PARSIPPANY, N.J. -- Avis Rent A Car System announced that XM Satellite Radio service will be included at no additional cost to customers renting a luxury or premium Avis vehicle. Rollout will begin immediately.

Approximately 20,000 XM-equipped 2004 luxury and premium GM vehicles will be available to customers nationwide by the end of this year, Avis said. "Expanding the availability of XM in our vehicles makes our fleet even more attractive to consumers and increases customer loyalty," said Scott Deaver, executive vice president of marketing for Cendant Car Rental Group, parent of Avis. "Applying new technologies to enhance driver safety and comfort is a hallmark of Avis. Especially with many travelers now driving greater distances, XM Satellite Radio has quickly become a 'must-have' entertainment and information technology for the Avis customer."

Avis customers may request the XM-equipped vehicles in advance by calling 888-777-AVIS.

"Whether it is a business traveler tuning into CNBC or the family on vacation enjoying XMKiDS, Avis' customers represent valued additions to the XM family," said XM Senior Vice President Tricia Kesling. "Having just surpassed one million subscribers, we know that a significant number of these customers had their first XM experience through an Avis vehicle rental."

Other mid-sized and full-sized Avis vehicles also offer XM satellite service at an additional charge of $2.99 per day.