PARK RIDGE, N.J. — Hertz Global Holdings — currently embroiled in a skirmish with Avis Budget Group to acquire Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group — didn't have the strongest quarter. The company incurred a net loss of $25.1 million.

However, the company's chief executive officer said the "record performance" of its U.S. car rental segment highlights the strides made in Hertz's growth and efficiency strategies.

Diving into some of the specifics, Hertz's net loss this quarter was up against $3.9 million in net income from a year ago. Adjusted net income for the more recent period was $58.5 million, up from $49.6 million in the prior-year period.

Revenues climbed 7.1 percent to $1.9 billion. Its worldwide car rental revenues were $1.6 billion, up 9.3 percent.

Worldwide equipment rentals generated revenue of $265.8 million, a 4-percent dip.

"The best example of our successful growth and efficiency strategy is the record second quarter 2010 performance of our largest business, U.S. car rental," stated Mark Frissora, the Hertz's chairman and chief executive officer.

"Compared with the pre-recession second quarter of 2007, U.S. RAC generated $32.5 million higher adjusted pre-tax income this year, representing a 350 basis point margin improvement over 2007, on 7-percent lower revenues," Frissora continued. "We have significantly reduced fleet and other costs while investing in 298 net new off-airport and 31 Advantage airport locations since April of 2009.

He added: "In the second quarter of 2010, U.S. car rental generated over 10-percent revenue growth, with double-digit increases in off-airport, corporate and inbound revenues, versus the same period in 2009, a result of our diversified global growth strategy, and an 18.6-percent year-over-year increase in adjusted pre-tax income. Furthermore, we believe our other two major businesses, Europe RAC and Worldwide HERC, will achieve similar results when their volume levels increase closer to 2007 levels."