PARSIPPANY, N.J., June 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Avis Rent A Car System, LLC today announced the launch of Avis First, a new customer loyalty program that rewards Avis' frequent renters with a host of new benefits including a free two-day weekend rental after every third qualifying rental. Additional benefits include free car class upgrades when available; access to a members- only website, http://www.avisfirst.com/, which tracks rental activity and reward redemption; and a dedicated reservation number and customer care department.

To mark the occasion, Avis will be distributing free "Avis Music Cables" to Avis First members. The Avis-branded cable allows customers to plug their own MP3 players into the jack located in the rental vehicle and play their own music through the vehicle's sound system. The cords plug into any standard portable audio player headphone jack and work on most MP3 players. The cables will be available exclusively to Avis First members at select airport locations throughout the United States through June 30, 2007 or while supplies last. Avis First members must present a valid Avis First identification card at the Avis Preferred Counter to receive their free "Avis Music Cable."

"Our best customers told us that they expect a new level of rewards, and we're pleased to be able to provide them with what we believe is the best loyalty program in our industry," said Becky Alseth, senior vice president of marketing for Avis Budget Group, parent of Avis. "It's just another way that 'We Try Harder' to provide our loyal renters with rewards that cater to their individual needs."

To be eligible for Avis First, customers must rent with their Wizard number and be enrolled in Avis Preferred, the Company's express rental program with service at more than 1,400 locations worldwide. When an Avis Preferred member has completed 12 qualifying rentals or 35 qualifying rental days in a calendar-year period, they are automatically invited and enrolled into Avis First. Upon activation of their Avis First membership, customers are e-mailed their first free two-day weekend rental reward. Avis First member rentals are tracked and coupons for subsequent free two-day weekend rentals are automatically e-mailed after every third qualifying rental. Members may earn up to eight free certificates per calendar year. Certificates are valid at participating Avis locations in the United States (excluding the New York Metropolitan area), Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Holiday and other black out periods may apply.

Avis First replaces the Avis Preferred Select program, which is no longer offered. To register for free membership in Avis Preferred, visit http://www.avis.com/preferred. To learn more about becoming a member of Avis First, visit http://www.avis.com/preferred-avisfirst.

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