BEST IN THE REGION

September 29, 2006

One of Australia's leading car rental companies, Europcar Asia Pacific has been recognised as the leading car hire company in Australasia at the World Travel Awards.

The awards, which acknowledge, reward and celebrate the achievements of businesses in all sectors of the global travel industry, are considered among the most prestigious awards in the industry.

Europcar Asia Pacific chief executive officer Josh Green said the company was delighted with the accolade.

"Obviously this is a significant honour for Europcar Asia Pacific which has only been operating in the Australian marketplace for the last five years," he said.

"The awards are based on votes cast by travel agents in over 200 countries world wide and it is very rewarding to receive such a high level of recognition."

The World Travel Awards were first established in 1993 and have been hailed as the travel industry's answer to the Oscars.

"The awards focus on acknowledging winners from categories who have made a major impact and influence on the world's travel and tourism industry and it is with great pleasure that I accept Europcar Asia Pacific's award," Mr Green said.

Europcar Asia Pacific was awarded the leading car hire company in Australasia and was accompanied by Paris-based parent company Europcar, which also took out the best car hire company categories in Africa, Caribbean, Central and Latin America, Europe, Middle East and South America. Significantly, Europcar was also awarded the world's leading leisure car rental company.

Europcar Asia Pacific is the largest master franchise ever granted by Europcar International and is a regional business with 800 employees, 13,000 vehicles and in excess of AUD$150 million in system revenues.