Press Release Details

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Sept. 13, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avis Budget Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:CAR) has received CEO Cancer Gold Standard™ accreditation, in recognition of the Company's extraordinary commitment to the health of their employees and families. The honor was presented by the CEO Roundtable on Cancer, a nonprofit organization of U.S.-based corporate chief executive officers (CEOs) which operates in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute, regional cancer centers, and leading non-profit health organizations and professionals.

"CEO Cancer Gold Standard acknowledges the leadership of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ronald L. Nelson and his commitment to the well-being of Avis Budget Group employees and their families," said Christopher A. Viehbacher, CEO of Sanofi and chairman of the CEO Roundtable on Cancer.

The CEO Cancer Gold Standard calls for companies to evaluate their health benefits and corporate culture and take extensive, concrete actions in five key areas of health and wellness to fight cancer in the workplace. To earn Gold Standard accreditation, a company must establish programs to reduce cancer risk by discouraging tobacco use; encourage physical activity; promote a healthy diet and nutrition; eliminate benefit program barriers for the early detection of cancer; and provide access to quality care, including participation in cancer clinical trials.

Under Mr. Nelson's leadership, Avis Budget Group launched a comprehensive program of initiatives designed to encourage employees and their families to make healthy lifestyle choices. These initiatives include a wellness campaign that offers a wide range of tools and resources to help employees strive for excellent health and make informed decisions; medical plan contribution incentives and lower-cost life insurance for non-smokers and smokers who participate in Company-sponsored smoking cessation programs; diet and nutrition information and counseling; Company-sponsored campaigns to encourage physical activity and discounts on gym memberships; annual individual health assessments and physical examinations with no co-pay for those enrolled in the Company-sponsored medical plans; and healthcare management tools and disease management programs.

In addition, in late 2009, the Company also instituted a tobacco-free policy for all employees and contractors who drive its vehicles and became the first rental car company to offer a 100 percent smoke-free fleet by prohibiting smoking in Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car vehicles in the United States and Canada. In April 2011, Avis Budget Group designated all of its locations and administrative offices as "tobacco free."

Avis Budget Group was supported in its bid for Gold Standard accreditation by the American Cancer Society whose national office is also a Gold Standard accredited workplace. Earlier this year, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network awarded Mr. Nelson the 2011 Donald A. Gemson Cancer Prevention Public Policy Award.

"Our commitment to promoting healthy choices by our employees and lowering the risks and costs associated with the disease is unwavering," said Mr. Nelson. "I'm proud to accept the honor on behalf of the more than 21,000 employees at Avis Budget Group."

About Avis Budget Group

Avis Budget Group is a leading vehicle rental operator in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and certain other regions through its Avis and Budget brands. In addition the Company has licensed operations in more than 100 countries that allow it to serve commercial and leisure travelers throughout the world and has an agreement to acquire Avis Europe, plc, its licensee in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and parts of Asia. Avis Budget Group is headquartered in Parsippany, N.J. and has more than 21,000 employees. For more information about Avis Budget Group, visit www.avisbudgetgroup.com.

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

About The CEO Roundtable on Cancer

The CEO Roundtable on Cancer was founded in 2001, when former President George H.W. Bush challenged a group of executives to "do something bold and venturesome about cancer within your own corporate families." The CEOs responded by creating and encouraging the widespread adoption of the CEO Cancer Gold Standard, a comprehensive program designed to combat cancer from every angle by focusing on prevention, early detection and quality care.  For more information on the CEO Cancer Gold Standard and the web-based accreditation process and support, please visit www.CancerGoldStandard.org.

CONTACT: Alice Pereira
         Avis Budget Group
         (973) 496-6113
         PR@avisbudget.com
         
         John Dornan
         CEO Roundtable on Cancer
         919-531-0966
         John.Dornan@CEORoundtableOnCancer.org