| -

ATLANTA — Manheim and Avis Budget Group recently collaborated for a program intended to increase the speed and efficiency of rental-vehicle remarketing at select Avis airport locations.

The pilot stage of Avis Early Access is now being conducted at airports in Atlanta, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orlando, Fla., and Pittsburgh. Officials mentioned that additional locations are scheduled to open in the near future.

The companies explained that Avis locations now have the ability to turn out-of-service vehicles by wholesaling inventory directly off facility lots. They stressed how the program can reach buyers from around the country through daily Manheim Online Event Sales.

Executives also believe the new program reduces days to sell for Avis. They said the program can eliminate the need to transport vehicles from a rental location, such as an airport Avis rental lot, for inspection and subsequent sale.

Instead, they contend Avis Early Access provides online selling tools by delivering a Manheim-approved listing service directly to Avis locations. The companies think that positions inventory for selling success by capturing all the condition information that online buyers demand.

"Avis Early Access not only offers significant inventory management and cost benefits to our operations, but it also provides prospective dealers and wholesale buyers with the earliest possible opportunity to purchase the premium vehicles of the Avis rental fleet," noted Greg Thibault, vice president of fleet disposal for Avis.

"That's a winning program for everyone, especially with the ongoing demand for quality used vehicles," Thibault added.

Nick Peluso, senior vice president of customer management at Manheim, also commented about the capability of Avis Early Access.

"We strive to help our customers gain better results for their remarketing initiatives," Peluso insisted.

"While Avis Early Access is in the beginning stages, we are confident of this program's ability to help Avis drive improved operational efficiencies," he concluded.