Birmingham 5th August 2004… The vehicle rental industry is changing beyond all recognition. Fleet Managers are demanding more efficient, more cost-effective and more flexible rental services from their suppliers. In response, rental organisations such as Budget Rent a Car are not just rising to the challenge – they are turning the rental process on its head to identify ways to cut costs and further enhance service standards. It is for precisely these reasons that Budget Rent a Car was chosen as 'The UK Car Rental Company 2004' by the Institute of Transport Management.

In its deliberations to select the company, which would receive this accreditation, the ITM Awards Committee reviewed the entire culture of the nominees, with the objective of finding the company that offered unequivocal standards of customer service, product range, product value and overall professionalism and reliability. It was found that Budget Rent a Car distinguished itself in all these areas.

The strongest advantage Budget Rent a Car has over its competitors is its early realization of the need to harness technology to bring improved efficiencies and cost-savings. Over the past few years Budget has fully embraced e-business solutions to create a leadership position in the fiercely competitive car rental industry. Budget's use of web-based technologies, such as its innovative website www.budget.co.uk is testament to this, and has helped customers better manage and in some cases, substantially reduce their expenditure on car rental.

Whilst off-the-shelf solutions are appropriate for many customers, Budget is also constantly developing solutions to meet specific customer needs. Over the years Budget have worked closely with clients to develop exciting innovations such as the "Fastbreak," where members select their own cars and are on their way without filling out any paperwork, allowing members to completely bypass the rental counter. Keeping in tune with the needs of the growing population of small business owners, Budget started "Budget Business Club", Budget understands that even smaller businesses need to manage their travel expenditure. They developed the Budget Business Club. It's specifically designed for smaller companies and will get you on the road to savings and superior service: which offers customers the ability to bypass the counter when they complete their rental transaction online. Most recently The new www.budget.co.uk website was officially launched at the end of March. where business travellers can place or amend reservations from anywhere in the UK, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering a flexible and immediate solution for vehicle reservations.

Announcing the award, Patrick Sheedy, Media & PR Director of the Institute said: "Through tremendous growth, organizational changes and new travel industry innovations Budget has remained a leader in both business and leisure rentals. It is one of the top three global car and van rental systems with more than 3,000 locations, including more than 800 airport locations, in over 120 countries and territories

"The ITM is significantly impressed with Budget's dedication to offering the highest level of customer service in all aspects of their operation. The company is a clear example of how putting the customer first is the key to continued success.

The ITM awards committee is pleased to be able to put forward Budget Rent a Car forward to its members as 'UK Car Rental Company of the Year' once again and. we look forward to working together over the coming year.