PHOENIX -- Avis Rent A Car System has launched a special holiday promotion aimed at supporting the Make-A-wish Foundation and increasing customer upgrades.

Through Feb. 8 of 2004, customers can upgrade their rentals by selecting premium or luxury vehicles from the Avis "wish list," which features selections like the Cadillac DeVille and Buick LeSabre. As an added incentive to upgrade, most 2004 premium and luxury vehicles come equipped with XM Satellite Radio -- a service that is being offered free of charge. For each paid rental upgrade, Avis will donate $1 in credit to a special fund that helps to provide free car rentals to the Make-A- Wish Foundation.

Customers will be prompted at point-of-sale to participate. The promotion also will be featured on Websites for the Make-A-Wish Foundation (www.wish.org) and Avis (www.avis.com).

"We are grateful to Avis and its customers for this wonderful holiday gift," said Paula Van Ness, president and CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America. "Such generous support of the Make-A-Wish mission helps us grant the wishes of courageous children, enriching their lives with hope, strength and joy."

"Avis is dedicated to supporting the communities we live and work in," added Scott Deaver, executive vice president of marketing for Avis. "Through our partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, we can demonstrate our very strong commitment to the children and their families by helping to make their wishes come true."