Avis goes back to Japan

Avis Car Rental, one of Asia’s leading car rental companies, today announced its return to the Japanese market with the opening of its flagship agency at Chitose Airport on Hokkaido Island.

This opening is the first of a long series to come this year, with new branches planned from this summer in the international airports of Fukuoka, Narita and Kagoshima. Idex Auto Japan, a car rental company and dealer of new and used vehicles, has been appointed as the licensee to operate the brand in Japan.

« Reviving our premium brand in a market as important as Japan illustrates our continued commitment to drive profitable and sustainable growth, » said Mark Servodidio, President of Avis Budget Group internationally. The timing is ideal, just before Japan hosts the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and the Olympic Games in 2020. With Idex Auto Japan, we look forward to offering our premium products and services to Japan’s business and leisure customers.

Local and international customers will benefit from Avis products and services, including a wide range of new vehicles, short and long term rentals, and quality customer service. They will be able to make reservations for Chitose International Airport directly at www.avis.com.

« In recent years, the Japanese government has taken steps to relax regulations and boost tourism, and these efforts have been well received. Since then, Japan has seen a steady increase in the number of tourists and East Asia is now preparing to host some of the world’s biggest sporting events, » said Toshimichi Takada, President of Idex Auto Japan. We are delighted to build on this momentum and leverage the Avis brand in Japan at such a critical time.

Avis’ history in Asia dates back to 1970, when the company opened its first site in Hong Kong. Subsequently, operations in Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Pakistan followed. Since then, the company’s presence has continued to grow throughout the region, particularly with its arrival in China in 2002. Today, Avis has approximately 300 branches in Asia.

The agreement between Avis and Idex Auto Japan to operate the brand in Japan builds on a 1985 relationship. Idex Auto Japan has been a licensed partner of the Budget brand belonging to the Avis Budget group for over 25 years.