A media report on October 13, 2026, alleged that Chinese-made vehicles rented from Hertz Norway recorded sensitive information during a Norwegian military exercise. The vehicles reportedly captured data on soldiers' movements, routes, and access codes. A Chinese automotive company owns Hertz's Norwegian operator. This ownership raises data security concerns.
The Norwegian Armed Forces hold a framework agreement for rental cars with Hertz Norway through 2028. The incident sparked a wider debate in Norway regarding the security of Chinese-owned or manufactured vehicles for official purposes. The report raises significant security and reputational questions for Hertz.