Press Release Details

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Feb. 6, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Travel professionals booking leisure or business visitors to South America can place clients in exactly the perfect rental vehicle to suit any need, at convenient Avis locations from Medellin in the north to southernmost Tierra del Fuego, and from Quito on the Pacific coast to Joao Pessoa, Brazil, the easternmost city on the continent.

"Avis is committed to having a robust competitive presence throughout South America, from established destinations such as Brazil to emerging tourism growth areas such as Uruguay," said Patric Siniscalchi, president, Latin America/Asia Pacific, Avis Budget Group, parent company of Avis Rent A Car. "We are seeing long-term growth in travel to and from South America, and our intent is to ensure that the Avis brand is well-positioned to meet the needs of both commercial and leisure travelers here."

In South America, most Avis locations are operated by independently-owned licensees who are expert in the art of serving travelers with the renowned Avis "We try harder" promise of customer service excellence. Each country offers a variety of vehicle makes and models, so travelers can enjoy the ride on their next visit in the car that best suits their needs:

Argentina: Avis, one of the largest car rental companies in the country, has operated in Argentina since 1974 and now has 68 locations, including Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport and Ingeniero Aeronáutico Ambrosio L.V. Taravella International Airport in Córdoba. The Avis fleet there includes the GM Corsa for those looking for maximum fuel economy and the Ford Ecosport, a mini sport utility vehicle offering comfort and style.

Bolivia: Avis operates four locations in Bolivia, including downtown La Paz and Santa Cruz. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are popular in mountainous Bolivia, and Avis features the Toyota 4Runner and the Toyota Land Cruiser sport utility vehicles.

Brazil: Avis is fully staffed and fully fleeted at more than 85 locations throughout Brazil. As tourism and business travel in Brazil continue to grow, Avis is ready to fulfill any and all current and new reservations. Avis vehicles in Brazil include the popular Ford Fiesta, the spacious Renault Kangoo minivan and the stylish Fiat Palio Weekend crossover.

Chile: Avis has operated in Chile since 1972 and currently has 24 rental locations, including Arturo Merino Benitez Airport in Santiago and Carriel Sur International Airport in Concepción. Avis offers a wide selection of vehicles, from the Mazda2 compact to the Chrysler Town & Country minivan to the Toyota Hilux pick-up truck.

Colombia: Avis operates six locations in Colombia, including El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá and Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport in Cali. The Avis fleet there includes the Chevrolet Aveo, Chevy's popular compact offering excellent fuel economy, and the Suzuki Vitara, a sport utility vehicle with four-wheel drive.

Uruguay: Uruguay is a popular and growing international tourism destination served by Avis since 1975, now with 8 locations throughout the country including Carrasco International Airport in Montevideo. Avis, one of the largest car rental companies in the country, offers customers numerous models including the Chevrolet Corsa hatchback, the Hyundai H1 minivan and the Citroen Picasso multi-purpose vehicle.

Venezuela: Avis has operated in Venezuela since 1975 and has six locations, including Simón Bolívar International Airport in Caracas and General José Antonio Anzoátegui International Airport in Barcelona. Fleet choices include the Chevrolet Aveo, the Fiat Siena sedan and the Toyota Hi-Lux 4X4. 

"In addition to these major tourism and business travel destinations, Avis has locations serving South America customers with quality vehicles and outstanding service in Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru and Suriname," said Mr. Siniscalchi. "Customers in South America can make reservations and purchase vouchers with the assurance that they will be fully honored at their destination, whether in the United States, Europe and around the world, with the same high level of customer satisfaction that they have always enjoyed."

In addition to vehicle rentals, many Avis licensees throughout South America offer Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation devices, vehicle damage coverage and personal property protection packages, and vehicle leasing services. For more information about Avis locations, rates and vehicle availability in South America, visit either www.avis.com or:

About Avis

Avis Rent A Car System, LLC and its subsidiaries operate one of the world's best-known car rental brands with approximately 5,100 locations in more than 165 countries. Avis has a long history of innovation in the car rental industry and is one of the world's top brands for customer loyalty. Avis is owned by Avis Budget Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:CAR), which operates and licenses the brand throughout the world.  For more information, visit www.avis.com.

The Avis Budget Group, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=8891

CONTACT: Alice Pereira

         973.496.6113

         alice.pereira@avisbudget.com