Avis already has five Singapore outlets

Avis has expanded in Singapore with the opening of three new rental locations in the city.

Located at the Regus Business Centers at One Fullerton, Marina Bay Financial Center and Centennial Tower, Suntec, the new service points will take the form of car rental kiosks, with iPads enabling customers to select short- and long-term car rental, personal or corporate car leasing, or chauffeur-driven services. 

“Singapore’s robust economy and leading position in the financial, oil and casino gaming industries have resulted in an increased demand for car rental and leasing services,” said Patric Siniscalchi, Avis Budget’s President for Latin America & Asia Pacific. “We’re thrilled to deliver against a key strategic initiative and once again, expand our global footprint in this region.  Travellers will benefit from Avis’ world-class products and services and commitment to serving business and leisure customers in Singapore for more than 40 years.” 

The new locations add to Avis’ existing rental outlets in Singapore, at the three terminals of the Changi Airport, Waterfront Plaza on Havelock Road, and at the Marina Square shopping centre.

Avis now offers 5,200 global locations

Car hire company Avis has expanded its presence in Asia with the launch of operations Taiwan.

Avis Taiwan will operate in three locations in Taiwan – two city bases in Hsinchu and Chupei, as well as at Taipei’s Taoyuan International Airport. These add to the company’s existing 5,200 locations in more than 165 countries.

The company will offer both telephone and online facilities via its global Avis ‘Wizard’ online booking system, while a new Avis Taiwan website will also be unveiled, serving customers for short- and long-term self-drive car rental, personal or corporate car leasing, and chauffer and transfer services.

“Avis Taiwan aims to improve mobility within Taiwan, whose fast growing economy and strategic position has resulted to significant increase in domestic and international traffic for the travel industry,” the company said in a statement. “Avis Taiwan will serve as a one-stop mobility solution for the Taiwan community through their world-class services.”

Avis Taiwan was launched at a major event, ‘One World, One Avis’, which was attended by executives including Avis Budget Group’s President for Latin America & Asia Pacific Patric Siniscalchi, and Avis’ Director for Licensee Relations in Asia, Joerg Kossich, plus travel trade partners and media.

Avis launched operations in Asia in 1970 in Hong Kong, and has since expanded to more than 300 locations in 22 markets, including Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. More recent launches have included mainland China, India and Vietnam.

Driving a Fiat 500 says something about the driver, says Avis

Britons are increasingly hiring high-end cars and lifestyle goods to keep up appearances amongst friends and family, according to rental company Avis.

The company has said luxury car hire has increased four-fold in its year-on-year figures, with Brits going to weddings, dates and job interviews keen to fake their wealth to make a good impression. As well as cars, holiday homes, boats and handbags have been hired with 27% of people thinking people will be nicer if you have more money.

The research has been revealed as Avis launches its Select Series cars which includes Fiat 500s, Audi A1s and BMW 5 Series and are said to reflect the driver inside.

“Our research clearly shows that for Brits, first impressions really do count and when it comes to standing out from the crowd, having a flash set of wheels is the ultimate way to grab attention and get people talking,” said Kaye Ceille, managing director of Avis Budget UK. “With this in mind, we’ve created profiles of our Select Series cars, whereby customers can understand what their choice of vehicle really says about them as a person and what reaction they can expect to receive from onlookers”.