Payless Focuses On Aggressive Brand Growth

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.--Nov. 1, 20032, 2003--Payless Car Rental System, Inc. continues its aggressive expansion strategy entering into the Washington market with a Seattle franchise while expanding their Puerto Rico presence with the addition of a tenth location servicing Mayaguez. The car rental company has been franchising auto rental locations since 1971, and through a recent European partnership now service more than 60 countries with over 1,400 locations.

Avalon Global Group, Inc., parent company to Payless Car Rental System, is also concentrating on expansion efforts for sister companies Payless Car Sales, Inc., Payless Parking, Inc. and Payless Lodging/Inn/Inn & Suites.

Payless Car Sales, a nationwide network of independent used auto dealers initiated a franchise program in February 2002 and has experienced rapid growth. There are currently 38 locations in 12 states with the concentration of franchisees in the Southeast and Texas.

"Advanced planning, future vision and strong fiscal management concentrated on brand marketing, technology and global expansion allow us to compete in a worldwide market," said Michael Harley, president of Avalon Global Group. "Our diversity of travel and automotive services under the Payless brand is a perfect fit for the customer looking for a bargain from an established and trusted name."

Avalon Global Group has expanded its Web sites and computer infrastructure capabilities so customers can make reservations for all Payless brands from a variety of on-line resources and search engines.

Payless Lodging, an on-line network of independent lodging properties offering accommodations from bed and breakfast inns to mid-size hotels recently established a relationship with Sabre and Travelocity. Worldspan global distribution system (GDS) offering the highest level of booking connectivity will be added by year-end.

Payless Parking, the newest member of the Payless brand, has increased visitors to its Web site by more than 50 percent monthly resulting in an average increase for parking space reservations by 37 percent each month.

Avalon Global Group is a Florida-based, privately held company. For more information on Avalon Global Group or any of the Payless companies, visit http://www.agg-inc.com or call 1-800-PAYLESS (729-5377).

NOTE TO EDITOR:

Michael Harley, president, Avalon Global Group, headshot available in a high resolution, downloadable file at: http://pcrasp.paylesscarrental.com/press/ArchiveONE.asp?ID=87