Avis and OnStar Announce Joint Program

8 October 1998
Avis and OnStar Announce Joint Program
    GARDEN CITY, N.Y., Oct. 7 -- Avis Rent A Car, Inc. and the
OnStar division of General Motors today announced a pilot program in which a
group of Cadillac rental vehicles in Detroit will be equipped with OnStar, the
innovative safety, security and information service.
    OnStar uses Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite and cellular
technology to link the vehicle and driver to the OnStar Center.  The system
performs a multitude of tasks.  If there's an accident in which the airbags
deploy, the vehicle itself will automatically notify the OnStar Center so help
can be dispatched.  If a driver locks his keys in a vehicle, the OnStar center
can send a remote signal to unlock the door.  The system can track a vehicle
that's been stolen and, using a database of over 4.3 million listings, can
help a driver find the nearest ATM, airport, gas station, hospital, hotel or
restaurant.  All in all, there are more than 100 categories of services.
    The GPS technology used in the OnStar system sends a signal from the car
to a satellite, which then transmits the signal to the OnStar center in Troy,
Michigan.  The center is staffed around the clock by "Advisors" who assist the
motorists.
    "The OnStar system is uniquely suited to both commercial and leisure
rental car customers," said Ed Gitlitz, Avis Vice President-Fleet Management.
"It can provide a wealth of information services to drivers in an unknown city
and also provides great protection for those drivers."
    The Avis-OnStar pilot project is being conducted with a group of 10 Avis
cars in Detroit.
    "OnStar is very excited about our association with Avis Rent A Car," said
Sheri Adams, commercial fleet manager for OnStar.  "Providing maximum safety
and security to a customer is essential.  OnStar is available 24 hours a day
to answer any questions and ensure the driver arrives at his destination
safely."
    Avis Rent A Car, Inc. with locations in the United States, Canada,
Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, is
one of the leading car rental companies in the world.  Annually, the Company
completes approximately 15 million rental transactions with a fleet averaging
approximately 200,000 vehicles, generating over $2.3 billion in total revenue.
    For corporate background information and recent news releases, please log
onto the Avis Galaxy web site http://www.avis.com or call Company News on Call at
800-758-5804, access code #078975.
    For more information about OnStar visit http://www.onstar.com.