Payless Car Rental System, Inc. Expanding With 15 New Locations

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.--Aug. 5, 2002--Moving toward the company goal of doubling the number of franchise locations by 2004, Payless Car Rental System, Inc. recently opened 15 new international and U.S. franchise locations including two corporate stores. Avalon Global Group, Inc., parent company of Payless Car Rental System, Inc., announced the expansion locations today.
    "The growth of Payless Car Rental demonstrates our commitment and confidence in providing franchisees with the brand name recognition, Internet support, and seamless connectivity needed to succeed in the competitive and crowded car rental market," said Michael Harley, president and chief operating officer, Payless Car Rental System, Inc. "Image, programs, training, and a sense of solidarity are all part of our brand that independent car rental agencies are seeking."
    Payless currently operates in 15 countries and territories. New international locations include Toronto, Canada; Rhodes, Greece; Guatemala and Belize, Central America; and the Republic of Malta. In Puerto Rico, where Payless Car Rental is the largest car rental operator on the island, a new location will be opening in Hatillo which will also service Arecibo. Additional contracts are pending for Ireland and Northern Ireland.
    "Payless Car Rental has a unique niche in the international market by offering both customer service and great prices," said Stathis Katinas of Katinas A.E., master developer for Greece and president of the licensed location in Rhodes, Greece. "Customers will quickly discover they receive a higher level of service and benefits not usually associated with a low-price car rental agency."
    New in-terminal locations servicing major airports in the United States include Minneapolis, Minnesota; Kansas City, Missouri; and Aspen, Colorado. Off-site airport locations include Albany and Syracuse, New York; Bloomington, Illinois; Palm Beach, Florida; Columbus, Ohio; and a new local location in Tampa (Carrollwood), Florida.
    Two recently acquired corporate stores service Orlando International Airport and Tampa International Airport and will serve as showrooms for products and services for new franchise prospects.
    "Payless' knowledge and aggressive approach to Internet marketing gives us a competitive advantage," said Eric LeBlanc, president, RAC Holding, Inc., and franchisee for Syracuse, New York. "We have a strong Internet presence, and Payless backs up their franchisees with the technological support and marketing expertise to succeed."
    Payless Car Rental System, Inc. is a privately held corporation in St. Petersburg, Florida with over 121 worldwide franchise locations. For reservations, visit the Payless Car Rental Web site at http://www.paylesscarrental.com or call 1-800-PAYLESS within the United States and Canada, or 727-321-6352 from all other countries.

    NOTE TO EDITOR: Michael Harley, president and chief operating officer, headshot - High resolution, downloadable photo is available at http://pcrasp.paylesscarrental.com/press/ArchiveONE.asp?ID=87