Poor corporate communication.

I got an e-mail from Hertz Gold Club about a change to their policies. It is not the first of these e-mails that I have received in the last few weeks but I still don't know what to make of it.

I can't tell if it is good news or bad and don't know if I will be paying more or less for gas from now on. Here is the content of the e-mail:

"Refueling Update

Hertz has discontinued the Flat Refueling Fee and is no longer basing the Fuel and Service Charge on local pump prices. This affects all North American corporate-owned Hertz locations. For information about our refueling options, click here. "

Is it just me?

When you click on the recommended link you get to this enlightening tidbit on their website :
 
"Hertz has reverted to our prior refueling options, effective December 1, 2008. This means the Flat Refueling Fee, and Fuel and Service Charges based on local pump prices, have been discontinued. All North American corporate-owned Hertz locations, including Airport, Hertz Local Edition® and Off-Airport locations in Canada are affected.*

Hertz has three refueling options available to meet your needs: 1.)You may purchase a tank of gas from Hertz at time of rental and return the vehicle with as little gas as you prefer. Please be aware that we are unable to issue a refund for unused fuel. However, this method eliminates the need for you to refuel the tank prior to returning. 2.)You can let us refuel for you and only pay for the fuel required to replace the fuel you used, and for the service and convenience of refueling the tank. 3.)You can stop and refuel the tank yourself, immediately prior to returning the vehicle.We apologize for any inconveniences this change may cause. No matter which Hertz refueling option you decide is best for your travels, we are glad you are choosing Hertz." (Note: numbering and bold fonts added by the author.)

Since there is an apology included in the above text, I think this means they are stopping the very cool policy of just charging local gas prices for refueling your tank when you return your rental car. But the second option on the above list sounds like the very policy they claim to be killing. And just when I had started to admire them for being extraordinary and for helping us weary business travellers save a few minutes in our rush to the airport. 

The whole policy was confusing when explained at the rental gate too but their retraction of the policy is certainly not very well worded. It must have been written by lawyers. 

And notice that immediately following the apology, they remind you how glad they are that you are choosing Hertz as the company you will overpay for gasoline.