Avis Budget Group has announced it has signed an agreement with Barloworld, which operates the Avis Car Rental brand in southern Africa, to also operate the Budget Car Rental brand there, effective March 1st, 2015.

The agreement offers both companies an opportunity to leverage Barloworld’s extensive knowledge of the car rental market to grow and develop the Budget brand across southern Africa.

“Avis Budget Group is delighted to be extending its relationship with Barloworld to include Budget,” said Troy Warfield, commercial and licensee director, Avis Budget Europe, Middle East and Africa.

“The combination of Barloworld and our global network positions Budget Car Rental to continue to grow and prosper today and in the future.”

Avis Car Rental in southern Africa has garnered numerous honours for outstanding customer service, including the title of ‘South Africa’s Leading Car Rental Company’ at the 2014 World Travel Awards.

The transition is expected to be seamless, with Budget customers continuing to receive the same high level of service they are accustomed to.

Under the license agreement, Barloworld will operate the Budget brand in Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe as well as South Africa. Barloworld already operates the Avis brand in Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

“Barloworld has a 45-year history of partnership with Avis Budget Group, and proven experience successfully operating the Avis brand in southern Africa.

“We are thrilled to add the Budget brand to our portfolio as part of Avis Budget Group’s multi-brand strategy,” said Keith Rankin, chief executive of Avis Rent a Car southern Africa.