Businessweek

Avis Budget Group, Inc. provides car and truck rentals and ancillary services to businesses and consumers worldwide. The company operates in the vehicle rental industry through Avis and Budget brands. Segments The company categorizes its operations in three segments: North America, including its Avis and Budget car rental operations in the United States, and its Avis and Budget vehicle rental operations in Canada; International, including its Avis and Budget vehicle rental operations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, South America, Central America, the Caribbean, Australia, and New Zealand; and Truck Rental, including its Budget truck rental operations in the United States. CAR RENTAL BUSINESS Operations—Avis The company operates or licenses the Avis car rental system (the ‘Avis System’), which includes approximately 5,750 locations worldwide. It operates approximately 2,650 Avis car rental locations worldwide, in both the on-airport and local rental markets. The company licenses the Avis brand to other independent business owners in approximately 3,100 locations worldwide. The company offers Avis customers various premium services, including Avis Preferred, a counter bypass program available at major airport locations; Avis Preferred Select & Go, a program added in 2012 at certain U.S. airport locations, which allows customers to select an alternate vehicle or upgrade their vehicle choice without visiting the rental counter; portable GPS units for rent that feature Bluetooth hands-free calling and MP3 playback capability; Avis Specialty Vehicles, a line of luxury and sport vehicles, such as the BMW 328i, 528i, 740i and X3, Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger, Infiniti JX, Lincoln Navigator, and the Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette; Avis Prestige, a line of luxury performance cars and convertibles offered to its customers in Europe; availability of vehicles, including gas/electric hybrid vehicles, such as the Ford Fusion, Ford C-Max, and Toyota Prius; Roving Rapid Return, wireless technology that permits customers who are returning vehicles to obtain a printed charge record from service agents at the vehicle as it is being returned and/or to receive a receipt through email; a 100% smoke-free car rental fleet in North America; Etoll electronic toll collection, which lets customers avoid toll booth lines; amenities, such as Avis Blast, a portable satellite radio product, and Avis Access, a range of special products and services for drivers and passengers with disabilities; Avis Interactive, a proprietary management tool that allows corporate clients to view and analyze their rental activity through the Internet, permitting these clients to manage their travel budgets and monitor employee compliance with applicable travel policies; Avis First, a customer loyalty program that rewards customers with additional benefits for frequent rentals; and supporting online interactions with its customers through each of the four major smartphone platforms, such as Android, Apple, BlackBerry, and Windows. Operations—Budget The company operates or licenses the Budget vehicle rental system (the ‘Budget System’), which includes approximately 3,150 car rental locations. It operates approximately 1,550 Budget car rental locations worldwide. The company also licenses the Budget System to independent business owners who operate approximately 1,600 locations worldwide. Budget is a rental car supplier to the value-conscious segments of the industry. Budget offers its customers various products and programs similar to Avis, such as portable GPS units, roadside assistance, electronic toll collection, and refueling options, as well as various programs, such as Fastbreak service, an expedited rental service for frequent travelers; RapidRez, which keeps customers preferences on file for future rentals; Rent More, Save More, offering special rental rates for frequent renters; one-way car rentals; and Budget e-Receipt paperless receipts delivered through email. Licensing The company has licensees in approximately 150 countries worldwide. Fleet The company offers for rental various vehicles, including luxury and spec