Press Release Details

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Feb. 8, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- If you made a New Year's resolution to save money, Budget Car Rental wants to help you achieve your goal. Budget's 2012 fleet can help travelers maximize their travel dollars without ever compromising on quality or service. From the fuel-efficient and redesigned Hyundai Accent and Ford Focus, to specialty vehicles such as the Fiat 500 and Jeep Wrangler, Budget has vehicles to meet the unique needs of its customers at the airport and in their neighborhood.

"At Budget, we offer the latest makes and models to meet virtually any vehicle rental need, at affordable prices," said Tom Gartland, president, North America, Avis Budget Group, parent company of Budget. "These new vehicles, coupled with Budget's convenient locations and outstanding service, are sure to provide the budget-minded traveler with the most 'bang for their buck.'"

Now available at Budget locations nationwide, model-year 2012 vehicles offer travelers a number of ways to save at the gas pump. Half of the vehicles in the 2012 lineup are rated 28 miles per gallon (mpg) or better (highway) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These include the redesigned Hyundai Accent,which boasts a fuel efficiency rating of 40 mpg, the Ford Focus sedan and hatchback, with a fuel efficiency rating of 38 mpg, and the fun and fuel-efficient (39 mpg) Ford Fiesta,also available in sedan and hatchback.

The 2012 Fiat 500 joins Budget's fleet. This Italian car, measuring 11.63 feet long, 4.98 feet tall and 5.34 feet wide, is often called "cute" and "compact" and is available for rent at select Budget locations.

New to Budget's premium car class is the Lincoln MKZ. Travelers will appreciate the 263-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine, seating for five people, Lincoln premium sound system and Lincoln SYNC^®. Lincoln SYNC allows renters to connect their Bluetooth^®-enabled phone for hands-free usage, plug in their compatible MP3 player or USB drive for music and entertainment, and more.

Budget's 2012 rental fleet also features other specialty vehicles, including the Ford Mustang Convertible, the Ford F-150 SuperCrew pickup truck, the Ford Econoline E-350 12-passenger van and the Jeep Wrangler. Vehicle availability will vary by location. For more information, customers should visit www.budget.com.

Those looking to save money in 2012 should also consider Budget's Pay Now rates, available at budget.com. Customers can lock in a discounted rate by choosing to pay for their rental in advance, as opposed to paying at the rental counter. Travelers can also subscribe to "Hot Deals," Budget's monthly e-newsletter, and receive money-saving offers via email available only to subscribers.

Travelers looking to save time when renting can enjoy the benefits of membership in Fastbreak^®, Budget's express rental service. Customers simply sign a Master Rental Agreement which stores all their rental preferences, from vehicle type and ancillary products to optional coverages and payment method. Then, customers can expedite the reservation process on budget.com, and can go straight to their waiting car when picking up the rental vehicle, saving valuable time.

For more information or to make a reservation, customers should visit www.budget.com.

About Budget

Budget Rent A Car System, Inc. is one of the world's best-known car rental brands with approximately 2,700 locations in more than 120 countries. Budget is an industry leader in providing vehicle rental services to value-conscious travelers and also operates the second-largest truck rental business in the United States, through a network of approximately 2,300 corporate owned, dealer and franchised locations. Budget is owned by Avis Budget Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:CAR), which operates and licenses the brand throughout the world. For further information, visit www.budget.com.

The Budget Rent A Car logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=11594

CONTACT: Alice Pereira

         (973) 496-6113

         alice.pereira@avisbudget.com