Overview:
Payless Car Rental, Inc. is a U.S. car rental company founded in 1971. It operates under the Avis Budget Group umbrella, focusing on budget-friendly rentals. Headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, Payless provides economy and midsize vehicles at airports and city locations, primarily through franchise outlets.
Products and Services:
Payless offers short-term vehicle rentals with an emphasis on value. Customers can reserve cars, SUVs, and vans through Payless’s website or travel agencies. Payless locations participate in the Avis Preferred loyalty program, allowing members to earn points. Additional services include roadside assistance and optional insurance. By sharing many locations and vehicles with Avis, Payless benefits from Avis’s broader operations network.
Geography and Markets:
Payless operates internationally, with corporate and franchise locations in North America, South America, and Europe. It has over 150 locations worldwide, mostly at major airports. The brand is often co-branded with other Avis Budget operations. Payless competes in the value segment, attracting leisure travelers and cost-conscious renters. Its presence on Avis’s reservation platforms means travelers often see Payless as a budget alternative.
Ownership and Corporate Structure:
Payless was acquired by Avis Budget Group in 2013. Avis Budget Group is its parent. Before the acquisition, Payless operated independently. As part of Avis, Payless leverages shared corporate services but maintains its own branding. The Payless brand name coexists with Avis and Budget under the Avis Budget corporate structure.
Some Key Dates:
– 1971: Payless founded in Spokane, Washington
– 1998: Expanded by acquiring the U.S. and Canadian operations of Holiday Rent A Car
– 2013: Bought by Avis Budget Group (NASDAQ: CAR) for $50 million
(Sources: Company financial reports, SEC filings, official press releases, and reputable news outlets were used.)
Official channels:
Category:
Car Rental Supplier
