Comments on: THINK! launches new campaign to promote the use of seat belts http://www.avis.co.uk/blog/think-launches-new-campaign-to-promote-the-use-of-seat-belts/ Information about renting a car with Avis in the UK and abroad. Money saving tips and offers.. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:56:48 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.2 By: Vicki Wilson - Marketing, Avis UK http://www.avis.co.uk/blog/think-launches-new-campaign-to-promote-the-use-of-seat-belts/#comment-3971 Vicki Wilson - Marketing, Avis UK Thu, 17 Mar 2011 16:38:45 +0000 http://wetryharder.co.uk/?p=491#comment-3971 Hi W. Russell, Thank you for your blog comment regarding share holders and partner discount levels. In response to your comment I would firstly like to point out that as is common in the car rental industry, Avis offers discounts to partner organisations such as national airlines, railway networks and leading travel agencies to drive additional business and support existing business from our corporate and individual customer segments. Discount levels are determined at a level which is commercially advantageous to Avis, and will depend on factors including volume commitments from the partner organisation and exclusivity. They will also run for a set period of time, usually up to 3 years. After that period, the partnership agreement may be renewed, subject to renegotiation (which would usually include the discount level offered), or come to an end with discounts no longer offered. We will only continue partnerships which are of benefit to Avis. Secondly this contrasts with the shareholder discount scheme, which has been in continuous operation since the company floated in 1997 and has only been amended once in 2008, for the reasons explained at the time. We feel that the length of operation of the scheme recognises the loyalty shown by our shareholders, in comparison to the considerably shorter time periods of partnership agreements, such as the Swiss Touring Club example given in your letter. The amendments to the scheme in 2008 were regrettable but necessary to protect the profitability of the business. At present there are no plans for further amendment to the discount level you receive, either further downwards or upwards. In regards to not answering your questions I am sorry that you felt that this would not be the case. I hope the above is clear and helps to answers your questions. If there is anything else that you would like to ask please email me at comments@avis.co.uk Vicki Hi W. Russell,

Thank you for your blog comment regarding share holders and partner discount levels.

In response to your comment I would firstly like to point out that as is common in the car rental industry, Avis offers discounts to partner organisations such as national airlines, railway networks and leading travel agencies to drive additional business and support existing business from our corporate and individual customer segments. Discount levels are determined at a level which is commercially advantageous to Avis, and will depend on factors including volume commitments from the partner organisation and exclusivity. They will also run for a set period of time, usually up to 3 years. After that period, the partnership agreement may be renewed, subject to renegotiation (which would usually include the discount level offered), or come to an end with discounts no longer offered. We will only continue partnerships which are of benefit to Avis.

Secondly this contrasts with the shareholder discount scheme, which has been in continuous operation since the company floated in 1997 and has only been amended once in 2008, for the reasons explained at the time. We feel that the length of operation of the scheme recognises the loyalty shown by our shareholders, in comparison to the considerably shorter time periods of partnership agreements, such as the Swiss Touring Club example given in your letter. The amendments to the scheme in 2008 were regrettable but necessary to protect the profitability of the business. At present there are no plans for further amendment to the discount level you receive, either further downwards or upwards.

In regards to not answering your questions I am sorry that you felt that this would not be the case.

I hope the above is clear and helps to answers your questions. If there is anything else that you would like to ask please email me at comments@avis.co.uk

Vicki

]]> By: W Russell http://www.avis.co.uk/blog/think-launches-new-campaign-to-promote-the-use-of-seat-belts/#comment-3970 W Russell Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:27:31 +0000 http://wetryharder.co.uk/?p=491#comment-3970 I have been a shareholder since Avis floated some 10 years plus ago. I wrote late last year concerning the reduction in shareholders discount to 20%. This reduction was supposedly because of the credit crisis. I haven't received any form of answer, even though I ticked the email notification box below. My main point is - a member of the TCS (the Swiss AA equivalent to which I am a member) gets a 25% reduction. This is greater than a ORIGINAL shareholder! Why? AVIS certainly ask shareholders (thru various offers) for more money every time they need to build up capital, yet AVIS appears to have no loyalty towards its original shareholders. I wonder what the employee discount is? Maybe this is a question for an AGM? That said, I do not think you will grace this with an answer as you are far from being independant. My only action in future seems to be to remind shareholders (thru' any means) of the lack of interest shown by the Board to its shareholders (and by this blog). This would be particularly pertinent the next time AVIS asks shareholders for capital. There are numerous financial sites where this message can be blogged. I have not been abusive etc just critical and the comment above does not show the AVIS board in a favourable light. Will you answer? I have been a shareholder since Avis floated some 10 years plus ago. I wrote late last year concerning the reduction in shareholders discount to 20%. This reduction was supposedly because of the credit crisis. I haven’t received any form of answer, even though I ticked the email notification box below.
My main point is – a member of the TCS (the Swiss AA equivalent to which I am a member) gets a 25% reduction. This is greater than a ORIGINAL shareholder! Why?
AVIS certainly ask shareholders (thru various offers) for more money every time they need to build up capital, yet AVIS appears to have no loyalty towards its original shareholders. I wonder what the employee discount is? Maybe this is a question for an AGM? That said, I do not think you will grace this with an answer as you are far from being independant. My only action in future seems to be to remind shareholders (thru’ any means) of the lack of interest shown by the Board to its shareholders (and by this blog). This would be particularly pertinent the next time AVIS asks shareholders for capital. There are numerous financial sites where this message can be blogged. I have not been abusive etc just critical and the comment above does not show the AVIS board in a favourable light. Will you answer?

]]> By: Rob White- Marketing, Avis UK http://www.avis.co.uk/blog/think-launches-new-campaign-to-promote-the-use-of-seat-belts/#comment-3969 Rob White- Marketing, Avis UK Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:56:12 +0000 http://wetryharder.co.uk/?p=491#comment-3969 Hi W Russell, I apologise for the late response. Unfortunately, discounts are not available for new shareholders (this was discontinued the beginning of 2005). I'm not sure why you were advised otherwise but I will pass on to my colleague to get this information updated. Rob Hi W Russell, I apologise for the late response. Unfortunately, discounts are not available for new shareholders (this was discontinued the beginning of 2005). I’m not sure why you were advised otherwise but I will pass on to my colleague to get this information updated.

Rob

]]> By: W Russell http://www.avis.co.uk/blog/think-launches-new-campaign-to-promote-the-use-of-seat-belts/#comment-3968 W Russell Thu, 06 Nov 2008 12:43:48 +0000 http://wetryharder.co.uk/?p=491#comment-3968 Does Avis still give NEW shareholders a discount on rental? This is from the Hargeaves Lansdowne site:Company name: Avis Europe (AVE) Sector: Transport Registrar: Lloyds TSB, Worthing (tel: 0870 600 3970) Qualifying Shareholding Details 350 shares (must be purchased in one block and held in shareholders own name). Full Details Eligible shareholders are entitled to discounts on car rental and have the opportunity to purchase nearly new cars with low mileage. Does Avis still give NEW shareholders a discount on rental?

This is from the Hargeaves Lansdowne site:Company name: Avis Europe (AVE)
Sector: Transport
Registrar: Lloyds TSB, Worthing (tel: 0870 600 3970)

Qualifying Shareholding Details
350 shares (must be purchased in one block and held in shareholders own name).

Full Details
Eligible shareholders are entitled to discounts on car rental and have the opportunity to purchase nearly new cars with low mileage.

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