LONDON, May 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hertz Corporation (NYSE: HTZ), has announced that Hertz Car Sales Europe (www.hertzrent2buy.co.uk), the used car remarketing division of Hertz International, is an official sponsor of Murphy Prototypes for the 2014 European Le Mans Series and the 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours Race. The agreement with the endurance racing team and alternative powered vehicles manufacturer began with the April 19(th) race in Silverstone, UK and continues across Europe as the 2014 Le Mans Series visits Italy, France, Austria and Portugal. The 24 Hour race at Le Mans, France on June 14th-15th is the highlight of endurance racing, with an attendance of over 245,000 people in 2013.

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Michel Taride, Group President, Hertz International, said; "The Le Mans Series is a captivating event with an amazing heritage and we are thrilled to announce our sponsorship of the Murphy Prototypes team for the duration of the 2014 European Le Mans Series. Through our partnership, Hertz Car Sales will be able to connect with car enthusiasts as well as the growing Le Mans Series fan base across Europe. Murphy Prototypes is a fantastic team and we look forward to being a part of their continued success throughout the season, continuing later this month in Italy."

The Murphy Prototypes driver line-up for the 2014 Series includes former Formula 1 driver and Sky Formula 1 presenter, Karun Chandhok, Marussia Formula 1 test driver, Rodolfo Gonzalez and GP2 Driver, Nathanael Berthon.

As part of the agreement, Hertz Car Sales branding will appear on the tailfin of Murphy Prototypes LMP2 Nissan V8-powered Oreca 03, the team truck, the mobile garage and all teamwear. The sponsorship will ensure significant broadcast media exposure for the Hertz Car Sales brand as well as a variety of corporate hospitality opportunities across Europe. Hertz Car Sales will also be supporting the Murphy Prototypes team via Facebook (Hertz Rent2Buy) and Twitter (#HertzRacing #HertzAlsoSellsCars).

Rui Ferreira, Vice President Fleet Remarketing, Hertz Car Sales, said: "Our association with Murphy Prototypes and Le Mans will be a great platform to showcase the Hertz Car Sales brand in Europe and beyond. A lot of people do not realize that Hertz is not just one of the world's largest car rental providers; we also sell cars. We have thousands of well-maintained cars for sale, with the opportunity for consumers to enjoy an extended test drive before purchase with our unique Rent2Buy proposition. This partnership is a great way to raise awareness of Hertz Car Sales and Rent2Buy while supporting a successful and growing team."

Greg Murphy, Team Principal of Murphy Prototypes, said: "We are very excited to welcome Hertz Car Sales to the Murphy Prototypes team. Hertz Car Sales' support will be invaluable to help us carry forward our success from the previous campaign and help us achieve our aim of winning the championship. The 2014 Le Mans Series is set to be as entertaining as ever and we are sure Hertz Car Sales' involvement will help provide some added value for our fans."

The agreement follows Hertz Car Sales' successful partnership with the Murphy Prototypes team during the final race of the 2013 European Le Mans Series, when the team won in a superb display with Brendon Hartley at the wheel.

Notes to Editors:


    --  The 2014 European Le Mans Series will continue at the Autodromo Enzo e
        Dino Ferrari race track in Italy on 18 May. Fans can keep up to date
        with all Murphy Prototypes and Hertz Car Sales developments by visiting
        www.murphyprototypes.com and on Twitter @murphyprototype.
    --  Hertz Rent2Buy is an online car sales program from Hertz Car Sales
        offering well maintained, late model vehicles to consumers at
        competitive, fixed prices. Prospective buyers can take an extended test
        drive of their chosen vehicle, with the rental costs not being charged
        if the car is purchased.
    --  For more information on Hertz Car Sales and Hertz Rent2Buy please visit
        www.hertzremarketing.co.uk and www.hertzrent2buy.co.uk.

The 2014 European Le Mans Series and the 24 Le Mans race



    4 Hours of Silverstone

     Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, United Kingdom            19 April


    4 Hour of Impola

    Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola, Italy                  18 May


    24 Hours of Le Mans

    Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans, France                        14 - 15 June


    4 Hours of Red Bull Ring

    Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Austria                            20 July


    4 Hours of Le Castellet

    Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet, France                    14 September


    5 Hours of Estoril

    Autodromo do Estoril, Estoril, Portugal                      19 October

About Hertz Car Sales

Hertz Car Sales, the remarketing division of The Hertz Corporation, resells quality used cars through a variety of channels, including wholesalers, traders, retailers, auctions, and the Hertz Rent2Buy program. The division, which launched in 1977, offers a wide range of vehicles in a variety of makes and models, all maintained to the manufacturer's standards with guaranteed mileage. The Hertz Car Sales service is available via convenient web-based platforms. Hertz Rent2Buy is an online car sales program from Hertz Car Sales that sells direct to consumers, offering well maintained, late model vehicles at competitive, fixed prices. Prospective buyers can take an extended test drive of their chosen vehicle, with the rental costs not being charged if the car is purchased. Financial assistance options are also on offer. More information is available at www.hertzremarketing.co.uk and www.hertzrent2buy.co.uk.

About Murphy Prototypes:

Murphy Prototypes is proud to have one of the fastest growing followings in the ELMS (European Le Mans Series) and the prestigious Grand Prix of Endurance, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. We embrace the opportunity social media provides to interact with our fans, why not join them?

The team, based in Dublin, Ireland, compete in the ultra-competitive LMP2 Prototype class - finishing 6th in class and 12th overall at last year's 24 Hours of Le Mans despite a harrowing drop to 52nd position after an electrical problem. The team presently run an Oreca 03 chassis which is currently powered by a Nissan engine.

Hertz Press Contacts
Nicola Hanley
Ketchum
T: +44 (0) 207 611 3597
E: nicola.hanley@ketchum.com

Ian Savage
Ketchum
T: +44 (0) 207 611 3774
E: ian.savage@ketchum.com

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140516/88335

SOURCE The Hertz Corporation