Press Release Details

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Dec. 2, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The winter holidays can be a time of great joy, but the expense involved can sometimes be a source of stress. With a full range of fuel-efficient vehicles to meet most any rental need, many with family-friendly entertainment systems, Budget Car Rental invites drivers to pocket the savings and enjoy holiday travels in a new sedan, minivan or sport utility vehicle.

The Budget 2014 lineup features the MINI Cooper Clubman and the MINI Cooper Countryman, which help customers save at the gas pump. The MINI Cooper Clubman seats four and is rated at 35 miles per gallon (highway) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, the vehicle features a side club door and split rear door that, according to MINI, "helps move awkward objects (and passengers) with as little fuss and as much fun as possible." Meanwhile, the MINI Cooper Countryman features four doors, seating for five and a fuel efficiency rating of 35 miles per gallon (highway). Other noteworthy fuel-efficient cars in the Budget fleet include the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Toyota Prius and Volkswagen Beetle, to name a few.

In addition to offering travelers style and comfort, Budget's model-year 2014 vehicles feature entertainment systems, available in sports-utility vehicles and most minivans. Rear DVD systems are included in the Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. Each vehicle seats seven people and boasts a 5.3-liter V8 engine, rear vision camera and rear parking assist. Some are also equipped with heated second-row seats and power-remote lift gates.

Rear DVD systems are also featured in 65 percent of new Chrysler minivans in the Budget fleet, specifically the Chrysler Town & Country and the Dodge Grand Caravan. With seating for seven and entertainment systems, these minivans are perfect for those traveling with family.

Travelers looking for adventure can enjoy the 2014 Ford Mustang Convertible also available in the Budget fleet. The rear-wheel-drive convertible features a 305-horsepower V6 engine and seating for four. Other noteworthy vehicles in the Budget fleet include the Jeep Wrangler (available in Hawaii), the Ford F-150 SuperCrew pickup truck and Ford Econoline E-350 12-passenger van. Vehicle availability will vary by locations. For more information, customers should visit www.budget.com.

"Whether large or small, sporty or practical, our new crop of vehicles is hand-picked to meet the unique travel needs of our customers," said Tom Gartland, president, North America, Avis Budget Group. "We look forward to serving Budget customers throughout the United States and Canada so they can experience another change — a change of scenery."

Despite the influx of new vehicles, Budget continues to help travelers stretch their budget. Those looking for the best deals should 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.

Those looking to purchase a quality, well-maintained used vehicle can also take advantage of Budget's car sales program available in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey and Texas. For more information, visit www.budget.com.

About Budget

Budget Car Rental is one of the world's best-known car rental brands with approximately 3,150 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 1,900 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.

CONTACT: Alice Pereira

         (973) 496-6113

         alice.pereira@avisbudget.com