Hertz's AI-Powered Inspection Tunnel Ensures Blemish-Free Rentals

AI scanners will take over from manual inspections at Hertz’s car rental locations at U.S. airports.
The technology by UVeye uses cameras and sensors to scan the vehicle within seconds.
This action intends to reduce expenses, avoid unseen deterioration, and enhance vehicle maintenance across the fleet.

Casual travelers in America who prefer renting vehicles Travelers will soon encounter a novel process for inspecting vehicles when they pick up or drop off rental cars at airports. Hertz has partnered with the Israeli technology start-up UVexe to deploy advanced car scanning systems at key U.S. airport sites, starting with Atlanta.

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UVeye, the company behind AI-driven vehicle inspection systems , is already used by hundreds of dealerships across the US to help check customer cars faster and more efficiently. These tunnel-like scanners, featuring integrated lights, cameras, and sensors, will now replace the tedious, manual inspections Hertz typically uses during drop-offs.

Velocity and Precision in Automotive Examinations

Referred to as the "MRI of car diagnostics," this system promises exceptional speed and precision in spotting both mechanical and aesthetic problems. Within mere moments, these scanners inspect various parts such as the exterior panels, windows, underside, and wheels. Subsequently, the gathered digital information is cross-referenced with the initial state documentation of the vehicle, highlighting any discrepancies that may have developed since its record was made.

While Hertz The system claims to "increase the frequency, precision, and effectiveness" of vehicle upkeep. However, the primary benefit for this major rental company probably lies in ensuring clients are responsible for damages that could have been overlooked during manual inspections. This is particularly crucial at airport sites where past examinations were not consistently rigorous, enabling certain small dents and scratches to escape detection.

Hertz plans to roll out over 100 UVeye systems across its major airport locations in the US by the end of this year. The first scanner has already been installed at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia.

Once the vehicle is returned, the customer gets a detailed inspection report sent straight to their smartphone. This eliminates the need for photos at pick-up and ensures more transparency throughout the process. UVeye’s tire treadwear system will also alert staff when it’s time for a tire replacement , spotting uneven wear and potential defects.

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Boasting over half a million vehicles globally, Hertz emphasizes that upkeep of these assets is an essential focus. Through the adoption of artificial intelligence-driven inspection tools, the firm aims to boost operational effectiveness and reduce costs in the future, which could also lead to increased earnings. It’s important to highlight that Hertz reported a $2.9 billion loss in 2024. mainly because of the decline in value of its electric vehicle lineup.

In addition to Hertz, other prominent rental car firms like Enterprise and Avis are mulling over the implementation of comparable scanning tech at their outlets soon.

Does It Also Scan Your Wallet?

Although Hertz prioritizes efficiency as their main objective, they also stress the significance of "customer transparency." This could imply that Hertz may begin employing these scanning devices to detect each minor scratch and dent. If this happens, customers might soon face charges for damages they were unaware of. We'll have to wait and observe how this plays out in reality.

The minor scuffs at the back of your bumper, which might go unnoticed otherwise, could very well catch the attention of these artificial intelligence systems. This helps increase Hertz's profits while adding an extra cost for renters. While this benefits the company greatly, customers might find themselves feeling as though they're always being monitored by an automated overseer.