PARSIPPANY, N.J. -- Avis Rent A Car System announced the opening of 67 new car rental facilities since July 2004 as part of its expansion into local markets nationwide. Avis has opened more than 90 locations over the past year and plans to open an additional 100 locations each year for the next three years, said parent company Cendant Car Rental Group.

The new locations are in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington.

The local-market locations provide Avis customers with a wide range of rental vehicles, including minivans, SUVs, luxury vehicles and newly added 12-passenger vans. Avis provides free pick-up and drop-off service within a five-mile radius, roadside assistance and, in most cases, unlimited mileage.

All Avis rate plans are honored, including special inter-city, one-way rates with no drop-off charges between these locations and their respective local airports. Avis also offers an insurance replacement program.

"The local market in the United States is an area showing tremendous growth," said Ray Koch, vice president of off-airport operations for Cendant Car Rental Group. "Customers rent from these locations for a variety of reasons -- whether they are taking a long trip and want to avoid putting miles on their car or their own car is being repaired. Our expansion in this market will ensure that Avis is conveniently located to serve all their rental needs."