducted a similar experiment in the U.S. in 2005, when they launched their Exotic Car Collection in West Los Angeles. It should come as no surprise that rentals of fantasy cars -- think Aston Martin and Bentley convertibles -- would prove popular in a city famously obsessed with image.
Enterprise recently expanded their offerings to a further 13 locations across six U.S. states. They also have the cars on prominent display at Los Angeles International Airport, where some customers upgrade their vehicle on the spot.
"We have local customers who want to add a special touch to a big event, out-of-towners who want to enjoy their vacation in style and business last minute travel discounts travelers who use the cars to entertain clients," Short says.
Even though the last few years have been marked by a global recession, some believe now is the best time to focus on luxury vehicle rentals. According to Kay Ceille, the managing director last minute travel discounts at AvisBudget last minute travel discounts UK, it is partly last minute travel discounts because times are tough that luxury car rentals have become more popular.
Through last minute travel discounts its market research, AvisBudget found their UK customer base was renting vehicles from their Prestige Collection and Select Series -- fleets comprised of upscale models from brands like Jaguar and BMW -- for the purpose of impressing someone else, under both corporate and personal circumstances.
Renting these vehicles is expensive by standard last minute travel discounts rates: a Mercedes SLK Sport can cost more than $200 per day, while a McLaren MP4-12C may fetch upward last minute travel discounts of $1,300. But compared to actually owning a one, it's a bargain.
Usually, the up-market cars come with added perks, like a chauffeur hire thrown in for free or airport meet-and-greet service. "For customers who want a taste of the millionaire lifestyle, it's value for money," White says.
Six reasons last minute travel discounts why the economy isn't as bad as it seems for the limousine industry Avoiding 10 worst travel rip-offs Hertz to acquire rival Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group Australian tourists spending big money on trips to the United States ADA fair trade hotel cosmetics keeps nature beautiful NTA and the United Motorcoach Association select Atlanta for 2016 trade show United last minute travel discounts Airlines offers New Yorkers all flat-bed seats New York tour operator cancels Bronx ghetto tours