Avis Car Rental has unveiled a new way for members of Avis Preferred, its express rental program, to receive rewards for renting its vehicles.

Avis Preferred members can earn one point for every dollar they spend on vehicle rentals and two points for every dollar they spend on optional products such as GPS, satellite radio and child safety seat rentals. Earned points can be redeemed for complimentary Avis rental days, upgrades and select optional products, according to Avis.

Additionally, when Avis Preferred members complete 12 rentals or spend $5,000 on base rentals (plus optional products) within a calendar year, they will automatically earn Avis Preferred Plus status.

With Avis Preferred Plus, members receive a one car-class complimentary upgrade when available, access to a special Avis Preferred Plus reservation/support telephone number and monthly email offers. Those with Avis Preferred Plus status will also earn 25 to 50% more points for every dollar they spend, according to the company.

"In response to customer feedback, we enhanced Avis Preferred to offer members an added benefit that is simple to understand, easy to earn and has flexible redemption options," said Jeannine Haas, chief marketing officer, North America, Avis Budget Group. "With Avis Preferred Points, every dollar counts, so the more members rent and spend, the more they earn on their worldwide rentals — and there are no blackout dates for redeeming points. It's perfect for those traveling this summer — they can start earning immediately, even on reservations already booked."

Depending on such factors as location, the time of year and the desired car class, some customers will qualify for a free upgrade or optional product after a single rental —  and qualify for a free rental day after as few as four rental transactions.

Avis Preferred allows members to skip the counter and paperwork at many locations and go straight to their car. Members also have access to Avis Preferred Select & Go, the company's vehicle selection service, available at top airport locations in North America.

Avis Preferred is free to join and is open to residents of the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information or to enroll, visit www.avis.com.