March 26, 2008Kiosk Case Study - Car Rental Check-In KiosksTULSA, Okla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alamo Rent A Car recently set a major industry milestone with one million self-service kiosk rental transactions. Alamo is a technology innovator and industry leader in self-service kiosks, which enable customers to skip lines at the rental counter and check in directly. Ms. Kitty Eisele – Alamo’s one-millionth kiosk customer – completed her rental transaction in Minneapolis. Said Eisele, a producer, “When I travel, I hit the ground running and need reliable vehicles that also offer great value and service.” Many other Alamo renters throughout the country also are taking advantage of Alamo’s lead in customer service. Mr. Richard Johnson of Bryn Mawr, Pa., a frequent Alamo renter and kiosk user, said: “Alamo was the first to put the kiosks in, and they’re really user-friendly. If I can do something myself, I’m going to be fast. That’s important because I’m always on a deadline. Now I save at least 10 or 15 minutes and I don’t have to stand in line. And I still get to interact with the agents because they know me by name and always make a point of saying ‘Hello.’” Mr. Robert Hutton of Canoga Park, Calif., added, “I’d been renting regularly for more than a year, and I always thought there had to be an easier way. The kiosk service is extremely convenient, saving me roughly 20 to 25 minutes. That’s time I can then use to prepare for business meetings. I recommend the kiosks to friends and colleagues who want a fast, convenient way to get on the road faster.” “Our growing network of kiosks – which has serviced more than a million U.S. customers in less than two years – continues to significantly reduce travel hassles and helps customers get where they’re going more quickly,” said Greg Stubblefield, President of Alamo Rent A Car. “It’s no wonder we’re hundreds of thousands of kiosk rentals ahead of our competitors.” After a customer – with a valid driver’s license and a major credit card – agrees to terms and conditions, a receipt-sized rental agreement summary is printed at the kiosk, and the customer is directed to their rental car on the lot. At the exit booth, the customer shows the booth agent the rental agreement summary, driver’s license, and credit card – and simply drives away. Alamo’s kiosks also allow customers to review rental information, upgrade to a larger class car, add drivers, and purchase option items such as a GPS unit and prepaid gasoline. Alamo continues to refine its technology and expand its number of kiosk locations. Recent advancements in Alamo’s kiosk technology include the ability for customers who do not have an advance reservation to simply walk up and use the kiosk. Customers may also add or change their frequent flyer program numbers at the kiosk for airline award points. The self-service kiosk is just one technology first for Alamo, which launched the industry’s first and only Online Check-In system in 2005 and the first real-time Internet booking engine in 1995. With kiosks and online check-in options, Alamo is the only car rental company to offer two methods to skip the line. About Alamo Rent A Car The Taylor Family of St. Louis, which owns and operates Enterprise Rent-A-Car, acquired the National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car businesses in 2007. Today, the Taylors’ Enterprise, National and Alamo businesses include a network of more than 8,000 neighborhood-based and airport car rental locations, representing the most comprehensive service provider in the car rental industry – unparalleled in size, strength and stability. Alamo, an internationally recognized brand that services the most popular travel destinations for the leisure airport customer, has locations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific Rim. Alamo launched its self-service kiosks in November 2006 and currently operates 159 kiosks at 65 U.S. locations in 28 states and the District of Columbia. Last year, the success and popularity of the kiosks earned Alamo the “Extra Mile Award” from Budget Travel magazine. For more information about Alamo, including the Best Rate Guarantee, visit www.alamo.com. Contacts For Alamo Rent A Car |