Environmental Vehicle Rental Cars and The American Lung Association Of California Team Up in Fight Against Air Pollution

  EV Rental Cars Now Has Nine California Locations to Serve A Growing Market

    LOS ANGELES, Sept. 6 In a first-of-its-kind, exclusive
agreement, Environmental Vehicle (EV) Rental Cars and the American Lung
Association of California have partnered to fight air pollution in California,
by offering Lung Association staff, volunteers, and donors discounts on
purchases of previously-owned vehicles in the rental fleet, as well as special
reduced rental rates when traveling at any of EV Rental Cars' locations
nationwide.  In addition, EV Rental Cars announced today that it has opened
two new locations in San Jose and Oakland airports, bringing the total to nine
locations in California to serve the growing consumer demand for
environmentally conscious rental vehicles.
    EV Rental Cars is the only environmental vehicle rental company in the
U.S.  The company offers electric, natural gas, hybrid electric, and super-
ultra-low emission gasoline-powered vehicles for rent through its association
with Budget Rent a Car.  It began renting vehicles in December 1998, with
eleven electric cars at Los Angeles Airport, and since then has grown to more
than 330 cars at 12 locations.
    "Air pollution continues to create health problems for Californians, so
driving vehicles that are fueled by cleaner options, like electricity and
natural gas, is crucial," said Bruce Herold, board chair for the American Lung
Association of California.  "Renting or purchasing cleaner-fueled vehicles
will help all of us breathe easier."
    The exclusive promotion between the American Lung Association of
California and EV Rental Cars provides Lung Association staff, volunteers, and
donors discounts of $300 per vehicle for the previously-owned Honda Civic GX
and Ford Crown Victoria, both natural gas vehicles, and the Honda Insight
hybrid-electric vehicle (additional vehicles will be added to the sales fleet
in coming months).  Preferred rental rates are also available to Lung
Association supporters.  For every rental of a cleaner-fueled vehicle, EV
Rental Cars will make a $2 contribution to the American Lung Association of
California.  To become a supporter of the American Lung Association of
California and receive the discounted rates, visit its web site at
http://www.californialung.org , or EV Rental Cars' web site at
http://www.evrental.com .
    EV Rental Cars and the Lung Association expect as many as 200 individuals
to take advantage of the special offer to buy the vehicles, and more than
2,000 to utilize the special rental rates.  This type of success would be
directly responsible for preventing 20 tons of air pollution from ever
entering California's skies.
    "This partnership provides people who are committed to clean air and
better health a simple way to use clean air vehicles in their lifestyle, while
advancing the great work of the American Lung Association of California," said
Jeff Pink, president of EV Rental Cars.  "San Jose and Oakland airports are
the perfect places for high-technology environmental vehicles because of the
unique commitment of the people in the region to both the environment and
technology."
    The need for innovative programs to address air quality has never been
greater.  More than 90 percent of Californians now breathe air that is
unhealthy.  Sixty percent of smog-forming emissions in California are created
by gasoline and diesel-fueled vehicles.  The vehicles involved in the
partnership are significantly cleaner than conventional vehicles.  In fact,
25 Honda Civic GX natural gas vehicles produce fewer emissions than just one
conventional mid-size vehicle.  In addition to the direct air pollution
reduction created by this program, estimated at 20 tons, the program promotes
the development of a sustainable industry for cleaner-fueled vehicles.

    Based at Budget Rent a Car locations, EV Rental Cars maintains a fleet of
more than 330 environmental vehicles at 12 locations including Los Angeles,
Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, San Diego, Ontario, Burbank,
Palm Springs, Phoenix, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh.  The thirteenth location,
at Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC, opens September 13.  Since
opening in 1998, EV Rental Cars and its 18,000 customers have directly
prevented more than 15 tons of air pollution, accumulating more than
4.5 million miles on its fleet of electric, natural gas, and hybrid electric
vehicles.  The company has also saved renters nearly $200,000 in fuel costs
since alternative fuels are less expensive.

    The American Lung Association, which has been fighting lung disease for
more than 90 years, is one of the only voluntary health agencies that
advocates for clean air policies.  With the generous support of the public and
the help of our volunteers, we have seen many advances against lung disease.
However, our work is not finished.  In our second century, we will continue to
strive to make breathing easier for everyone.  Along with our medical section,
the California Thoracic Society, we provide educational programs, community
service, advocacy and research.  The American Lung Association's activities
are supported by Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa Seals and other voluntary
contributions.

    Budget Rent a Car Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Budget Group,
Inc. , is one of the world's top three car and truck rental systems.
The Budget system, which operates under the same name worldwide, has more than
3,200 airport and local market locations in over 120 countries and
territories.  Budget has over 1,000 corporate-owned and franchised locations
in the United States.  The Budget WorldClass Fleet is comprised of more than
30 percent specialty vehicles, ranging from sport utility vehicles,
convertibles and luxury cars to minivans, pickups and environmentally friendly
vehicles.

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