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Environmental Vehicle Rental Cars and the American Lung Association Team Up in Fight Against Air Pollution

Environmental Vehicle Rental Cars and the American Lung Association Team Up in Fight Against Air Pollution

Published 09-06-01

Submitted by EV Rental Cars

In a first-of-its-kind, exclusive agreement, Environmental Vehicle (EV) Rental Cars and the American Lung Association of California have partnered to fight air pollution in California, by offering current and future American Lung Association volunteers, donors, and staff discounts on purchases of previously-owned vehicles in the rental fleet, as well as special reduced rental rates when traveling at any of EV Rental Cars' locations nationwide. In addition, EV Rental Cars announced today that it has opened two new locations in San Jose and Oakland airports, bringing the total to nine locations in California to serve the growing consumer demand for environmentally conscious rental vehicles.

EV Rental Cars is the only environmental vehicle rental company in the U.S. The company offers electric, natural gas, hybrid electric, and super-ultra-low emission gasoline-powered vehicles for rent through its association with Budget Rent a Car. It began renting vehicles in December 1998, with eleven electric cars at Los Angeles Airport, and since then has grown to more than 330 cars at 12 locations.

"Air pollution continues to create health problems for Californians, so driving vehicles that are fueled by cleaner options, like electricity and natural gas, is crucial," said Bruce Herold, board chair for the American Lung Association of California. "People who drive electric and natural gas vehicles love them. In fact, they are so popular that car companies cannot produce enough to keep up with consumer demand. Now it is easy for you to get yours at reduced rates. Renting or purchasing cleaner-fueled vehicles will help all of us breathe easier."

The exclusive promotion between the American Lung Association of California and EV Rental Cars provides current and future American Lung Association volunteers, donors, and staff discounts of $300 per vehicle for the previously-owned Honda Civic GX and Ford Crown Victoria, both natural gas vehicles, and the Honda Insight hybrid-electric vehicle (additional vehicles will be added to the sales fleet in coming months). Preferred rental rates are also available to American Lung Association supporters. For every rental of a cleaner-fueled vehicle, EV Rental Cars will make a $2 contribution to the American Lung Association of California. To become a supporter of the American Lung Association of California and receive the discounted rates, visit its web site at www.californialung.org, or EV Rental Cars' web site at www.evrental.com.

EV Rental Cars and the American Lung Association of California expect as many as 200 individuals to take advantage of the special offer to buy the vehicles, and more than 2,000 to utilize the special rental rates. This type of success would be directly responsible for preventing 20 tons of air pollution from ever entering California's skies.

"This partnership provides people who are committed to clean air and better health a simple way to use clean air vehicles in their lifestyle, while advancing the great work of the American Lung Association of California," said Jeff Pink, president of EV Rental Cars. "San Jose and Oakland airports are the perfect places for high-technology environmental vehicles because of the unique commitment of the people in the region to both the environment and technology."

As part of the launch of the campaign, two animated public service announcements (PSAs) recently produced by students at the world animation marathon were also released. The two 30-second PSAs focus on the theme, "Fresh Energy, Clean Transportation," and illustrate the need to use cleaner energy sources for transportation. The project was produced by Animaction and NW4 Kids in partnership with the American Lung Association of California.

The need for innovative programs to address air quality has never been greater. More than 90 percent of Californians now breathe air that is unhealthy. Sixty percent of smog-forming emissions in California are created by gasoline and diesel-fueled vehicles. The vehicles involved in the partnership are significantly cleaner than conventional vehicles. In fact, 25 Honda Civic GX natural gas vehicles produce fewer emissions than just one conventional mid-size vehicle. In addition to the direct air pollution reduction created by this program, estimated at 20 tons, the program promotes the development of a sustainable industry for cleaner-fueled vehicles.

Based at Budget Rent a Car locations, EV Rental Cars maintains a fleet of more than 330 environmental vehicles at 12 locations including Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, San Diego, Ontario, Burbank, Palm Springs, Phoenix, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. The thirteenth location, at Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC, opens September 13. Since opening in 1998, EV Rental Cars and its 18,000 customers have directly prevented more than 15 tons of air pollution, accumulating more than 4.5 million miles on its fleet of electric, natural gas, and hybrid electric vehicles. The company has also saved renters nearly $200,000 in fuel costs since alternative fuels are less expensive.

The American Lung Association, which has been fighting lung disease for more than 90 years, is one of the only voluntary health agencies that advocates for clean air policies. With the generous support of the public and the help of our volunteers, we have seen many advances against lung disease. However, our work is not finished. In our second century, we will continue to strive to make breathing easier for everyone. Along with our medical section, the California Thoracic Society, we provide educational programs, community service, advocacy and research. The American Lung Association's activities are supported by Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa Seals and other voluntary contributions.

Budget Rent a Car Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Budget Group, Inc. (NYSE: BD), is one of the world's top three car and truck rental systems. The Budget system, which operates under the same name worldwide, has more than 3,200 airport and local market locations in over 120 countries and territories. Budget has nearly 1,000 corporate-owned and franchised locations in the United States. The Budget WorldClass Fleet is comprised of more than 30 percent specialty vehicles, ranging from sport utility vehicles, convertibles and luxury cars to minivans, pickups and environmentally friendly vehicles.

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