Rental customers fume over AI tech
Hertz has found a gimmick to be sure its cars are returned to them in pristine condition, and the new automated vehicle inspection system, developed by tech start up UVeye, has some customers crying foul.
According to an article in the Daily Mail, one rental customer complained about being charged an extra $440 for a minor one-inch scrape on a wheel.
Ironically, Hertz says the artificial intelligence scanning system is there to protect customers from being overcharged for damage they did not cause, but customers grumble that the AI may be too smart for its own good, picking up “damage” that is hardly noticeable to the human eye.
According to The Drive, customers have submitted bills that show Hertz slyly tacking on more than just repair charges, but also adding in extra administrative fees and “processing” charges.
This latest bit of bad press comes just a year after the rental car giant gave up its last attempt to jump on a tech bandwagon and ended up being dragged behind for it.
Last year the company cried uncle and announced it was selling off its fleet of EVs that had, at one time, comprised 11% of the company’s inventory. Hertz tried to promote the largely government-mandated trend and even hired football star Tom Brady to plug EVs, but customers weren’t having any of it.
People began to immediately complain about having to use up half of their rental’s current charge hunting around an unfamiliar city for a charging station or finding themselves booked into a hotel that is completely across town from a station.
Hertz is one of largest car rental companies. It was founded in 1918 and currently employs 29,350 people.
General Motors issues massive recall
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on June 25 the most popular vehicle on America’s roadways, the 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado.
The NHTSA estimates that around 62,468 or around 1% of the total trucks built and covers the Medium Duty 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD models.
The issue is a faulty brake pressure sensor assembly that may allow fluid to leak, increasing chances of an electrical short. Such a short can generate excessive heat and could result in a fire, risking injury, NHTSA said, adding that a fire may occur even when the vehicle is switched off or while the vehicle is left unattended.
Meanwhile, Ford is recalling nearly 200,000 Mustang Mach-E vehicles due to door latch issues, GM recalling over 300,000 trucks due to a tailgate issue, and Toyota recalling 2023-2024 Sequoia Hybrids for a potential tow hitch cover detachment, according to Reuters.
Scott Hudson is the Senior Investigative Reporter, Editorial Page Editor and weekly columnist for The Augusta Press. Reach him at scott@theaugustapress.com
