PARK RIDGE, N.J. –

The Hertz Corp. and its car rental units revealed expansion plans earlier this week for their franchise network, as the company aims to bolster its footprint in the airport and off-airport car rental segments.

“Hertz is expanding its franchisee network to accelerate growth in certain key U.S. car rental markets, which, we believe, can happen faster under entrepreneurial, local ownership,” explained Hertz chairman and chief executive officer Mark Frissora.

“Hertz brings a wealth of franchising experience to the table, providing these new businesses with a variety of resources and cost synergies which will enable them to operate within our philosophy of providing the best possible products and services at the lowest possible price,” he added.

Hertz said its U.S. franchisees are situated in 278 locations, 47 of which are airports and its global franchisee count exceeds 3,500 locations throughout six continents. Hertz said at first it will switch a few corporate markets to franchisee operations.