SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, DC 20549
                            --------------------
                                SCHEDULE 13D
                               (RULE 13D-101)



         INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN STATEMENTS FILED PURSUANT TO
         13D-1(A) AND AMENDMENTS THERETO FILED PURSUANT TO 13D-2(A)



                         AVIS GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              (NAME OF ISSUER)

               CLASS A COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       (TITLE OF CLASS OF SECURITIES)

                                053790 10 1
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               (CUSIP NUMBER)

                            Cendant Corporation
                             9 West 57th Street
                          New York, New York 10019
                               (212) 413-1800
                          Attention: Eric J. Bock
                         Senior Vice President, Law
                          and Corporate Secretary

                                  Copy to:

                         Patricia Moran Chuff, Esq.
                  Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
                             One Rodney Square
                         Wilmington, Delaware 19801
                               (302) 651-3000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               (NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF PERSONS
             AUTHORIZED TO RECEIVE NOTICES AND COMMUNICATIONS)

                              August 14, 2000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          (DATE OF EVENT WHICH REQUIRES FILING OF THIS STATEMENT)


      If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G
to report the acquisition which is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is
filing this schedule because of Rule 13d-1(e), 13d-1(f) or 13d-1(g), check
the following box |X|.

                      (Continued on the following pages)
                             (Page 1 of 12 Pages)


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUSIP NO.     053790 10 1              13D            PAGE 2 OF 12 PAGES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1   NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS
      I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY)
      CENDANT CORPORATION
      (06-0918165)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  2   CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP              (a) |_|
                                                                    (b) |_|
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  3   SEC USE ONLY

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  4   SOURCE OF FUNDS
      OO
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  5   CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO
      ITEM 2(d) or 2(e)    |_|
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  6   CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
      DELAWARE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  NUMBER OF      7     SOLE VOTING POWER             0
   SHARES        -------------------------------------------------------------
BENEFICIALLY     8     SHARED VOTING POWER           5,535,800
  OWNED BY       -------------------------------------------------------------
    EACH         9     SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER        0
  REPORTING      -------------------------------------------------------------
 PERSON WITH     10    SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER      5,535,800

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 11   AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
      5,535,800
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 12   CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES |_|

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 13   PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
      17.8%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 14   TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
      CO
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------





- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUSIP NO.     053790 10 1              13D            PAGE 3 OF 12 PAGES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1   NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS
      I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY)
      CENDANT CAR HOLDINGS, INC.
      (22-3584781)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  2   CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP              (a) |_|
                                                                    (b) |_|
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  3   SEC USE ONLY

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  4   SOURCE OF FUNDS
      AF
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  5   CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO
      ITEM 2(d) or 2(e)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  6   CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
      DELAWARE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  NUMBER OF      7     SOLE VOTING POWER         0
   SHARES        -------------------------------------------------------------
BENEFICIALLY     8     SHARED VOTING POWER       5,535,800
  OWNED BY       -------------------------------------------------------------
    EACH         9     SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER    0
  REPORTING      -------------------------------------------------------------
 PERSON WITH     10    SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER  5,535,800
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 11   AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
      5,535,800
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 12   CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES |_|

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 13   PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
      17.8%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 14   TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
      CO
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------





- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUSIP NO.     053790 10 1              13D            PAGE 4 OF 12 PAGES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1   NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS
      I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY)
      CENDANT CAR RENTAL, INC.
      (22-2732926)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  2   CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP              (a) |_|
                                                                    (b) |_|
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  3   SEC USE ONLY

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  4   SOURCE OF FUNDS
      AF
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  5   CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO
      ITEM 2(d) or 2(e)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  6   CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
      DELAWARE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  NUMBER OF      7     SOLE VOTING POWER         0
   SHARES        -------------------------------------------------------------
BENEFICIALLY     8     SHARED VOTING POWER       5,535,800
  OWNED BY       -------------------------------------------------------------
    EACH         9     SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER    0
  REPORTING      -------------------------------------------------------------
 PERSON WITH     10    SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER  5,535,800
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 11   AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
      5,535,800
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 12   CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES |_|

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 13   PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
      17.8%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 14   TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
      CO
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------




- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUSIP NO.     053790 10 1              13D            PAGE 5 OF 12 PAGES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1   NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS
      I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY)
      HFS CAR RENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.
      (22-3475741)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  2   CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP              (a) |_|
                                                                    (b) |_|
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  3   SEC USE ONLY

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  4   SOURCE OF FUNDS
      AF
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  5   CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO
      ITEM 2(d) or 2(e)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  6   CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
      DELAWARE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  NUMBER OF      7     SOLE VOTING POWER         0
   SHARES        -------------------------------------------------------------
BENEFICIALLY     8     SHARED VOTING POWER       5,535,800
  OWNED BY       -------------------------------------------------------------
    EACH         9     SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER    0
  REPORTING      -------------------------------------------------------------
 PERSON WITH     10    SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER  5,535,800
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 11   AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
      5,535,800
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 12   CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES |_|

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 13   PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
      17.8%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 14   TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
      CO
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------




- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUSIP NO.     053790 10 1              13D            PAGE 6 OF 12 PAGES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1   NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS
      I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY)
      CENDANT FINANCE HOLDING CORPORATION
      (83-0321974)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  2   CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP              (a) |_|
                                                                    (b) |_|
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  3   SEC USE ONLY

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  4   SOURCE OF FUNDS
      AF
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  5   CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO
      ITEM 2(d) or 2(e)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  6   CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
      DELAWARE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  NUMBER OF      7     SOLE VOTING POWER         0
   SHARES        -------------------------------------------------------------
BENEFICIALLY     8     SHARED VOTING POWER       5,535,800
  OWNED BY       -------------------------------------------------------------
    EACH         9     SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER    0
  REPORTING      -------------------------------------------------------------
 PERSON WITH     10    SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER  5,535,800
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 11   AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
      5,535,800
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 12   CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES |_|

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 13   PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
      17.8%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 14   TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
      CO
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------





ITEM 1.           SECURITY AND ISSUER.

            This Statement on Schedule 13D (the "Schedule 13D") amends the
Statement on Schedule 13G filed on February 13, 1998, as amended on
February 12, 1999 and on May 15, 2000, with respect to the class A common
stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), of Avis Group
Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Issuer"). The principal
executive offices of the Issuer are located at 900 Old Country Road, Garden
City, New York 11530.

ITEM 2.     IDENTITY AND BACKGROUND.

            This Schedule 13D is being filed by Cendant Corporation, a
Delaware corporation ("Cendant"), Cendant Car Holdings, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("Holdings"), Cendant Car Rental, Inc., a Delaware corporation
("Rental"), HFS Car Rental Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("HFS"),
and Cendant Finance Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Finance,"
and, together with Cendant, Holdings, Rental and HFS, collectively, the
"Reporting Persons" and, individually, a "Reporting Person"). Holdings,
Rental, HFS and Finance (collectively, the "Cendant Subsidiaries") are
wholly owned subsidiaries of Cendant.

            Cendant and its subsidiaries are global providers of real
estate, travel and direct marketing related consumer and business services.
Cendant's core competencies include building franchise systems, providing
outsourcing solutions and direct marketing. The principal executive and
business offices of Cendant are located at 9 West 57th Street, New York,
New York 10019. Each of the Cendant Subsidiaries is a holding company whose
only significant assets are the shares of its subsidiaries. The principal
executive and business offices of each of the Cendant Subsidiaries are
located at 6 Sylvan Way, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054.

            The (i) name, (ii) business address, (iii) present principal
occupation or employment, (iv) name, principal business and address of any
corporation or other organization in which such employment is conducted and
(v) citizenship of each executive officer and director of each of the
Reporting Persons (collectively, the "Covered Persons") is set forth in
Schedule I hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

            On June 14, 2000, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"SEC") instituted and simultaneously settled an administrative proceeding,
Administrative Proceeding File No. 3-10225, against Cendant in connection
with certain accounting irregularities at the former CUC International
Inc., which merged with HFS Incorporated in December 1997 to form Cendant.
The SEC found that, as a result of such accounting irregularities, Cendant
violated the periodic reporting, corporate record-keeping and internal
controls provisions of the federal securities laws. Without admitting or
denying the findings contained in the SEC's administrative order, Cendant
consented to the issuance of an SEC order directing Cendant to cease and
desist from committing or causing any violation, and any future violation,
of the periodic reporting, corporate record-keeping and internal controls
provisions of the federal securities laws.

            Except as set forth in response to this Item 2, during the last
five years, none of the Reporting Persons, nor, to the best of such
Reporting Persons' knowledge, the Covered Persons, has been convicted in a
criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors)
or has been a party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative
body of competent jurisdiction resulting in a judgment, decree or final
order enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating
activities subject to, federal or state securities laws, or finding
violations with respect to such laws.

ITEM 3.     SOURCE AND AMOUNT OF FUNDS OR OTHER CONSIDERATION.

            The original acquisition by the Reporting Persons of all of the
outstanding capital stock of a predecessor of the Issuer was effected in
October 1996 for an aggregate purchase price of $806 million, comprised of
approximately $367.2 million in cash, $100.9 million in indebtedness and
$338.4 million of common stock of a predecessor of Cendant. The aggregate
holdings of the Reporting Persons in outstanding Common Stock of the Issuer
has been reduced to approximately 17.8% as described in Item 5 below.

            If the Reporting Persons were to purchase the outstanding
shares of the Issuer not currently owned by the Reporting Persons pursuant
to the Proposed Transaction (as defined in Item 4 below), the amount of
funds necessary to complete the Proposed Transaction is presently expected
to be approximately $750 million. The Reporting Persons currently
anticipate that such funds would be provided by a combination of cash on
hand and external financing.

ITEM 4.           PURPOSE OF TRANSACTION.

            On August 14, 2000, Henry R. Silverman, Chairman of the Board,
Chief Executive Officer and President of Cendant, presented a letter (the
"Proposal Letter") to the Board of Directors of the Issuer in which Cendant
made a preliminary, non-binding proposal to acquire all of the outstanding
shares of Common Stock not owned by the Reporting Persons at a price of
$29.00 per share in cash (the "Proposed Transaction"). Approximately 25.6
million shares of Common Stock are not owned by the Reporting Persons. The
Proposed Transaction, if completed, would have an equity value of
approximately $750 million. The Proposed Transaction is subject to
satisfactory completion of legal and financial due diligence by the
Reporting Persons and does not represent a binding offer or proposal. The
purpose of the Proposed Transaction is to acquire all of the outstanding
shares of Common Stock not currently owned by the Reporting Persons. The
Proposal Letter is attached hereto as Exhibit 1 and is incorporated herein
by reference.

            The Reporting Persons anticipate that if the Proposed
Transaction is completed, the Issuer will become a wholly owned subsidiary
of one of the Reporting Persons and that the Reporting Persons will seek to
cause the Common Stock to be delisted from trading on the New York Stock
Exchange and to cause the termination of registration of the Common Stock
pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

            On August 15, 2000, the Reporting Persons issued a press
release announcing the Proposed Transaction. Such press release is attached
hereto as Exhibit 2 and is incorporated herein by reference.

            On August 18, 2000, the Issuer announced that, at a meeting
held on that date, its board of directors (the "Board") formed a special
committee of independent directors to consider the Proposed Transaction. If
discussions between the Reporting Persons and such special committee do not
result in a definitive agreement relating to the Proposed Transaction, the
Reporting Persons will review their investment in the Issuer on a
continuing basis and, depending on various factors, including the Issuer's
business and financial position, conditions in the securities markets,
general economic conditions, and the relative attractiveness of alternative
business and investment opportunities, may take actions with respect to
their investment in the Issuer as they deem appropriate in light of the
circumstances from time to time.

ITEM 5.           INTEREST IN SECURITIES OF THE ISSUER.

            (a) The Reporting Persons beneficially own an aggregate of
5,535,800 shares of Common Stock which shares represent approximately 17.8%
of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. Certain of the Covered Persons
beneficially own shares of Common Stock, as set forth on Schedule I hereto
and incorporated herein by reference. Except as set forth in this response
to Item 5(a) of Schedule 13D, none of the Reporting Persons, nor, to the
best of such Reporting Persons' knowledge, any Covered Person, presently
owns any shares of Common Stock.

            The Reporting Persons acquired such shares of Common Stock
through the acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of capital stock
of a predecessor of the Issuer on October 17, 1996 for an aggregate
purchase price of $806 million. On September 24, 1997, the Issuer completed
an initial public offering of Common Stock at a price of $17 per share and
received proceeds of approximately $359 million. On March 23, 1998, the
Issuer sold 5,000,000 shares of Common Stock through a public offering (the
"Offering") and received proceeds of approximately $162 million. In
addition, in the same Offering, the Reporting Persons reduced their
ownership interest in the Issuer by selling 1,000,000 shares of Common
Stock. Prior to the Offering, the Reporting Persons beneficially owned
8,500,000 shares of Common Stock. Following the Offering, the Reporting
Persons beneficially owned 7,500,000 shares of Common Stock representing
approximately 20.9% of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock.
Pursuant to a stock repurchase program approved by the Issuer on September
1, 1998 and amended on September 23, 1998, the Issuer repurchased 5,000,000
shares of Common Stock, including the repurchase from the Reporting Persons
of 1,300,000 shares on January 15, 1999, 314,200 shares on April 26, 1999
and 350,000 shares on August 25, 1999. As a result of these repurchases,
the Reporting Persons' beneficial ownership of Common Stock was reduced to
5,535,800 shares, or approximately 17.8% of the outstanding shares.

            On June 30, 1999, the Issuer acquired the vehicle management
and fuel card businesses of affiliates of the Reporting Persons in exchange
for $1.8 billion, paid in cash and 7,200,000 shares of preferred stock (the
"Preferred Stock") of Avis Fleet Leasing and Management Corporation ("Avis
Fleet"), a subsidiary of the Issuer, issued to PHH Corporation, a Maryland
corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Cendant ("PHH"). The Preferred
Stock has an aggregate liquidation preference of $362 million and is
convertible into Common Stock and class B non-voting common stock of the
Issuer ("Class B Common Stock") which, based on current conversion rates,
would result in the Reporting Persons having beneficial ownership of up to
20% of the Common Stock and 33% of the total number of outstanding shares
of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. The Preferred Stock is
convertible only upon the attainment of certain earnings and market price
thresholds which presently have not been met and upon certain other events
that have not occurred; thus, the Preferred Stock currently is not
convertible.

            (b) The Reporting Persons have the shared power to vote, direct
the vote, dispose or direct the disposition of the shares of Common Stock
beneficially owned by the Reporting Persons.

            (c) To the best knowledge of the Reporting Persons, none of the
Reporting Persons nor, to the best of such Reporting Persons' knowledge,
any of the Covered Persons has effected any transactions in the Common
Stock in the past sixty days.

            (d)   Not applicable.

            (e)   Not applicable.

ITEM 6.     CONTRACTS, ARRANGEMENTS, UNDERSTANDINGS OR RELATIONSHIPS WITH
            RESPECT TO SECURITIES OF THE ISSUER.

            The Issuer, Avis Fleet and PHH are parties to a Stockholders
Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1999, whereby, among other things, the
Issuer agreed to take all actions necessary to effectuate the conversion of
the Preferred Stock in accordance with the terms of the certificate of
designations related thereto.

            The Issuer, Avis Fleet, PHH and PHH Holdings Corporation, a
Texas corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of PHH, are parties to a
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1999, granting to PHH
certain registration rights with respect to the shares of Common Stock
issuable upon conversion of the Preferred Stock and certain other shares of
Common Stock held by the Reporting Persons.

            Except as set forth in the response to this Item 6, none of the
Reporting Persons nor, to the best of such Reporting Persons' knowledge,
any of the Covered Persons has any contracts, arrangements, understandings
or relationships (legal or otherwise) with any persons with respect to any
securities of the Issuer, including, but not limited to, transfers or
voting of any securities, finder's fees, joint ventures, loan or option
arrangements, puts or calls, guarantees of profits, division of profits or
loss, or the giving or withholding of proxies.

ITEM 7.           MATERIALS TO BE FILED AS EXHIBITS.

Exhibit                 Description

   1            Letter from Henry R. Silverman, Chairman of the Board,
                President and Chief Executive Officer of Cendant
                Corporation, to the Board of Directors of Avis Group
                Holdings, Inc., dated August 14, 2000.

   2            Press Release issued by Cendant Corporation, dated August
                15, 2000.

   3            Stockholders' Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1999, among
                Avis Rent A Car, Inc., Avis Fleet Leasing and Management
                Corporation, and PHH Corporation (incorporated by reference
                to the Registration Statement on Form S-4, 333-86269 filed
                by Avis Group Holding, Inc.).



                                 SIGNATURE

            After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and
belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true,
complete and correct.

Dated:  August 22, 2000       CENDANT CORPORATION
                              CENDANT CAR HOLDINGS, INC.
                              CENDANT CAR RENTAL, INC.
                              HFS CAR RENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.
                              CENDANT FINANCE HOLDING CORPORATION



                              /s/ James E. Buckman
                              ------------------------------------------
                                  James E. Buckman
                                  Vice Chairman, General Counsel
                                  and Assistant Secretary





                                                                     Exhibit 1


                      [Letterhead of Cendant Corporation]

                                    August 14, 2000


Board of Directors
Avis Group Holdings, Inc.
900 Old Country Road
Garden City, New York  11530

Dear Sirs/Madams:

            We appreciated the opportunity to speak with members of Avis'
management team several weeks ago concerning a potential acquisition by
Cendant of the publicly held equity interest in Avis. Although Avis'
royalty obligations under the Avis license agreement with Cendant
(including the ownership by Cendant of the reservation system technology
utilized by Avis), as well as the overhang resulting from Cendant's equity
position in Avis remain as they have been since Avis went public, we
understand that Barry views those as particularly cumbersome. Barry's
views, coupled with the evolution in the business models of both Avis and
Cendant, suggest, as indicated, that now would be an appropriate time for
the acquisition of Avis by Cendant.

            Accordingly, Cendant is pleased to present a preliminary,
non-binding proposal to acquire all of the outstanding Avis shares not
owned by Cendant at a price of $29 per share in cash. This price represents
a 14% premium over Monday's closing price of Avis' shares, a 33% premium
over the closing price of Avis' shares on July 11, 2000, the day Barry met
with me and discussed certain of these matters, and a 30% premium over the
closing price of Avis' shares on July 31, 2000, the day Cendant entered
into a confidentiality agreement with Avis.

            Please note that this proposal is subject to satisfactory
completion of legal and financial due diligence and negotiation and
execution of a definitive agreement, and does not represent a binding offer
or proposal.

            Under the circumstances, we assume that Avis will establish a
special committee of disinterested outside directors (i.e., directors who
are not affiliated with Cendant and are not officers of Avis) to discuss
this preliminary proposal with Cendant and negotiate on an arm's-length
basis any definitive proposal that may be made by Cendant. The Cendant
team, including our legal and financial advisors, looks forward to working
with the special committee and its legal and financial advisors to achieve
a mutually acceptable transaction.

            Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to hearing
from you.

                             Very truly yours,

                            CENDANT CORPORATION



                                    By: /s/ Henry R. Silverman
                                        -------------------------
                                          Henry R. Silverman




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                Exhibit 2
                                                                     ---------
AUGUST 15, 2000


                   CENDANT ANNOUNCES PRELIMINARY PROPOSAL
                     TO ACQUIRE OUTSTANDING AVIS SHARES

            New York, N.Y. - Cendant Corporation (NYSE: CD) announced today
that it has submitted to the Board of Directors of Avis Group Holdings,
Inc. (NYSE: AVI) a preliminary, non-binding proposal to acquire all of the
outstanding shares of Avis that are not currently owned by Cendant at a
price of $29 per share in cash. Approximately 25.6 million shares of Avis
common stock are not owned by Cendant. Accordingly, the transaction, if
completed, would have an equity value of approximately $750 million.

            Cendant Corporation currently owns approximately 18% of Avis'
outstanding common shares and also owns preferred stock of a subsidiary of
Avis that is convertible into Avis shares. Based upon current conversion
rates and assuming certain earnings and market price thresholds are met,
such preferred shares are convertible into a combination of non-voting and
voting Avis common shares that would result in Cendant having up to a 20%
voting interest in Avis and up to an approximately 33% economic interest.

            Cendant Corporation is a global provider of real estate, travel
and direct marketing related consumer and business services. The Company's
core competencies include building franchise systems, providing outsourcing
solutions and direct marketing. As a franchiser, Cendant is among the
world's leading franchisers of real estate brokerage offices, hotels,
rental car agencies, and tax preparation services. The Company's real
estate-related operations also include Move.com Group, Cendant's
relocation, real estate and home-related services portal on the Internet.
As a provider of outsourcing solutions, Cendant is a major provider of
mortgage services to consumers, the global leader in employee relocation,
and the world's largest vacation exchange service. In direct marketing,
Cendant provides access to insurance, travel, shopping, auto, and other
services primarily to customers of its affinity partners. In addition,
Cendant Internet Group is pursuing a convergence strategy for the Company's
off-line and online businesses. Other business units include NCP, the UK's
largest private car park operator, and WizCom, an information technology
services provider. Headquartered in New York, NY, the Company has
approximately 28,000 employees and operates in over 100 countries.

            Avis is one of the world's leading service and information
providers of comprehensive automotive transportation and vehicle management
solutions. Avis operates the second largest general-use car rental business
in the world, with locations in the United States, Canada, Australia, New
Zealand and the Latin American Caribbean region. In 1999, Avis acquired PHH
Vehicle Management Services, the world's second largest fleet management
and leasing company, together with Wright Express, the world's largest
fleet card provider. 80% of the European operations of Avis' fleet
management and leasing company were sold to BNP-Paribas on August 9, 2000.

            More information about Cendant, its companies, brands and
current SEC filings may be obtained by visiting the Company's Web site at
www.cendant.com or by calling 877-4INFO-CD (877-446-3623).




                                 SCHEDULE I

                      DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
                                 OF CENDANT


            The name, business address, present principal occupation or
employment and name, principal business and address of any corporation or
other organization in which such employment is conducted of each of the
directors and executive officers of Cendant are set forth below. Except as
set forth below, each of such person's principal occupation or employment
is with Cendant and such person's business address is 9 West 57th Street,
New York, New York 10019. All of the persons listed below are citizens of
the United States.

                                   DIRECTORS
               (INCLUDING DIRECTORS WHO ARE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS)


Name, Principal Business and Address of Corporation Present Principal or Organization in which such Beneficial Ownership Name Occupation or Employment Employment is Conducted of Avis Common Stock* - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Henry R. Silverman President, Chairman and ___ Chief Executive Officer James E. Buckman Vice Chairman, General Cendant Corporation ___ Counsel and Assistant 6 Sylvan Way Secretary Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 Stephen P. Holmes Vice Chairman, Chairman Cendant Corporation 21,000 and Chief Executive 6 Sylvan Way Officer, Travel Division Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 Martin Edelman Counsel Paul, Hastings, Janofsky 35,000 & Walker LLP 399 Park Avenue New York, New York 10022 Myra J. Biblowit Vice Dean for External New York University School of Affairs, Senior Vice Medicine ___ President of Mount Sinai 550 First Avenue - NYU Health System New York, New York 10016 The Rt. Hon. Mulroney, Partner Ogilvy Renault P.C., L.L.D. 1981 McGill College Ave. ___ Suite 1100 Montreal, Quebec H3A 3C1 Robert W. Pittman President and Chief America Online, Inc. Operating-Officer 22000 AOL Way ___ Dulles, Virginia 20166 Sheli Z. Rosenberg Vice Chairwoman Equity Group Investments, Inc. 2 N. Riverside Plaza ___ Suite 600 Chicago, Illinois 60606 Leonard S. Coleman Senior Advisor, Cendant Corporation 20,000 Major-League-Baseball 9 West 57th Street 37th Floor New York, New York 10019 Dr. John C. Malone Chairman Liberty Media Corporation 9197 South Pioria Street ___ Englewood, Colorado 80112 Robert E. Nederlander President and Director Nederlander Organization, Inc. 1450 Broadway ___ 20th Floor New York, New York 10018 Cheryl D. Mills Senior Vice President, Oxygen Media, Inc. Corporate Policy and 75 Ninth Avenue ___ Public Programming New York, New York 10011 Robert F. Smith Senior Managing Director Car Component Technologies, Inc. 10 Ironhorse Drive ___ Bedford, New Hampshire 03110
* Constitutes less than 1% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS WHO ARE NOT DIRECTORS Name, Principal Business and Address of Corporation or Present Principal Organization in which such Beneficial Ownership Name Occupation or Employment Employment is Conducted of Avis Common Stock* David M. Johnson Senior Executive Vice Cendant Corporation President and Chief 6 Sylvan Way ___ Financial Officer Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 Richard A. Smith Chairman and Chief Cendant Corporation Executive Officer, Real 6 Sylvan Way ___ Estate Division Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 John W. Chidsey Chairman and Chief Cendant Corporation Executive Officer, Direct 6 Sylvan Way ___ Marketing Division Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 Samuel L. Katz Chief Executive Officer, ___ Cendant Internet Group John McLain Senior Vice President, Cendant Corporation ___ Controller 6 Sylvan Way Parsippany, New Jersey 07054
* Constitutes less than 1% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF CENDANT CAR HOLDINGS, INC. The name, business address, present principal occupation or employment and name, principal business and address of any corporation or other organization in which such employment is conducted of each of the directors and executive officers of Cendant Car Holdings, Inc. are set forth below. Each of such person's principal occupation or employment is with Cendant and such person's business address is 6 Sylvan Way, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054, except for Samuel L. Katz whose business address is 9 West 57th Street, New York, New York 10019. All of the persons listed below are citizens of the United States. DIRECTORS (INCLUDING DIRECTORS WHO ARE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS)
Present Principal Beneficial Ownership Name Occupation or Employment of Avis Common Stock* ---- ------------------------ -------------------- James E. Buckman Vice Chairman, General Counsel and ___ Assistant Secretary Stephen P. Holmes Vice Chairman, Chairman and Chief 21,000 Executive Officer, Travel Division
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS WHO ARE NOT DIRECTORS
Present Principal Beneficial Ownership Name Occupation or Employment of Avis Common Stock* ---- ------------------------ -------------------- David M. Johnson Senior Vice President, Chief ___ Financial Officer Samuel L. Katz Chief Executive Officer, Cendant ___ Internet Group
* Constitutes less than 1% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF CENDANT CAR RENTAL, INC. The name, business address, present principal occupation or employment and name, principal business and address of any corporation or other organization in which such employment is conducted of each of the directors and executive officers of Cendant Car Rental, Inc. are set forth below. Each of such person's principal occupation or employment is with Cendant and such person's business address is 6 Sylvan Way, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054, except for Samuel L. Katz whose business address is 9 West 57th Street, New York, New York 10019. All of the persons listed below are citizens of the United States. DIRECTORS (INCLUDING DIRECTORS WHO ARE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS) Present Principal Beneficial Ownership Name Occupation or Employment of Avis Common Stock* ---- ------------------------ -------------------- James E. Buckman Vice Chairman, General Counsel ___ and Assistant Secretary Stephen P. Holmes Vice Chairman, Chairman and 21,000 Chief Executive Officer, Travel Division EXECUTIVE OFFICERS WHO ARE NOT DIRECTORS Present Principal Beneficial Ownership Name Occupation or Employment of Avis Common Stock* ---- ------------------------ -------------------- David M. Johnson Senior Vice President, ___ Chief Financial Officer Samuel L. Katz Chief Executive Officer, Cendant ___ Internet Group * Constitutes less than 1% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF HFS CAR RENTAL HOLDINGS, INC. The name, business address, present principal occupation or employment and name, principal business and address of any corporation or other organization in which such employment is conducted of each of the directors and executive officers of HFS Car Rental Holdings, Inc. are set forth below. Each of such person's principal occupation or employment is with Cendant and such person's business address is 6 Sylvan Way, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054, except for Samuel L. Katz whose business address is 9 West 57th Street, New York, New York 10019. All of the persons listed below are citizens of the United States. DIRECTORS (INCLUDING DIRECTORS WHO ARE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS) Present Principal Beneficial Ownership Name Occupation or Employment of Avis Common Stock* ---- ------------------------ ------------------- James Buckman Vice Chairman, General Counsel ___ and Assistant Secretary Stephen P. Holmes Vice Chairman, Chairman and 21,000 Chief Executive Officer, Travel Division EXECUTIVE OFFICERS WHO ARE NOT DIRECTORS Present Principal Beneficial Ownership Name Occupation or Employment of Avis Common Stock* ---- ------------------------ -------------------- David M. Johnson Senior Vice President, Chief ___ Financial Officer Samuel L. Katz Chief Executive Officer, Cendant ___ Internet Group * Constitutes less than 1% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF CENDANT FINANCE HOLDING CORPORATION The name, business address, present principal occupation or employment and name, principal business and address of any corporation or other organization in which such employment is conducted of each of the directors and executive officers of Cendant Finance Holding Corporation are set forth below. Each of such person's principal occupation or employment is with Cendant and such person's business address is 6 Sylvan Way, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054. All of the persons listed below are citizens of the United States. DIRECTORS (INCLUDING DIRECTORS WHO ARE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS) Present Principal Beneficial Ownership Name Occupation or Employment of Avis Common Stock* ---- ------------------------ -------------------- James E. Buckman Vice Chairman, General Counsel ___ and Assistant Secretary Stephen P. Holmes Vice Chairman, Chairman and 21,000 Chief Executive Officer, Travel Division EXECUTIVE OFFICERS WHO ARE NOT DIRECTORS Present Principal Beneficial Ownership Name Occupation or Employment of Avis Common Stock* ---- ------------------------ -------------------- David M. Johnson Senior Vice President, ___ Chief Financial Officer John T. McLain Executive Vice President ___ * Constitutes less than 1% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit Description 1 Letter from Henry R. Silverman, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cendant Corporation, to the Board of Directors of Avis Group Holdings, Inc., dated August 14, 2000. 2 Press Release issued by Cendant Corporation, dated August 15, 2000. 3 Stockholders' Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1999, among Avis Rent A Car, Inc., Avis Fleet Leasing and Management Corporation, and PHH Corporation (incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-4, 333-86269 filed by Avis Group Holding, Inc.).