Latest news with #LucyMcLellan
Miami Herald
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Hertz Unveils Wranglers + Ducks! An Eye-Popping New Rental Perk?
Some vehicles, such as the Mazda Miata, Volkswagen Golf and Jetta, Toyota FJ Cruiser, and many others, have cult followings with strong communities of owners behind them who share inside jokes, advice, and general camaraderie amongst themselves both in real life and on internet forums and social media. The Jeep Wrangler is another cult vehicle on the exhaustive list, as many owners would tell you that the Jeep Life community has its own customs and practices that are shared amongst drivers behind seven-slotted grilles. This includes certain traditions like the "Jeep Wave," a seemingly simple wave shared between Jeep owners with its own set of rules and restrictions that is thoroughly evolving and amended amongst Jeep owners and users on Jeep forums and communities on Reddit. This summer, storied rental car company Hertz is stocking some of its locations with fresh Jeep Wrangler 4xes to be rented for fun-in-the-sun action; however, it's also giving a taste of Jeep ownership to its renters during their limited time with their Wranglers. If you have noticed that some Jeep Wrangler owners in your area keep one or dozens of rubber ducks in visible view of their dashboards, you have come face to face with a fairly new phenomenon with Jeep Wrangler owners called "ducking." In short, Jeep Wrangler owners would keep small rubber ducks (the kind used as bathtub toys), and if they encountered another Jeep Wrangler parked near them during their travels, they would put one of their rubber duck on the hood, bumper, or mirror as a friendly gesture of appreciation from one owner to another. However, Hertz is joining in on this phenomenon with its own fleet of Jeep Wrangler 4xes. To spread and educate renters on the culture around the Jeep brand, the rental car giant is hiding special Jeep-Hertz-branded rubber ducks inside the Wrangler 4xes it rents out. Though it makes sense to share these special ducks with other Jeep owners during their time with their 4xe, Hertz says that those who find these exclusive rubber ducks in their rentals can redeem them for discounts and free upgrades for future Hertz rentals. In a statement, Lucy McLellan, Jeep's head of North American marketing, said that its partnership with Hertz comes as summer invites Jeep enthusiasts to remove the top and "enjoy the open-air freedom the Wrangler offers," and also share a taste of "Jeep Life" with non-Jeep owners. "Our partnership with Hertz gives drivers who haven't yet experienced the perks that come with Wrangler ownership the opportunity to see for themselves firsthand the joys of driving on the open road during their summer travels, receiving a 'Jeep Wave,' getting 'ducked' and taking part in a community culture that brings smiles to owners and passers-by around every corner." I don't own a Jeep Wrangler, but from what I observe day to day, it is nearly impossible to see one in North Jersey without any ducks. I know that the practice of Jeep ducking was started by the late Canadian Jeep enthusiast Allison Parliament, who passed away last year. In 2023, Parliament told MotorTrend that she started the practice as a coy and polite act of kindness and appreciation toward fellow Jeep Wrangler owners. "Jeeps get ducked for many reasons and with lots of motivations and meanings. For me, it was an act of kindness, a healing of sorts, as well as recognition of and greeting to a fellow Jeep owner," she said. "But it can just be that you like their Jeep, or it's the same Jeep you have, or maybe a classic Jeep you would like to own one day. You don't really need a reason for Jeep ducking other than to connect, bring a smile to someone's face, and have fun." The "ducking" practice is one of those niches that Wrangler owners are in or not in on, and some owners I have seen on my social media feed have been kind of hostile toward the whole thing. I do not see anything wrong with it; it's one of those cool "if you know, you know" things like first-gen Mazda Miata owners "winking" their lights at other owners, or "SUBUWU" plates on Subarus. If there is one thing I could commend, it would be Jeep's effort to recognize and be a part of the community that owns their cars. Even its care and owner support program is called "Jeep Wave," with a logo like the gesture. And yes, they do sell official Jeep-branded rubber ducks. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
It's a (Hertz) Jeep® 4x4 Thing: Hertz Adds 2025 Jeep Wrangler to its Newest Fleet Yet
From giving a friendly Jeep® wave to showing kindness with rubber ducks, Hertz has everything drivers need to join the Jeep community and explore the open road like a Jeep 4x4 owner this summer ESTERO, Fla., May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hertz, one of the world's largest car rental companies, is teaming up with the iconic Jeep® brand to add a dedicated collection of Jeep Wrangler 4xe vehicles to its newest fleet yet. Just in time to open the roof top and enjoy open-air freedom, the Wrangler 4xe (America's No. 1 selling plug-in hybrid) will be available for rent starting this month in major cities across the country. Plus, Hertz is giving customers a fun look under the hood at the unique Jeep driver culture (like what is up with the ducks?), surprise offers and more. Drivers can reserve their Jeep Wrangler 4xe this summer at "We are thrilled to add the Jeep Wrangler 4xe to our expansive lineup of new cars, trucks and SUVs for rent at Hertz and give customers a taste of what's it like to be a Wrangler owner," said Henry Kuykendall, Hertz Executive Vice President of North American Operations. "The Jeep Wrangler is iconic and always in high demand for the summer. With the perfect blend of ruggedness and the latest tech features, the 4xe models are sure to delight those who are seeking ultimate freedom and adventure in their travels." It's a (Hertz) Jeep® Thing…Hertz is also giving Wrangler 4xe drivers the opportunity to learn about and participate in the Jeep brand's unique culture: The Jeep® Wave: A friendly gesture for Jeep Wrangler drivers to acknowledge each other on the road. Jeep Ducking: A tradition where Jeep Wrangler owners place a rubber duck on another drivers' Wrangler as a sign of appreciation for their ride and to spread joy. Duck Duck Jeep® (Hertz Version): Hertz lucky duckies (a.k.a. Hertz renters) who find an exclusive Hertz-Jeep rubber duck in their Jeep Wrangler rental can unlock even more discounts and free upgrades for future Hertz rentals. "The Jeep Wrangler is made for summer. The first hint of warm weather and sunshine means opening up or removing the top for owners to enjoy the open-air freedom the Wrangler offers," said Lucy McLellan, Head of North America Marketing Office. "Our partnership with Hertz gives drivers who haven't yet experienced the perks that come with Wrangler-ownership the opportunity to see for themselves firsthand the joys of driving on the open road during their summer travels, receiving a 'Jeep Wave," getting 'ducked' and taking part in a community-culture that brings smiles to owners and passers-by around every corner." Added McLellan, "This partnership also gives drivers considering purchasing the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, the chance to experience America's No. 1 selling plug-in hybrid for themselves." Hertz Summer Travel TipsTo make your Jeep Wrangler experience and all your car rentals as smooth and enjoyable as possible this summer, Hertz recommends: Reserving your rental car as early as possible to get the best available rates on Hertz's newest selection of vehicles, including the latest SUVs, which are the most in-demand car class this summer. Signing up for Hertz Gold Plus Rewards free for a fast, easy and rewarding rental experience. Enjoy new exclusive, member-only rates when you book on or the Hertz app, plus skip the counter at select locations, earn points redeemable towards free rental days and more. Need some destination inspiration? This summer, Hertz is seeing the highest demand for advance bookings in Boston, Chicago, Denver, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, San Francisco and Seattle – where many Jeep rentals will be available and great starting points for any road trip. HertzHertz Global Holdings Inc. is one of the world's leading car rental and mobility solutions providers. Its subsidiaries and licensees operate the Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty and Firefly vehicle rental brands with more than 11,000 rental locations in 160 countries around the globe, as well as the Hertz Car Sales brand, which offers a range of quality, competitively priced used cars for sale online and at locations across the US, and the Hertz 24/7 car sharing business in Europe. For more information about Hertz, visit Jeep BrandFor more than 80 years, Jeep has been the global leader in SUVs, delivering legendary off-road capability, advanced technology and exceptional versatility for those who seek adventure. With a commitment to innovation, the Jeep brand offers a diverse lineup of vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, hybrid technology and all-electric drivetrains. Built on a heritage of freedom, adventure, authenticity and passion, Jeep continues to set the standard for rugged yet refined vehicles designed to conquer it all. Follow Jeep and company news and video on:Company blog: website: brand: Instagram: Twitter: or View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Hertz Global Holdings, Inc.
