Avis Partners With MADD and Sears in Support of Local Car Safety Fairs

PARSIPPANY, N.J., March 24 -- As Spring weather comes to most of the country, Americans will undoubtedly start to think about hitting the nation's roadways for a long weekend or holiday vacation. Avis Rent A Car System, Inc has announced a partnership with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Sears to sponsor the "Avis Cares(R) Safety Fairs" at select Sears locations throughout the US. The educational events have been developed as a fun and interactive way for the public to learn more about safety in the car.

The program is being funded through a monetary service award Avis received from Sears for delivering service excellence throughout the year as Sears' corporate rental car partner. Avis has elected to donate a portion of the award to MADD to defray the costs of the anti-drunk driving education component of the Avis Cares Safety Fairs.

"We're grateful to be able to use the proceeds from the service award in a way that confirms our commitment to travelers' safety and also benefits local communities," says Robert Salerno, president and COO of Avis.

Avis recently entered into a partnership with Sears through which it is opening 40 new rental locations at Sears Auto Centers nationwide. Avis is now the only rental car company to accept the Sears Card. For information on the date and location of the next Avis Cares Safety Fair at Sears, contact Susan McGowan at 973-496-3916.

About MADD

Founded in 1980, MADD is a non-profit organization with 2 million members and supporters nationwide. MADD's mission is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking.

About Avis

Avis Rent A Car System, Inc. and its subsidiaries operate the world's second largest general-use car rental brand, providing business and leisure customers with a wide range of services at more than 1,700 locations in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the Latin/American Caribbean region. Avis is one of the world's top brands for customer loyalty, ranking as the number one brand overall among 158 ranked in the 2002 Brand Keys(R) Customer Loyalty Awards. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cendant Corporation , a diversified global provider of business and consumer services primarily within the real estate and travel sectors. For more information visit avis.com.