Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Working for Avis
You're passionate about the brand
It's funny, but when you love your job, the world really does look very different. Ask an Avis person and you'll see what we mean - we're positively passionate about working here. And we take the business of enjoying our work very seriously indeed.
Of course, it helps that we're one of the best known names around - and that we treat our people with the same dedication we show our customers. The proof? We're in the Sunday Times 100 Best companies to work for, as voted by the people who should know - our team.
Fit in with our values and culture, and Avis is a place where you really can be yourself. Or to put it another way, coming to work each day is a bit like joining a second family. If you join us you will find colleagues who go out of their way to help and support you and not just in the beginning but everyday.
It's funny, but when you love your job, the world really does look very different. Ask an Avis person and you'll see what we mean - we're positively passionate about working here. And we take the business of enjoying our work very seriously indeed.
Of course, it helps that we're one of the best known names around - and that we treat our people with the same dedication we show our customers. The proof? We're in the Sunday Times 100 Best companies to work for, as voted by the people who should know - our team.
Fit in with our values and culture, and Avis is a place where you really can be yourself. Or to put it another way, coming to work each day is a bit like joining a second family. If you join us you will find colleagues who go out of their way to help and support you and not just in the beginning but everyday.
About Avis Short
Avis UK is a subsidiary of Avis Europe plc employing around 700 people across 122 locations in the UK.
In fact, our history in Europe stretches back all the way to 1965. But our story began in 1946, when Warren Avis opened the world's first car rental operation at Detroit Airport in the US. And every day since, we've been proving to our customers that we try harder.
Sunday Times 100 Best Companies
Our people voted us one of the UK's "Best Companies to Work For" in 2005 and 2006. Maybe it's down to the benefits - like generous holidays, pension, staff discounts and our award-winning training programme.
Or as the Sunday Times put it, "Avis Rent A Car preaches an extensive range of family values that would put the Waltons to shame".
Customer Service. We take it personally.
From a friendly "hello", to keeping up the highest standards in everything we do, we go out of our way to treat customers as we'd like to be treated ourselves. "Responsibility" doesn't quite cover it, but our famous customer service rests on a simple belief in taking ownership.
It means understanding that not all our customers want the same thing - so we listen carefully and deliver a truly tailored service. And it means anticipating any potential issues - then working to resolve them quickly and smoothly.
Of course, it takes a special kind of person to deliver this kind of service - day-in, day out. Which is where you come in.
In fact, our history in Europe stretches back all the way to 1965. But our story began in 1946, when Warren Avis opened the world's first car rental operation at Detroit Airport in the US. And every day since, we've been proving to our customers that we try harder.
Sunday Times 100 Best Companies
Our people voted us one of the UK's "Best Companies to Work For" in 2005 and 2006. Maybe it's down to the benefits - like generous holidays, pension, staff discounts and our award-winning training programme.
Or as the Sunday Times put it, "Avis Rent A Car preaches an extensive range of family values that would put the Waltons to shame".
Customer Service. We take it personally.
From a friendly "hello", to keeping up the highest standards in everything we do, we go out of our way to treat customers as we'd like to be treated ourselves. "Responsibility" doesn't quite cover it, but our famous customer service rests on a simple belief in taking ownership.
It means understanding that not all our customers want the same thing - so we listen carefully and deliver a truly tailored service. And it means anticipating any potential issues - then working to resolve them quickly and smoothly.
Of course, it takes a special kind of person to deliver this kind of service - day-in, day out. Which is where you come in.
What Their Workers Say
"The training is brilliant. Avis doesn't let grass grow under people." (CS, Staines)
"Every day is different. The people are nice, and Avis is a good company. People make this company great." (AE, Belfast)
"I'm going to work towards getting a degree through Nottingham Business School. I can do that as well as working, which is fantastic." (RDS, Heathrow)
"The training and development? It's really good. You can go as far as you want to." (BD, Bournemouth)
"The people who work for the company really live the values, making going into work a thoroughly enjoyable experience." (GB, Gatwick)
"Avis easily outshone all the other companies I applied to" (ME, Edinburgh)
"What's the best part of my job? It's the customer satisfaction. Because we always try harder, our customers leave happy. (MP, Heathrow)
"What truly describes Avis? The company cares about its people and cares about its customers." (AE, Belfast)
"The best part of my job is seeing our customers leave happy because of the service they've received." (RDS, Heathrow)
"Every day is different. The people are nice, and Avis is a good company. People make this company great." (AE, Belfast)
"I'm going to work towards getting a degree through Nottingham Business School. I can do that as well as working, which is fantastic." (RDS, Heathrow)
"The training and development? It's really good. You can go as far as you want to." (BD, Bournemouth)
"The people who work for the company really live the values, making going into work a thoroughly enjoyable experience." (GB, Gatwick)
"Avis easily outshone all the other companies I applied to" (ME, Edinburgh)
"What's the best part of my job? It's the customer satisfaction. Because we always try harder, our customers leave happy. (MP, Heathrow)
"What truly describes Avis? The company cares about its people and cares about its customers." (AE, Belfast)
"The best part of my job is seeing our customers leave happy because of the service they've received." (RDS, Heathrow)
Are You An Avis Person?
If you'd not had a look already, it's worthwhile reading about the Avis Family Values and Culture. They'll give you a great feel for what types of people are successful here.
The Avis Questions
We recruit people because of their potential - what they're capable of rather that looking at a specific type of experience. If you can answer "yes" to these questions, there's a good chance you're exactly the sort of person we'd love to work with:
1. Do you have an infectious enthusiasm for what you do?
2. Are you passionate about working in a team - as opposed to going it alone?
3. Are you fired-up by our "We try harder" promise?
4. Have you got the determination to work through any difficulties?
5. Are you ready to take responsibility for your own actions and decisions?
6. If something isn't right, are you willing to speak up?
7. Are you always open and honest?
8. Are you always thinking of how to deliver exceptional service?
9. Do you want to be part of a winning team, brand and company?
10. Are you able to deal sensitively with difficult situations?
11. Do you think "we", not "me" - and put your team's needs ahead of personal gain?
The Avis Questions
We recruit people because of their potential - what they're capable of rather that looking at a specific type of experience. If you can answer "yes" to these questions, there's a good chance you're exactly the sort of person we'd love to work with:
1. Do you have an infectious enthusiasm for what you do?
2. Are you passionate about working in a team - as opposed to going it alone?
3. Are you fired-up by our "We try harder" promise?
4. Have you got the determination to work through any difficulties?
5. Are you ready to take responsibility for your own actions and decisions?
6. If something isn't right, are you willing to speak up?
7. Are you always open and honest?
8. Are you always thinking of how to deliver exceptional service?
9. Do you want to be part of a winning team, brand and company?
10. Are you able to deal sensitively with difficult situations?
11. Do you think "we", not "me" - and put your team's needs ahead of personal gain?
Avis Family Values
We hope it doesn't sound corny, but Avis really is a family. And to fit in, you'll need to match all our values, and be comfortable with our culture.
We positively encourage you to bring your personality to work each day. However, you'll need to share our core beliefs about what really matters. Want to know how you fit in? Then read on...
Our Values
1. PASSION
We are passionate, almost obsessive, about what we do, and how we do it. We believe in ourselves, our brand and our business.
2. COURAGE
We understand the need for courage, and the need to be realistic about the way things are. We want to do what has to be done, even when this may be difficult.
3. MODESTY
Winning isn't down to just one individual. We believe we are successful only as a team, and we celebrate as such. We praise and credit the team rather than take personal credit.
4. LOYALTY
We are loyal to each other and our customers. We stick together and we give each other help and support. For team players, we are accepting of eccentricity and quirkiness.
Our Culture
We reckon we've managed to pin down the themes which make the Avis culture so successful. Here goes:
We choose to be one team
We work with velocity
We compete to win
We keep our promises
1. WE CHOOSE TO BE ONE TEAM
Supportive - We see ourselves as a family. We operate on a basis of flexible co-operation and collaboration, not competition, hierarchy or status. We do not tolerate back-biting or 'political' behaviour.
Trust - We understand the role of trust in a successful team. We endeavour to build and maintain trust in our relationships, whilst conscious of how easily it can be broken.
Honesty - We are genuine and sincere in our dealings with others. We accept and appreciate colleagues 'telling it like it is' even when this means challenging each other.
Respect - We respect each other as individuals and our differing needs for work-life balance. We recognise and honour our commitments to our communities and the environment.
Back to top
2. WE WORK WITH VELOCITY
Energy - We enjoy and respond well to a vibrant environment and we commit ourselves energetically to our work. We deal with day-to-day challenges by taking action.
Speed - We are driven to perform at speed, 'thinking on our feet' and adapting as required to deliver results. 'We Try Harder'. There is no place for a 'job's-worth' mentality.
'Doing the right things' - We focus our efforts in a particular and carefully selected direction, constantly seeking to maximise our return on investment of effort and resources.
'Doing things right' - We take pride and care in our work and our commitments. We do not accept second best in terms of quality of what we do.
Back to top
3. WE COMPETE TO WIN
Hunger - We make decisions and take actions with a clear focus on beating our competition. We seek to exploit each and every opportunity. We keep an eye on our competitors ensuring we respond to competitive challenges quickly and emphatically.
Risk-taking - We are prepared to put forward ideas for discussion, debate and ultimately implementation. We are prepared to make mistakes, learn from them, and try again.
Receptive - We listen to all ideas with a positive frame of mind. We take into consideration all concerns, reservations and risks and aim to minimise and manage these rather than take a risk-adverse approach.
Resilience - We bounce back from knocks and setbacks. We respond well to pressure. Even when frustrated, we just keep going.
Back to top
4. WE KEEP OUR PROMISES
Responsibility - We take full ownership of our relationship with all stakeholders. We try to anticipate potential issues. Where issues and problems occur we deal with them directly and quickly.
Intelligence - We have a deep understanding of our stakeholders' needs and expectations which we monitor, review and analyse on an ongoing basis. We aim to exceed these expectations consistently over time.
Personal - We acknowledge and value the individuality and uniqueness of all customers, avoiding a 'one size fits all' approach. We personalise the customer experience in ways that are tailored to the customer's needs and/or expectations.
Responsive - We respond positively to customer issues, concerns or problems, showing genuine empathy, care, commitment and action.
We positively encourage you to bring your personality to work each day. However, you'll need to share our core beliefs about what really matters. Want to know how you fit in? Then read on...
Our Values
1. PASSION
We are passionate, almost obsessive, about what we do, and how we do it. We believe in ourselves, our brand and our business.
2. COURAGE
We understand the need for courage, and the need to be realistic about the way things are. We want to do what has to be done, even when this may be difficult.
3. MODESTY
Winning isn't down to just one individual. We believe we are successful only as a team, and we celebrate as such. We praise and credit the team rather than take personal credit.
4. LOYALTY
We are loyal to each other and our customers. We stick together and we give each other help and support. For team players, we are accepting of eccentricity and quirkiness.
Our Culture
We reckon we've managed to pin down the themes which make the Avis culture so successful. Here goes:
We choose to be one team
We work with velocity
We compete to win
We keep our promises
1. WE CHOOSE TO BE ONE TEAM
Supportive - We see ourselves as a family. We operate on a basis of flexible co-operation and collaboration, not competition, hierarchy or status. We do not tolerate back-biting or 'political' behaviour.
Trust - We understand the role of trust in a successful team. We endeavour to build and maintain trust in our relationships, whilst conscious of how easily it can be broken.
Honesty - We are genuine and sincere in our dealings with others. We accept and appreciate colleagues 'telling it like it is' even when this means challenging each other.
Respect - We respect each other as individuals and our differing needs for work-life balance. We recognise and honour our commitments to our communities and the environment.
Back to top
2. WE WORK WITH VELOCITY
Energy - We enjoy and respond well to a vibrant environment and we commit ourselves energetically to our work. We deal with day-to-day challenges by taking action.
Speed - We are driven to perform at speed, 'thinking on our feet' and adapting as required to deliver results. 'We Try Harder'. There is no place for a 'job's-worth' mentality.
'Doing the right things' - We focus our efforts in a particular and carefully selected direction, constantly seeking to maximise our return on investment of effort and resources.
'Doing things right' - We take pride and care in our work and our commitments. We do not accept second best in terms of quality of what we do.
Back to top
3. WE COMPETE TO WIN
Hunger - We make decisions and take actions with a clear focus on beating our competition. We seek to exploit each and every opportunity. We keep an eye on our competitors ensuring we respond to competitive challenges quickly and emphatically.
Risk-taking - We are prepared to put forward ideas for discussion, debate and ultimately implementation. We are prepared to make mistakes, learn from them, and try again.
Receptive - We listen to all ideas with a positive frame of mind. We take into consideration all concerns, reservations and risks and aim to minimise and manage these rather than take a risk-adverse approach.
Resilience - We bounce back from knocks and setbacks. We respond well to pressure. Even when frustrated, we just keep going.
Back to top
4. WE KEEP OUR PROMISES
Responsibility - We take full ownership of our relationship with all stakeholders. We try to anticipate potential issues. Where issues and problems occur we deal with them directly and quickly.
Intelligence - We have a deep understanding of our stakeholders' needs and expectations which we monitor, review and analyse on an ongoing basis. We aim to exceed these expectations consistently over time.
Personal - We acknowledge and value the individuality and uniqueness of all customers, avoiding a 'one size fits all' approach. We personalise the customer experience in ways that are tailored to the customer's needs and/or expectations.
Responsive - We respond positively to customer issues, concerns or problems, showing genuine empathy, care, commitment and action.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
New Avis's Tv commercial
Hey, guys
I found out their recent TV commercial
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbgA7Lwk9mo
Lex, if you can bring it here, it will be cool (I tried but it didn't work)
Jules
I found out their recent TV commercial
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbgA7Lwk9mo
Lex, if you can bring it here, it will be cool (I tried but it didn't work)
Jules
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Note on Postings
Hey it's Lex.
I just posted some news articles I thought were relevant to our research. I hope everyone is finding alot of good info! Thanks Jules for the post of their advertising.
Is anyone visiting a store?
I really want to rent-a-car and see for myself but I'm under age. Is anyone of age?
Best, Lex
I just posted some news articles I thought were relevant to our research. I hope everyone is finding alot of good info! Thanks Jules for the post of their advertising.
Is anyone visiting a store?
I really want to rent-a-car and see for myself but I'm under age. Is anyone of age?
Best, Lex
Business Change for the Better
Stocks: Avis shift in focus is paying off
By: NewYorkBusiness.com
Published: February 20, 2007 - 8:55 am
Avis Budget Group Inc.'s decision to shed its real estate and travel units and focus exclusively on its car rental business is paying off.
Shares of the Parsippany, N.J., company, formerly known as Cendant, have soared nearly 50% in value, closing at $27.29 on Friday. Investors' faith has been restored by a management that has focused its attentions on its core business, instead of also selling houses and booking hotel rooms. This stock has plenty of gas left.
The shares trade at a multiple of 23 times this year's expected earnings, significantly less than the shares of rival Hertz, which fetch a hefty 30 times projected income. Profit margins, which got hammered in 2006, are poised to perk up this year as Avis executives show signs of finally getting customers to pay more for their rentals. If the company can just push its margins up to industry averages, earnings could double by next year.
Investors will get their first good look at how an independent Avis is performing when it reports fourth-quarter and full-year earnings today. Analysts surveyed by Reuters Estimates forecast 2006 operating income of about $98 million, or 97 cents a share, on revenue of $5.7 billion.
This year, they are forecasting that profit will jump 23%. But the critical issue will be profit margins.
Encouraged by bullish statements from management, analysts expect margins to widen to 8% next year. If Avis can get to that level, earnings could reach $211 million, or $2.06 a share, on revenues of $6.5 billion.
Stocks to watch
Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. will be on investors' minds this week after Monday's announcement that the satellite radio broadcaster had inked a $13 billion merger agreement with rival XM Satellite Radio. The deal, which includes $1.6 billion of debt, will face close scrutiny by the Federal Communications Commission. Sirius' stock , which ended last week up 1.9%, rose 13.2% to $4.29 in premarket trading Tuesday.
Talk about fearless investing! Last week, Take-Two Interactive Software Inc.'s founder became the first executive to plead guilty in the options backdating scandal. Now he's working with authorities to ferret out other fraudsters. Last month, the maker of hyper-violent videos said it faced delisting over its inability to file required regulatory statements. So what's happened to the shares? They shot up another 5% to $20.22 last week and are up 14% in the last month.
Branded as little more than a charity case in an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal on Thursday, The New York Times Co. managed to remind investors that it isn't on the dole yet. The publisher's shares got a nice bounce after the Times unveiled a pact to combine its job listings with those of Web titan Monster Worldwide. Buoyed by good news on other recent e-ventures, the shares have gained nearly 20% in the last six months. Last week, the stock closed up 3.3% at $26.07.
Robert Greifeld, Nasdaq Stock Market Inc.'s chief executive, said last week that ultimately he "chose not to win" the battle for the London Stock Exchange. Investors, unhappy with that call, pummeled the market's shares into a 13% dive. Mr. Greifeld's only consolation may have been that the stock of archrival NYSE Group also had a lousy week, falling nearly 5% to $32.32. Maybe the rub is not so much a lack of merger partners as a surfeit of competitors.
New York Business
By: NewYorkBusiness.com
Published: February 20, 2007 - 8:55 am
Avis Budget Group Inc.'s decision to shed its real estate and travel units and focus exclusively on its car rental business is paying off.
Shares of the Parsippany, N.J., company, formerly known as Cendant, have soared nearly 50% in value, closing at $27.29 on Friday. Investors' faith has been restored by a management that has focused its attentions on its core business, instead of also selling houses and booking hotel rooms. This stock has plenty of gas left.
The shares trade at a multiple of 23 times this year's expected earnings, significantly less than the shares of rival Hertz, which fetch a hefty 30 times projected income. Profit margins, which got hammered in 2006, are poised to perk up this year as Avis executives show signs of finally getting customers to pay more for their rentals. If the company can just push its margins up to industry averages, earnings could double by next year.
Investors will get their first good look at how an independent Avis is performing when it reports fourth-quarter and full-year earnings today. Analysts surveyed by Reuters Estimates forecast 2006 operating income of about $98 million, or 97 cents a share, on revenue of $5.7 billion.
This year, they are forecasting that profit will jump 23%. But the critical issue will be profit margins.
Encouraged by bullish statements from management, analysts expect margins to widen to 8% next year. If Avis can get to that level, earnings could reach $211 million, or $2.06 a share, on revenues of $6.5 billion.
Stocks to watch
Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. will be on investors' minds this week after Monday's announcement that the satellite radio broadcaster had inked a $13 billion merger agreement with rival XM Satellite Radio. The deal, which includes $1.6 billion of debt, will face close scrutiny by the Federal Communications Commission. Sirius' stock , which ended last week up 1.9%, rose 13.2% to $4.29 in premarket trading Tuesday.
Talk about fearless investing! Last week, Take-Two Interactive Software Inc.'s founder became the first executive to plead guilty in the options backdating scandal. Now he's working with authorities to ferret out other fraudsters. Last month, the maker of hyper-violent videos said it faced delisting over its inability to file required regulatory statements. So what's happened to the shares? They shot up another 5% to $20.22 last week and are up 14% in the last month.
Branded as little more than a charity case in an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal on Thursday, The New York Times Co. managed to remind investors that it isn't on the dole yet. The publisher's shares got a nice bounce after the Times unveiled a pact to combine its job listings with those of Web titan Monster Worldwide. Buoyed by good news on other recent e-ventures, the shares have gained nearly 20% in the last six months. Last week, the stock closed up 3.3% at $26.07.
Robert Greifeld, Nasdaq Stock Market Inc.'s chief executive, said last week that ultimately he "chose not to win" the battle for the London Stock Exchange. Investors, unhappy with that call, pummeled the market's shares into a 13% dive. Mr. Greifeld's only consolation may have been that the stock of archrival NYSE Group also had a lousy week, falling nearly 5% to $32.32. Maybe the rub is not so much a lack of merger partners as a surfeit of competitors.
New York Business
Hoovers.com
Too much info to just copy and paste but here is the direct links.
HOOVERS::
Avis Budget Group, Inc.
Avis Rent a Car System
Avis Europe
HOOVERS::
Avis Budget Group, Inc.
Avis Rent a Car System
Avis Europe
Gas Price Suit
CAR RENTALS: Avis wins dismissal of suit over price of gas
02/22/2007
Avis Budget Group Inc., the second-largest U.S. car rental company, won dismissal of a lawsuit by a customer claiming its $5.99-a-gallon refueling charge is illegal.
The customer, Andrew Ramon, said Avis' Budget Rent a Car System Inc. imposed an "unreasonably large" service charge to refuel cars returned with less-than-full tanks. Ramon didn't elect to prepay for a full tank of gas at a market rate of $2.14 a gallon. U.S. District Judge William Martini in Newark, N.J., ruled Tuesday that the rental contract was clear.
COMPILED FROM ASSOCIATED PRESS, BLOOMBERG NEWS AND POST-DISPATCH REPORTS
STL Today.com
02/22/2007
Avis Budget Group Inc., the second-largest U.S. car rental company, won dismissal of a lawsuit by a customer claiming its $5.99-a-gallon refueling charge is illegal.
The customer, Andrew Ramon, said Avis' Budget Rent a Car System Inc. imposed an "unreasonably large" service charge to refuel cars returned with less-than-full tanks. Ramon didn't elect to prepay for a full tank of gas at a market rate of $2.14 a gallon. U.S. District Judge William Martini in Newark, N.J., ruled Tuesday that the rental contract was clear.
COMPILED FROM ASSOCIATED PRESS, BLOOMBERG NEWS AND POST-DISPATCH REPORTS
STL Today.com
Trouble with the Gas Prices
Judge clears Avis in suit over rates for refueling
Thursday, February 22, 2007
By DAVID VOREACOS
BLOOMBERG NEWS
NEWARK -- Avis Budget Group Inc., the second-largest U.S. car rental company, won dismissal of a lawsuit by a customer claiming its $5.99-a-gallon refueling charge is illegal.
The customer, Andrew Ramon, said Avis' Budget Rent a Car System Inc. imposed an "unreasonably large" service charge to refuel cars returned with less than full tanks. Ramon didn't elect to prepay for a full tank of gas at a market rate of $2.14 a gallon.
U.S. District Judge William Martini in Newark ruled this week that the rental contract was clear.
Ramon "not only rejected the prepaid fuel option but agreed to the terms of the refueling service charge, an avoidable fee of $5.99 per gallon which was clearly identified and explained in the agreement," Martini ruled. "Ultimately, plaintiff was charged the precise amount he agreed to under the contract. The court fails to see how this could possibly amount to a breach."
Ramon, of San Antonio, spent $11.42 for the fuel after returning the car with the tank less than full. He sought class-action status for his suit, saying the $3.85 a gallon above the market rate was "pure profit."
This week, Avis -- formerly known as Cendant Corp. -- reported earnings from continuing operations of $4 million, or 4 cents a share, on sales of $1.33 billion.
Martini rejected Ramon's arguments on several legal grounds, including that the charge violated New Jersey consumer fraud law. Avis is based in Parsippany.
The complaint "fails to identify or describe any misrepresentations made by Budget with respect to the refueling service charge," Martini wrote in a 13-page opinion.
The company operates Avis Rent a Car System, Budget Rent a Car System and Budget Truck Rental System. It gets 79 percent of car-rental revenue from airport locations and ranks second in U.S. sales behind Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
Avis shares fell 51 cents to $26.89 at 4:17 p.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading.
NorthJersey.com
Thursday, February 22, 2007
By DAVID VOREACOS
BLOOMBERG NEWS
NEWARK -- Avis Budget Group Inc., the second-largest U.S. car rental company, won dismissal of a lawsuit by a customer claiming its $5.99-a-gallon refueling charge is illegal.
The customer, Andrew Ramon, said Avis' Budget Rent a Car System Inc. imposed an "unreasonably large" service charge to refuel cars returned with less than full tanks. Ramon didn't elect to prepay for a full tank of gas at a market rate of $2.14 a gallon.
U.S. District Judge William Martini in Newark ruled this week that the rental contract was clear.
Ramon "not only rejected the prepaid fuel option but agreed to the terms of the refueling service charge, an avoidable fee of $5.99 per gallon which was clearly identified and explained in the agreement," Martini ruled. "Ultimately, plaintiff was charged the precise amount he agreed to under the contract. The court fails to see how this could possibly amount to a breach."
Ramon, of San Antonio, spent $11.42 for the fuel after returning the car with the tank less than full. He sought class-action status for his suit, saying the $3.85 a gallon above the market rate was "pure profit."
This week, Avis -- formerly known as Cendant Corp. -- reported earnings from continuing operations of $4 million, or 4 cents a share, on sales of $1.33 billion.
Martini rejected Ramon's arguments on several legal grounds, including that the charge violated New Jersey consumer fraud law. Avis is based in Parsippany.
The complaint "fails to identify or describe any misrepresentations made by Budget with respect to the refueling service charge," Martini wrote in a 13-page opinion.
The company operates Avis Rent a Car System, Budget Rent a Car System and Budget Truck Rental System. It gets 79 percent of car-rental revenue from airport locations and ranks second in U.S. sales behind Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
Avis shares fell 51 cents to $26.89 at 4:17 p.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading.
NorthJersey.com
Tough Times
Avis warns of tough times ahead
Car hire group Avis Europe today posted a sharp fall in full year profits as it was hit by lower rental prices, increased fleet costs and restructuring charges.
Total pretax profits slumped to €10.7 million in 2006, down from €20.1 million in the previous year.
Chief executive Murray Hennessy also warned that market conditions in the industry remained difficult, adding that although his expectations for 2007 remained unchanged, he expected the future environment to be more difficult than predicted two years ago.
Avis, which has struggled to revive its business in the wake of September 11th, made savings of €11 million in the year to December 31st, and said it planned to cut costs by a further €14 million in 2007.
Total restructuring costs came in at €26 million in the year, with a further €10 million of costs expected in 2007.
The company said it had been hit by increasing fleet costs, which had risen above the rate of inflation, and increased staffing costs - despite significant staff reductions.
PA
Ireland.com
Car hire group Avis Europe today posted a sharp fall in full year profits as it was hit by lower rental prices, increased fleet costs and restructuring charges.
Total pretax profits slumped to €10.7 million in 2006, down from €20.1 million in the previous year.
Chief executive Murray Hennessy also warned that market conditions in the industry remained difficult, adding that although his expectations for 2007 remained unchanged, he expected the future environment to be more difficult than predicted two years ago.
Avis, which has struggled to revive its business in the wake of September 11th, made savings of €11 million in the year to December 31st, and said it planned to cut costs by a further €14 million in 2007.
Total restructuring costs came in at €26 million in the year, with a further €10 million of costs expected in 2007.
The company said it had been hit by increasing fleet costs, which had risen above the rate of inflation, and increased staffing costs - despite significant staff reductions.
PA
Ireland.com
Internet Issue
Internet competition drives Avis Europe profits into reverse
By Saeed Shah
Published: 28 February 2007
Shares in the car hire group Avis Europe crashed 15 per cent yesterday after the company highlighted "structural changes" in its market and warned that it would not hit its target to improve profit margins.
The company reported that pre-tax profits had halved to €10.7m (£7.5m) in 2006, after taking exceptional charges of €28.9m, primarily as a result of restructuring costs.
Avis Europe, which is 60 per cent-owned by the Belgian car distributor D'Ieteren, said the internet had revolutionised its marketplace and put much greater pressure on pricing than expected when the company announced its margin target in 2005. At that time, Avis, under new chief executive Murray Hennessy, had pledged that it would improve margins, from 9 per cent, by between 3 and 5 percentage points over three to four years.
Instead, hit by slowing prices and restructuring costs, margins have fallen from 9 per cent in 2004 to 7.9 per cent last year.
Yesterday Mr Hennessy said: "A structural change has occurred in this marketplace ... the external environment has been, and is expected to continue to be, more difficult than we assumed two years ago and no longer supports the guidance we gave in 2005."
The internet made it easy to shop around for better deals and car manufacturers, in difficulty themselves, raised their supply prices. The result was that the hire sector was caught between falling prices and rising costs, the company said. "We're still aiming to move margins forward," Mr Hennessy said. "We're just not putting a target there."
Avis Europe, which also operates under the Budget brand, has struggled since 9/11, as the travel market fell. On an underlying basis, the company was able to report its first profits growth in five years yesterday. Underlying pre-tax profits increased by €1.1m to €38.9m.
Mr Hennessy said: "We are making good progress in implementing our strategy, which comprises: reducing cost; implementing revenue management to improve price, yield and utilisation; targeting our most profitable customer groups; and tight control of fleet."
News.Independent.co.uk
By Saeed Shah
Published: 28 February 2007
Shares in the car hire group Avis Europe crashed 15 per cent yesterday after the company highlighted "structural changes" in its market and warned that it would not hit its target to improve profit margins.
The company reported that pre-tax profits had halved to €10.7m (£7.5m) in 2006, after taking exceptional charges of €28.9m, primarily as a result of restructuring costs.
Avis Europe, which is 60 per cent-owned by the Belgian car distributor D'Ieteren, said the internet had revolutionised its marketplace and put much greater pressure on pricing than expected when the company announced its margin target in 2005. At that time, Avis, under new chief executive Murray Hennessy, had pledged that it would improve margins, from 9 per cent, by between 3 and 5 percentage points over three to four years.
Instead, hit by slowing prices and restructuring costs, margins have fallen from 9 per cent in 2004 to 7.9 per cent last year.
Yesterday Mr Hennessy said: "A structural change has occurred in this marketplace ... the external environment has been, and is expected to continue to be, more difficult than we assumed two years ago and no longer supports the guidance we gave in 2005."
The internet made it easy to shop around for better deals and car manufacturers, in difficulty themselves, raised their supply prices. The result was that the hire sector was caught between falling prices and rising costs, the company said. "We're still aiming to move margins forward," Mr Hennessy said. "We're just not putting a target there."
Avis Europe, which also operates under the Budget brand, has struggled since 9/11, as the travel market fell. On an underlying basis, the company was able to report its first profits growth in five years yesterday. Underlying pre-tax profits increased by €1.1m to €38.9m.
Mr Hennessy said: "We are making good progress in implementing our strategy, which comprises: reducing cost; implementing revenue management to improve price, yield and utilisation; targeting our most profitable customer groups; and tight control of fleet."
News.Independent.co.uk
Avis Europe's 2006 profits down
Avis Europe’s 2006 profits down in tough market
28th Febuary 2007
The rental group Avis Europe plc’s preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2006 released yesterday show ‘good’ volume growth but in the group’s words, reflected continuing competitive pricing and higher fleet costs in a commercial environment not set to improve.
Revenue was up 4.8% to €1,337 million, and billed rental days up 5.9%, though revenue per day turned out 1.4% lower. Underlying pre-tax profit increased to €38.9 million (2005: €37.8 million), but after a net exceptional pre-tax charge of €28.9 million (primarily restructuring costs) and certain re-measurement items and economic hedges which brought a net gain of €0.7 million, total profit before tax was €10.7 million, against €20.1 million a year earler.
Avis’ expectations for 2007 results remain broadly unchanged. Murray Hennessy, Group Chief Executive, said: "We are making good progress in implementing our strategy, which comprises: reducing cost; implementing revenue management to improve price, yield and utilisation; targeting our most profitable customer groups; and tight control of fleet.
“Market conditions in the industry remain difficult. However, we believe we have the right strategy and are making good progress implementing our key initiatives. This progress has helped us to deliver results ahead of expectations for 2006 and our outlook for continued progress in 2007 remains unchanged. However, looking further ahead, the external environment has been, and is expected to continue to be, more difficult than we assumed two years ago and no longer supports the guidance we gave in 2005 regarding margin improvement."
Autoindustry.co.uk
28th Febuary 2007
The rental group Avis Europe plc’s preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2006 released yesterday show ‘good’ volume growth but in the group’s words, reflected continuing competitive pricing and higher fleet costs in a commercial environment not set to improve.
Revenue was up 4.8% to €1,337 million, and billed rental days up 5.9%, though revenue per day turned out 1.4% lower. Underlying pre-tax profit increased to €38.9 million (2005: €37.8 million), but after a net exceptional pre-tax charge of €28.9 million (primarily restructuring costs) and certain re-measurement items and economic hedges which brought a net gain of €0.7 million, total profit before tax was €10.7 million, against €20.1 million a year earler.
Avis’ expectations for 2007 results remain broadly unchanged. Murray Hennessy, Group Chief Executive, said: "We are making good progress in implementing our strategy, which comprises: reducing cost; implementing revenue management to improve price, yield and utilisation; targeting our most profitable customer groups; and tight control of fleet.
“Market conditions in the industry remain difficult. However, we believe we have the right strategy and are making good progress implementing our key initiatives. This progress has helped us to deliver results ahead of expectations for 2006 and our outlook for continued progress in 2007 remains unchanged. However, looking further ahead, the external environment has been, and is expected to continue to be, more difficult than we assumed two years ago and no longer supports the guidance we gave in 2005 regarding margin improvement."
Autoindustry.co.uk
Avis in Europe not doing as well
Avis Europe sinks as drops margin growth goal
LONDON (Reuters) - Car rental firm Avis Europe said on Tuesday it would not meet its target to improve profit margins, hitting its shares and overshadowing its first rise in underlying profit for five years.
The firm, 60 percent-owned by Belgian car distributor D'Ieteren , said the Internet had revolutionised its market-place and put much greater pressure on pricing than it had expected when it announced its margin target in 2005.
"A real structural change...has occurred in this market-place," Chief Executive Murray Hennessy said.
Avis Europe had said in 2005 that it expected to increase operating margins by between 3 percent and 5 percent over a period of three to four years. But, hit by slowing prices and a big bill to restructure the business, margins have fallen from 9 percent in 2004 to 7.9 percent last year.
At 10:42 a.m., Avis Europe shares were down 14 percent at 73.49 pence, off a low of 72 pence and valuing the business at about 675 million pounds.
JP Morgan analyst James Solomon was not surprised by the retreat from the margin target, saying a fall in prices in 2005 and 2006 meant it was going to be very difficult to achieve.
He was encouraged by the firm's return to profit growth and its reiteration that it expects pricing to be broadly flat this year, and kept an "overweight" rating on the shares, with a price target of 86 pence.
Avis Europe, which operates under the Budget brand as well as its own name, said profit before tax and one-off items rose 3 percent to 38.9 million euros (26.2 million pounds) last year, on a 4.8 percent increase in revenues to 1.34 billion euros.
The firm has been cutting costs and focussing on its most profitable clients in a bid to cope with cut-price competition, and said it would continue with this strategy.
"We're still aiming to move margins forward," Hennessy said in a telephone interview. "We're just not putting a target there."
(c) Reuters 2007. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by caching, framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters and the Reuters sphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the world.
Last updated: 28-Feb-07 11:59 GMT
Business.Scotsman.com
LONDON (Reuters) - Car rental firm Avis Europe said on Tuesday it would not meet its target to improve profit margins, hitting its shares and overshadowing its first rise in underlying profit for five years.
The firm, 60 percent-owned by Belgian car distributor D'Ieteren , said the Internet had revolutionised its market-place and put much greater pressure on pricing than it had expected when it announced its margin target in 2005.
"A real structural change...has occurred in this market-place," Chief Executive Murray Hennessy said.
Avis Europe had said in 2005 that it expected to increase operating margins by between 3 percent and 5 percent over a period of three to four years. But, hit by slowing prices and a big bill to restructure the business, margins have fallen from 9 percent in 2004 to 7.9 percent last year.
At 10:42 a.m., Avis Europe shares were down 14 percent at 73.49 pence, off a low of 72 pence and valuing the business at about 675 million pounds.
JP Morgan analyst James Solomon was not surprised by the retreat from the margin target, saying a fall in prices in 2005 and 2006 meant it was going to be very difficult to achieve.
He was encouraged by the firm's return to profit growth and its reiteration that it expects pricing to be broadly flat this year, and kept an "overweight" rating on the shares, with a price target of 86 pence.
Avis Europe, which operates under the Budget brand as well as its own name, said profit before tax and one-off items rose 3 percent to 38.9 million euros (26.2 million pounds) last year, on a 4.8 percent increase in revenues to 1.34 billion euros.
The firm has been cutting costs and focussing on its most profitable clients in a bid to cope with cut-price competition, and said it would continue with this strategy.
"We're still aiming to move margins forward," Hennessy said in a telephone interview. "We're just not putting a target there."
(c) Reuters 2007. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by caching, framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters and the Reuters sphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the world.
Last updated: 28-Feb-07 11:59 GMT
Business.Scotsman.com
Avis in the news
Avis expands its environmental offering across Europe
28 February 2007
Avis Rent A Car has expanded its environmentally friendly fleet in Europe with Avis Scandinavia, Germany and Portugal leading the way in reducing its customers’ carbon footprint.
This month, Avis Germany introduces natural gas VW Tourans to its fleet at 19 locations in 15 cities across the country.
Avis Portugal introduced hybrid cars to its fleet in 2005 and currently operates 50 hybrids across the country, reducing its CO2 emissions by over 50 tonnes. Avis Scandinavia also offers customers the chance to rent environmentally friendly vehicles with over 400 ethanol-powered Saab 9-5 BioPower cars, 75 Ford Flexi-fuel and 20 Toyota Prius vehicles on its fleet. In the UK, Avis customers are empowered to choose to offset the CO2 emissions of their rental while booking online at avis.co.uk
“The expansion of our environmental offerings across Europe is an important part of our commitment to driving real change in the industry,” says Daniel McCarthy Commercial Director, Avis UK. “Our environmental commitment has been palpable since we launched our relationship with The CarbonNeutral Company in 1998 and within the past five years Avis Europe has offset 76,500 tonnes of CO2 through a combination of forestry and climate friendly projects.”
Avis was the world’s first carbon neutral car rental company, having joined forces with The CarbonNeutral Company (previously known as Future Forests) in 1998 to offset the emissions from its UK operations. Avis has also dedicated one tree for every car in the Avis rental fleet planted in forests throughout the UK.
Easier.com
28 February 2007
Avis Rent A Car has expanded its environmentally friendly fleet in Europe with Avis Scandinavia, Germany and Portugal leading the way in reducing its customers’ carbon footprint.
This month, Avis Germany introduces natural gas VW Tourans to its fleet at 19 locations in 15 cities across the country.
Avis Portugal introduced hybrid cars to its fleet in 2005 and currently operates 50 hybrids across the country, reducing its CO2 emissions by over 50 tonnes. Avis Scandinavia also offers customers the chance to rent environmentally friendly vehicles with over 400 ethanol-powered Saab 9-5 BioPower cars, 75 Ford Flexi-fuel and 20 Toyota Prius vehicles on its fleet. In the UK, Avis customers are empowered to choose to offset the CO2 emissions of their rental while booking online at avis.co.uk
“The expansion of our environmental offerings across Europe is an important part of our commitment to driving real change in the industry,” says Daniel McCarthy Commercial Director, Avis UK. “Our environmental commitment has been palpable since we launched our relationship with The CarbonNeutral Company in 1998 and within the past five years Avis Europe has offset 76,500 tonnes of CO2 through a combination of forestry and climate friendly projects.”
Avis was the world’s first carbon neutral car rental company, having joined forces with The CarbonNeutral Company (previously known as Future Forests) in 1998 to offset the emissions from its UK operations. Avis has also dedicated one tree for every car in the Avis rental fleet planted in forests throughout the UK.
Easier.com
Avis in the Dallas Morning News
LIFE/TRAVEL
Head north and west with one-way rentals from Florida
12:00 AM CST on Sunday, March 4, 2007
A few weeks ago, we told you about special rates available on Hertz for one-way car rentals out of Florida.
Avis and Budget have rolled out similar deals, but travelers have a lot more drop-off locations to choose from. Returns are available in the contiguous U.S., except Florida, California or Las Vegas. Hertz drop-off locations for this offer are mainly in the Northeast and Midwest.
Car rental companies offer these deals each spring because it's an easy way to reposition their fleets for the summer season. Both Avis and Budget rentals must be picked up at Florida airport locations from April 9 through June 15. The minimum keep is one day; maximum, seven.
Avis rates are a bit cheaper than Budget's, with daily rates of $9.99 for a subcompact, compact or intermediate; $12.99 for a standard size; $14.99 for a full size; and $15.99 for a minivan. Budget rates are $12.95 for economy, $13.95 for a compact, $14.95 for an intermediate, $16.95 for a standard, $18.95 for a full size and $19.95 for a minivan. Weekly Avis rates range from $59.99 to $99.99, and Budget weekly prices are $5 to $15 more. Rates include unlimited miles. Add taxes and fees. Hertz rates are lower on smaller cars, but Avis matches them on standard and full-size vehicles. Avis and Budget minivans are cheaper than those from Hertz.
The trick to making the most of these deals is to find a cheap one-way ticket into Florida. When we checked fares for travel from Dallas, the cheapest one we found was a $65 one-way fare into Orlando on Southwest. If you want to fly nonstop, American offered a one-way fare of $105.
We found reasonable rates on AirTran, Southwest and US Airways to most cities in Florida. Sample one-way fares from Dallas started at $79 to Jacksonville, $84 to Fort Lauderdale and $99 to Fort Myers. Most of those flights will involve a stop along the way. Since AirTran recently added service to Daytona Beach, fares have dropped, so that is also worth a look. Also check Southwest's Ding! fares; they're often best.
Nonstop fares on American were more of a mixed bag, with travelers paying a premium on some routes. For example, American's cheapest nonstop one-way flights started at $449 to West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Tampa. In other markets, fares were more reasonable. American offered a $118 nonstop to Fort Myers.
Since you can drop off cars at more locations, the Avis and Budget deals probably are a better option for Texans. If you don't mind flying both ways, or you want to see different parts of the country, consider the Hertz offer. Hertz rates start at $3 per day and $9.99 per week, cars may be picked up from April 8 through June 30 and rentals are valid for up to 14 days.
Check on deals
For current one-way airfares from Dallas, access www.beta .bestfares.com and enter DMN in the Search box. For Avis rentals, call 1-888-777-2847 or access www.avis.com and cite code AWD G017900 when booking. For Budget, call 1-800-283-4387 or see www.budget.com and request BCD U094700. For Hertz, call 1-800-654-3131 or see www .hertz.com and request rate code 1WAY.
Tom Parsons is publisher of Bestfares.com.
Dallas Morning News WebLink to this Story
Head north and west with one-way rentals from Florida
12:00 AM CST on Sunday, March 4, 2007
A few weeks ago, we told you about special rates available on Hertz for one-way car rentals out of Florida.
Avis and Budget have rolled out similar deals, but travelers have a lot more drop-off locations to choose from. Returns are available in the contiguous U.S., except Florida, California or Las Vegas. Hertz drop-off locations for this offer are mainly in the Northeast and Midwest.
Car rental companies offer these deals each spring because it's an easy way to reposition their fleets for the summer season. Both Avis and Budget rentals must be picked up at Florida airport locations from April 9 through June 15. The minimum keep is one day; maximum, seven.
Avis rates are a bit cheaper than Budget's, with daily rates of $9.99 for a subcompact, compact or intermediate; $12.99 for a standard size; $14.99 for a full size; and $15.99 for a minivan. Budget rates are $12.95 for economy, $13.95 for a compact, $14.95 for an intermediate, $16.95 for a standard, $18.95 for a full size and $19.95 for a minivan. Weekly Avis rates range from $59.99 to $99.99, and Budget weekly prices are $5 to $15 more. Rates include unlimited miles. Add taxes and fees. Hertz rates are lower on smaller cars, but Avis matches them on standard and full-size vehicles. Avis and Budget minivans are cheaper than those from Hertz.
The trick to making the most of these deals is to find a cheap one-way ticket into Florida. When we checked fares for travel from Dallas, the cheapest one we found was a $65 one-way fare into Orlando on Southwest. If you want to fly nonstop, American offered a one-way fare of $105.
We found reasonable rates on AirTran, Southwest and US Airways to most cities in Florida. Sample one-way fares from Dallas started at $79 to Jacksonville, $84 to Fort Lauderdale and $99 to Fort Myers. Most of those flights will involve a stop along the way. Since AirTran recently added service to Daytona Beach, fares have dropped, so that is also worth a look. Also check Southwest's Ding! fares; they're often best.
Nonstop fares on American were more of a mixed bag, with travelers paying a premium on some routes. For example, American's cheapest nonstop one-way flights started at $449 to West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Tampa. In other markets, fares were more reasonable. American offered a $118 nonstop to Fort Myers.
Since you can drop off cars at more locations, the Avis and Budget deals probably are a better option for Texans. If you don't mind flying both ways, or you want to see different parts of the country, consider the Hertz offer. Hertz rates start at $3 per day and $9.99 per week, cars may be picked up from April 8 through June 30 and rentals are valid for up to 14 days.
Check on deals
For current one-way airfares from Dallas, access www.beta .bestfares.com and enter DMN in the Search box. For Avis rentals, call 1-888-777-2847 or access www.avis.com and cite code AWD G017900 when booking. For Budget, call 1-800-283-4387 or see www.budget.com and request BCD U094700. For Hertz, call 1-800-654-3131 or see www .hertz.com and request rate code 1WAY.
Tom Parsons is publisher of Bestfares.com.
Dallas Morning News WebLink to this Story
Saturday, March 3, 2007
“We try harder®” campaign
Hey, guys~
It's Jules ^ . ^
I attach Avis's famous and successful “We try harder®” campaign
Friday, March 2, 2007
Locations in San Fran
San Francisco Intl Airport - SFO
780 McDonnell Rd, San Francisco, CA 94128 , U S A
(1) 650-877-6780
Sun-Sat Open 24 hrs
Union Square - SF1
675 Post St, (Between Jones & Taylor), San Francisco, CA 94109 , U S A
(1) 415-929-2555
Sun-Sat 06:00AM-06:00PM
Avis - S7F
821 Howard Street, 1/2 block from Convention Ctr, San Francisco, CA 94103 , U S A
(1) 415-957-9998
Sun 08:00AM-02:00PM; Mon-Fri 07:30AM-05:30PM; Sat 08:00AM-02:00PM
Fisherman's Wharf - FMW
500 Beach Street, Ste 120, San Francisco, CA 94133 , U S A
(1) 415-441-4186
Sun 07:30AM-03:00PM; Mon-Fri 07:30AM-05:30PM; Sat 07:30AM-03:00PM
780 McDonnell Rd, San Francisco, CA 94128 , U S A
(1) 650-877-6780
Sun-Sat Open 24 hrs
Union Square - SF1
675 Post St, (Between Jones & Taylor), San Francisco, CA 94109 , U S A
(1) 415-929-2555
Sun-Sat 06:00AM-06:00PM
Avis - S7F
821 Howard Street, 1/2 block from Convention Ctr, San Francisco, CA 94103 , U S A
(1) 415-957-9998
Sun 08:00AM-02:00PM; Mon-Fri 07:30AM-05:30PM; Sat 08:00AM-02:00PM
Fisherman's Wharf - FMW
500 Beach Street, Ste 120, San Francisco, CA 94133 , U S A
(1) 415-441-4186
Sun 07:30AM-03:00PM; Mon-Fri 07:30AM-05:30PM; Sat 07:30AM-03:00PM
Our CEO
Ronald L. Nelson is chairman and chief executive officer of Avis Budget Group, Inc., one of the world’s largest general-use car rental companies and operator of the Avis and Budget brands in North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand. Avis Budget Group, Inc. is the successor entity to Cendant Corporation following the spin-offs of the Cendant Real Estate and Hospitality operations.
At Cendant, Mr. Nelson served as president, chief financial officer and a director, with responsibility for strategic and financial planning, treasury, financial reporting and accounting, internal audit, tax, investor relations and corporate communications, as well as the matrixed administrative functions that served Cendant’s business units.
Prior to joining Cendant, Mr. Nelson served as co-chief operating officer of DreamWorks SKG since that company’s founding in 1994. At DreamWorks, he was instrumental in raising more than $5 billion in capital necessary to launch the company and developing its operating infrastructure and policies.
Mr. Nelson also was executive vice president, chief financial officer and a director at Paramount Communications, Inc., formerly Gulf & Western Industries, Inc., where he was responsible for all financial functions including mergers and acquisitions and strategy.
(In order to understand Avis, we should delve into Mr. Nelson as well! More information should be examined!!)
Contact and Website Info
Avis Web Sites
www.Avis.com For customer reservations and information
www.AvisAgent.com For travel agents
www.AvisInteractive.com For corporate travel managers
www.AvisAwards.com For small businesses who are members of Avis Corporate Awards
www.PreferredSelect.com For members of Avis' Preferred Select Program
Executive Staff
Ron Nelson, Chairman and CEO
Robert Salerno, President and COO
David Wyschner, Chief Financial Officer
Scott Deaver, Executive VP, Strategy
Karen Sclafani, Executive VP and General Counsel
Mark Servodidio, Executive VP, Human Resources
Becky Alseth, Senior VP, Marketing
Robert Bouta, Senior VP, Properties
Edward Gitlitz, Senior VP, Fleet Services
Mary LeBlanc, Senior VP and CIO
Patric Siniscalchi, Senior VP and GM, International
Brett Weinblatt, Senior VP and Controller
Public Relations Contacts
Susan McGowan, Director, Public Relations (973) 496-3916 susan.mcgowan@cendant.com
Alice Pereira Manager, Public Relations (973) 496-6113 alice.pereira@cendant.com
(We should be contacting PR when we can formulate some questions for them!)
www.Avis.com For customer reservations and information
www.AvisAgent.com For travel agents
www.AvisInteractive.com For corporate travel managers
www.AvisAwards.com For small businesses who are members of Avis Corporate Awards
www.PreferredSelect.com For members of Avis' Preferred Select Program
Executive Staff
Ron Nelson, Chairman and CEO
Robert Salerno, President and COO
David Wyschner, Chief Financial Officer
Scott Deaver, Executive VP, Strategy
Karen Sclafani, Executive VP and General Counsel
Mark Servodidio, Executive VP, Human Resources
Becky Alseth, Senior VP, Marketing
Robert Bouta, Senior VP, Properties
Edward Gitlitz, Senior VP, Fleet Services
Mary LeBlanc, Senior VP and CIO
Patric Siniscalchi, Senior VP and GM, International
Brett Weinblatt, Senior VP and Controller
Public Relations Contacts
Susan McGowan, Director, Public Relations (973) 496-3916 susan.mcgowan@cendant.com
Alice Pereira Manager, Public Relations (973) 496-6113 alice.pereira@cendant.com
(We should be contacting PR when we can formulate some questions for them!)
Avis Website
This is information from their website which is a good start:
Avis Rent A Car System, LLC and its subsidiaries operate one of the world's leading car rental brands, providing business and leisure customers with a wide range of services at more than 2,000 locations in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America and the Caribbean region. Avis is one of the world's top brands for customer loyalty, ranking as the number one car rental company in the Brand Keys® Customer Loyalty Index for the past eight years.
The company is part of Avis Budget Group, Inc., (NYSE: CAR) formerly Cendant Corporation. Avis Budget Group has marketing agreements with Avis Europe Plc, a separately owned UK-based company owning or franchising an additional 2,900 Avis locations in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
Our vision
“We will lead our industry by defining service excellence and building unmatched customer loyalty.”
Our mission
“We will ensure a stress-free car rental experience by providing superior services that cater to our customers’ individual needs…always conveying the ‘We Try Harder®’ spirit with knowledge, caring and a passion for excellence.”
Our values
Integrity
• We will honor all commitments to our customers, employees and shareholders.
• We will conduct business with unwavering high standards of honesty, trust, professionalism and ethical behavior.
• We will communicate openly and frequently, sharing what we know, when we know it.
Respect for the Individual
• We will treat each person with whom we work with respect, professionalism and dignity.
• We will communicate expectations to employees and provide honest and timely feedback on performance.
• We will embrace a diversity of ideas, cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds to enhance our promise and value to customers.
• We will provide career development opportunities for employees who show initiative and performance results to help them individually manage their career to maximize their potential.
Quality
• We will place the interests of our customers first.
• We will be dedicated to providing an individualized rental experience that assures customer satisfaction and earns the unwavering loyalty of our customers.
• We will ensure that the “We Try Harder®” philosophy underlies everything we do and shines through in our service to customers.
Teamwork
• We will work as one cohesive team from the smallest unit to the organization as a whole.
• We will develop and retain leaders who continually raise the bar, provide direction, remove barriers and empower people to successfully accomplish goals.
• We will maintain a caring and supportive work environment that fosters a sharing of ideas, skills and resources.
Growth and Profitability
• We will be dedicated to continuous innovation and pursue new ideas and opportunities to accelerate profitable growth.
• We will deliver value in all we do to assure consistently high returns to our shareholders.
• We will recognize and reward excellent performance, which drives superior results.
Community Responsibility
• We will be active participants in our communities and encourage employee involvement in civic and charitable activities.
• We will be role model business leaders in the countries and communities in which we operate.
• We will develop and implement business practices consistent with safeguarding the environment.
Quick History
Founded in 1946 by Warren Avis (who sold his interest in 1954), Avis was the first company to rent cars from airport locations. The company grew rapidly during the 1950’s through franchised and corporate-owned expansion. In 1963, Avis introduced the award-winning “We try harder®” campaign and the tagline remains the company’s rallying cry even today. Ten years later, Avis launched its innovative Wizard reservation system, the company’s proprietary technology. Avis changed ownership multiple times in the 70’s and 80’s, becoming employee-owned in 1987. That same year, Avis introduced the Roving Rapid Return, a handheld computer terminal allowing customers to bypass the Avis counter. Two years later, the company launched Avis Cares® to increase renter and employee safety. In 1996, HFS Incorporated acquired Avis and then spun off as a separate public company all but the franchising rights, Wizard system, and reservation operations. In 2000, the company introduced Avis Interactive, the first Internet-based reporting system in the car rental industry, which was significantly enhanced and re-launched in 2006. In March 2001, Cendant Corporation purchased all of the outstanding shares of Avis Group Holdings and later that year moved its world headquarters to Parsippany, NJ. In 2006, Cendant Corp. separated into four independent companies, Realogy, Wyndham Worldwide, Travelport and Avis Budget Group, Inc., which is now the parent company of Avis Rent A Car System, LLC.
World Headquarters 6 Sylvan Way, Parsippany, NJ 07054 (973) 496-3500
Employees More than 14,000 Avis employees worldwide and an additional 7,000 Avis Budget Group, Inc. (not included in Avis total)
Business Mix Corporate: 60% Leisure: 40%
About the Avis Fleet
In the U.S., the Avis fleet averages 215,000 vehicles and features a wide variety of GM and other fine vehicles, including:
Chevrolet Cobalt Compact
Pontiac Grand Am Intermediate
Chevrolet Monte Carlo Full Size
Buick LaSabre - Premium
Cadillac Deville - Luxury
Chevrolet Camaro - Convertible
Pontiac Vibe Intermediate Sport Utility
Chevrolet Trailblazer Standard Sport Utility
Chevrolet Suburban Large Sport Utility
Chevrolet Uplander Minivan
Many Avis vehicles come equipped with GM’s “On Star” navigation and emergency response system. XM Satellite Radio is free in all premium and luxury vehicles. Avis “Where 2” Portable Navigation is available with all rentals in select cities.
Special Service Offerings
Avis Preferred and Avis Preferred Select, our customer loyalty programs, offer members counter-bypass service and rewards such as free rental days and free companion airline tickets.
Avis Cares® is a multifaceted program designed to make drivers feel at home on the road by providing region-specific safety information, vehicle operating guides, daily WeatherFax updates and Quick City Guides. Avis also offers a guide for the proper usage of child safety seats and was the first rental car company to offer the LATCH system, the federal standard for child restraint installation.
Avis Access is the rental car industry’s first comprehensive accessibility program for travelers with disabilities.
Partner Programs
Upromise® Avis is a car rental partner of Upromise, the way to save for college.
Avis @Sears means Avis is the official car rental partner of Sears. Avis is the only car rental company that accepts the Sears Card credit card and there are now nearly 120 Avis locations at Sears stores.
Sales Programs
Avis Corporate Awards™ is a program designed to help small and mid-size businesses by offering low corporate rates, complimentary rental days, and free enrollment in Avis Preferred service.
Avis MiniLease is designed for 60 day to 11-month rentals for extended vacations, relocations or temporary assignments.
Avis Group Sales is designed to help group, association and family gatherings with their ground transportation needs and offers special pricing and other assistance for meetings using five or more cars.
Avis Corporate Sales offers large and mid-sized business managers negotiated rates, frequency benefits and optional coverage's.
Full Cost Pricing means Avis’ award winning reservation center always quotes the full cost of a rental to a customer, including fees.
Avis Rent A Car System, LLC and its subsidiaries operate one of the world's leading car rental brands, providing business and leisure customers with a wide range of services at more than 2,000 locations in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America and the Caribbean region. Avis is one of the world's top brands for customer loyalty, ranking as the number one car rental company in the Brand Keys® Customer Loyalty Index for the past eight years.
The company is part of Avis Budget Group, Inc., (NYSE: CAR) formerly Cendant Corporation. Avis Budget Group has marketing agreements with Avis Europe Plc, a separately owned UK-based company owning or franchising an additional 2,900 Avis locations in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
Our vision
“We will lead our industry by defining service excellence and building unmatched customer loyalty.”
Our mission
“We will ensure a stress-free car rental experience by providing superior services that cater to our customers’ individual needs…always conveying the ‘We Try Harder®’ spirit with knowledge, caring and a passion for excellence.”
Our values
Integrity
• We will honor all commitments to our customers, employees and shareholders.
• We will conduct business with unwavering high standards of honesty, trust, professionalism and ethical behavior.
• We will communicate openly and frequently, sharing what we know, when we know it.
Respect for the Individual
• We will treat each person with whom we work with respect, professionalism and dignity.
• We will communicate expectations to employees and provide honest and timely feedback on performance.
• We will embrace a diversity of ideas, cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds to enhance our promise and value to customers.
• We will provide career development opportunities for employees who show initiative and performance results to help them individually manage their career to maximize their potential.
Quality
• We will place the interests of our customers first.
• We will be dedicated to providing an individualized rental experience that assures customer satisfaction and earns the unwavering loyalty of our customers.
• We will ensure that the “We Try Harder®” philosophy underlies everything we do and shines through in our service to customers.
Teamwork
• We will work as one cohesive team from the smallest unit to the organization as a whole.
• We will develop and retain leaders who continually raise the bar, provide direction, remove barriers and empower people to successfully accomplish goals.
• We will maintain a caring and supportive work environment that fosters a sharing of ideas, skills and resources.
Growth and Profitability
• We will be dedicated to continuous innovation and pursue new ideas and opportunities to accelerate profitable growth.
• We will deliver value in all we do to assure consistently high returns to our shareholders.
• We will recognize and reward excellent performance, which drives superior results.
Community Responsibility
• We will be active participants in our communities and encourage employee involvement in civic and charitable activities.
• We will be role model business leaders in the countries and communities in which we operate.
• We will develop and implement business practices consistent with safeguarding the environment.
Quick History
Founded in 1946 by Warren Avis (who sold his interest in 1954), Avis was the first company to rent cars from airport locations. The company grew rapidly during the 1950’s through franchised and corporate-owned expansion. In 1963, Avis introduced the award-winning “We try harder®” campaign and the tagline remains the company’s rallying cry even today. Ten years later, Avis launched its innovative Wizard reservation system, the company’s proprietary technology. Avis changed ownership multiple times in the 70’s and 80’s, becoming employee-owned in 1987. That same year, Avis introduced the Roving Rapid Return, a handheld computer terminal allowing customers to bypass the Avis counter. Two years later, the company launched Avis Cares® to increase renter and employee safety. In 1996, HFS Incorporated acquired Avis and then spun off as a separate public company all but the franchising rights, Wizard system, and reservation operations. In 2000, the company introduced Avis Interactive, the first Internet-based reporting system in the car rental industry, which was significantly enhanced and re-launched in 2006. In March 2001, Cendant Corporation purchased all of the outstanding shares of Avis Group Holdings and later that year moved its world headquarters to Parsippany, NJ. In 2006, Cendant Corp. separated into four independent companies, Realogy, Wyndham Worldwide, Travelport and Avis Budget Group, Inc., which is now the parent company of Avis Rent A Car System, LLC.
World Headquarters 6 Sylvan Way, Parsippany, NJ 07054 (973) 496-3500
Employees More than 14,000 Avis employees worldwide and an additional 7,000 Avis Budget Group, Inc. (not included in Avis total)
Business Mix Corporate: 60% Leisure: 40%
About the Avis Fleet
In the U.S., the Avis fleet averages 215,000 vehicles and features a wide variety of GM and other fine vehicles, including:
Chevrolet Cobalt Compact
Pontiac Grand Am Intermediate
Chevrolet Monte Carlo Full Size
Buick LaSabre - Premium
Cadillac Deville - Luxury
Chevrolet Camaro - Convertible
Pontiac Vibe Intermediate Sport Utility
Chevrolet Trailblazer Standard Sport Utility
Chevrolet Suburban Large Sport Utility
Chevrolet Uplander Minivan
Many Avis vehicles come equipped with GM’s “On Star” navigation and emergency response system. XM Satellite Radio is free in all premium and luxury vehicles. Avis “Where 2” Portable Navigation is available with all rentals in select cities.
Special Service Offerings
Avis Preferred and Avis Preferred Select, our customer loyalty programs, offer members counter-bypass service and rewards such as free rental days and free companion airline tickets.
Avis Cares® is a multifaceted program designed to make drivers feel at home on the road by providing region-specific safety information, vehicle operating guides, daily WeatherFax updates and Quick City Guides. Avis also offers a guide for the proper usage of child safety seats and was the first rental car company to offer the LATCH system, the federal standard for child restraint installation.
Avis Access is the rental car industry’s first comprehensive accessibility program for travelers with disabilities.
Partner Programs
Upromise® Avis is a car rental partner of Upromise, the way to save for college.
Avis @Sears means Avis is the official car rental partner of Sears. Avis is the only car rental company that accepts the Sears Card credit card and there are now nearly 120 Avis locations at Sears stores.
Sales Programs
Avis Corporate Awards™ is a program designed to help small and mid-size businesses by offering low corporate rates, complimentary rental days, and free enrollment in Avis Preferred service.
Avis MiniLease is designed for 60 day to 11-month rentals for extended vacations, relocations or temporary assignments.
Avis Group Sales is designed to help group, association and family gatherings with their ground transportation needs and offers special pricing and other assistance for meetings using five or more cars.
Avis Corporate Sales offers large and mid-sized business managers negotiated rates, frequency benefits and optional coverage's.
Full Cost Pricing means Avis’ award winning reservation center always quotes the full cost of a rental to a customer, including fees.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)