The Hertz Corporation has announced it has entered a joint commitment with Nissan to bring zero-emission driving to car rental in the US and Europe by early 2011.

As a result of the memorandum of understanding, Hertz will develop a program for the roll-out of Nissan Leaf at select rental sites in those two major markets.

Designed specifically for a lithium-ion battery-powered chassis, the medium-size hatchback seats five adults and has a range of about 100 miles (160km). The car will go on sale in Japan, the US and Europe in late 2010.

“The partnership with Nissan seals Hertz’s commitment to green-car rentals and firmly demonstrates our mission to advancing zero-emission mobility on a global scale,” said Mark Frissora, Hertz chairman and chief executive officer.

The Renault-Nissan Alliance will start mass-marketing electric vehicles globally in 2012.