Avis Rent A Car System has launched a new booking tool which will enable customers to make, check or change their reservations online with any Internet-enabled portable device through a special version of Avis.com optimised for handheld devices.
“Portable digital assistants, telephones, Blackberries and other small communications technologies offer Internet connections that enable consumers to access information and services almost anywhere,” said John Peebles, Vice President - online marketing, Avis Budget Group, parent of Avis.

“By enabling Avis customers to make or change their Avis reservation from their handheld device, we’re making it easier for them to save time and achieve their business travel objectives,” said Peebles.

To use the new service, customers need only enter the standard Avis.com Internet address into the Internet browser address window on their handheld device. The Avis servers automatically recognise the information request as coming from a handheld device, and respond with only the minimum information fields and text messages necessary to make, check or change an Avis reservation.

“Accessing and using standard websites via a handheld device can be challenging. Pages take longer to load, and don’t always look the same on the smaller screens of handhelds,” said Peebles. “This new interface has been designed specifically for the handheld’s smaller screens and slower connectivity, making it quick and easy to enter your basic information and get a fast response.”

The service provides the same functions available at Avis.com, including making new reservations, changing existing reservations, facilitating Avis Preferred and Avis First reservations, as well as requesting special equipment like the Avis Where2 GPS navigation system or Avis’ various electronic toll collection solutions.
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