PARSIPPANY, N.J., Oct. 15, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avis Budget Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: CAR ) has once again expanded its Business Support Center (BSC) in Budapest, Hungary, which will now include operations and sales support services for the Company's Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region. The initiative, part of the Company's ongoing integration efforts following its acquisition of Avis Europe plc in October 2011, further streamlines operations across the region and adds approximately 150 new positions at the facility, bringing the total number of employees to more than 700.
"We remain focused on reducing our fixed cost base and driving efficiency throughout the region," said Larry De Shon, president, EMEA, Avis Budget Group. "We are proud of the progress we've made in delivering acquisition synergies and are confident that the Business Support Center will contribute millions of dollars in annual savings by 2015."
Earlier this year, the BSC relocated to a larger facility in Budapest to accommodate the additional services and to support the requirements of staff with communication skills in ten different languages. The new location is a state-of-the-art facility that also houses finance, administration, information technology and customer-service functions. The building has received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification. This level of certification — the highest achievable — indicates that the building is highly rated in five green-design categories, including sustainable site, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources and indoor environmental quality.
The BSC was established in January 2004, making Avis Budget one of the first international companies to set up a regional service center in the country. More recently, in March 2013, the Hungarian Investment and Trade Agency (HITA) named Avis Budget Group "Business Expansion of the Year for Regional Centres." The HITA awards, now in their second year, recognize organizations whose investments contributed the most to the development of the Hungarian economy and to increases in employment.
About Avis Budget Group
Avis Budget Group, Inc. is a leading global provider of vehicle rental services, both through its Avis and Budget brands, which have more than 10,000 rental locations in approximately 175 countries around the world, and through its Zipcar brand, which is the world's leading car sharing network, with more than 810,000 members. Avis Budget Group operates most of its car rental offices in North America, Europe and Australia directly, and operates primarily through licensees in other parts of the world. Avis Budget Group has approximately 30,000 employees and is headquartered in Parsippany, N.J. More information is available at www.avisbudgetgroup.com .
Alice Pereira (973) 496-6113
