BRISBANE, Calif. -- Walmart.com and Thifty Car Rental have entered into an exclusive marketing and sales agreement to provide anytime, anywhere flat-rate pricing for Thrifty's compact and intermediate rental cars.

Walmart.com will serve as the exclusive provider of Thrifty nationwide flat rates of $29.95 per day for compact size vehicles and $39.95 per day for intermediate size vehicles. Customers will be offered a lower rate if one is available at the time of booking. These rates include unlimited mileage in the state of the rental location and contiguous states. All rates are subject to applicable airport, state and local taxes.

"The world's largest retailer is partnering with one of the world's largest rental car agencies to provide everyday low prices and convenience to the millions of travelers in the market for affordable transportation," said Duane Futch, director of global travel services for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. "As the exclusive provider of Thrifty's flat-rate pricing, we are in a unique position to deliver both quality and savings. Customers can rest assured there are no coupons, gimmicks or hidden costs involved."

Through Walmart.com, travelers in need of a rental car will be directed to a co-branded 800 number to make reservations. Advance reservations are required to get these special Wal-Mart rates. And only with Thrifty do Wal-Mart customers have the option of paying with their Wal-Mart credit cards.

"The convenience of knowing you will receive a low-price flat rate when you reserve through Walmart.com and Thrifty is the peace of mind we know travelers, both business and leisure, will appreciate," said Brian Carpenter, vice president of sales, marketing and advertising for Thrifty. "Through this exclusive partnership and flat-rate offering, Walmart.com is able to offer its customers a unique deal unlike any in the industry. With rental rates varying in some cases by 70% between providers, it's a comfort to know when shopping on Walmart.com, you are getting the best value."

With annual sales of $218 billion, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. operates more than 2,780 discount stores, Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets, and more than 510 Sam's Clubs in the United States.

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