For immediate release 13 September 2005
Avis unveils marketing campaign in wake of petrol price rises with first fuel efficient hybrid cars
Avis targets business travellers:
Stressing energy efficiencies and low emissions
WELLINGTON/AUCKLAND/CHRISTCHURCH, 13 September 2005 – Avis today took final delivery of twenty Toyota Prius vehicles,
the first major rental company to offer fuel efficient hybrid cars, as the company unveiled a major marketing push to
corporate clients in the wake of rising petrol prices.
Avis Marketing Manager John Devaney said the arrival of the energy efficient Toyota Prius into its fleet marked the
commencement this week of an active marketing campaign at New Zealand’s three major airports. The campaign targeting
business clients will showcase the environmentally friendly credentials as well as the energy efficiencies and
consequent cost savings of the new hybrid vehicle.
“Avis has a large and loyal corporate client base. The arrival of the new hybrid vehicles during a time of increasing
petrol prices allows us to present meaningful cost saving options to our customers. In addition, the Prius has
incredibly low emissions making it one of the most environmentally friendly vehicles on New Zealand roads today,” said
Mr Devaney.
The Toyota Prius is the world’s first mass-produced hybrid car, which is a vehicle that uses a combination of at least
two different fuel sources for its propulsion. The Prius combines a petrol engine with an electric motor and generator,
giving nearly twice the fuel efficiency of a conventional petrol engine as well as dramatic cuts in exhaust emissions.
In recent tests in Australia for the Australian Green Vehicle Guide, the Prius consumed a mere 4.4 litres per hundred
kilometres. In addition, the environmentally sensitive Toyota Prius exceeds the Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV)
standard set by the California Air Resources Board, which is only one standard away from zero emissions.
From September the Toyota Prius will be available to Avis customers at New Zealand’s three major airports: Auckland,
Wellington and Christchurch.
About Toyota Prius
The 2004 European Car of the Year, the Toyota Prius hybrid car blends the best of the conventional vehicle with the
benefits of electric power. Uniting the cleaner energy of the electric motor with the long-range power of the petrol
engine yields a hybrid vehicle with lower toxic emissions and better fuel economy.
The Prius is the revolution in today’s passenger car. Its brilliant combination of driveability, performance, and fuel
economy gives a rewarding and comfortable driving experience.
About Avis
Avis Rent A Car System, Inc. and its subsidiaries operate one of the world's leading car rental brands, providing
business and leisure customers with a wide range of services at nearly 2,000 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 car rental company in the 2005 Brand Keys® Customer Loyalty Index. The company is
part of Cendant Car Rental Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cendant Corporation (NYSE: CD), a diversified global
provider of business and consumer services primarily within the real estate and travel sectors.
More information on Avis is available at www.avis.co.nz
ENDS