Press Release Details

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Oct. 3, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avis Budget Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:CAR) today announced that its Ultimate Test Drive program, the Company's car sales initiative, is now available in Texas.

In collaboration with AutoNation, Inc., America's largest automotive retailer, Ultimate Test Drive offers consumers a wide selection of late-model Avis and Budget rental vehicles for purchase at competitive prices. Customers can shop online at www.avis.com or www.budget.com and schedule their "ultimate test drive" to enjoy the full experience of driving a vehicle of their choice, ranging from a MINI Cooper to a Jeep Wrangler or a gas/electric hybrid. The ultimate test drives are free-of-charge for two hours or can be as long as three days for a nominal rental fee. If the customer decides to purchase the vehicle, the base rental fee will be refunded after the purchase is completed through AutoNation Direct.

"Customer demand for our used vehicles remains strong," said Tom Gartland, president, North America, Avis Budget Group. "In fact, the number of vehicles we've sold directly to consumers has increased each month since Ultimate Test Drive was introduced in June. We're pleased to expand the program to residents of Texas so they too, can enjoy our no-haggle, no- hassle process and drive off in a well-maintained used vehicle."

Ultimate Test Drive is also available in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida and Nevada. The program features more than 75 makes and models. Customers can choose from domestic and foreign manufacturers ranging from Ford and General Motors to BMW, Nissan and Toyota. AutoNation Direct representatives are also available to answer questions about financing, trade-in options, available warranties and related services prior to completing the transaction at a location that is convenient for the customer.

For more information on purchasing a vehicle or to make a car rental reservation, visit www.avis.com or www.budget.com. 

About Avis Budget Group

Avis Budget Group, Inc. is a leading global provider of vehicle rental services through its Avis and Budget brands, with 10,000 rental locations in approximately 175 countries around the world. Avis Budget Group operates most of its car rental offices in North America, Europe and Australia directly, and operates primarily through licensees in other parts of the world. Avis Budget Group has approximately 29,000 employees and is headquartered in Parsippany, N.J. For more information, visit www.avisbudgetgroup.com.

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

About AutoNation Direct

Formed in 2007, AutoNation Direct is an alternative sales channel that enables AutoNation to serve the unique needs of Affinity Groups, Credit Unions and other specialty organizations by providing a customer sales experience outside the traditional dealership. AutoNation Direct is a subsidiary of AutoNation, Inc.(NYSE:AN), headquartered in Fort Lauderdale.

CONTACT: Alice Pereira

         (973) 496-6113

         PR@avisbudget.com