Avis Car Rental has announced its 40th anniversary in Turkey. Starting as a travel agency with nine vehicles and a handful of employees, Avis has grown to 28,000 vehicles, 81 locations and a staff of more than 300.

"Avis Turkey continues to grow and meet the increasing travel demand from residents and travelers alike," said Larry De Shon, president, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Avis Budget Group. "In this industry, companies that thrive for 40 years are doing so because they understand their customer and are able to adapt to evolving market dynamics and traveler preferences. We appreciate Avis Turkey's passion for customer service and their pursuit of continued growth. We look forward to celebrating many more anniversaries with them."

Avis provides car rental services across Turkey, including major airports such as Atatürk Airport and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in Istanbul, Esenboga International Airport in Ankara, Adnan Menderes Airport in Izmir and Adana Sakirpasa Airport.

Earlier this year, Avis Turkey was honored at the 2014 Avis Car Rental Licensee Awards for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) for outstanding achievement.

"Our stable economy, rich culture and opportunities for business make Turkey an increasingly popular travel destination," said Inan Ekici, managing director, Avis Turkey. "From luxury car rentals to rugged four-wheel-drive vehicles, our large fleet and convenient locations are sure to meet the needs of those travelers now and in the future, as always, backed by Avis' renowned premium customer service."

Avis Turkey began operations as a licensee of Avis Car Rental in 1974 and is currently operated by Otokoç Otomotiv, a unit of Koç Holding, says the company.