Hertz, one of the world’s largest car hire companies, plans to introduce new high-resolution cameras that can take pictures before and after a car is hired.

The company has been testing new technology at a secret location in the US which can record close up images from multiple angles which can show every scratch and dent on the surface of a car.

The new technology is intended to improve customer relations and reduce losses due to damage, and comes at a pivotal time for the car hire industry which has been struggling due to the effects of the recession, but is now seeing signs of recovery.

Hertz spokesman, Richard Broome, said the company hopes the new high resolution digital inspections would help reduce annual damage payments of £102 million.

The long standing procedure for inspecting vehicles includes a walk around with the customer and a company representative to visually inspect the damage.   The new system will mean the close up photos will show any damage that the customer may be responsible for.

“It will speed up the rental process and help to avoid any disputes over damage. Sometimes we may get into disputes with consumers that don’t get resolved” Mr Broome said.

The plan to introduce the new technology is part of a wider plan by Hertz to expand its market base by appealing to new customers.  On Monday, Hertz revealed it had purchased Automoti Group, a website that allows car hunters to rent the vehicle before buying it.  Hertz has also introduced a per-hour car hire scheme in London, Paris and New York.

The car rental business has been struggling for the past 18 months as competition has forced prices to crash, along with the credit crisis which has meant car hire chains have faced extra difficulties when gaining credit to upgrade their fleets.

Hertz recorded a profit in the second quarter of this year, citing rising costs as the reason to their rebound.

Thanks to the Times for the above quotes and figures.  For more information please visit their website at thetimes.co.uk