National hosts Clean Car Olympics

National Car Rental introduced a first in the car hire industry. The international firm organized a so-called “Clean Car Olympics” event, where the company’s frontline employees and rental agents were each given a total of 45 minutes to clean a passenger car inside and out. Cars had to be washed, and agents were also asked to refuel them, all within less than 45 minutes. Those who did the best job received significant cash prizes, as well as gold, silver and bronze medals, just like in the real Olympics. The first place prize went to Latanya Christian of Birmingham, Alabama. Christian won a gold medal, as well as $1,000 in cash. She was followed in second place by Christian Rivera of Sanford, Florida, who was awarded $500 and silver standing, as well as James Dealer of Syracuse, New York, taking home a bronze, and $250.

A total of 2,000 of National’s rental agents participated in the run-up to this American event. The firm’s employees, however, have plenty of experience when it comes to cleaning rental vehicles. According to National’s own estimate, its agents clean upwards of 15 million cars each year in the US. When calculated on a daily basis, the number of washed and fuelled cars stands at an impressive 41,000.

Before the “Olympics” actually got underway, the firm’s rental agents entered into competitions on local and regional levels. After this initial vetting, six finalists—those who were able to clean and fuel a car the fastest—flew to Orlando, where National invited them to a special dinner celebration, as well as the actual competition.

John Murphy, National Car Rental’s vice president, in charge of all airport operations in the US, observed that the firm’s number one priority is to provide clients with well-maintained vehicles.

www.nationalcar.co.uk