Avis Budget Group Honors Avis Ecuador as Outstandi

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Oct. 24, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avis Budget Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: CAR ) today named Avis Ecuador as the Avis Licensee of the Year for Latin America and the Caribbean in recognition of its ongoing commitment to serving the growing car rental demand in Ecuador and providing travelers and residents alike with world-class products and services.

With more than 20 locations and a fleet of 1,600 vehicles, Avis Ecuador operates the largest car rental network in the country. It is well-established to serve customers at major airports, including Quito's new Mariscal Sucre International Airport which opened in February, and at convenient, metropolitan locations in Ambato, Cuenca, El Coca, Esmeraldas, Guayaquil, Latacunga, Loja, Manta, Quito and Santo Domingo.

"Ecuador has become a popular travel destination; the country's Tourism Ministry projects that they will welcome nearly 1.5 million tourists this year," said Patric Siniscalchi, president, Latin America/Asia Pacific. "The popularity of Ecuador as a travel destination, combined with the strength of our licensee there, positions us well as we seek to accelerate growth. We celebrate Avis Ecuador's commitment to the brand and to serving inbound and domestic customers."

Travelers in Ecuador benefit from premium customer service provided by bilingual employees. Customers can choose from a wide range of late-model vehicles from a variety of manufacturers, including Chevrolet, Fiat, Ford, Hyundai, Jeep, Mazda and Suzuki. Avis Ecuador also offers global positioning system (GPS) navigation devices, child safety seats, vehicle damage coverage options and vehicle leasing services.

"We are focused on providing each of our customers with a superior rental experience," said Francisco Matheus, executive vice president, Avis Ecuador. "We are proud to be named Licensee of the Year and thank Avis Budget Group for the wonderful honor."

Avis Ecuador is an independently-owned and operated licensee of Avis Car Rental. Licensees such as Avis Ecuador have the right to operate under the Avis brand in specified territories and in accordance with Avis' strict brand standards.

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