LOS ANGELES --- Fox Rent A Car announced it has fully implemented seamless connectivity with the four global distribution systems: Amadeus, Galileo, Sabre and Worldspan.

In just 16 months, Fox completed the technical development work through the company's partnership with Optims-America, whose Magellan central reservation system powers Fox Rent A Car's reservations. Optims-America is a fully owned subsidiary of Amadeus.

The development ensures that travel agencies worldwide can access the most up-to-date reservations information for Fox and its affiliate rental providers. Other car rental companies working with Fox also benefit from having the highest level of connectivity to all four major travel distributors, the company said.

Fox Rent A Car, headquartered in Los Angeles, specializes in car rental for leisure, corporate and government travelers at discount prices.

"Total pricing" is the highest level of processing available, giving customers complete and accurate pricing and inventory information during the reservation process.

"This functionality ensures that Fox Rent A Car and members of the Fox reservations affiliate program have a strong competitive sales and marketing advantage within the travel agency community," said Joe Knight, vice president of business development for Fox.

The Fox reservation affiliate program, launched in May 2004, has added more than 40 new destinations in 10 countries to date, with an additional 60 more scheduled by the end of 2005, Knight said.

Fox also indicated that its partnership with Optims-America will result in more developments in the future.

"Rest assured, Fox and Optims-America will continue to develop technology together," said Mike Jaberi, a Fox vice president and a principal owner.

Antoine Medawar, CEO of Optims and managing director of Amadeus Hospitality, added that the technology partnership with Fox "is a part of the larger strategic direction Amadeus has made to be a provider of IT services for travel industry suppliers."