PARSIPPANY, N.J., May 22, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avis Budget Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:CAR) today announced that its Ultimate Test Drive program, the Company's car sales initiative, now accepts trade-in vehicles.
In collaboration with AutoNation, Inc., America's largest automotive retailer, Ultimate Test Drive offers consumers a no-haggle, no-hassle process and features 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. Potential buyers are assigned a Personal Auto Consultant, via AutoNation Direct, who can answer questions about financing and available warranties and collect personal vehicle information to provide buyers with fair market value on trade-in vehicles. This value can then be applied toward the new vehicle purchase.
"For many individuals, vehicle 'trade-ins' are an important component of the car buying process," said Tom Gartland, president, North America, Avis Budget Group. "We're excited to give potential buyers the option to receive a trade-in value for their vehicle. We look forward to capturing these used vehicle sales as part of our strategic initiative to accelerate growth."
Ultimate Test Drive is available in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Nevada, New Jersey and Texas. The program features more than 75 makes and models. Customers can choose from domestic and foreign manufacturers ranging from Ford and General Motors to Kia, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen and more. 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.
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, both through its Avis and Budget brands, which have more than 10,000 rental locations in approximately 175 countries around the world, and through its Zipcar brand, which is the world's leading car sharing network, with more than 790,000 members. 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. More information is available at www.avisbudgetgroup.com.
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.