PARSIPPANY, N.J. -- As the fall travel season gets ready to heat up, Avis Rent A Car System Inc. announced its "Drive Free" promotion that lets renters earn a free weekend rental after they've rented three times between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31.

To earn the free rental, customers must register for the promotion online at www.avis.com or through the Avis reservation center (1-800-722-5909). Regardless of when customers register during the promotion, all rentals completed during the promotional period, including those booked under corporate rates, will apply toward the free weekend.

"Avis is the number one rental car company for customer loyalty and this promotion is our way of rewarding customers for their business," said Scott Deaver, executive vice president of marketing for Cendant Car Rental Group, the parent company of Avis. "We also think 'Drive Free' gives all commercial and leisure renters another great reason to try Avis and discover how the 'We Try Harder' difference takes the stress out of renting."

The promotion is being supported by new airport dioramas, heavy point-of-sale signage, and Avis' fall TV and print campaigns that will be tagged with the offer.

All car classes count toward the free weekend. The free weekend certificate can be redeemed between Oct. 2, 2003 and May 17, 2004, with certain blackout dates applying. Free weekend certificates will be mailed automatically within 30 days of a third rental. Optional products (such as refueling and insurances), taxes, concession, consolidated facility ($10/contract in California) and other surcharges may apply to the free rental. Full terms and conditions can be found on www.avis.com.