Hmm I think it's more likely that along with most large companies they are using the economic downturnt as an excuse to streamline operations. Closing the less profitable locations wont result in a loss of revenue as people will just collect their vehicles at other locations. It will however reduce costs on staff location rental utilities etc.

I know Hertz in Ireland has cut back on everything including cutting their fleet by 50% however there bookings have only dropped 25% whilde they have increased the cost of renting a car by about a third.

Less staff less outgoings on fleet expenditure but more profit. A win for hertz but not for the customer.