Avis Offers Savings & Perks for the Summer Family Drive

Avis Drives the Summer Family Vacation With Special 'Family Drive Package'

PARSIPPANY, N.J., June 13 -- Just as schools are letting out and families are finalizing plans for summer travel, Avis Rent A Car System, Inc. is offering a special "Family Drive Package" to take some of the stress out of the summer road trip. With free upgrades to give families more room, plus travel tips and games, Avis is ready to "drive" the family vacation.

According to the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA), family travel accounts for almost three quarters of all vacation travel in the U.S., with the majority of these trips (76 percent) taken by car. According to TIA's 2002-travel forecast, the most popular activity for leisure travelers this summer is visiting friends and relatives.

To make the drive there and back a bit smoother, the Avis "Family Drive" Package includes:

* The Avis "Family Drive Upgrade": Customers who book weekend or weekly rentals, including a Saturday night stay, between June 13 and September 15, 2002 can apply the Family Drive Package coupon (#UUWA003) to get a bigger car for the price of a smaller one in several car classes. For example, the Upgrade can turn a Full-Size car (e.g. Chevy Impala) into either a Premium (e.g. Buick LeSabre) or SUV (e.g. Chevy Blazer). Full details and restrictions can be found on avis.com.

* Savings on Child Safety Seats: In keeping with its emphasis on child safety, the Family Drive Package coupon also entitles customers to a "rent one, get one free" special on child restraints. Avis is the first and only rental car company to offer the LATCH system, the new federal standard for child restraint installation. Full details and restrictions can be found on avis.com.

* The Avis "Family Road Map": Avis has created an informative guide to a great family drive, outlining tips on travel safety and maintaining the vehicle while traveling. The guide also shares useful planning hints, projects and games that will entertain kids along the way, plus a money-saving offer for future Avis rentals.

"The summer road trip is a wonderful tradition for many families," according to renowned travel expert Pauline Frommer. "Depending on your approach, the driving portion of that trip can be an ordeal or a fun adventure. The Avis 'Family Drive package' is a great way to save money on a comfortable vehicle, have fun and pick up travel tips along the way."

"With our well-known "We Try Harder" focus on safety and service, Avis is a great choice for families," said Scott Deaver, executive vice president of marketing for Avis. "By offering bigger vehicles and a discount on multiple child restraints, the 'Family Drive Package' is designed to make summer vacation less stressful and more fun."

Information regarding the Avis "Family Drive Package" -- including an online edition of the Avis Family Road Map and travel tips from Pauline Frommer -- can be found at http://www.avis.com. Customers or travel consultants can make Family Drive Package reservations on avis.com or by calling 1-888-777-AVIS. To take advantage of the Family Drive Upgrade, advance reservations are required. Customers must mention the "Family Drive Package" or reference Coupon Number (UUWA003).