PARSIPPANY, N.J. -- Avis Rent A Car System today launched a vehicle-upgrade promotion that benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Through Feb. 13, 2003, Avis will encourage customers to upgrade to a premium or luxury vehicle from a "wish list" featuring such models as the Cadillac DeVille and Buick LeSabre. For each paid rental upgrade, Avis will donate $1 in credit to a special fund set up to provide free car rentals to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Customers will be prompted at point-of-sale to participate.

The promotion is the first of its kind since Avis became the official rental car company of the Make-A-Wish Foundation this past summer. The foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses.

Over the past year, Avis has provided more than $300,000 worth of free and discounted rentals to families participating in the Make-A-Wish Foundation program. The donations have helped defray costs associated with wishes involving travel.

"This Make-A-Wish partnership highlights Avis' dedication to the communities we live and work in," said Scott Deaver, executive vice president of marketing for Avis. "We're proud to do what we do best --- take the stress out of travel --- while we help drive the wishes of children and their families."