New York -- Jumping on the environmentally sensitive green-movement bandwagon, two of the largest rental-car companies, Hertz and Avis, this week announced plans to offer customers Toyota Prius hybrid cars.

About 1,000 Prius cars will be available from Avis as early as next week, and Hertz intends to add 3,400 of the combination electric-gas powered cars to its fleet by next year.

"As a global leader in car rentals, we recognize our unique opportunity and obligation to promote environmental practices and give our customers environmentally friendly options," Hertz chief executive Mark Frissora said in a statement yesterday.

Hertz plans to offer hybrid cars at 50 airports throughout the United States. Avis plans to offer the vehicles initially in California; Seattle; Washington, DC; and Portland, OR.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car already operates a fleet of more than 3,000 hybrid vehicles.

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