Fleets go mad for rental GPS units reports Avis

Avis has reported a big demand from corporate motorists for its Tom Tom portable in-car navigation systems since it launched them across the UK and Europe earlier in 2007.

Fleet managers say they are happy for their drivers to rent a GPS system as an extra with their rental car as it improves safety levels when they are driving in often unfamiliar areas of the UK or abroad. In addition, accurate routes mean greater fuel efficiency.

The response has been so positive that Avis has shipped in some more Tom Tom units to its key rental locations to cater for demand.

“Fleets are always looking at keeping rental costs down,” according to Avis Sales Director Roger Grainger, “so we were pleased that our corporate customers see the GPS unit as really adding value to their drivers. They were happy to pay the extra cost for the benefits the GPS systems can bring both in the UK and Europe,” he added.

Avis offers two units, the Tom Tom ONE Europe and the GO 910 units which can be rented from just £8 per day. Longer term renters can benefit from free days when they rent a GPS unit for longer than a week. Motorists can either pre-order a unit or rent it at an Avis desk. The range topping GO 910 offers maps of Europe, USA and Canada and navigation instructions in more than 20 languages.

“When you rent a car abroad, you often have little idea of how to get to your destination quickly and safely. Tom Tom units can help the driver, reducing stress and enabling them to keep their eyes on the road which reduces the risk of them being involved in an accident,” said Grainger.