Budget Truck Rental Runs Madcap TV Spot to Launch Low $19.95 Rate

LISLE, Ill., April 15 Now through June, Budget Car and Truck Rental is running the latest addition to its award-winning, laugh-out-loud television commercials to introduce its low $19.95 per day rate and its new Load/Unload Service. The commercial, which is appearing on major cable networks such as ESPN, TNT, TBS, Comedy Central, E!, VH-1, Fox Sports Net, CNBC, MSNBC and more, features a marketing brainstorm session gone awry with scantily-clad male Budget movers disco-dancing in roller skates while on the job.

Maintaining its fresh, fun approach to truck rentals, Budget is reaching out to consumers with a blend of smart humor, new trucks, convenient services and useful online tools. For those who need help moving, Budget provides a Load/Unload service, through which professional movers can either load the truck at one's current residence, unload the truck at one's new home, or both. In addition, an experienced Move Counselor can help to coordinate the entire relocation process.

``People choose Budget because we are a one-stop shop with the youngest and most reliable fleet and outstanding customer service,'' said Michael Gavelek, vice president of Marketing for Budget. ``Our new commercial and Web site are spreading the word on all the options we offer to help customers save time, money and aggravation on moving day.''

Budget recently revamped its interactive site for local and one-way, long- distance moves. By logging into www.budget.com , viewers can now access a complete Mover's Guide, with everything from moving checklists to the truck size and boxes/supplies needed for a move. The site also features a slide show on efficient packing, inventory worksheets, and insurance options. In addition, viewers can calculate expenses for the entire move online, from the truck down to the bubble wrap, and book reservations. Viewers can also check out Budget's brand new blue moving trucks.

In October 2001, Budget announced the launch of its fleet of blue moving trucks that sport humorous, tongue-in-cheek moving tips such as ``Resist urge to pop bubble wrap before packing fragile items,'' and ``Make lots of friends before you move.'' These clever tips, illustrated by large stick figures, were designed by Cliff Freeman & Associates -- the agency behind the company's humorous TV spots. Over 500 new trucks have already arrived in cities across the country. Budget is adding 5,000 more trucks and cargo vans with the new look throughout the Spring.