PARSIPPANY, N.J. --- Avis Rent A Car System has launched "Drive Free III," a promotion that rewards customers with a free weekend rental after renting three times between Aug. 15 and Dec. 15.

During "Drive Free" promotions in the past two years, Avis has distributed more than 200,000 free weekend travel certificates.

"We love to give our customers free weekends," said Scott Deaver, executive vice president of marketing for Cendant Car Rental Group, the parent company of Avis. "We're pleased to provide a special bonus to our most loyal renters."

"Our corporate customers have especially embraced this promotion," said Chuck Fallon, executive vice president of revenue generation. "Drive Free allows them to earn free weekend travel certificates when traveling on business -- a reward they can later use for a leisure trip."

To earn the free rental, customers must register for the promotion online at www.avis.com or through the Avis reservation center. Customers who enrolled in last year's promotion will have their enrollment automatically continued.

All car classes count toward the free weekend. Customers must have a valid Wizard number to participate and must use it when renting. The free weekend certificate can be used on rentals starting no later than May 15, 2006.

Certificates are valid at participating locations in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands only, but cannot be redeemed at any Manhattan locations, including JFK, LaGuardia and Newark airports.

Certain general blackout dates apply.