ST. LOUIS -- Enterprise Rent-A-Car has received the 2004 Supplier of the Year Award from AutoNation. In addition, AutoNation selected Enterprise as the company's preferred provider for service loaners at dealerships and collision centers throughout the U.S.

"Enterprise Rent-A-Car consistently provides the AutoNation team with exceptional customer service above and beyond the expectations of our dealerships, as well as providing the best overall value with a marked improvement in cost savings," said Laura Payne, director of purchasing for AutoNation

Payne presented the Supplier of the Year Award at AutoNation's recent annual Vendor Recognition Awards dinner. "In addition to providing excellent field support and ongoing corporate support and training for our dealerships, Enterprise also has implemented technology solutions that have enhanced our business relationship."

Enterprise has had a national preferred provider agreement with AutoNation for the past three years. Enterprise is working to strengthen the program in the Florida marketplace, which includes more than 65 dealerships and 30 collision centers.

"This initiative is significant for AutoNation," said Jim Evans, AutoNation Florida market president and AIADA chairman."Our relationship with Enterprise will enable dealerships and collision centers to reduce the high cost of maintaining high-end loaner fleets, as well as lower insurance costs by transferring liability exposure away from dealerships and collision centers."

Marc Christensen, corporate rental manager for Enterprise, said Enterprise's area managers and field operations are closely aligned with AutoNation's field management across the country. "This program has numerous benefits for both organizations, and we are looking forward to strengthening our relationship with AutoNation both in Florida and their other four regions."