Avis to enter Burma, Vietnam

Avis to enter Burma, Vietnam

SINGAPORE (AFP): Avis Rent A Car of the United States is to become the first international car rental company to operate in the emerging markets of Vietnam and Burma, the firm said in a statement received Saturday.

George Proos, general manager of Avis in the Asia/Pacific region, said in a communique that the company would begin operations in Vietnam from Dec. 1 and in Burma from mid-January.

Avis has appointed Peregrine Capital Vietnam Ltd. as its licensee for Vietnam, and the firm will provide Avis cars in both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Proos said.

Peregrine represents prestigious products such as Mercedes- Benz and Honda cars, Chrysler jeeps and Dodge mini-vans in Vietnam.

In Burma, Avis will operate in a joint venture involving its current frachisee in Thailand -- Thai Int'l Rent a Car.