Hertz

AAA projects over 72 million travelers for the Fourth of July weekend, breaking a previous record. Airports and rental car services face high demand, with TSA screening 3 million passengers and Hertz reporting peak rental days in major cities. Car travel remains cheaper than flying despite rising gas prices.

Rental car companies are using AI-powered scanners to detect vehicle damage, but customers report being charged for uncaused damage. Experts question the technology's accuracy, as minor issues like dirt or water droplets may trigger false alerts. A Hertz customer, Jessica Fields, was billed $350 for dents flagged by AI despite returning the car undamaged.

Rental car companies use AI scanners to detect vehicle damage, but customers report being charged for uncaused damage. Experts and consumers raise concerns about the technology's accuracy, as minor issues like dirt or water droplets are flagged. An example is Jessica Fields, who was charged $350 for dents without seeing the before photos.

Rental car companies are using AI-powered camera systems to detect vehicle damage, but customers report being charged for uncaused damage like dirt or water droplets. Jessica Fields, a Georgia psychotherapist, was billed $350 for dents flagged by Hertz's AI after returning a car, despite no visible damage at drop-off.

AAA projects a record 45 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles during Memorial Day weekend (May 21-25), with 39.1 million traveling by car. Heavy traffic congestion is expected between 3-6 p.m. on May 21-22 and 12-5 p.m. on May 25, with gas prices at their highest since summer 2022.

Uber has partnered with Hertz to manage its fleet of Lucid Motors robotaxis through Hertz's new affiliate, Oro Mobility. The partnership involves cleaning, charging, and repairing the autonomous vehicles as part of fleet management services.

Democratic House candidate Jack Schlossberg calls for an FTC investigation into Hertz's AI-driven damage detection system, alleging it leads to unfair consumer charges. He highlights a case where a customer was billed $440 for a 1-inch scuff, with disputes handled by a chatbot lacking human support, and urges federal guidelines for AI in financial decisions.

Jack Schlossberg, a Democratic House candidate and JFK's grandson, calls for an FTC investigation into Hertz's AI-driven rental car damage detection system, which he claims leads to unfair consumer overcharges. He highlights a case where a customer was charged $440 for a minor scuff and criticizes the lack of dispute options, urging federal guidelines for AI in consumer finance.