Avis's new online tool to enable business customers to make the most of their time on the road

Published: 03 Jan 2008

The website has integrated downloadable information with Where2 GPS device, providing customers with information on concerts, sporting events, museums, galleries, festivals and other popular activities at 25 major business travel destinations in the US.

Avis customers who rent Where2, the company's portable GPS navigation system, can also save destination information found at myWhere2.com or anywhere else on the Web onto a Secure Digital (SD) memory card that can be transferred into the Where2 unit when they pick up their rental vehicle.

To use this feature, customers must first download a plug-in available at www.avis.com/mywhere2 and create a bookmark to send addresses of places they want to visit to their personal SD card. When finished, customers can use any Web site or tool to find an address or point of interest and save the addresses directly to their SD memory card, and thus quickly and conveniently program their GPS unit to be able to maximise their free time.

The site also features the company's own "Avis Quick City Guides" to give travelers useful information about their destination, including maps, restaurants and contact information for amenities.

Bob Lambert, Senior Vice President - Commercial Sales, Avis Budget Group, Inc., parent company of Avis, said, "Using our Where2 GPS system and our new online service, travelers need not worry about maps, paper printouts with directions, or even stopping by the side of the road to enter information into the navigation system."

A survey of frequent business travelers commissioned by Avis found that a majority of business travelers, 68% have at least some time for leisure activities when traveling for business. Of those with time for leisure, 81% spend at least some of their after-work time for pleasure. In addition, 56% use a rental car when participating in such activities. The keys to making the most of leisure time, the survey says, are advance planning and having the flexibility and mobility afforded by a rental car. The launch of myWhere2 gives business travelers the tool they need to explore new destinations, pursue their favorite pastimes, and make the most of their time away from home.

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