HERTZ CORP
S-3, 1997-08-28
AUTO RENTAL & LEASING (NO DRIVERS)
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<PAGE>   1
 
    AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON AUGUST 28, 1997
 
                                                    REGISTRATION NO. 333-
================================================================================
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                      ------------------------------------
                                    FORM S-3
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                      ------------------------------------
                             THE HERTZ CORPORATION
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                <C>                                <C>
           Delaware                                                             13-1938568
 (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION                                         (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION
      OF INCORPORATION OR                                                          NO.)
         ORGANIZATION)
</TABLE>
 
                               225 Brae Boulevard
                       Park Ridge, New Jersey 07656-0713
                                 (201) 307-2000
              (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,
       INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
 
                            PAUL M. TSCHIRHART, ESQ.
                   Senior Vice President and General Counsel
                             The Hertz Corporation
                               225 Brae Boulevard
                       Park Ridge, New Jersey 07656-0713
                                 (201) 307-2000
           (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,
                   INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
                      ------------------------------------
                                    Copy to:
                            JOSEPH McLAUGHLIN, ESQ.
                                Brown & Wood LLP
                       One World Trade Center, 57th Floor
                            New York, New York 10048
                                 (212) 839-5300
                         (Counsel for the Underwriters)
 
     Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time
to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
 
     If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box.  [ ]
 
     If any of the securities being registered on this Form are being offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box.  [X]
 
     If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering.  [ ]
- ------------------------
 
     If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number if the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering.  [ ]
- ------------------------
 
     If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box.  [ ]
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==========================================================================================================
          TITLE OF EACH                 AMOUNT       PROPOSED MAXIMUM     AGGREGATE         AMOUNT OF
       CLASS OF SECURITIES              TO BE         OFFERING PRICE       OFFERING        REGISTRATION
         TO BE REGISTERED           REGISTERED(1)      PER UNIT(2)         PRICE(2)            FEE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Debt Securities...................   $1,000,000,000        100%         $1,000,000,000       $303,030
==========================================================================================================
</TABLE>
 
(1) Such amount in U.S. dollars or the equivalent thereof in foreign currencies
    as shall result in an aggregate initial public offering price for all
    securities of $1,000,000,000.
 
(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee.
 
     THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ACTING
PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.
 
================================================================================
<PAGE>   2
 
PROSPECTUS
                                                                    [HERTZ LOGO]
                             THE HERTZ CORPORATION
 
                                Debt Securities
                            ------------------------
 
     The Hertz Corporation (the "Corporation") may offer from time to time in
one or more series its unsecured debt securities (the "Debt Securities"), which
may be senior (the "Senior Debt Securities"), senior subordinated (the "Senior
Subordinated Debt Securities") or junior subordinated (the "Junior Subordinated
Debt Securities") in priority of payment. The aggregate offering price of Debt
Securities offered hereby will not exceed $1,000,000,000. The Debt Securities
may be offered as separate series in amounts, at prices and on terms to be
determined at the time of sale and to be set forth in supplements to this
Prospectus.
 
     The Debt Securities may be denominated in and sold for U.S. dollars,
foreign currency or ECU, and principal of and any interest on the Debt
Securities may likewise be payable in U.S. dollars, foreign currency or ECU. The
currency for which the Debt Securities may be purchased and the currency in
which principal of and any interest on the Debt Securities may be payable will
be specifically designated by the Corporation. The specific designation,
priority of payment, aggregate principal amount, authorized denominations,
maturity, rate or method of calculation and time of payment of any interest,
purchase price, any redemption terms, other special terms, and any listing on a
securities exchange of the Debt Securities in respect of which this Prospectus
is being delivered, and the net proceeds to the Corporation from the sale
thereof, will be set forth in an accompanying Prospectus Supplement (the
"Prospectus Supplement").
                            ------------------------
 
  THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
         EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS
         THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
      COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
           ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                            ------------------------
 
     The Debt Securities will be sold directly or through agents designated from
time to time or through underwriters or dealers or a group of underwriters. If
agents of the Corporation or underwriters are involved in the sale of the Debt
Securities in respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered, the names of
such agents or underwriters and any applicable commissions or discounts shall be
set forth in the Prospectus Supplement with respect to such Debt Securities.
 
August 28, 1997
<PAGE>   3
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     The Corporation is subject to the informational requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and in accordance therewith
files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "Commission"). Reports and other information filed by the Corporation can
be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the
Commission at Judiciary Plaza, 450 5th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and
at the following Regional Offices of the Commission: Chicago Regional Office,
Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago,
Illinois 60621; and New York Regional Office, Seven World Trade Center, New
York, New York 10048. Copies of such materials can be obtained from the Public
Reference Section of the Commission at Judiciary Plaza, 450 5th Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. The Commission maintains a Web site
at http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements and
other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the
Commission, including the Corporation. Copies of such materials may also be
inspected and copied at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., 20
Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
     The Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1996, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31,
1997 and June 30, 1997 and its Current Reports on Form 8-K dated February 28,
1997, April 10, 1997, May 1, 1997, May 12, 1997, July 3, 1997 and July 16, 1997
are hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
 
     All documents subsequently filed by the Corporation pursuant to Section
13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the termination of the
offering of the Debt Securities shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference
in this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such
documents. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement to the extent that
a statement contained herein, therein or in any other subsequently filed
document which also is incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference
herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of this Prospectus or the Prospectus Supplement.
 
     The Corporation will provide without charge to each person to whom this
Prospectus is delivered, on written or oral request of such person, a copy
(without exhibits) of any or all documents incorporated by reference into this
Prospectus. Requests for such copies should be directed to The Hertz
Corporation, Attention: Investor Relations, at its mailing address or its
telephone number.
 
     The mailing address of the Corporation's principal executive office is 225
Brae Boulevard, Park Ridge, New Jersey 07656-0713 and its telephone number is
(201) 307-2000.
 
     NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED
UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED. THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS AND ANY
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AT ANY TIME DOES NOT IMPLY THAT INFORMATION HEREIN OR
THEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE OF ANY PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT.
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   4
 
                                THE CORPORATION
 
   
     The Corporation and its affiliates and independent licensees operate what
the Corporation believes is the largest car rental business in the world based
upon revenues and volume of rental transactions and the largest industrial and
construction equipment rental business in the United States based upon revenues.
The Corporation's "Hertz" brand name is recognized worldwide as a leader in
quality rental and leasing services and products. The Corporation, together with
its affiliates and independent licensees, rents and leases cars, rents
industrial and construction equipment and operates its other businesses from
approximately 5,500 locations throughout the United States and about 140 foreign
countries and jurisdictions.
    
 
     On April 30, 1997, the Corporation issued and sold 20,010,000 shares of its
Class A Common Stock in an initial public offering ("Offering"). After the
Offering, Ford Motor Company ("Ford") beneficially owned (i) 49.4% of the
outstanding Class A Common Stock (which has one vote per share) and (ii) 100% of
the outstanding Class B Common Stock of the Corporation (which has five votes
per share). The common stock beneficially owned by Ford represents in the
aggregate 94.5% of the combined voting power of all of the Corporation's
outstanding common stock. Accordingly, Ford is able to direct the election of
all of the members of the Corporation's Board of Directors and to exercise a
controlling influence over the business and affairs of the Corporation.
 
     On June 20, 1997, the Corporation entered into a Consent Order with the
Texas Department of Insurance ("TDI") under which the Corporation, while
admitting no prior wrongdoing, agreed to refund approximately $4.2 million to
customers who enrolled in supplemental liability insurance programs provided by
the Corporation between July 1, 1992 and August 31, 1997. The TDI alleged that
the Corporation had violated the Texas Insurance Code by not being licensed to
sell insurance and by not being a properly licensed agent of its insurer.
 
     In July 1996, the Corporation was sued on similar grounds in a class action
in the District Court of Harris County, Texas. The court held in that class
action on May 5, 1997 that the providing of supplemental liability insurance
during the rental process by unlicensed customer service representatives
constituted a violation of the Texas Insurance Code. The court dismissed
plaintiff's claim for equitable rescission of the relevant insurance contracts,
however, and reserved for trial the issue of whether the Corporation's failure
to have its customer service representatives licensed had resulted in excessive
premiums paid by class members. The Corporation is seeking to dismiss the class
action on the basis that the TDI order provides all the relief to which the
potential class members would be entitled.
 
     The Corporation does not expect the Consent Order or the class action to
have a material adverse effect on the Corporation's consolidated financial
position or results of operations.
 
     Under a Texas law that becomes effective on September 1, 1997, car rental
companies such as the Corporation will be eligible to obtain limited licenses to
offer certain optional insurance products to their customers.
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     The net proceeds from the sale of the Debt Securities will be added to the
general funds of the Corporation. It is anticipated that the proceeds will be
used for general corporate purposes, potential acquisitions and to reduce
short-term borrowings. The Corporation expects to issue additional long-term and
short-term debt, and the proportionate amounts of each can be expected to vary
from time to time as a result of business requirements, market conditions and
other factors.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   5
 
            SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA OF THE CORPORATION
                            (IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
 
     The following table presents selected consolidated financial information of
the Corporation, which is extracted from the audited financial statements for
the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993 and 1992. The information in
the table and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements and the related notes thereto contained in the Corporation's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         Years Ended December 31
                                                           ----------------------------------------------------
           Dollars in millions (except ratios)               1996       1995       1994       1993       1992
- ---------------------------------------------------------- --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
<S>                                                        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA
Revenues
Car rental................................................ $3,161.6   $2,911.7   $2,581.2   $2,177.5   $2,124.1
Industrial and construction
  equipment rental........................................    392.3      332.3      263.1      215.8      208.8
Car leasing...............................................     35.4       35.6      231.4      209.3      241.0
Other(a)..................................................     79.0      121.0      218.7      252.2      242.3
                                                           --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
    Total revenues........................................  3,668.3    3,400.6    3,294.4    2,854.8    2,816.2
                                                           --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Expenses
Direct operating..........................................  1,795.1    1,724.8    1,766.2    1,647.1    1,627.5
Depreciation of revenue earning equipment(b)..............    892.7      803.9      702.7      523.9      496.8
Selling, general and administrative.......................    425.2      392.5      385.5      336.0      353.3
Interest, net of interest income of $10.4, $16.8, $7.2,
  $11.3 and $3.6..........................................    298.8      307.1      277.2      245.4      306.9
                                                           --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
    Total expenses........................................  3,411.8    3,228.3    3,131.6    2,752.4    2,784.5
                                                           --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Income before income taxes................................    256.5      172.3      162.8      102.4       31.7
Provision for taxes on income(c)..........................     97.9       67.1       71.7       49.0       21.7
                                                           --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting
  principle...............................................    158.6      105.2       91.1       53.4       10.0
Cumulative effect on prior years of change in method of
  accounting for postretirement benefits(d)...............       --         --         --         --       (4.3)
                                                           --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Net income................................................ $  158.6   $  105.2   $   91.1   $   53.4   $    5.7
                                                           ========   ========   ========   ========   ========
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(e).....................      1.7        1.4        1.4        1.3        1.1
                                                           ========   ========   ========   ========   ========
BALANCE SHEET DATA AT END OF PERIOD
Total assets.............................................. $7,649.2   $6,656.6   $6,520.8   $4,688.5   $4,222.0
Total debt................................................  5,091.8    4,297.5    4,413.9    2,940.5    2,549.9
Stockholders' equity......................................    989.4      836.3      735.9      616.7      579.5
Ratio of total debt to stockholders' equity...............      5.1        5.1        6.0        4.8        4.4
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
     (a) Includes fees from licensees (other than expense reimbursement from
licensees), revenue from claim management and telecommunications services and
prior to 1995, revenues from a car dealership operation in Europe.
 
     (b) For 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993 and 1992 includes net credits of $23.2
million, $6.4 million, $23.0 million, $28.1 million and $16.9 million,
respectively, primarily from net proceeds received in excess of book value on
the disposal of revenue earning equipment. Effective January 1, 1997 and July 1,
1994, certain estimated useful lives being used to compute the provision for
depreciation of revenue earning equipment used in the industrial and
construction equipment rental business were increased to reflect changes in the
estimated residual values to be realized upon disposal of the equipment. As a
result of these changes, depreciation of revenue earning equipment for the year
1995 and the year 1994 decreased by $12.0 million and $9.6 million,
respectively.
 
     (c) Includes credits of $13.9 million, $2.0 million and $9.8 million for
the years 1996, 1993 and 1992, respectively, resulting from adjustments made to
tax accruals in connection with tax audit evaluations and the
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   6
 
effects of prior years' tax-sharing arrangements between the Corporation and its
former parent companies, UAL Corporation and RCA Corporation. For the year 1995,
includes $6.5 million of credits relating to foreign taxes which were offset
against U.S. income tax liabilities. For the year 1993, includes a $1.1 million
charge relating to the increase in net deferred tax liabilities as of January 1,
1993 due to changes in the tax laws enacted in August 1993.
 
     (d) Effective January 1, 1992, the Corporation adopted the provisions of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 106, Employers' Accounting for
Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions, which requires that postretirement
health care and other non-pension benefits be accrued during the years the
employee renders the necessary service.
 
     (e) Earnings have been calculated by adding interest expense and the
portion of rentals estimated to represent the interest factor to income before
income taxes. Fixed charges include interest charges (including capitalized
interest) and the portion of rentals estimated to represent the interest factor.
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   7
 
                             CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS
 
   
     In February 1997, Ford extended to the Corporation a line of credit of $500
million, expiring June 30, 1999, and the revolving loan agreement between the
Corporation and Ford dated June 8, 1994 was terminated. This line of credit has
an evergreen feature that provides on an annual basis for automatic one-year
extensions of the expiration date, unless timely notice is provided by Ford at
least one year prior to the then scheduled expiration date. At June 30, 1997,
the Corporation and a subsidiary had $269 million of outstanding loans from
Ford.
    
 
     Over the three years ended December 31, 1996, on a weighted average basis,
approximately 66% of the cars acquired by the Corporation for its U.S. rental
car fleet, and approximately 33% of the cars acquired by the Corporation for its
international fleet, were manufactured by Ford. During 1996, approximately 64%
of the cars acquired by the Corporation domestically were manufactured by Ford.
The percentage of Ford cars acquired by the Corporation for its U.S. rental car
fleet is expected to remain at these or higher levels in the future. In 1996,
approximately 28% of the cars acquired by the Corporation for its international
fleet were manufactured by Ford, which represented the largest percentage of any
automobile manufacturer in that year. See Note 7 to the "Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements" in the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1996.
 
     The Corporation and Ford have entered into a car supply agreement (the "Car
Supply Agreement") for a term of ten years commencing on September 1, 1997.
Under the Car Supply Agreement, Ford and the Corporation have agreed to
negotiate in good faith on an annual basis with respect to the supply of cars.
Ford has agreed to supply to the Corporation and the Corporation has agreed to
purchase from Ford, for each car model year during the term of the agreement
(i.e., the 1998 model year through the 2007 model year), (a) the lesser of
150,000 cars or 55% of the Corporation's fleet requirements for its car rental
business conducted in the United States; (b) 35% of the Corporation's fleet
requirements for its car rental business conducted in Europe; and (c) 55% of the
Corporation's fleet requirements for its car rental business conducted other
than in the United States and Europe. For each model year, at least 50% of the
cars supplied by Ford are required to be non-risk cars. The Car Supply Agreement
also provides that, for each model year, Ford must strive to offer car fleet
programs to the Corporation on terms and conditions that are competitive with
terms and conditions for the supply of cars then being offered by other
automobile manufacturers to the Corporation and other daily car rental
companies. In addition, for each model year, Ford must supply cars to the
Corporation on terms and conditions that are no less favorable than those
offered by Ford to other daily car rental companies, excluding franchised Ford
vehicle dealers who rent cars.
 
     The Corporation and Ford have entered into a joint advertising agreement
(the "Joint Advertising Agreement") for a term of ten years commencing on
September 1, 1997. Under the Joint Advertising Agreement, Ford has agreed to pay
to the Corporation one-half of the Corporation's advertising costs, up to a
limit of $39 million for the first year and, for each year thereafter, a limit
equal to the prior year's limit adjusted for inflation, subject to a ceiling. In
addition, if for any year, one-half of the Corporation's advertising costs
exceed such limit and the Corporation has purchased from Ford a percentage of
its car fleet requirements for its car rental business conducted in the United
States for the corresponding model year (the "Ford Vehicle Share") equal to 58%
or more, then Ford will pay to the Corporation additional amounts for such
excess advertising costs. To be eligible for cost reimbursement under the Joint
Advertising Agreement, the advertising must meet certain conditions, including
the condition that it indicates that the Corporation features Ford vehicles in a
manner and with a prominence that is reasonably satisfactory to Ford. The Joint
Advertising Agreement further provides that if the Ford Vehicle Share for any
model year is less than 55%, Ford will not be obligated to pay the Corporation
any amount for its advertising costs for that year, except to the extent that
the Corporation's failure to achieve a 55% Ford Vehicle Share is attributable to
(a) Ford's failure to supply a sufficient quantity of cars for the Corporation
to achieve a 55% Ford Vehicle Share or (b) the fact that the terms and
conditions of Ford's car fleet programs offered to the Corporation were not
competitive with the terms and conditions for the supply of cars offered by
other automobile manufacturers to the Corporation and other daily car rental
companies. In no event, however, will Ford be required to pay any amount for the
Corporation's advertising costs for any year if the Ford Vehicle Share for the
corresponding model year is less than 40%.
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   8
 
     See "The Corporation" above for information relating to Ford's controlling
influence over the business and affairs of the Corporation. See also the "Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements" in the Corporation's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996 for additional information relating to
transactions involving Ford and the Corporation.
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
 
     The Senior Debt Securities are to be issued under an indenture, dated as of
December 1, 1994 (the "Senior Indenture"), between the Corporation and First
Union National Bank (formerly First Fidelity Bank, National Association), as
Trustee (the "Senior Trustee"). The Senior Subordinated Debt Securities are to
be issued under an indenture, dated as of June 1, 1989 (the "Senior Subordinated
Indenture"), between the Corporation and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (the
"Senior Subordinated Trustee"). The Junior Subordinated Debt Securities are to
be issued under an indenture, dated as of July 1, 1993 (the "Junior Subordinated
Indenture"), between the Corporation and Citibank, N.A., as trustee (the "Junior
Subordinated Trustee"). The Senior Subordinated Indenture and the Junior
Subordinated Indenture are referred to herein collectively as the "Subordinated
Indentures," the Senior Subordinated Securities and the Junior Subordinated
Securities are referred to herein collectively as the "Subordinated Securities,"
and the Senior Subordinated Trustee and the Junior Subordinated Trustee are
referred to herein collectively as the "Subordinated Trustees."
 
     A copy of the Senior Indenture, the Senior Subordinated Indenture and the
Junior Subordinated Indenture are exhibits to the Registration Statement of
which this Prospectus forms a part. The Senior Indenture, the Senior
Subordinated Indenture and the Junior Subordinated Indenture are sometimes
referred to collectively as the "Indentures" and the Senior Trustee, the Senior
Subordinated Trustee and the Junior Subordinated Trustee are sometimes referred
to collectively as the "Trustees."
 
     The following summaries of certain provisions of the Indentures do not
purport to be complete and are subject to and are qualified in their entirety by
reference to all the provisions of the Indentures, including the definitions
therein of certain terms. References to Sections are applicable to each
Indenture, except (i) references to sections included under the caption
"Subordination of Senior Subordinated Debt Securities" are applicable to the
Senior Subordinated Indenture only, (ii) references to sections included under
the caption "Subordination of Junior Subordinated Debt Securities" are
applicable to the Junior Subordinated Indenture only, (iii) references to
sections included under the caption "Certain Covenants -- Dividend Restrictions
and Limitations on Certain Loans and Advances" are applicable to the
Subordinated Indentures only, and (iv) as otherwise expressly provided. The
following sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the Senior Debt
Securities, the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities and the Junior Subordinated
Debt Securities (together the "Debt Securities") offered hereby. Further terms
of the Debt Securities shall be set forth in applicable Prospectus Supplements.
 
GENERAL
 
     The Debt Securities to be offered by this Prospectus are limited to
$1,000,000,000 in aggregate principal amount. However, the Indentures do not
limit the amount of Debt Securities which can be issued thereunder and provide
that additional securities may be issued thereunder up to the aggregate
principal amount which may be authorized from time to time by the Corporation.
(Section 301)
 
     While the covenants contained in each Indenture may provide limited
protection to debt holders in the event of a highly leveraged transaction
involving the Corporation, the Indentures do not prohibit the incurrence of
additional Senior, Senior Subordinated or Junior Subordinated Debt. Subject to
certain exceptions described below under "Limitations on Secured Debt,"
outstanding Debt Securities and other qualified indebtedness shall be secured
equally and ratably (subject, however, to applicable priorities of payment) with
any additional Secured Debt incurred by the Corporation. (Section 1004) Unless
otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Debt Securities
will not have the benefit of any covenant requiring redemption or repurchase of
the Debt Securities by the Corporation, or adjustment to any terms of the Debt
Securities, upon any change in control or recapitalization of the Corporation.
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   9
 
     Reference is made to the applicable Prospectus Supplement for the following
terms of the particular series of Debt Securities being offered thereby: (i) the
designation and any limitation on the aggregate principal amount of the series;
(ii) whether the securities are Senior Debt Securities, Senior Subordinated Debt
Securities, or Junior Subordinated Debt Securities; (iii) the currency or
currencies for which Debt Securities may be purchased and currency or currencies
in which principal and any interest may be payable; (iv) if the currency for
which Debt Securities may be purchased or in which principal and any interest
may be payable is at the purchaser's election, the manner in which such an
election may be made; (v) the percentage of principal amount at which the series
will be issued; (vi) the date or dates on which the principal of the series will
be payable; (vii) the rate or rates per annum, if any, at which the series will
bear interest or the method of calculation thereof; (viii) the date or dates
from which any interest will accrue and the times at which any interest will be
payable; (ix) the place or places where the principal and interest, if any, on
Debt Securities of the series shall be payable; (x) the terms, if any, on which
Debt Securities of the series may be redeemed at the option of the Corporation;
(xi) the obligation, if any, of the Corporation to redeem, purchase or repay
Debt Securities of the series; (xii) the minimum denomination in which Debt
Securities of the series will be issued; (xiii) if other than the principal
amount, the portion of the principal amount of the Debt Securities of the series
that will be payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof;
(xiv) whether the Debt Securities of the series may be issuable in the form of
one or more global securities; and (xv) any other special terms.
 
     Debt Securities may be issued as discounted Debt Securities (bearing no
interest or interest at a rate which at the time of issuance is below market
rates) to be sold at a substantial discount below their stated principal amount.
Federal income tax consequences and other special considerations applicable to
any such discounted Debt Securities will be described in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement relating thereto.
 
     The Debt Securities will be issued only in registered form without coupons
and will be unsecured obligations of the Corporation. The Senior Debt Securities
will rank on a parity with other senior debt securities of the Corporation. The
Senior Subordinated Debt Securities will rank on a parity with other senior
subordinated debt securities and be subordinated in right of payment to the
prior payment in full of Senior Indebtedness (as defined in the Senior
Subordinated Indenture) of the Corporation, as described below under
"Subordination of Senior Subordinated Debt Securities." The Junior Subordinated
Debt Securities will rank on a parity with other junior subordinated debt
securities and be subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full
of Senior Indebtedness (as defined in the Junior Subordinated Indenture) of the
Corporation (which term, when used in connection with Junior Subordinated Debt
Securities, includes Senior Debt Securities and Senior Subordinated Debt
Securities), as described under "Subordination of Junior Subordinated Debt
Securities."
 
     Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement relating
to a particular series of Debt Securities being offered thereby, principal,
premium, if any, and interest, if any, will be payable at an office or agency to
be maintained by the Corporation in such place or places described in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement, which place is currently contemplated to be in
The City of New York, except that, at the option of the Corporation, interest
may be paid by check mailed to the person entitled thereto. The Debt Securities
may be presented to the corporate trust office of the applicable Trustee for
registration of transfer or exchange. Senior Debt Securities of any series
subject to repayment prior to their stated maturity at the option of the Holder
thereof may be so repaid by submitting the appropriate form to the place of
payment specified in the terms of such debt security and as provided in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement. Debt Securities of a particular series may be
exchanged for a like aggregate amount of Debt Securities of such series of other
authorized denominations without service charge, except for any tax or other
governmental charge that may be imposed. (Sections 301, 302, 305 and 1002)
 
BOOK-ENTRY
 
     If so indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, upon issuance, all
Debt Securities will be represented by one or more fully registered global
securities (the "Global Notes"). In any such case, the Depository Trust Company
(the "Depository"), New York, New York, will act as securities depository for
such issue of Debt Securities. Any such Debt Securities will be issued as
fully-registered Global Notes
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   10
 
registered in the name of Cede & Co. (the Depository's partnership nominee). One
fully-registered Global Note will be issued for each such issue of Debt
Securities, in the aggregate principal amount of such issue, and will be
deposited with the Depository; provided, however, that if the aggregate
principal amount of any such issue exceeds $200 million, one Global Note will be
issued with respect to each $200 million of principal amount and an additional
Global Note will be issued with respect to any remaining principal amount of
such issue.
 
     The Depository has advised the Corporation as follows: The Depository is a
limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a
"banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member
of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of
the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency" registered
pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934. The Depository holds securities that its participants ("Participants")
deposit with the Depository. The Depository also facilitates the settlement
among Participants of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in
deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry changes in
Participants' accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of
securities certificates. Participants include securities brokers and dealers,
banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations.
The Depository is owned by a number of its Participants and by the New York
Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the Depository's book-entry
system is also available to others such as securities brokers and dealers,
banks, and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial
relationship with a Participant, either directly or indirectly ("Indirect
Participants"). The Rules applicable to the Depository and its Participants are
on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
     Purchases of Debt Securities represented by one or more Global Notes under
the Depository's book-entry system must be made by or through Participants,
which will receive a credit for such Debt Securities on the Depository's
records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser of each Debt Security
(a "Beneficial Owner") is in turn to be recorded on the Participants' and
Indirect Participants' records. Beneficial Owners will not receive written
confirmation from the Depository of their purchases, but each Beneficial Owner
is expected to receive written confirmation providing details of the
transaction, as well as periodic statements of its holdings, from the
Participant or Indirect Participant through which such Beneficial Owner entered
into the transaction. Transfers of ownership interests in such Debt Securities
will be accomplished by entries made on the books of Participants acting on
behalf of Beneficial Owners. Beneficial Owners will not receive certificates
representing their ownership interests in any Debt Securities, except in the
event that use of the book-entry system for the Debt Securities is discontinued.
 
     To facilitate subsequent transfers, all Debt Securities represented by one
or more Global Notes deposited by Participants with the Depository will be
registered in the name of the Depository partnership nominee, Cede & Co. The
deposit of one or more Global Notes with the Depository and their registration
in the name of Cede & Co. effect no change in beneficial ownership. The
Depository will have no knowledge of the actual Beneficial Owners of any Debt
Securities represented by Global Notes; the Depository records will reflect only
the identity of the Participants to whose accounts the Debt Securities
represented by such Global Notes are credited, which may or may not be the
Beneficial Owners. The Participants will remain responsible for keeping account
of their holdings on behalf of their customers.
 
     Conveyance of notices and other communications by the Depository to
Participants, by Participants to Indirect Participants, and by Participants and
Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements
among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in
effect from time to time. Neither the Depository nor Cede & Co. will consent or
vote with respect to any Debt Securities represented by one or more Global
Notes.
 
     Principal and interest payments on the Debt Securities represented by one
or more Global Notes will be made to the Depository. The Depository's practice
is to credit Participants' accounts on payable date in accordance with their
respective holdings shown on the Depository's records unless the Depository has
reason to believe that it will not receive payment on payable date. Payments by
Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by standing instructions and
customary practices, as is the case with securities held for the accounts of
customers in bearer form or registered in "street name," and will be the
responsibility of such
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   11
 
Participant and not of the Depository, or the Corporation, subject to any
statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.
Payment of principal and interest to the Depository will be the responsibility
of the Corporation, disbursement of such payments to Participants shall be the
responsibility of the Depository, and disbursement of such payments to the
Beneficial Owners shall be the responsibility of Participants and Indirect
Participants.
 
     The Depository may discontinue providing its services as securities
depository with respect to any issue of Debt Securities represented by one or
more Global Notes at any time by giving reasonable notice to the Corporation.
Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor securities depository is
not obtained, definitive certificates representing Debt Securities will be
required to be printed and delivered. The Corporation may decide to discontinue
use of the system of book-entry transfers through the Depository (or a successor
securities depository). In such event definitive certificates representing Debt
Securities will be printed and delivered.
 
     The information in this section concerning the Depository's book-entry
system has been obtained from sources that the Corporation believes to be
reliable, but the Corporation takes no responsibility for the accuracy thereof.
 
SUBORDINATION OF SENIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
 
     Payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Senior
Subordinated Debt Securities is expressly subordinated in right of payment, as
set forth in the Senior Subordinated Indenture, to payment when due of all
Senior Indebtedness of the Corporation, as such term is defined with respect to
the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities. (Section 1401) "Senior Indebtedness" is
used under this caption "Subordination of Senior Subordinated Debt Securities"
as defined in the Senior Subordinated Indenture. "Senior Indebtedness" is
defined in the Senior Subordinated Indenture as (a) outstanding indebtedness of
the Corporation listed on Schedule A to the Senior Subordinated Indenture, (b)
any promissory notes (other than any referred to in the foregoing clause (a))
issued by the Corporation pursuant to any agreement between the Corporation and
any bank or banks and any commercial paper issued by the Corporation, (c) all
indebtedness incurred by the Corporation after the date of the Senior
Subordinated Indenture for money borrowed which is, in the discretion of the
Corporation, specifically designated by the Corporation as superior to
subordinated debt (senior debt) of the Corporation in the instruments evidencing
said indebtedness at the time of the issuance thereof, (d) all indebtedness
previously incurred by the Corporation outstanding at the date of the Senior
Subordinated Indenture for money borrowed which is, in the discretion of the
Corporation, specifically designated by the Corporation as Senior Indebtedness
for the purposes of the Senior Subordinated Indenture at the date of the Senior
Subordinated Indenture (all of such indebtedness is set forth on Schedule B
attached to the Senior Subordinated Indenture), (e) indebtedness of the
Corporation for money borrowed from or guaranteed to persons, firms or
corporations which engage in lending money, including, without limitation,
banks, trust companies, insurance companies and other financing institutions and
charitable trusts, pension trusts and other investing organizations, evidenced
by notes or similar obligations, unless such indebtedness shall, in the
instrument evidencing the same, be specifically designated as not being superior
to the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities and (f) any amendments,
modifications, supplements, deferrals, renewals or extensions of any such Senior
Indebtedness. Senior Indebtedness will not include, and the Senior Subordinated
Debt Securities will rank pari passu in right of payment to, the Corporation's
9 1/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due May 15, 1998. (Section 101)
 
     No payment on account of principal, premium, if any, sinking fund, or
interest on the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities may be made, nor may any
property or assets of the Corporation be applied to the purchase or other
acquisition or retirement of the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities, unless
full payment of amounts then due for principal, premium, if any, sinking fund,
and interest on Senior Indebtedness has been made or duly provided for in money
or money's worth. No payment by the Corporation on account of principal,
premium, if any, sinking fund, or interest on the Senior Subordinated Debt
Securities may be made, nor may any property or assets of the Corporation be
applied to the purchase or other acquisition or retirement of the Senior
Subordinated Debt Securities, if, at the time of such payment or application or
immediately after giving effect thereto, (i) there exists under the Senior
Indebtedness referred to in clause (a) of the immediately preceding paragraph or
any agreement pursuant to which any such Senior Indebtedness is issued
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   12
 
any default or any condition, event or act, which with notice or lapse of time,
or both, would constitute a default or (ii) there exists under any other Senior
Indebtedness or any agreement pursuant to which such other Senior Indebtedness
is issued any event of default permitting the holders of such other Senior
Indebtedness (or a trustee on behalf of such holders) to accelerate the maturity
thereof; provided, however, that in the case of such an event of default (other
than in payment of such other Senior Indebtedness when due) the foregoing
provisions of this clause (ii) will not prevent any such payment or application
for a period longer than 90 days after the date on which the holders of such
Senior Indebtedness (or such trustee) shall have first obtained written notice
of such event of default from the Corporation or the holder of any Senior
Subordinated Debt Securities, if the maturity of such other Senior Indebtedness
is not so accelerated within such 90 day period. (Section 1402)
 
     Subject to the foregoing, if there shall have occurred any Event of Default
on the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities as described below under "Events of
Default and Notice Thereof," other than with respect to certain events of
bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, then unless and until either such
Event of Default shall have been cured or waived or shall have ceased to exist
or the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on all Senior Indebtedness
shall have been paid in full in money or money's worth, no payment shall be made
by the Corporation on account of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest
on the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities or on account of the purchase or
other acquisition of Senior Subordinated Debt Securities, except (a) payments at
the expressed maturity of the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities (subject to
the next paragraph), (b) current interest payments as provided in the Senior
Subordinated Debt Securities, (c) payments for the purpose of curing any such
Event of Default, and (d) payments pursuant to the required sinking fund for the
Senior Subordinated Debt Securities. (Section 1402)
 
     Upon any payment or distribution of assets of the Corporation to creditors
upon any dissolution or winding-up or total or partial liquidation or
reorganization of the Corporation or similar proceeding relating to the
Corporation or its property, whether voluntary or involuntary and whether or not
the Corporation is a party thereto, or in bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership
or other proceedings, all principal, premium, if any, and interest due upon all
Senior Indebtedness must be paid in full before the holders of the Senior
Subordinated Debt Securities are entitled to receive or retain any assets so
paid or distributed. Subject to the payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness,
the holders of the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities are to be subrogated to
the rights of holders of Senior Indebtedness to receive payments or
distributions of assets of the Corporation or other payments applicable to
Senior Indebtedness to the extent of the application to Senior Indebtedness of
moneys or other assets which would have been received by the holders of the
Senior Subordinated Debt Securities but for the subordination provisions
contained in the Senior Subordinated Indenture until the Senior Subordinated
Debt Securities are paid in full. (Sections 1403 and 1405)
 
     At June 30, 1997, the outstanding principal amount of Senior Indebtedness
aggregated approximately $4,164 million and senior subordinated debt aggregated
approximately $100 million. The Corporation expects to issue from time to time
additional indebtedness constituting Senior Indebtedness and senior subordinated
debt (see "Use of Proceeds"). None of the Indentures prohibits or limits the
incurrence of additional Senior Indebtedness.
 
     By reason of the subordination provisions contained in the Senior
Subordinated Indenture, in the event of insolvency, creditors of the Corporation
who are holders of Senior Indebtedness, as well as certain general creditors of
the Corporation, may recover more, ratably, than the holders of the Senior
Subordinated Debt Securities.
 
SUBORDINATION OF JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
 
     Payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Junior
Subordinated Debt Securities is expressly subordinated in right of payment, as
set forth in the Junior Subordinated Indenture, to payment when due of all
Senior Indebtedness of the Corporation, as such term is defined with respect to
the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities. (Section 1401) "Senior Indebtedness" is
defined in the Junior Subordinated
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   13
 
Indenture as (a) any promissory notes issued by the Corporation pursuant to any
agreement between the Corporation and any bank or banks and any commercial paper
issued by the Corporation, (b) all existing and future indebtedness for borrowed
money of the Corporation (including guarantees by the Corporation of
indebtedness for borrowed money of others), (c) all obligations of the
Corporation specified on Schedule A to the Junior Subordinated Indenture, (d)
indebtedness of the Corporation for money borrowed from or guaranteed to
persons, firms or corporations which engage in lending money, including, without
limitation, banks, trust companies, insurance companies and other financing
institutions and charitable trusts, pension trusts and other investing
organizations, evidenced by notes or similar obligations, unless such
indebtedness shall, in the instrument evidencing the same, be specifically
designated as not being superior to the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities of
any series, (e) all other existing and future obligations of the Corporation
(including but not limited to (x) obligations under interest rate and currency
swaps, caps, collars, options and similar arrangements and (y) guarantees by the
Corporation of obligations of others) that are designated in the instruments
evidencing said obligations as being superior in right of payment to the Junior
Subordinated Debt Securities, and (f) any amendments, modifications,
supplements, deferrals, renewals or extensions of any such Senior Indebtedness;
provided, that Senior Indebtedness shall not include (x) the Junior Subordinated
Debt Securities of any series and (y) any other indebtedness for borrowed money
or other obligation of the Corporation (including guarantees by the Corporation
of such indebtedness of others) which is expressly subordinated in right of
payment to all senior subordinated debt securities that are or may be
outstanding under the Senior Subordinated Indenture. (Section 101)
 
     No payment on account of principal, premium, if any, sinking fund, or
interest on the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities may be made, nor may any
property or assets of the Corporation be applied to the purchase or other
acquisition or retirement of the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities, unless
full payment of amounts then due for principal, premium, if any, sinking fund,
and interest on Senior Indebtedness has been made or duly provided for in money
or money's worth. No payment by the Corporation on account of principal,
premium, if any, sinking fund, or interest on the Junior Subordinated Debt
Securities may be made, nor may any property or assets of the Corporation be
applied to the purchase or other acquisition or retirement of the Junior
Subordinated Debt Securities, if, at the time of such payment or application or
immediately after giving effect thereto, there exists under any Senior
Indebtedness or any agreement pursuant to which such Senior Indebtedness is
issued any event of default permitting the holders of such Senior Indebtedness
(or a trustee on behalf of such holders) to accelerate the maturity thereof;
provided, however, that in the case of such an event of default (other than in
payment of such Senior Indebtedness when due) the foregoing provisions of this
sentence will not prevent any such payment or application for a period longer
than 90 days after the date on which the holders of such Senior Indebtedness (or
such trustee) shall have first obtained written notice of such event of default
from the Corporation or the holder of any Junior Subordinated Debt Securities,
if the maturity of such Senior Indebtedness is not so accelerated within such 90
day period. (Section 1402)
 
     Subject to the foregoing, if there shall have occurred any Event of Default
on the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities as described below under "Events of
Default and Notice Thereof," other than with respect to certain events of
bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, then unless and until either such
Event of Default shall have been cured or waived or shall have ceased to exist
or the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on all Senior Indebtedness
shall have been paid in full in money or money's worth, no payment shall be made
by the Corporation on account of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest
on the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities or on account of the purchase or
other acquisition of Junior Subordinated Debt Securities, except (a) payments at
the expressed maturity of the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities (subject to
the next paragraph), (b) current interest payments as provided in the Junior
Subordinated Debt Securities, (c) payments for the purpose of curing any such
Event of Default, and (d) payments pursuant to the required sinking fund for the
Junior Subordinated Debt Securities. (Section 1402)
 
     Upon any payment or distribution of assets of the Corporation to creditors
upon any dissolution or winding-up or total or partial liquidation or
reorganization of the Corporation or similar proceeding relating to the
Corporation or its property, whether voluntary or involuntary and whether or not
the Corporation is a party thereto, or in bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership
or other proceedings, all principal, premium, if any, and interest due upon all
Senior Indebtedness must be paid in full before the holders of the Junior
Subordinated
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   14
 
Debt Securities are entitled to receive or retain any assets so paid or
distributed. Subject to the payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness, the
holders of the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities are to be subrogated to the
rights of holders of Senior Indebtedness to receive payments or distributions of
assets of the Corporation or other payments applicable to Senior Indebtedness to
the extent of the application to Senior Indebtedness of moneys or other assets
which would have been received by the holders of the Junior Subordinated Debt
Securities but for the subordination provisions contained in the Junior
Subordinated Indenture until the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities are paid in
full. (Sections 1403 and 1405)
 
     At June 30, 1997, Junior Subordinated Debt (as defined in the Junior
Subordinated Indenture) aggregated approximately $400 million and Senior
Indebtedness (as defined in the Junior Subordinated Indenture) aggregated
approximately $4,264 million. The Corporation expects to issue from time to time
additional indebtedness constituting Senior Indebtedness (see "Use of
Proceeds"). None of the Indentures prohibits or limits the incurrence of
additional Senior Indebtedness.
 
     By reason of the subordination provisions contained in the Junior
Subordinated Indenture, in the event of insolvency, creditors of the Corporation
who are holders of Senior Indebtedness, as well as certain general creditors of
the Corporation, may recover more, ratably, than the holders of the Junior
Subordinated Debt Securities.
 
CERTAIN COVENANTS
 
     Dividend Restrictions.  Each Subordinated Indenture provides that the
Corporation may not (a) declare or pay any dividend or make any other
distribution (other than dividends or distributions made in capital stock of the
Corporation) on or in respect of any capital stock of the Corporation, (b)
purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire for value any shares of the capital stock
of the Corporation, except shares acquired upon the conversion thereof into
other shares of capital stock of the Corporation, or (c) permit any Restricted
Subsidiary to purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire for value any shares of
capital stock of the Corporation; if immediately thereafter the aggregate amount
of all such dividends, distributions, purchases, redemptions, acquisitions or
payments (other than dividends or distributions payable in shares of capital
stock of the Corporation) during the period from and after December 31, 1985,
plus the amount of total investments in Unrestricted Subsidiaries made during
such period, would exceed the sum of (1) $185,000,000 plus (or minus in the case
of a deficit), (2) the consolidated net income (or net loss) of the Corporation
and its Restricted Subsidiaries earned subsequent to December 31, 1985, plus (3)
the aggregate net proceeds received by the Corporation in respect of the issue,
sale or exchange after December 31, 1985, of (i) any shares of capital stock of
the Corporation and any rights or warrants entitling the holders to purchase or
subscribe for shares of such capital stock, or (ii) any indebtedness of the
Corporation which is converted into shares of its capital stock after December
31, 1985. (Section 1007)
 
     The foregoing will not prohibit the Corporation from paying any management,
administrative, general overhead or similar charge to any controlling
stockholder or other Affiliate of the Corporation, or paying to any member of
the same consolidated group for tax purposes any amounts in lieu of taxes.
(Section 1007)
 
     Limitations on Mergers.  The Indentures provide that the Corporation may
not consolidate with, merge into, or sell, convey or transfer its properties and
assets substantially as an entirety to, another Person, if, as a result thereof,
any property owned by the Corporation or a Restricted Subsidiary immediately
prior thereto would become subject to any Security Interest, unless (i)(x) in
the case of the Senior Indenture, the Senior Debt Securities (equally and
ratably with any other indebtedness of the Corporation then entitled thereto)
shall be secured by a prior lien on such property, (y) in the case of the Senior
Subordinated Indenture, the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities (equally and
ratably with any other indebtedness of the Corporation then entitled thereto)
shall be secured equally and ratably with (or prior to) the debt secured by such
Security Interest or (z) in the case of the Junior Subordinated Indenture, the
Junior Subordinated Debt Securities (equally and ratably with any other
indebtedness of the Corporation entitled thereto) shall be secured equally
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   15
 
and ratably with (or prior to) the debt secured by such Security Interest or
(ii) such Security Interest would otherwise be permitted under the Indentures.
(Section 803) (See "Limitations on Secured Debt")
 
     Limitations on Certain Loans and Advances.  Each Subordinated Indenture
provides that the Corporation may not, and may not permit any Restricted
Subsidiary to, make any loan or advance to any Person owning more than 50% of
the outstanding voting stock of the Corporation or to any Affiliate of such
Person (other than the Corporation or a Restricted Subsidiary) if the aggregate
outstanding amount of Senior Debt of the Corporation and its Restricted
Subsidiaries exceeds 400% of Consolidated Net Worth and Subordinated Debt, as
defined in the applicable Indenture. (Section 1005) The term Senior Debt for
purposes of this limitation shall mean Senior Indebtedness when referring to the
Senior Subordinated Indenture or the Junior Subordinated Indenture as such term
is used in each such Indenture.
 
     Limitations on Secured Debt.  Each Indenture provides that the Corporation
will not at any time create, incur, assume or guarantee, and will not cause,
suffer or permit a Restricted Subsidiary to create, incur, assume or guarantee,
any Secured Debt without making effective provisions whereby the Debt Securities
then outstanding under such Indenture and any other indebtedness of or
guaranteed by the Corporation or such Restricted Subsidiary then entitled
thereto, subject to applicable priorities of payment, shall be secured by the
Security Interest securing such Secured Debt equally and ratably with any and
all other obligations and indebtedness thereby secured (subject, however, to
applicable priorities of payment) so long as such Secured Debt remains
outstanding; provided, however, that the foregoing prohibition shall not be
applicable to (a) any Security Interest in favor of the Corporation or a
Restricted Subsidiary; (b) Security Interests existing on December 1, 1994 in
the case of Senior Debt Securities, Security Interests existing on June 1, 1989
in the case of Senior Subordinated Debt Securities and Security Interests
existing on July 1, 1993 in the case of Junior Subordinated Debt Securities; (c)
Security Interests existing on property at the time it is acquired by the
Corporation or a Restricted Subsidiary, provided such Security Interest is
limited to all or part of the property so acquired; (d)(i) any Security Interest
existing on the property of or on the outstanding shares or indebtedness of a
corporation at the time such corporation shall become a Restricted Subsidiary,
or (ii) subject to the provisions referred to above under "Limitations on
Mergers," any Security Interest on property of a corporation existing at the
time such corporation is merged into or consolidated with the Corporation or a
Restricted Subsidiary or at the time of a sale, lease or other disposition of
the properties of a corporation as an entirety or substantially as an entirety
to the Corporation or a Restricted Subsidiary, provided, in each such case, that
such Security Interest does not extend to any property owned prior to such
transaction by the Corporation or any Restricted Subsidiary which was a
Restricted Subsidiary prior to such transaction; (e) mechanics', materialmen's,
carriers' or other like liens, arising in the ordinary course of business; (f)
certain tax liens or assessments, and certain judgment liens; (g) certain
Security Interests in favor of the United States of America or any state or any
agency thereof; (h) Security Interests on Business Equipment; (i) in the case of
property (other than Rental Equipment) acquired after December 1, 1994 as it
pertains to Senior Debt Securities, after June 1, 1989, as it pertains to Senior
Subordinated Debt Securities and after July 1, 1993, as it pertains to Junior
Subordinated Debt Securities, by the Corporation or any Restricted Subsidiary,
any Security Interest which secures an amount not in excess of the purchase
price or fair value of such property at the time of acquisition, whichever, in
the opinion of the Corporation, shall be less, provided that such Security
Interest is limited to the property so acquired; (j) Security Interests on
properties financed through tax-exempt municipal obligations, provided that such
Security Interest is limited to the property so financed; or (k) any refunding,
renewal, extension or replacement (or successive refunding, renewals,
extensions, or replacements), in whole or in part, of any Security Interest
referred to in the foregoing clauses (a) through (j), provided that the
principal amount of indebtedness secured in such refunding, renewal, extension
or replacement does not exceed that secured at the time by such Security
Interest and that such renewal, refunding, extension or replacement of such
Security Interest is limited to all or part of the same property subject to the
Security Interest being refunded, renewed, extended or replaced.
 
     Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, the Corporation and any one or
more Restricted Subsidiaries may issue, assume, or guarantee Secured Debt which
would otherwise be subject to the foregoing restrictions in an aggregate amount
which, together with all other Secured Debt of the Corporation and its
Restricted Subsidiaries which would otherwise be subject to the foregoing
restrictions (not including Secured Debt
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   16
 
permitted to be secured under subparagraphs (a) through (k) above), and the
aggregate value of the Sale and Leaseback Transactions in existence at such time
(not including Sale and Leaseback Transactions the proceeds of which have been
or will be applied in accordance with subsection (b) under "Limitations on Sale
and Leaseback Transactions" below), do not at the time of incurrence exceed 10%
of Consolidated Net Worth and Subordinated Debt (as defined in the applicable
Indenture). (Section 1004)
 
     Limitations on Sale and Leaseback Transactions.  Each Indenture provides
that the Corporation may not, and may not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to,
engage in any Sale and Leaseback Transaction unless (a) the Corporation or such
Restricted Subsidiary would be entitled, without reference to the provisions of
Section 1004 described in subparagraphs (a) through (k) above, to incur Secured
Debt in an amount equal to the amount realized or to be realized upon the sale
or transfer involved in such Sale and Leaseback Transaction, secured by a
Security Interest on the property to be leased without equally and ratably
securing the Debt Securities outstanding under such Indenture as provided under
"Limitations on Secured Debt," or (b) the Corporation or a Restricted Subsidiary
shall apply, within 120 days after such sale or transfer, an amount equal to the
fair value of the property so leased (as determined by the Board of Directors of
the Corporation) to the repayment of Senior Debt of the Corporation or of any
Restricted Subsidiary (other than Senior Debt owed to the Corporation or any
Restricted Subsidiary) then prepayable, on a pro rata basis, according to the
respective principal amounts of Senior Debt then held by the various holders
thereof. (Senior Indenture Section 1005; Subordinated Indentures Section 1006)
The term Senior Debt for purposes of this limitation shall mean Senior
Indebtedness when referring to the Senior Subordinated Indenture or the Junior
Subordinated Indenture as such term is used in each such Indenture.
 
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
 
     "Business Equipment" shall mean all motor vehicles, tractors and trailers,
construction equipment, factory, commercial and office equipment and other
revenue-earning personalty owned, financed or otherwise held by or for the
Corporation or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries for rental, lease, sale or
disposition in the ordinary course of the business of the Corporation and its
Restricted Subsidiaries, other than Rental Equipment. "Consolidated Net Worth
and Subordinated Debt" shall mean the aggregate of (i) the capital and surplus
accounts of the Corporation and its Restricted Subsidiaries, as shown in the
most recent consolidated balance sheet of the Corporation and its Restricted
Subsidiaries, prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, plus (ii) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Subordinated
Debt (as defined in the Indentures) of the Corporation and its Restricted
Subsidiaries, as reflected on the same consolidated balance sheet. "Principal
Property" shall mean any building, structure or other facility (including land
or fixtures) owned by the Corporation or any Restricted Subsidiary having a
gross book value in excess of 2% of Consolidated Net Worth and Subordinated
Debt, other than any such building, structure or other facility which, in the
opinion of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, is not of material
importance to the total business conducted by the Corporation and its
subsidiaries as an entirety. "Rental Equipment" shall mean all automobiles
owned, financed or otherwise held by the Corporation or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries which, in the ordinary course of business, are offered for rental
within the United States of America for periods of less than 30 days.
"Restricted Subsidiary" shall mean certain identified Subsidiaries of the
Corporation, and any other Subsidiaries designated after the date of the
Indentures as a Restricted Subsidiary by the Board of Directors of the
Corporation, subject to redesignation by the Board of Directors and to certain
other restrictions. "Sale and Leaseback Transaction" shall mean any sale or
transfer by the Corporation or one or more Restricted Subsidiaries (except a
sale or transfer to the Corporation or one or more Restricted Subsidiaries) of
any Principal Property, made more than 180 days after the later of the
acquisition of such Principal Property or the completion of construction or full
commencement of operations thereof, if such sale or transfer is made with the
intention of, or as part of an arrangement involving, the lease of such
Principal Property to the Corporation or a Restricted Subsidiary (with certain
exceptions). "Secured Debt" shall mean all indebtedness for borrowed money of
the Corporation or a Restricted Subsidiary which is secured by a Security
Interest upon any assets of the Corporation or any Restricted Subsidiary,
including any capital stock or indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary.
"Security Interest" shall mean any mortgage,
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   17
 
pledge, lien, encumbrance, conditional sales contract, title retention agreement
or other similar arrangement which secures payment or performance of an
obligation. (Section 101)
 
MODIFICATION OF THE INDENTURES
 
     Subject to certain exceptions, each Indenture contains provisions
permitting the Corporation and the Trustee, with the consent of the Holders of
not less than a majority in principal amount of all securities at the time
outstanding, or of the Holders of the then outstanding Debt Securities of each
series to be affected thereby, to modify the Indentures or any supplemental
Indentures or the rights of the Holders of all Debt Securities, or of the Debt
Securities of a particular series, as the case may be; provided that no such
modification shall (i) change the fixed maturity of the principal of, or any
installment of principal or interest on, any Debt Security, or reduce the
principal amount thereof or the rate of interest, if any, thereon, or change the
place of payment or the currency in which any Debt Security or the interest, if
any, thereon is payable, without the consent of the Holder of each Debt Security
affected, or (ii) reduce the aforesaid percentage of Debt Securities the consent
of the holders of which is required for any such modification, without the
consent of the Holder of each Debt Security affected. (Section 902)
 
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND NOTICE THEREOF
 
     The following events are defined in the Senior Indenture as Events of
Default with respect to the Senior Debt Securities of a particular series:
failure for 30 days to pay interest on any Senior Debt Securities of such series
when due; failure to pay principal of any Senior Debt Securities of such series
when due at maturity thereof or otherwise, which failure shall continue
unremedied for 5 Business Days; failure to deposit any sinking fund payment when
and as due, which failure shall continue unremedied for 5 Business Days; the
acceleration of any other indebtedness in excess of $25 million of the
Corporation, including another series of Senior Debt Securities, under its
terms, if such acceleration is not rescinded or annulled within 10 days after
written notice thereof to the Corporation; failure to perform any other covenant
in the Senior Debt Securities of such series within 90 days after written notice
thereof to the Corporation specifying the failure and requiring its remedy;
certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization and any other Event
of Default provided with respect to the Senior Debt Securities of such series.
(Section 501) The Corporation is required to file annually with the Senior
Trustee an officer's certificate as to the absence of certain defaults under the
terms of the Senior Indenture. (Section 1006)
 
     The following events are defined in each Subordinated Indenture as Events
of Default with respect to the Subordinated Debt Securities of a particular
series: failure for 30 days to pay interest on any Subordinated Debt Securities
of such series when due; failure to pay principal of any Subordinated Debt
Securities of such series when due at maturity; the acceleration of any other
indebtedness in excess of $10 million of the Corporation, including another
series of Subordinated Debt Securities, under its terms, if such acceleration is
not rescinded or annulled with 10 days after written notice thereof to the
Corporation; failure to perform any other covenant in the Subordinated Debt
Securities of such series or in the applicable Subordinated Indenture within 60
days after written notice thereof to the Corporation specifying the failure and
requiring its remedy; certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization
and any other Event of Default provided with respect to the Subordinated Debt
Securities of such series. (Section 501) The Corporation is required to file
with each Trustee annually an officer's certificate as to the absence of certain
defaults under the terms of the applicable Subordinated Indenture. (Section
1008)
 
     Upon any Event of Default with respect to Debt Securities of a particular
series, the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal
amount of the Debt Securities of such series then outstanding may declare the
principal of all the Debt Securities of such series (or, in the case of any
series of discounted Debt Securities, such lesser principal amount as may be
provided for in such series of discounted Debt Securities) to be due and
payable. (Section 502)
 
     Each Indenture provides that the Holders of not less than a majority in
principal amount of the Debt Securities of any series may on behalf of the
Holders of all of the Debt Securities of such series waive any past default
under such Indenture with respect to such series and its consequences, except a
default (i) in the
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   18
 
payment of the principal of or interest, if any, on any of the Debt Securities
of such series or (ii) in respect of a covenant or provision of such Indenture
which, under the terms of such Indenture, cannot be modified or amended without
the consent of the Holders of all of the Debt Securities of such series affected
thereby. The terms of the Senior Indenture do not permit any such waiver with
respect to Debt Securities of any such series subsequent to the acceleration of
principal thereof. (Section 513)
 
     Each Indenture provides that the Trustee may withhold notice to the Holders
of the Debt Securities of any default (except a default in the payment of
principal or interest) if it determines that the withholding of such notice is
in the interest of the Holders of the Debt Securities. (Section 602)
 
     Subject to provisions of each Indenture relating to the duties of the
Trustee in case an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the Trustee
will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under such
Indenture at the request of any of the Holders of the Debt Securities issued
thereunder, unless they shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity.
(Sections 601(a) and 603(e)) Subject to such provisions for the indemnification
of the Trustee and to certain other limitations, the Holders of a majority in
principal amount of the Debt Securities of a particular series at the time
outstanding shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising
any trust or power conferred on the Trustee, with respect to the Debt Securities
of such series. (Section 512)
 
DEFEASANCE OF DEBT SECURITIES
 
     Unless the Prospectus Supplement relating to the applicable Senior Debt
Securities provides otherwise, the Corporation at its option (a) will be deemed
to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by the
outstanding Senior Debt Securities of such series, and to have satisfied all its
other obligations under such Senior Debt Securities (except for obligations
relating to the rights of Holders to receive payments from the trust fund,
certain obligations to register the transfer and exchange of Senior Debt
Securities, replace stolen, lost or mutilated Senior Debt Securities, maintain
paying agencies, hold moneys for payment in trust and the Corporation's
obligations with respect to Global Securities and defeasance and covenant
defeasance generally) or (b) shall be released from its obligations described
above under "Certain Covenants -- Limitations on Mergers," "-- Limitations on
Secured Debt" and "-- Limitations on Sale and Leaseback Transactions" with
respect to the outstanding Senior Debt Securities of such series, if the
Corporation irrevocably deposits or causes to be deposited with the Senior
Trustee money or U.S. Government Obligations or a combination thereof
sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public
accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Senior
Trustee, to pay and discharge (i) the principal of (and premium, if any) and
interest, if any, on the outstanding Senior Debt Securities of such series and
(ii) any mandatory sinking fund payments applicable to the outstanding Senior
Debt Securities of such series. Among the conditions to exercising any such
option, the Corporation is required to deliver to the Senior Trustee an opinion
of counsel (which opinion shall state, in the case of a defeasance described in
clause (a) above, that (x) the Corporation has received from, or there has been
published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or (y) since the date of
the first issuance by the Corporation of Senior Debt Securities pursuant to the
Senior Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable Federal income tax
law) to the effect that the Holders of the outstanding Senior Debt Securities of
such series will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax
purposes as a result of such defeasance and will be subject to Federal income
tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have
been the case if such defeasance or covenant defeasance, as the case may be, had
not occurred. (Sections 1401, 1402, 1403 and 1404)
 
     If the Corporation, at its option, deposits or causes to be deposited with
the applicable Subordinated Trustee as trust funds, for the purpose hereinafter
stated, an amount, in money or the equivalent in securities of the government
which issued the currency in which the Subordinated Debt Securities of any then
outstanding series are denominated or securities issued by government agencies
backed by the full faith and credit of such government, sufficient to pay and
discharge the entire indebtedness on the Subordinated Debt Securities of such
series for principal and interest, if any, to the date or dates of maturity of
the Subordinated Debt Securities of such series, and if the Corporation has paid
or caused to be paid all other sums payable by it under the Subordinated
Indenture with respect to such series, then the Subordinated Indenture will
cease to
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   19
 
be of further effect with respect to such series (except as to the Corporation's
obligations to compensate, reimburse and indemnify the Subordinated Trustee
pursuant to the Subordinated Indenture with respect to such series), and the
Corporation will be deemed to have satisfied and discharged the Indenture with
respect to such series; provided, however, that no series of Subordinated Debt
Securities may be so defeased unless all of the securities of such series will
become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year of such
defeasance. (Section 401) In the event of any such defeasance, holders of such
Subordinated Debt Securities would be able to look only to such trust funds for
payment of principal and premium, if any, and interest, if any on their
Subordinated Debt Securities.
 
     With respect to the Subordinated Indentures, if securities have been
deposited with the applicable Subordinated Trustee as trust funds, the
Corporation, in order to exercise its option, is required to deliver to the
Trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the deposit and related
defeasance (a) will not cause the holders of the Subordinated Debt Securities of
such series to recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes
and (b) will not result in the delisting of the Subordinated Debt Securities of
such series from any nationally-recognized exchange on which they are listed, if
any.
 
     Unless the Prospectus Supplement relating to the applicable Subordinated
Debt Securities provides otherwise, the Corporation at its option (a) will be
discharged from any and all obligations in respect of such Subordinated Debt
Securities (except for certain obligations to register the transfer or exchange
of Subordinated Debt Securities, replace stolen, lost or mutilated Subordinated
Debt Securities, maintain paying agencies and hold moneys for payment in trust)
or (b) need not comply with certain restrictive covenants of the applicable
Subordinated Indenture (including all or some of those described above under
"Certain Subordinated Covenants"), if there is deposited with the applicable
Subordinated Trustee money or, in the case of Subordinated Debt Securities
denominated in U.S. dollars, U.S. Government Obligations or, in the case of
Subordinated Debt Securities denominated in a foreign currency, Foreign
Government Securities, which through the payment of interest thereon and
principal thereof in accordance with their terms will provide money (or a
combination of money and U.S. Government Obligations or Foreign Government
Securities, as the case may be) in an amount sufficient to pay in the currency,
currencies or currency unit or units in which such Subordinated Debt Securities
are payable all the principal of, and interest on, such Subordinated Debt
Securities on the dates such payments are due in accordance with the terms of
such Subordinated Debt Securities. Among the conditions to the Corporation
exercising any such option, the Corporation is required to deliver to the
applicable Subordinated Trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the
deposit and related defeasance would not cause the holders of such Subordinated
Debt Securities to recognize income, gain or loss for United States Federal
income tax purposes, and that the holders will be subject to United States
Federal income tax in the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times
as would have been the case if such deposit and related defeasance had not
occurred. (Section 403)
 
THE TRUSTEES
 
   
     First Union National Bank (formerly First Fidelity Bank, National
Association) is the Senior Trustee under the Senior Indenture. The Chase
Manhattan Bank, formerly Chemical Bank (successor by merger to Manufacturers
Hanover Trust Company) is trustee under an Indenture dated as of April 1, 1986,
as amended by a First Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 2, 1990, pursuant
to which approximately $1,130 million aggregate principal amount of the
Corporation's senior debt securities remained outstanding at June 30, 1997. The
Bank of New York is the Senior Subordinated Trustee under the Senior
Subordinated Indenture. Citibank, N.A. is the Junior Subordinated Trustee under
the Junior Subordinated Indenture. Each Trustee may act as depository for funds
of, provide lines of credit to and perform other services for, the Corporation
and its subsidiaries in the normal course of business.
    
 
                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
     The Corporation may sell the Debt Securities in any of four ways: (i)
through underwriters or dealers, (ii) directly to a limited number of
institutional purchasers or to a single institutional purchaser, (iii) through
agents or (iv) through a combination of any such methods of sale. The Prospectus
Supplement with respect to
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   20
 
the Debt Securities of a particular series sets forth the terms of the offering
of such Debt Securities, including the name or names of any underwriters or
agents, the purchase price of such Debt Securities and the proceeds to the
Corporation from such sale, any underwriting discounts and other items
constituting underwriters' compensation, any initial public offering price, any
discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers and any
securities exchanges on which such Debt Securities may be listed.
 
     If underwriters are used in the sale of Debt Securities of a particular
series, such Debt Securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own
account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions,
including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at
varying prices determined at the time of sale. The Debt Securities of a
particular series may be offered to the public through underwriting syndicates
represented by managing underwriters.
 
     If so indicated in any Prospectus Supplement, the Corporation will
authorize the underwriters and agents to solicit offers by certain institutions
to purchase the Debt Securities described in such Prospectus Supplement from the
Corporation at the public offering price set forth therein pursuant to Delayed
Delivery Contracts ("Contracts"), which will provide for payment and delivery on
the date stated in such Prospectus Supplement. Each of the Contracts will be for
an amount not less than, and unless the Corporation otherwise agrees the
aggregate principal amount of Debt Securities sold pursuant to Contracts shall
be not more than, the respective amounts stated in such Prospectus Supplement.
 
     The underwriters, dealers and agents may be entitled, under agreements
which may be entered into with the Corporation, to indemnification by the
Corporation against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act of 1933, or to contribution to payments that the underwriters,
dealers and agents may be required to make in respect thereof.
 
                                 LEGAL OPINIONS
 
     Certain legal matters in connection with the Securities will be passed upon
for the Corporation by Paul M. Tschirhart, Esq., 225 Brae Boulevard, Park Ridge,
New Jersey, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of the Corporation, and
for any underwriters or agents by Brown & Wood LLP, One World Trade Center, New
York, New York.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The consolidated financial statements and supporting schedule of the
Corporation at December 31, 1996 and 1995 and for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 1996 included in the Corporation's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, incorporated by reference in
this Prospectus and in the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms
a part, have been audited by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent public
accountants, at December 31, 1996 and 1995, and for each of the three years
ended December 31, 1996, as indicated in their report incorporated by reference
herein. The consolidated financial statements and supporting schedule referred
to above have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the
authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
     The selected consolidated financial information of the Corporation as of
December 31, 1992 and 1993 and for the two years then ended included in this
Prospectus under the caption "Selected Consolidated Financial Data of the
Corporation" is extracted from the financial statements of the Corporation for
the years ended December 31, 1992 and 1993, which were audited by Arthur
Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, and such financial statements were
used for such purpose in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   21
 
                                    PART II
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 14.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
 
     The following table sets forth the estimated expenses in connection with
the offering described in this Registration Statement:
 
<TABLE>
          <S>                                                              <C>
          Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee............  $303,030
          Legal fees and expenses*.......................................         0
          Blue Sky filing fees and expenses*.............................     2,000
          Fees and expenses of Trustee*..................................    57,500
          Printing expenses*.............................................   165,000
          Accounting fees*...............................................    82,500
          Rating Agency fees*............................................   225,000
          Miscellaneous*.................................................    39,970
                                                                           --------
          Total..........................................................  $875,000
                                                                           ========
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
*Estimated.
 
ITEM 15.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
     Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the
"Delaware Law") empowers a Delaware corporation to indemnify any persons who
are, or are threatened to be made, parties to any threatened, pending or
completed legal action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of such
corporation), by reason of the fact that such person was an officer or director
of such corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such corporation as
a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or enterprise. The
indemnity may include expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and
amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in
connection with such action, suit or proceeding, provided that such officer or
director acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be
in or not opposed to the corporation's best interests, and, for criminal
proceedings, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was illegal.
A Delaware corporation may indemnify officers and directors against expenses
(including attorney's fees) in connection with the defense or settlement of an
action by or in the right of the corporation under the same conditions, except
that no indemnification is permitted without judicial approval if the officer or
director is adjudged to be liable to the corporation. Where an officer or
director is successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any action
referred to above, the corporation must indemnify him or her against the
expenses which such officer or director actually and reasonably incurred.
 
     In accordance with the Delaware Law, the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation of the Corporation contains a provision to limit the personal
liability of the directors of the Corporation for violations of their fiduciary
duty. This provision eliminates each director's liability to the Corporation or
its stockholders for monetary damages except (i) for any breach of the
director's duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts
or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a
knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the Delaware Law providing
for liability of directors for unlawful payment of dividends or unlawful stock
purchases or redemptions or (iv) for any transaction from which a director
derived an improper personal benefit. The effect of this provision is to
eliminate the personal liability of directors for monetary damages for actions
involving a breach of their fiduciary duty of care, including any such actions
involving gross negligence.
 
     Pursuant to underwriting agreements filed as exhibits to registration
statements relating to underwritten offerings of securities, the underwriters
parties thereto have agreed to indemnify each officer and director of the
Corporation and each person, if any, who controls the Corporation within the
meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, against certain liabilities, including
liabilities under said Act.
 
     The directors and officers of the Corporation are covered by directors' and
officers' insurance policies relating to Ford Motor Company and its
subsidiaries.
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   22
 
ITEM 16.  EXHIBITS.
 
<TABLE>
    <C>      <S>
     1(a)    Form of Terms Agreement (including Underwriting Agreement Basic Provisions)
             (incorporated herein by reference from the Corporation's Registration Statement
             No. 33-54183 on Form S-3).*
     1(b)    Form of Distribution Agreement (incorporated herein by reference from the
             Corporation's Registration Statement No. 33-54183 on Form S-3).*
     4(a)    Indenture dated as of April 1, 1986 between the Corporation and The Chase
             Manhattan Bank, formerly Chemical Bank, successor by merger to Manufacturers
             Hanover Trust Company, as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference from the
             Corporation's Registration Statement No. 33-4725 on Form S-3). The form or forms
             of Debt Securities with respect to each particular offering of Debt Securities
             to be registered hereunder will be filed as an exhibit to a Current Report on
             Form 8-K and shall be deemed incorporated herein by reference.*
     4(b)    First Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 2, 1990 between the Corporation
             and The Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly Chemical Bank, successor by merger to
             Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company, as Trustee (incorporated herein by
             reference from the Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 5,
             1990).*
     4(c)    Indenture dated as of June 1, 1989 between the Corporation and The Bank of New
             York, as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference from the Corporation's
             Registration Statement No. 33-29319 on Form S-3). The form or forms of Debt
             Securities with respect to each particular offering of Debt Securities to be
             registered hereunder will be filed as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K
             and shall be deemed incorporated herein by reference.*
     4(d)    Form of Indenture dated as of July 1, 1993 between the Corporation and Citibank,
             N.A., as Trustee. The form or forms of Debt Securities with respect to each
             particular offering of Debt Securities to be registered hereunder will be filed
             as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K and shall be deemed incorporated
             herein by reference (incorporated herein by reference from the Corporation's
             Registration Statement No. 33-62902 on Form S-3).*
     4(e)    Form of Indenture dated as of December 2, 1994 between the Corporation and First
             Union National Bank, formerly First Fidelity Bank, National Association, as
             Trustee (incorporated herein by reference from the Corporation's Registration
             Statement No. 33-54183 on Form S-3). The form or forms of Debt Securities with
             respect to each particular offering of Debt Securities to be registered
             hereunder will be filed as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K and shall
             be deemed incorporated herein by reference.*
     5       Opinion and consent of Paul M. Tschirhart, Esq.**
    12(a)    Computation of Consolidated Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges of the
             Corporation for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 1996
             (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 12 to the Corporation's Annual
             Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996).*
    23(a)    Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.**
    23(b)    Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.**
    23(c)    Consent of Paul M. Tschirhart, Esq., included in Exhibit 5.**
    24       Powers of Attorney.**
    25(a)    Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of The
             Bank of New York.**
    25(b)    Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of
             Citibank, N.A.**
    25(c)    Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of First
             Union National Bank, National Association.**
    25(d)    Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of The
             Chase Manhattan Bank.**
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
  *Incorporated by reference.
 
 **Filed herewith.
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   23
 
ITEM 17.  UNDERTAKINGS.
 
     (a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
 
          (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
     made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
 
             (i) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
        Securities Act of 1933;
 
             (ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
        the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
        post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
        aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
        in the registration statement;
 
             (iii) to include any material information with respect to the plan
        of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement
        or any material change to such information in the registration
        statement;
 
provided, however, that paragraphs (1)(i) and (1)(ii) do not apply if the
registration statement is on Form S-3 or Form S-8 and the information required
to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in
periodic reports filed by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the
registration statement.
 
          (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
     Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
     to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
     therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed
     to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
          (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
     any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
     termination of the offering.
 
     (b) The registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any
liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's
annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in the registration
statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein and the offering of such securities at that time
shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
     (c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>   24
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the Borough of Park Ridge, and State of New Jersey, on the 28th
day of August, 1997.
 
                                          THE HERTZ CORPORATION
 
                                          By:     /s/ PAUL J. SIRACUSA
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                      Paul J. Siracusa
                                                Executive Vice President and
                                                  Chief Financial Officer
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              SIGNATURE                                 TITLE                        DATE
- -------------------------------------  --------------------------------------- ----------------
<C>                                    <S>                                     <C>
                  *                    Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive   August 28, 1997
- -------------------------------------    Officer and Director (Principal
          (Frank A. Olson)               Executive Officer)
                  *                    President, Chief Operating Officer and   August 28, 1997
- -------------------------------------    Director
           (Craig R. Koch)
 
        /s/ PAUL J. SIRACUSA           Executive Vice President and Chief       August 28, 1997
- -------------------------------------    Financial Officer (Principal
         (Paul J. Siracusa)              Financial Officer)
 
         /s/ RICHARD J. FOTI           Controller (Principal Accounting         August 28, 1997
- -------------------------------------    Officer)
          (Richard J. Foti)
 
                  *                    Director                                 August 28, 1997
- -------------------------------------
          (John M. Devine)
 
                  *                    Director                                 August 28, 1997
- -------------------------------------
         (Peter J. Pestillo)
 
                  *                    Director                                 August 28, 1997
- -------------------------------------
          Louis C. Burnett
 
                  *                    Director                                 August 28, 1997
- -------------------------------------
          Joseph A. Walker
</TABLE>
 
*By:   /s/ PAUL J. SIRACUSA
     ---------------------------                                 August 28, 1997
         (Paul J. Siracusa)
          Attorney-in-fact
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>   25
 
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     SEQUENTIALLY
EXHIBIT                                                                                NUMBERED
NUMBER                                     EXHIBIT                                      PAGES
- -------   -------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------
<C>       <S>                                                                        <C>
  1(a)    Form of Terms Agreement (including Underwriting Agreement Basic
          Provisions) (incorporated herein by reference from the Corporation's
          Registration Statement No. 33-54183 on Form S-3).*
 
  1(b)    Form of Distribution Agreement (incorporated herein by reference from the
          Corporation's Registration Statement No. 33-54183 on Form S-3).*
  4(a)    Indenture dated as of April 1, 1986 between the Corporation and The Chase
          Manhattan Bank, formerly Chemical Bank, successor by merger to
          Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company, as Trustee (incorporated herein by
          reference from the Corporation's Registration Statement No. 33-4725 on
          Form S-3). The form or forms of Debt Securities with respect to each
          particular offering of Debt Securities to be registered hereunder will be
          filed as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K and shall be deemed
          incorporated herein by reference.*
 
  4(b)    First Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 2, 1990 between the
          Corporation and The Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly Chemical Bank,
          successor by merger to Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company, as Trustee
          (incorporated herein by reference from the Corporation's Current Report
          on Form 8-K dated April 5, 1990).*
 
  4(c)    Indenture dated as of June 1, 1989 between the Corporation and The Bank
          of New York, as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference from the
          Corporation's Registration Statement No. 33-29319 on Form S-3). The form
          or forms of Debt Securities with respect to each particular offering of
          Debt Securities to be registered hereunder will be filed as an exhibit to
          a Current Report on Form 8-K and shall be deemed incorporated herein by
          reference.*
 
  4(d)    Form of Indenture dated as of July 1, 1993 between the Corporation and
          Citibank, N.A., as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference from the
          Corporation's Registration Statement No. 33-62902 on Form S-3)
          (incorporated herein by reference from the Corporation's Registration
          Statement No. 33-54183 on Form S-3). The form or forms of Debt Securities
          with respect to each particular offering of Debt Securities to be
          registered hereunder will be filed as an exhibit to a Current Report on
          Form 8-K and shall be deemed incorporated herein by reference.*
  4(e)    Form of Indenture dated as of December 2, 1994 between the Corporation
          and First Union National Bank, formerly First Fidelity Bank, National
          Association, as Trustee. The form or forms of Debt Securities with
          respect to each particular offering of Debt Securities to be registered
          hereunder will be filed as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K and
          shall be deemed incorporated herein by reference.*
 
  5       Opinion and consent of Paul M. Tschirhart, Esq.**
 
 12(a)    Computation of Consolidated Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges of the
          Corporation for each of the five years in the period ended December 31,
          1996 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 12 to the Corporation's
          Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996).*
 
 23(a)    Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.**
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   26
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     SEQUENTIALLY
EXHIBIT                                                                                NUMBERED
NUMBER                                     EXHIBIT                                      PAGES
- -------   -------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------
<C>       <S>                                                                        <C>
 
 23(b)    Consent of Coopers and Lybrand L.L.P.**
 
 23(c)    Consent of Paul M. Tschirhart, Esq., included in Exhibit 5.**
 
 24       Powers of Attorney.**
 
 25(a)    Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939
          of The Bank of New York.**
 
 25(b)    Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939
          of Citibank, N.A.**
 
 25(c)    Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939
          of First Union National Bank, National Association.**
 
 25(d)    Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939
          of The Chase Manhattan Bank.**
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
  *Incorporated by reference.
 **Filed herewith.

<PAGE>   1
                                                                       Exhibit 5





                                                              August 28, 1997


The Hertz Corporation
225 Brae Boulevard
Park Ridge, New Jersey  07656

Dear Sirs:

As Senior Vice President and General Counsel of The Hertz Corporation, a
Delaware corporation ("Hertz"), I have examined or considered and am familiar
with the Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, of Hertz, the By-Laws, as
amended, of Hertz, and a certificate from the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware as to the good standing of Hertz in Delaware. I am also familiar with
the corporate resolutions duly adopted by the Board of Directors of Hertz on
August 28, 1997 authorizing the filing with the Securities and Exchange
Commission of a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration
Statement") covering a maximum of $1,000,000,000 aggregate principal amount of
debt securities (the "Securities") of Hertz issuable under one or more
Indentures in such form and with such terms and provisions as the Special
Finance Committee of Hertz or the officer executing the same may approve, and to
be offered on a continuous or delayed basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended. I have also examined originals or copies
certified or otherwise identified to my satisfaction of such corporate records
and other documents as I have deemed necessary or appropriate for purposes of
this opinion.

Based on the foregoing, I am of the opinion that:

         (1)      Hertz is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in
                  good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware; and

         (2)      when the Board of Directors of Hertz or an authorized
                  committee thereof has designated the type, terms and amount of
                  Securities to be issued as contemplated by the Registration
                  Statement, and such Securities have been duly executed on
                  behalf of Hertz, authenticated by the Trustee under the
                  applicable Indenture and issued and paid for in accordance
                  with the corporate proceedings of said Board of Directors or
                  authorized committee, the Securities will constitute valid and
                  binding obligations of Hertz in accordance with their terms
                  and will be entitled to the benefits of the applicable
                  Indenture (subject, as to the enforcement of remedies, to the
                  application of general
<PAGE>   2
The Hertz Corporation
August    , 1997
Page 2


          principles of equity and of bankruptcy, reorganization,
          fraudulent transfer, insolvency, moratorium or other similar
          laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally from
          time to time in effect).

I know that I am referred to under the heading "Legal Opinions" in the
Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and consent thereto and to the filing of this opinion by Hertz as an
Exhibit to the Registration Statement.

                                                 Very truly yours,

                                                 /s/ Paul M. Tschirhart

                                                 Paul M. Tschirhart
                                                 Senior Vice President
                                                 and General Counsel


<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(a)



                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


         As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
incorporation by reference in this registration statement of our report dated
February 7, 1994 included in The Hertz Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1993, and to all references to our firm included
in this Registration Statement.




                                                     ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP



August 25, 1997
New York, NY

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(b)



                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



         We consent to the incorporation by reference to the Registration
Statement of The Hertz Corporation on Form S-3 (File No. 333-      ) of our
report dated January 24, 1997, except for Note 14, as to which the date is March
13, 1997, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements and financial
statement schedule of The Hertz Corporation as of December 31, 1996 and 1995,
and for each of the three years ended December 31, 1996, which report is
included in the 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We also consent to the
reference to our firm under the caption "Experts."



                                             COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.



Parsippany, New Jersey
August 25, 1997

<PAGE>   1
                                                                      EXHIBIT 24


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY
                     WITH RESPECT TO REGISTRATION STATEMENTS
                            COVERING DEBT SECURITIES
                         ISSUED BY THE HERTZ CORPORATION


         Each of the undersigned, a director of The Hertz Corporation (the
"Company"), appoints each of Paul J. Siracusa, Paul M. Tschirhart and Robert H.
Rillings, his or her true and lawful attorney and agent to do any and all acts
and things and execute any and all instruments which the attorney and agent may
deem necessary or advisable in order to enable the Company to register the
above-captioned Securities for issuance and sale under, and otherwise to comply
with the Securities Act of 1933 and any requirements of the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission") in respect thereof, including but not
limited to, power and authority to sign his or her name (whether on behalf of
the Company, or otherwise) to one or more Registration Statements and any
amendments thereto, or any of the exhibits, financial statements and schedules,
or the prospectuses, filed therewith, and to file them with the Commission, all
as authorized in writing by unanimous consent of the Board of Directors of the
Company on August 28, 1997. Each of the undersigned ratifies and confirms all
that any of the attorneys and agents shall do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof. Any one of the attorneys and agents shall have, and may exercise, all
the powers conferred by this instrument.

         Each of the undersigned has signed his or her name as of the 28th day
of August, 1997.




/s/ Frank A. Olson                                   /s/ Craig R. Koch
- -----------------------                                  --------------------
    Frank A. Olson                                       Craig R. Koch



/s/ John M. Devine                                   /s/ Peter J. Pestillo
- -----------------------                                  --------------------
    John M. Devine                                       Peter J. Pestillo



/s/ Louis C. Burnett                                 /s/ Joseph A. Walker
- -----------------------                                  --------------------
    Louis C. Burnett                                     Joseph A. Walker



<PAGE>   1
                                                             Exhibit 25(a)

                                    FORM T-1

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                            STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
                   UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A
                    CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

                      CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE
                      ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO
                             SECTION 305(b)(2) |__|



                              THE BANK OF NEW YORK
               (Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)


New York                                                     13-5160382
(State of incorporation                                      (I.R.S. employer
if not a U.S. national bank)                                 identification no.)

48 Wall Street, New York, N.Y.                               10286
(Address of principal executive offices)                     (Zip code)





                              THE HERTZ CORPORATION
               (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)


Delaware                                                     13-1938568
(State or other jurisdiction of                              (I.R.S. employer
incorporation or organization)                               identification no.)

225 Brae Boulevard
Park Ridge, New Jersey                                       07656-0713
(Address of principal executive offices)                     (Zip code)



                                 Debt Securities
                       (Title of the indenture securities)
<PAGE>   2
1.       GENERAL INFORMATION. FURNISH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AS TO THE
         TRUSTEE:

         (a)      NAME AND ADDRESS OF EACH EXAMINING OR SUPERVISING AUTHORITY TO
                  WHICH IT IS SUBJECT.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Name                                            Address
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                                      <C>                       
         Superintendent of Banks of the State of         2 Rector Street, New York,
         New York                                        N.Y.  10006, and Albany, N.Y. 12203

         Federal Reserve Bank of New York                33 Liberty Plaza, New York,
                                                         N.Y.  10045

         Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation           Washington, D.C.  20429

         New York Clearing House Association             New York, New York   10005
</TABLE>

         (b)      WHETHER IT IS AUTHORIZED TO EXERCISE CORPORATE TRUST POWERS.

         Yes.

2.       AFFILIATIONS WITH OBLIGOR.

         IF THE OBLIGOR IS AN AFFILIATE OF THE TRUSTEE, DESCRIBE EACH SUCH
         AFFILIATION.

         None.

16.      LIST OF EXHIBITS.

         EXHIBITS IDENTIFIED IN PARENTHESES BELOW, ON FILE WITH THE COMMISSION,
         ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE AS AN EXHIBIT HERETO, PURSUANT TO
         RULE 7A-29 UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 (THE "ACT") AND 17
         C.F.R. 229.10(d).

         1.       A copy of the Organization Certificate of The Bank of New York
                  (formerly Irving Trust Company) as now in effect, which
                  contains the authority to commence business and a grant of
                  powers to exercise corporate trust powers. (Exhibit 1 to
                  Amendment No. 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement
                  No. 33-6215, Exhibits 1a and 1b to Form T-1 filed with
                  Registration Statement No. 33-21672 and Exhibit 1 to Form T-1
                  filed with Registration Statement No. 33-29637.)

         4.       A copy of the existing By-laws of the Trustee. (Exhibit 4 to
                  Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-31019.)



                                       -2-
<PAGE>   3
         6.       The consent of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the
                  Act. (Exhibit 6 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement
                  No. 33-44051.)

         7.       A copy of the latest report of condition of the Trustee
                  published pursuant to law or to the requirements of its
                  supervising or examining authority.
<PAGE>   4
                                    SIGNATURE



         Pursuant to the requirements of the Act, the Trustee, The Bank of New
York, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New
York, has duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in The City of New York, and
State of New York, on the 26th day of August, 1997.


                                            THE BANK OF NEW YORK



                                            By: /s/ Thomas E. Tabor
                                                -----------------------------
                                                Name:  Thomas E. Tabor
                                                Title: Assistant Treasurer

<PAGE>   5
                                                                       EXHIBIT 7




                       Consolidated Report of Condition of

                              THE BANK OF NEW YORK

                     of 48 Wall Street, New York, N.Y. 10286

         And Foreign and Domestic Subsidiaries, a member of the Federal Reserve
System, at the close of business March 31, 1997, published in accordance with a
call made by the Federal Reserve Bank of this District pursuant to the
provisions of the Federal Reserve Act.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Dollar Amounts
ASSETS                                                                           in Thousands
<S>                                                                             <C>         
Cash and balances due from depository institutions:
  Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin .....................      $  8,249,820
  Interest-bearing balances ..............................................         1,031,026
Securities:
  Held-to-maturity securities ............................................         1,118,463
  Available-for-sale securities ..........................................         3,005,838
Federal funds sold and Securities purchased under agreements to resell ...         3,100,281
Loans and lease financing receivables:
  Loans and leases, net of unearned income ...............................        32,895,077
  LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses ..............................           633,877
  LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve ..................................               429
    Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance, and reserve .....        32,260,771
Assets held in trading accounts ..........................................         1,715,214
Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases) .................           684,704
Other real estate owned ..................................................            21,738
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies ......           195,761
Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding .............         1,152,899
Intangible assets ........................................................           683,503
Other assets .............................................................         1,526,113
                                                                                ------------
Total assets .............................................................      $ 54,746,131
                                                                                ============

LIABILITIES
Deposits:
  In domestic offices ....................................................      $ 25,614,961
  Noninterest-bearing ....................................................        10,564,652
  Interest-bearing .......................................................        15,050,309
  In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs ..........        15,103,615
  Noninterest-bearing ....................................................           560,944
  Interest-bearing .........14,542,671
Federal funds purchased and Securities sold under agreements to repurchase         2,093,286
Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury .................................           239,354
Trading liabilities ......................................................         1,399,064
Other borrowed money:
  With remaining maturity of one year or less ............................         2,075,092
  With remaining maturity of more than one year ..........................            20,679
Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding .................         1,160,012
Subordinated notes and debentures ........................................         1,014,400
Other liabilities ........................................................         1,840,245
                                                                                ------------
Total liabilities ........................................................        50,560,708
                                                                                ------------

EQUITY CAPITAL
Common stock .............................................................           942,284
Surplus ..................................................................           731,319
Undivided profits and capital reserves ...................................         2,544,303
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities ...           (19,449)
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments ......................           (13,034)
                                                                                ------------
Total equity capital .....................................................         4,185,423
                                                                                ------------
Total liabilities and equity capital .....................................      $ 54,746,131
                                                                                ============
</TABLE>


         I, Robert E. Keilman, Senior Vice President and Comptroller of the
above-named bank do hereby declare that this Report of Condition has been
prepared in conformance with the instructions issued by the Board of Governors
of the Federal Reserve System and is true to the best of my knowledge and
belief.

                                                               Robert E. Keilman

         We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this Report
of Condition and declare that it has been examined by us and to the best of our
knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions
issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and is true and
correct.

         Alan R. Griffith    )
         J. Carter Bacot     )    Directors
         Thomas A. Renyi     )



<PAGE>   1
                                                            Exhibit 25(b)


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                           ---------------------------

                                    FORM T-1

                            STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
                   UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A
                    CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

          Check if an application to determine eligibility of a Trustee
                       pursuant to Section 305 (b)(2) ____

                            ------------------------

                                 CITIBANK, N.A.
               (Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)

                                                             13-5266470
                                                             (I.R.S. employer
                                                             identification no.)

399 Park Avenue, New York, New York                          10043
(Address of principal executive office)                      (Zip Code)

                             -----------------------

                              THE HERTZ CORPORATION
               (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

Delaware                                                     13-1938568
(State or other jurisdiction of                              (I.R.S. employer
incorporation or organization)                               identification no.)


225 Brae Boulevard
Park Ridge, New Jersey                                       07656-0713
(Address of principal executive offices)                     (Zip Code)

                            -------------------------

                                 Debt Securities
                       (Title of the indenture securities)
<PAGE>   2
Item 1.  General Information.

         Furnish the following information as to the trustee:

    (a)  Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it
         is subject.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         Name                                        Address
         ----                                        -------
<S>                                                  <C>    
         Comptroller of the Currency                 Washington, D.C.

         Federal Reserve Bank of New York            New York, NY
         33 Liberty Street
         New York, NY

         Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation       Washington, D.C.
</TABLE>

    (b)  Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

         Yes.

Item 2.  Affiliations with Obligor.

         If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such
         affiliation.

              None.

Item 16. List of Exhibits.

         List below all exhibits filed as a part of this Statement of 
         Eligibility.

         Exhibits identified in parentheses below, on file with the Commission,
         are incorporated herein by reference as exhibits hereto.

         Exhibit 1 - Copy of Articles of Association of the Trustee, as now in
         effect. (Exhibit 1 to T-1 to Registration Statement No. 2-79983)

         Exhibit 2 - Copy of certificate of authority of the Trustee to commence
         business. (Exhibit 2 to T-1 to Registration Statement No. 2-29577).

         Exhibit 3 - Copy of authorization of the Trustee to exercise corporate
         trust powers. (Exhibit 3 to T-1 to Registration Statement No. 2-55519)

         Exhibit 4 - Copy of existing By-Laws of the Trustee. (Exhibit 4 to T-1
         to Registration Statement No. 33-34988)

         Exhibit 5 - Not applicable.
<PAGE>   3
         Exhibit 6 - The consent of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of
         the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. (Exhibit 6 to T-1 to Registration
         Statement No. 33-19227.)

         Exhibit 7 - Copy of the latest Report of Condition of Citibank, N.A.
         (as of March 31, 1997 - attached)

         Exhibit 8 - Not applicable.

         Exhibit 9 - Not applicable.

                               ------------------


                                    SIGNATURE

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, the
Trustee, Citibank, N.A., a national banking association organized and existing
under the laws of the United States of America, has duly caused this statement
of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, all in The City of New York and State of New York, on the 22nd day
of August, 1997.



                                            CITIBANK, N.A.

                                            By   /s/Wafaa Orfy
                                                 -------------------------
                                                 Wafaa Orfy
                                                 Senior Trust Officer
<PAGE>   4
                                Charter No. 1461
                          Comptroller of the Currency
                             Northeastern District
                              REPORT OF CONDITION
                                 CONSOLIDATING
                              DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN
                                SUBSIDIARIES OF

                                 CITIBANK, N.A.

of New York in the State of New York, at the close of business on March 31,
1997, published in response to call made by Comptroller of the Currency, under
Title 12, United States Code, Section 161. Charter Number 1461 Comptroller of
the Currency Northeastern District.

                                     ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               Thousands 
                                                                               of dollars 
<S>                                                                           <C>          
Cash and balances due from depository institutions:
     Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin ..............        $   6,045,000
Interest-bearing balances ............................................           13,753,000
Held-to-maturity securities ..........................................                    0
Available-for-sale securities ........................................           28,164,000
     Federal funds sold and securities purchased under
     agreements to resell ............................................            8,655,000
Loans and lease financing receivables:
     Loans and Leases, net of unearned income .......... $144,695,000
     LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses ..........   4,252,000
                                                         ------------
Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance,
     and reserve .....................................................          140,443,000
Trading assets .......................................................           29,022,000
Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases) .............            3,498,000
Other real estate owned ..............................................              788,000
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies ..            1,240,000
Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding .........            2,196,000
Intangible assets ....................................................              145,000
Other assets .........................................................            8,018,000
                                                                              -------------
TOTAL ASSETS .........................................................        $ 241,967,000
                                                                              =============
                                  LIABILITIES
Deposits:
     In domestic offices .............................................        $  35,600,000
     Noninterest-bearing ................................ $11,892,000
     Interest-bearing ...................................  23,708,000
                                                          -----------
In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs ........          133,267,000
     Noninterest-bearing ................................  10,371,000
     Interest-bearing ................................... 122,896,000
                                                          -----------
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under
     agreements to repurchase ........................................            6,959,000
Trading liabilities ..................................................           22,107,000
Other borrowed money (includes mortgage indebtedness and
obligations under capitalized leases):
     With a remaining maturity of one year or less ...................            7,949,000
     With a remaining maturity of more than one year .................            3,273,000
Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding .............            2,239,000
Subordinated notes and debentures ....................................            4,700,000
Other liabilities ....................................................            9,267,000
                                                                              -------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES ....................................................        $ 225,361,000
                                                                              =============
                                 EQUITY CAPITAL
Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus ........................                    0
Common stock .........................................................        $     751,000
Surplus ..............................................................            7,264,000
Undivided profits and capital reserves ...............................            8,619,000
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities              582,000
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments ..................             (610,000)
                                                                              -------------
TOTAL EQUITY CAPITAL .................................................        $  16,606,000
                                                                              -------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES, LIMITED-LIFE PREFERRED STOCK, AND EQUITY CAPITAL ..        $ 241,967,000
                                                                              =============
</TABLE>

I, Roger W. Trupin, Controller of the above-named bank do hereby declare that
this Report of Condition is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and
belief.
                                                                 ROGER W. TRUPIN
                                                                      CONTROLLER

We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this Report of
Condition. We declare that it has been examined by us, and to the best of our
knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions and
is true and correct.
                                                                 PAUL J. COLLINS
                                                                    JOHN S. REED
                                                               WILLIAM R. RHODES
                                                                       DIRECTORS


<PAGE>   1
                                                              Exhibit 25(c)


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549




                                    FORM T-1

                            STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
                      UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939
                 OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS A TRUSTEE




          CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE
                          PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(b)(2)




                            FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK
                                (Name of Trustee)

                                                               22-1147033
   (Jurisdiction of Incorporation or                         (I.R.S. Employer
Organization if not a U.S. National Bank)                   Identification No.)

   102  PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, AVONDALE, PA.                       19311
   (Address of Principal Executive Offices)                    (Zip Code)






                              THE HERTZ CORPORATION
                                (Name of Obligor)

              DELAWARE                                     13-1938568
       (State of Incorporation)                         (I.R.S. Employer
                                                       Identification No.)

           225 BRAE BOULEVARD
           PARK RIDGE, NEW JERSEY                            07656-0713
    (Address of Principal Executive Offices)                 (Zip Code)


                                 DEBT SECURITIES

                         (Title of Indenture Securities)
<PAGE>   2
                                     GENERAL
ITEM 1.  GENERAL INFORMATION.

         Furnish the following information as to the trustee:

         (a)  NAME AND ADDRESS OF EACH EXAMINING OR SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY TO 
              WHICH IT IS SUBJECT:

              Comptroller of the Currency, Washington, D.C.
              Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, New York, N.Y.
              Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Washington, D.C.

         (b)  WHETHER IT IS AUTHORIZED TO EXERCISE CORPORATE TRUST POWERS.

                 The Trustee is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

ITEM 2.  AFFILIATIONS WITH OBLIGOR.

         IF THE OBLIGOR IS AN AFFILIATE OF THE TRUSTEE, DESCRIBE EACH SUCH
AFFILIATION.

         None.

ITEM 3.  VOTING SECURITIES OF THE TRUSTEE.

         FURNISH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AS TO EACH CLASS OF VOTING SECURITIES
OF THE TRUSTEE:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          COL. A.                                           COL. B.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>
      TITLE OF CLASS                                 AMOUNT  OUTSTANDING
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

         Not Applicable.

ITEM 4.  TRUSTEESHIP UNDER OTHER INDENTURES:

         IF THE TRUSTEE IS A TRUSTEE UNDER ANOTHER INDENTURE UNDER WHICH ANY
OTHER SECURITIES, OR CERTIFICATES OF INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION IN ANY OTHER
SECURITIES, OF THE OBLIGOR ARE OUTSTANDING, FURNISH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

         (a) TITLE OF THE SECURITIES OUTSTANDING UNDER EACH SUCH OTHER 
             INDENTURE.

         Not Applicable

         (b) A BRIEF STATEMENT OF THE FACTS RELIED UPON AS A BASIS FOR THE CLAIM
THAT NO CONFLICTING INTEREST WITHIN THE MEANING OF SECTION 310(b)(1) OF THE ACT
ARISES AS A RESULT OF THE TRUSTEESHIP UNDER ANY SUCH OTHER INDENTURE, INCLUDING
A STATEMENT AS TO HOW THE INDENTURE SECURITIES WILL RANK AS COMPARED WITH THE
SECURITIES ISSUED UNDER SUCH OTHER INDENTURE.

         Not Applicable.

ITEM 5.  INTERLOCKING DIRECTORATES AND SIMILAR RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE OBLIGOR OR
UNDERWRITERS.

         IF THE TRUSTEE OR ANY OF THE DIRECTORS OR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE
TRUSTEE IS A DIRECTOR, OFFICER, PARTNER, EMPLOYEE, APPOINTEE, OR REPRESENTATIVE
OF THE OBLIGOR OR OF ANY UNDERWRITER FOR THE OBLIGOR, IDENTIFY EACH SUCH PERSON
HAVING ANY SUCH CONNECTION AND STATE THE NATURE OF EACH SUCH CONNECTION.

         Not Applicable
<PAGE>   3
ITEM 6. VOTING SECURITIES OF THE TRUSTEE OWNED BY THE OBLIGOR OR ITS OFFICIALS.


         FURNISH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AS TO THE VOTING SECURITIES OF THE
TRUSTEE OWNED BENEFICIALLY BY THE OBLIGOR AND EACH DIRECTOR, PARTNER AND
EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE OBLIGOR.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         COL. A          COL. B          COL. C                 COL. D.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                    <C>             <C>                <C> 
                                                          PERCENTAGE OF VOTING
                                                          SECURITIES REPRESENTED
        NAME OF        TITLE OF        AMOUNT OWNED         BY AMOUNT GIVEN IN
        OWNER          CLASS           BENEFICIALLY          COL. C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
         Not Applicable

ITEM 7.  VOTING SECURITIES OF THE TRUSTEE OWNED BY UNDERWRITERS OR THEIR 
         OFFICIALS.

         FURNISH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AS TO THE VOTING SECURITIES OF THE
TRUSTEE OWNED BENEFICIALLY BY EACH UNDERWRITER FOR THE OBLIGOR AND EACH
DIRECTOR, PARTNER, AND EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF EACH SUCH UNDERWRITER.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        COL. A.          COL. B.            COL. C.            COL. D.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                   <C>                <C>              <C>  
                                                             PERCENTAGE OF
                                                           VOTING SECURITIES
       NAME OF        TITLE OF CLASS     AMOUNT OWNED         REPRESENTED BY
         OWNER                           BENEFICIALLY      AMOUNT GIVEN IN COL C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


Not Applicable

      ITEM 8.  SECURITIES OF THE OBLIGOR OWNED OR HELD BY THE TRUSTEE.

         FURNISH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AS TO SECURITIES OF THE OBLIGOR OWNED
BENEFICIALLY OR HELD AS COLLATERAL SECURITY FOR THE OBLIGATIONS IN DEFAULT BY
THE TRUSTEE.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     COL. A.        COL. B.                COL. C.                 COL. D.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>              <C>                          <C>              
                 
                  WHETHER THE      
                 SECURITIES ARE   AMOUNT OWNED BENEFICIALLY    PERCENT OF CLASS
                   VOTING OR       OR HELD AS COLLATERAL        REPRESENTED BY
    TITLE          NONVOTING      SECURITY FOR OBLIGATIONS      AMOUNT GIVEN IN
    OF CLASS      SECURITIES             IN DEFAULT                  COL.C.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
         Not Applicable

ITEM 9.  SECURITIES OF THE UNDERWRITERS OWNED OR HELD BY THE TRUSTEE.

         IF THE TRUSTEE OWNS BENEFICIALLY OR HOLDS AS COLLATERAL SECURITY FOR
OBLIGATIONS IN DEFAULT ANY SECURITIES OF AN UNDERWRITER FOR THE OBLIGOR, FURNISH
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AS TO EACH CLASS OF SECURITIES OF SUCH UNDERWRITER ANY
OF WHICH ARE SO OWNED OR HELD BY THE TRUSTEE.



                                        2
<PAGE>   4
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      COL.A             COL. B                COL. C                    COL. D
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                   <C>             <C>                           <C>    
                                      AMOUNT OWNED BENEFICIALLY     PERCENT OF CLASS 
     NAME OF                           OR HELD AS COLLATERAL         REPRESENTED BY  
    ISSUER AND          AMOUNT          SECURITY FOR OBLIGATIONS     AMOUNT GIVEN IN
   TITLE OF CLASS     OUTSTANDING       IN DEFAULT BY TRUSTEE         COL. C 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>
         Not applicable

ITEM 10.  OWNERSHIP OR HOLDINGS BY THE TRUSTEE OF VOTING SECURITIES OF CERTAIN 
          AFFILIATES OR SECURITY HOLDERS OF THE OBLIGOR.

         IF THE TRUSTEE OWNS BENEFICIALLY OR HOLDS AS COLLATERAL SECURITY FOR
OBLIGATIONS IN DEFAULT VOTING SECURITIES OF A PERSON WHO, TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF
THE TRUSTEE (1) OWNS 10 PERCENT OR MORE OF THE VOTING SECURITIES OF THE OBLIGOR
OR (2) IS AN AFFILIATE, OTHER THAN A SUBSIDIARY, OF THE OBLIGOR, FURNISH THE
FOLLOWING INFORMATION AS TO THE VOTING SECURITIES OF SUCH PERSON.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      COL. A            COL. B                  COL. C                      COL. D
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                  <C>              <C>                             <C> 
                                      AMOUNT OWNED BENEFICIALLY       PERCENT OF VOTING 
    NAME OF                             OR HELD AS COLLATERAL             SECURITIES  
   ISSUER AND           AMOUNT          SECURITY FOR OBLIGATIONS      REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT
  TITLE OF CLASS     OUTSTANDING         IN DEFAULT BY TRUSTEE          GIVEN IN COL. C
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

         Not Applicable

ITEM 11. OWNERSHIP OR HOLDINGS BY THE TRUSTEE OF ANY SECURITIES OF A PERSON
OWNING 50 PERCENT OR MORE OF THE VOTING SECURITIES OF THE OBLIGOR.

         IF THE TRUSTEE OWNS BENEFICIALLY OR HOLDS AS COLLATERAL SECURITY FOR
OBLIGATIONS IN DEFAULT ANY SECURITIES OF A PERSON WHO, TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE
TRUSTEE, OWNS 50 PERCENT OR MORE OF THE VOTING SECURITIES OF THE OBLIGOR,
FURNISH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AS TO EACH CLASS OF SECURITIES OF SUCH PERSON
ANY OF WHICH ARE SO OWNED OR HELD BY THE TRUSTEE.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      COL.A               COL. B                  COL. C                    COL. D
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                    <C>              <C>                            <C>  
                                        AMOUNT OWNED BENEFICIALLY      PERCENT OF CLASS    
     NAME OF                              OR HELD AS COLLATERAL         REPRESENTED        
   ISSUER AND            AMOUNT          SECURITY FOR OBLIGATIONS       AMOUNT GIVEN IN    
  TITLE OF CLASS       OUTSTANDING          IN DEFAULT BY TRUSTEE           COL. C         
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

         Not Applicable


ITEM 12.  INDEBTEDNESS OF THE OBLIGOR TO THE TRUSTEE.

         EXCEPT AS NOTED IN THE INSTRUCTIONS, IF THE OBLIGOR IS INDEBTED TO THE
TRUSTEE, FURNISH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           COL. A                         COL. B                          COL. C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>                                  <C>
     Nature of Indebtedness        Amount outstanding                   Date due
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
         Not  Applicable



                                       3
<PAGE>   5
ITEM 13.  DEFAULTS BY THE OBLIGOR.

         (a) STATE WHETHER THERE IS OR HAS BEEN A DEFAULT WITH RESPECT TO THE
SECURITIES UNDER THIS INDENTURE. EXPLAIN THE NATURE OF ANY SUCH DEFAULT.

         None

         (b) IF THE TRUSTEE IS A TRUSTEE UNDER ANOTHER INDENTURE UNDER WHICH ANY
OTHER SECURITIES, OR CERTIFICATES OF INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION IN ANY OTHER
SECURITIES, OF THE OBLIGOR ARE OUTSTANDING, OR IS TRUSTEE FOR MORE THAN ONE
OUTSTANDING SERIES OF SECURITIES UNDER THE INDENTURE, STATE WHETHER THERE HAS
BEEN DEFAULT UNDER ANY SUCH INDENTURE OR SERIES, IDENTIFY THE INDENTURE OR
SERIES AFFECTED, AND EXPLAIN THE NATURE OF ANY SUCH DEFAULT.

         None

ITEM 14.  AFFILIATIONS WITH THE UNDERWRITERS.

         IF ANY UNDERWRITER IS AN AFFILIATE OF THE TRUSTEE, DESCRIBE EACH SUCH
AFFILIATION.

         Not Applicable

ITEM 15.  FOREIGN TRUSTEE.

         IDENTIFY THE ORDER OR RULE PURSUANT TO WHICH THE FOREIGN TRUSTEE IS
AUTHORIZED TO ACT AS SOLE TRUSTEE UNDER INDENTURES QUALIFIED OR TO BE QUALIFIED
UNDER THE ACT.

         Not Applicable

ITEM 16.  LISTS OF EXHIBITS.

         1*     -COPY OF ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF THE TRUSTEE AS NOW IN
                 EFFECT.
         2*     -NO CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY OF THE TRUSTEE TO COMMENCE
                 BUSINESS IS FURNISHED SINCE THIS AUTHORITY IS CONTAINED IN THE
                 ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF THE TRUSTEE.
         3*     -COPY OF THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE TRUSTEE TO EXERCISE
                 CORPORATE TRUST POWERS.
         4*     -COPY OF THE EXISTING BY-LAWS OF THE TRUSTEE, AS NOW IN
                 EFFECT.
         5      -NOT APPLICABLE.
         6      -THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE REQUIRED BY SECTION 321 (B) OF THE
                 ACT.
         7      -A COPY OF THE LATEST REPORT OF CONDITION OF THE TRUSTEE
                 PUBLISHED PURSUANT TO THE LAW OR THE REQUIREMENTS OF ITS
                 SUPERVISING OR EXAMINING AUTHORITY.
         8      -NOT APPLICABLE
         9      -NOT APPLICABLE


*EXHIBITS THUS DESIGNATED HAVE HERETOFORE BEEN FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION, HAVE NOT BEEN AMENDED SINCE FILING AND ARE INCORPORATED
HEREIN BY REFERENCE (SEE EXHIBIT T-1 REGISTRATION NUMBER 333-241137).

         IN ANSWERING ANY ITEM IN THIS STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY AND
QUALIFICATION WHICH RELATES TO MATTERS PECULIARLY WITHIN THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE
OBLIGOR OR OF ITS DIRECTORS OR OFFICERS, OR AN UNDERWRITER FOR THE OBLIGOR, THE
UNDERSIGNED, FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK, HAS RELIED UPON INFORMATION FURNISHED TO
IT BY THE OBLIGOR OR SUCH UNDERWRITER.



                                        4
<PAGE>   6
                                    SIGNATURE


         PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 THE
TRUSTEE, FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK, A NATIONAL BANKING ASSOCIATION ORGANIZED AND
EXISTING UNDER THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES, HAS DULY CAUSED THIS STATEMENT OF
ELIGIBILITY TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY
AUTHORIZED, ALL IN THE CITY OF NEWARK, AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY, ON THE 22ND DAY
OF AUGUST, 1997.


                                            FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK

                                            (TRUSTEE)




(CORPORATE SEAL)
                                            BY:   /s/ RICK BARNES
                                               ---------------------------------
                                                  ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT



                                        5
<PAGE>   7
                                   EXHIBIT T-6



                               CONSENT OF TRUSTEE


         PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 321 (b) OF THE TRUST INDENTURE
ACT OF 1939, AND IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED ISSUE OF THE HERTZ CORPORATION,
WE HEREBY CONSENT THAT REPORTS OF EXAMINATIONS BY FEDERAL, STATE, TERRITORIAL OR
DISTRICT AUTHORITIES MAY BE FURNISHED BY SUCH AUTHORITIES TO THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION UPON REQUEST THEREFOR.




                                            FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK



                                            BY:    /s/ RICK BARNES
                                               ---------------------------------
                                                   ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT





NEWARK, NJ
AUGUST 22, 1997



                                        6
<PAGE>   8
                                   EXHIBIT T-7
                               REPORT OF CONDITION

Consolidating domestic and foreign subsidiaries of the First Fidelity Bank,
National Association, at the close of business on June 30, 1997, published in
response to call made by Comptroller of the Currency, under title 12, United
States Code, Section 161. Charter Number 33869 Comptroller of the Currency
Northeastern District.

STATEMENT OF RESOURCES AND LIABILITIES
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                             <C>      
                                     ASSETS
                               Thousand of Dollars

Cash and balance due from depository institutions:
  Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin ....................        1,679,295
  Interest-bearing balances .............................................          108,513
 Securities .............................................................        /////////
  Hold-to-maturity securities ...........................................          382,254
  Available-for-sale securities .........................................        3,006,412
Federal  funds sold and securities purchased under agreements
         to resell ......................................................        1,311,506
Loans and lease financing receivables:
         Loan and leases, net of unearned income ..............19,594,861
         LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses ...............231,011
         LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve .........................0
         Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance, and
         reserve ........................................................       19,363,850
Assets held in trading accounts .........................................                0
Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases) ................          415,290
Other real estate owned .................................................           45,964
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated                        //////////
companies ...............................................................           33,621
Customer's liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding ............           53,824
Intangible assets .......................................................          400,661
Other assets ............................................................          775,903
Total assets ............................................................       27,577,093
                                   LIABILITIES
Deposits:
         In domestic offices ............................................       21,060,904
           Noninterest-bearing .................................4,550,428
           Interest-bearing ...................................16,510,476
         In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries,
         and IBFs .......................................................          588,131
           Noninterest-bearing ........................................76
           Interest-bearing ......................................588,055
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements
         to repurchase ..................................................        2,288,783
Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury ................................           74,952
Trading liabilities .....................................................                0
Other borrowed money (includes mortgage indebtness and obligations
under capitalized leases)
         With original maturity of one year or less .....................              106
         With original maturity of more than one year through three years            7,859
         With original maturity of more than three years ................            6,066
Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding ................           53,824
Subordinated notes and debentures .......................................          450,000
Other liabilities .......................................................          779,197
Total liabilities .......................................................       25,309,822
Limited-life preferred stock and related surplus ........................                0
                                 EQUITY CAPITAL
Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus ...........................          160,540
Common Stock ............................................................          452,156
Surplus .................................................................        1,300,080
Undivided profits and capital reserves ..................................          353,445
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale .............        /////////
 securities .............................................................            1,050
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments .....................                0
Total equity capital ....................................................        2,267,271
Total liabilities, limited-life preferred stock and equity ..............       //////////
  capital ...............................................................       27,577,093
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   1
                                                              Exhibit 25(d)


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D. C. 20549


                                    FORM T-1

                            STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
                    UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF
                   A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

               CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY OF
                A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(b)(2) ________


                            THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK
               (Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)


NEW YORK                                                              13-4994650
(State of incorporation                                         (I.R.S. employer
if not a national bank)                                      identification No.)

270 PARK AVENUE
NEW YORK, NEW YORK                                                         10017
(Address of principal executive offices)                              (Zip Code)

                               William H. McDavid
                                 General Counsel
                                 270 Park Avenue
                            New York, New York 10017
                               Tel: (212) 270-2611
            (Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)

                              THE HERTZ CORPORATION
               (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE                                                              13-1938568

(State or other jurisdiction of                                 (I.R.S. employer
incorporation or organization)                               identification No.)

225 BRAE BOULEVARD
PARK RIDGE, NEW JERSEY                                                07656-0713
 (Address of principal executive offices)                             (Zip Code)


                                 DEBT SECURITIES
                       (Title of the indenture securities)
<PAGE>   2
                                     GENERAL

Item 1.  General Information.

         Furnish the following information as to the trustee:

         (a)  Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to
              which it is subject.

              New York State Banking Department, State House, Albany, New York
              12110.

              Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Washington,
              D.C., 20551

              Federal Reserve Bank of New York, District No. 2, 33 Liberty
              Street, New York, N.Y.

              Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Washington, D.C., 20429.


         (b)  Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

              Yes.


Item 2.  Affiliations with the Obligor.

         If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such
         affiliation.

         None.



                                                     - 2 -
<PAGE>   3
Item 16. List of Exhibits

         List below all exhibits filed as a part of this Statement of
         Eligibility.

         1.   A copy of the Articles of Association of the Trustee as now in
effect, including the Organization Certificate and the Certificates of Amendment
dated February 17, 1969, August 31, 1977, December 31, 1980, September 9, 1982,
February 28, 1985, December 2, 1991 and July 10, 1996 (see Exhibit 1 to Form T-1
filed in connection with Registration Statement No. 333-06249, which is
incorporated by reference).

         2.   A copy of the Certificate of Authority of the Trustee to Commence
Business (see Exhibit 2 to Form T-1 filed in connection with Registration
Statement No. 33-50010, which is incorporated by reference. On July 14, 1996, in
connection with the merger of Chemical Bank and The Chase Manhattan Bank
(National Association), Chemical Bank, the surviving corporation, was renamed
The Chase Manhattan Bank).

         3.   None, authorization to exercise corporate trust powers being
contained in the documents identified above as Exhibits 1 and 2.

         4.   A copy of the existing By-Laws of the Trustee (see Exhibit 4 to
Form T-1 filed in connection with Registration Statement No. 333-06249, which is
incorporated by reference).

         5.   Not applicable.

         6.   The consent of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act
(see Exhibit 6 to Form T-1 filed in connection with Registration Statement No.
33-50010, which is incorporated by reference. On July 14, 1996, in connection
with the merger of Chemical Bank and The Chase Manhattan Bank (National
Association), Chemical Bank, the surviving corporation, was renamed The Chase
Manhattan Bank).

         7.   A copy of the latest report of condition of the Trustee, published
pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or examining authority.

         8.   Not applicable.

         9.   Not applicable.

                                    SIGNATURE

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 the
Trustee, The Chase Manhattan Bank, a corporation organized and existing under
the laws of the State of New York, has duly caused this statement of eligibility
to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in
the City of New York and State of New York, on the 21ST day of AUGUST, 1997.


                                            THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK

                                            By   /s/  Greg McFarlane
                                                ---------------------------
                                                      Greg McFarlane
                                                      Vice President


                                      - 3 -
<PAGE>   4
                              Exhibit 7 to Form T-1


                                Bank Call Notice

                             RESERVE DISTRICT NO. 2
                       CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION OF

                            The Chase Manhattan Bank
                  of 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017
                     and Foreign and Domestic Subsidiaries,
                     a member of the Federal Reserve System,

              at the close of business June 30, 1997, in
         accordance with a call made by the Federal Reserve Bank of this
        District pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Reserve Act.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     DOLLAR AMOUNTS
                                     ASSETS                           IN MILLIONS


<S>                                                                  <C>     
Cash and balances due from depository institutions:
     Noninterest-bearing balances and
     currency and coin ......................................           $ 13,892
     Interest-bearing balances ..............................              4,282
Securities:
Held to maturity
securities ..................................................              2,857
Available for sale securities ...............................             34,091
Federal Funds sold and securities purchased under
     agreements to resell ...................................             29,970
Loans and lease financing receivables:
     Loans and leases, net of unearned income ...... $124,827
     Less: Allowance for loan and lease losses .....    2,753
     Less: Allocated transfer risk reserve .........       13
     Loans and leases, net of unearned income,
     allowance, and reserve .................................            122,061
Trading Assets ..............................................             56,042
Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized
     leases) ................................................              2,904
Other real estate owned .....................................                306
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and
     associated companies ...................................                232
Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances
     outstanding ............................................              2,092
Intangible assets ...........................................              1,532
Other assets ................................................             10,448
                                                                        --------

TOTAL ASSETS ................................................           $280,709
                                                                        ========
</TABLE>


                                      - 4 -
<PAGE>   5
                                   LIABILITIES

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                   <C>      
Deposits
     In domestic offices ....................................         $  91,249
     Noninterest-bearing ............................ $38,157
     Interest-bearing ...............................  53,092

     In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries,
     and IBF's ..............................................            70,192
     Noninterest-bearing ............................ $ 3,712
     Interest-bearing ...............................  66,480

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under
agreements to repurchase ....................................            35,185
Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury ....................             1,000
Trading liabilities .........................................            42,307

Other Borrowed money (includes mortgage indebtedness
     and obligations under capitalized leases):
     With a remaining maturity of one year or less ..........             4,593
     With a remaining maturity of more than one year
         through three years ................................               260
     With a remaining maturity of more than three years .....               146
Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding ....             2,092
Subordinated notes and debentures ...........................             5,715
Other liabilities ...........................................            11,373

TOTAL LIABILITIES ...........................................           264,112

                                      EQUITY CAPITAL

Perpetual Preferred stock and related surplus ...............                 0
Common stock ................................................             1,211
Surplus  (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock) ...            10,283
Undivided profits and capital reserves ......................             5,280
Net unrealized holding gains (Losses)
on available-for-sale securities ............................              (193)
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments .........                16

TOTAL EQUITY CAPITAL ........................................            16,597
                                                                      ---------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY CAPITAL ........................         $ 280,709
                                                                      =========
</TABLE>

I, Joseph L. Sclafani, E.V.P. & Controller of the above-named bank, do hereby
declare that this Report of Condition has been prepared in conformance with the
instructions issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory authority and is true
to the best of my knowledge and belief.

                                         JOSEPH L. SCLAFANI

We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this Report of
Condition and declare that it has been examined by us, and to the best of our
knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions
issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory authority and is true and correct.

                                         WALTER V. SHIPLEY         )
                                         THOMAS G. LABRECQUE       ) DIRECTORS
                                         WILLIAM B. HARRISON, JR.  )

                                      -5-


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