LISLE, Ill. -- Following several weeks of improving rental and reservation trends since Sept. 11, rentals for Budget Rent a Car during the Christmas and New Year holidays were strong, averaging just 4% below prior year. Car rental volume had been down as low as 22% versus prior year in late September. The company, which is owned by Budget Group, has experienced steady increases in volume and rates since early October.
"As expected, car rental volume continued to improve," said Jeff Bretson, vice president for planning and revenue management. "And, as a result of rate increases the industry and Budget took in November and again at the end of December, we're seeing revenue per day continue to rise. The holidays were the strongest weeks yet since Sept. 11."











