General Motors boosts Avis' Middle East fleet with new line up of vehicles

The partnership, which came into effect in January 2004, will see General Motors supply Avis with in excess of 350,000 vehicles to Europe and the Middle East and Africa over the next five years. It is the largest fleet agreement in history.

Eighteen Avis executives attended the Avis Licensee Middle East Conference at Le Royal Meridien Hotel, Jumeirah during which Muneer Alhasan, Regional Fleet Sales Manager at General Motors Middle East introduced the extended GM line up for Avis in the Middle East.

"The Aveo was of particular interest to the Avis executives who thought it was a fantastic looking car and would prove to be a great addition to their small car segment," said Muneer.

"They were particularly taken by the Italian touch which is very evident and comes from the famous Turin firm ItalDesign which styled its swept-back look, enhanced by "character lines" along its flanks," he added. "However the other major attraction is the fact that there are plenty of ticks next to the specs column!"

Chevrolet Aveo has a pair of crash bags, anti-lock brakes, air-conditioning, remote-controlled central locking, alloy wheel rims, power windows, a CD player and an electric mirror on the passenger side, among other exciting feature that make the Aveo stand out.

"Not many small cars can offer customers so many specs," said Thierry Domballe, Avis Regional Director. As well as the supply of vehicles, the agreement entails a comprehensive joint marketing effort, raising awareness of GM brands throughout the Avis business in Europe and the Middle East.

"What better showcase could we have for our ever-growing line up of vehicles than for Avis to have them in their fleet," concludes Muneer. "Most importantly this arrangement will allow a broad spectrum of potential customers into vehicles from a range of brands -not just Aveo- where they will be able to experience the strengths and quality of the vehicles first hand."