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WASHINGTON – The Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today announced it’s first-ever, national advertising campaign aimed at parents of children ages 8-14 to make sure their kids are consistently and properly wearing their seat belt every time the car is moving.

“Buckling up is an important habit to instill in children at a young age. As parents, we need to lead by example and reinforce the message to make sure it sticks,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “This campaign urges parents to never give up until their kids buckle up.”

A recent series of NHTSA focus groups found seat belt use can fall by the wayside when shuttling kids to and from school and activities, when running short errands, or when parents are a bit worn down by the daily grind, which makes this campaign urgently important.

Seat belts save lives and NHTSA data show that as children get older they are less likely to buckle up. Over the past 5 years, 1,552 kids between the ages of 8 and 14 died in car, SUV and van crashes – of those who died, almost half were unbelted.

The percentage of child passengers who die while riding unrestrained generally increases with age and is most pronounced among 13- and 14-year-olds regardless of seating position.

“Kids will always test the limits with their parents or caregivers, but there is no room for compromise when it comes to wearing a seat belt,” said NHTSA Administrator Dr. Mark Rosekind. “Sounding like a broken record can save your child’s life. Kids need constant reminders and this is one that can’t be skipped.”

Tweens test the limits, because it’s how they learn and grow. The focus groups confirmed that it’s critical that they absorb the message now that the car doesn’t move until everyone in the vehicle is buckled up. After a while, it won’t be a fight; it will be second nature. And it is a lifesaving lesson that they’ll carry with them always.

A lot of kids already understand. “Everybody’s parents teach them as children; first they do it for them, then the children pick it up and do it themselves.” said a 14 year old Dallas boy.

The campaign, developed in both English and Spanish, includes television, radio, outdoor, print and digital ads. The ads take a direct approach to parents, as one radio spot says, “You’re the driver. The one in control. Stand firm. Just wait. And move only when you hear the click that says they’re buckled in for the drive.”

The new PSAs, produced in partnership with the Ad Council and created pro bono by McCann Worldgroup, Casanova Pendrill (pro bono) and Mister Face, will be distributed to nearly 33,000 media outlets nationwide and will run entirely in donated air and space. Visit www.safercar.gov/kidsbuckleup and www.safercar.gov/chicosabrochense for tips in both English and Spanish, respectively.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – CSX (NYSE: CSX) Chief Financial Officer Fredrik Eliasson today discussed the drivers of a decade of strong financial performance for the company, updated its first-quarter market outlook and discussed earnings expectations for 2015 at the JP Morgan Aviation, Transportation and Industrials Conference in New York City.

At the conference, Eliasson highlighted the company’s sustained record of superior shareholder value creation over the past decade, which leveraged its network reach and balanced portfolio of business to overcome the global recession and transition in the energy markets. This performance provides a strong foundation for 2015 as CSX expects its merchandise and intermodal markets to continue to grow faster than the overall economy.

At the same time, Eliasson indicated that CSX’s domestic coal volume is now expected to decline at least 5 percent, reflecting the relatively mild winter weather and low natural gas prices. He also noted that as oil prices remain low, the company expects growth in crude oil shipments to be more moderate than originally expected.

“We continue to expect strong earnings growth in the first quarter as merchandise and intermodal customers see growth opportunities and recognize the value and efficiency of freight rail service,” Eliasson said. “By leveraging price and efficiency gains combined with expected volume increases, we continue to target double-digit earnings growth for the full-year 2015, though achieving that goal will be more challenging with the expected decline in coal movements.”

Eliasson also reinforced the foundation of the company’s strategy for creating superior shareholder value is delivering service excellence for its customers. That allows CSX to maximize its three key value levers: growing its merchandise and intermodal business faster than the economy, pricing above inflation and driving efficiency in operations.

About CSX Disclosures and the Company
This announcement, as well as additional financial information, is available on the company’s website at http://investors.csx.com. CSX also uses social media channels to communicate information about the company. Although social media channels are not intended to be the primary method of disclosure for material information, it is possible that certain information CSX posts on social media could be deemed to be material.
Therefore, we encourage investors, the media, and others interested in the company to review the information we post on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX) and on Slideshare (http://www.slideshare.net/HowTomorrowMoves). The social media channels used by CSX may be updated from time to time.

More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com and on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX).
CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For nearly 190 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation’s economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation’s population resides. It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and farming towns alike.

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. – GE Capital Fleet Services today announced that it identified $420 million in potential cost savings for customers in 2014, with customers realizing $210 million in actual savings as a result. By working with fleet customers and analyzing data via its Strategic Consulting Services group, GE Capital Fleet Services is able to highlight areas for savings and has identified $1.6 billion potential savings opportunities for customers since 2011.
In 2014, 50 percent of all identified cost savings were realized by customers, an increase of seven percentage points from 2013. The largest areas of cost savings identified by GE Capital Fleet Services during 2014 were:

Replacement Analysis: Determining the optimal time to cycle vehicles and/or utilizing a short-cycle replacement strategy to decrease vehicle depreciation and capitalize on higher value at auction.

Program Enhancements: Properly managing time and expenses including maintenance, fuel, accident and safety costs, telematics, licensing and registration fees, and toll & violation expenses.
Vehicle Selection: Evaluating fleet vehicle usage requirements to maintain a fleet that maximizes fuel cost savings and minimizes maintenance costs while deploying vehicles that optimally meet driver needs.
Lease Versus Purchase: Determining whether leasing or owning vehicles is the most cost efficient way to manage a specific company’s fleet.
Lease Versus Reimbursement: Identifying cost-cutting opportunities through conversion of companies’ driver reimbursement programs into company vehicle programs.

In addition, GE Capital recently conducted a study of 409 middle-market businesses with fleet operations that uncovered trends in how fleets plan to increase productivity in 2015. Top areas of focus included:

Refining a preventative maintenance strategy to maximize uptime
Specifying the right vehicle for the job/properly upfitting existing vehicles
Defining a comprehensive vehicle replacement/cycling plan
Optimizing routes and maximizing time spent at revenue generating locations

“Some of the biggest areas where fleet managers are seeking productivity enhancements also can provide the opportunity for significant cost savings. This includes preventative maintenance, upfitting, and vehicle replacement strategies,” said Steve Jastrow, Strategic Consulting Services Manager at GE Capital Fleet Services. “As fleets continue to tap these avenues to maximize efficiency, there is an opportunity to simultaneously minimize spend as well.”

“The fact that a full 50 percent of cost savings opportunities were actualized by our customers indicates that fleet managers are increasingly aware of opportunities to trim costs even as they refine operations,” Jastrow said. . “On top of the services and program enhancements that fleet managers turned to in 2014, we believe the continuing trend toward predictive analytics will be an additional area of focus in 2015 as fleets seek to truly maximize efficiencies.”

About GE Capital, Fleet Services
GE Capital Fleet Services, based in Eden Prairie, Minn., is a global fleet management company. With strategic consulting, deep analytical insights and experience in every industry, we’re uniquely positioned to help you continuously drive results – from the road all the way to the board room. In 2014 our fleet customers realized $210 million in savings through opportunities identified by our fleet team. Visit the website at www.gefleet.com or follow the company’s eco news and updates via Twitter (@GEFleetSvcs).

GE Capital offers customers around the globe an array of financial products, services and insights to help them grow their businesses. For more information, visit www.gecapital.com or follow company news via Twitter (@GECapital).

GE (NYSE: GE) imagines things others don’t, builds things others can’t and delivers outcomes that make the world work better. GE brings together the physical and digital worlds in ways no other company can. In its labs and factories and on the ground with customers, GE is inventing the next industrial era to move, power, build and cure the world. www.ge.com

WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced today at Washington’s Union Station a proposed rule to increase oversight responsibilities of State Safety Oversight Agencies (SSOAs) by replacing the existing outdated regulatory framework with one designed to better evaluate the effectiveness of a rail transit agency’s system safety program. The Secretary’s visit was the last stop on his four-day, five state GROW AMERICA Express bus tour highlighting the importance of investing in America’s infrastructure and to encourage Congress to act on a long-term transportation bill.

Reflecting new statutory safety authority established by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), the proposed rule issued by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) would give states more resources to increase oversight over rail transit systems. The proposed rule would require adoption and enforcement of federal and state safety laws, and require SSOAs to be financially and legally independent of the rail transit systems they oversee.

In addition, FTA would enhance its authority to review and approve each State Safety Oversight (SSO) program, including triennial audits, review of annual status reports, and certification of SSOAs. If states are not meeting the statutory criteria, FTA may withhold federal funds until an SSO program is certified. Public comments on the proposed rule will be accepted for sixty days after its publication in the Federal Register.

“We must improve, modernize and transform rail transit safety oversight to provide the increased level of safety expected by the millions of passengers who use rail transit every day,” said Secretary Foxx. “Rail transit is a safe travel option, but we have an obligation and opportunity to make it even safer.”

“FTA appreciates the continued cooperation and engagement of our state and rail transit industry partners as we take this major step forward toward a new safety regulatory framework,” said FTA Acting Administrator Therese McMillan. “We drafted the proposed rule to ensure it allows for the flexibility and scalability needed to provide effective safety benefits for passengers and employees of transit agencies of all sizes and operating environments.”

On February 2, the Obama Administration announced a plan to address the infrastructure deficit with a $478 billion, six-year surface transportation reauthorization proposal, building on the GROW AMERICA Act, which the Administration first released last year. The plan makes critical investments in infrastructure needed to promote long-term economic growth, enhance safety and efficiency, and support jobs for the 21st century.

The need for these investments is clear. Earlier this month, U.S. DOT released a landmark study, “Beyond Traffic” that looked at the trends and choices facing American transportation over the next three decades. These included a rapidly growing population, increasing freight volume, demographic shifts in rural and urban areas, and a transportation system that’s facing more frequent extreme weather events. A key takeaway of the study was that we need to keep investing in transportation for the sake of future generations, and the proposals included in GROW AMERICA would allow us to do just that.

The proposed SSO rule reflects the flexible, scalable principles of Safety Management Systems that focus on organization-wide safety policy, proactive hazard identification and risk informed decision-making as part of risk management, safety assurance, and safety promotion (safety training and communications).

Also this week, FTA announced that it will publish a final interim safety certification training program designed to enhance the technical competencies and capabilities of individuals responsible for direct safety oversight of rail transit systems at agency, state and federal levels; and of individuals who conduct safety audits of these systems. The interim training program becomes effective ninety days from its publication in the Federal Register. FTA plans to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to establish the permanent provisions later this year.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today announced $232.5 million in Emergency Relief (ER) funds from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to help 26 states and Puerto Rico repair roads and bridges damaged by storms, floods and other unexpected events.

“We are committed to getting transportation facilities restored as quickly as possible following natural disasters and other emergencies,” said Secretary Foxx. “These funds will certainly repair roads and bridges, but most importantly, they are helping people who rely on them every day to arrive at their jobs and pick up their children at school.”

FHWA’s ER program reimburses states for eligible expenses associated with damage from natural disasters or other emergency situations based on their requests. The funds help to pay for the reconstruction or replacement of damaged highways and bridges along with the arrangement of detours and replacement of guardrails or other damaged safety devices.

According to Beyond Traffic, a report issued by the Department in February, the Federal Highway Administration estimates that approximately $77 billion in annual investment is needed to meet the needs of our federal-aid highway system. In addition, there are 60,000 miles of coastal roads in America that are exposed to flooding from heavy rain and storm surges. Low-lying road infrastructure is particularly vulnerable to storm surges and bridges— because they often cross or are near bodies of water— are vulnerable to storm surges.

“We want states to know that they can go ahead and expedite repairs where they are needed most following a disaster and that they will be repaid,” said Acting Federal Highway Administrator Gregory Nadeau. “It is our top priority to help states and their communities that have been hurt by storms like these — so their residents can get back to traveling freely and safely again.”

At $55 million, Colorado topped the list among states reimbursed through the ER program –for a single flood event that caused widespread damage throughout the state, most of which is in the Boulder area.

Arizona also received $36 million for a slope failure on US 89 in Coconino County and Ohio $34 million for rock fall damages on SR 7 in Jefferson County. Both Alabama, in Baldwin and Mobile Counties, and Tennessee, south of Nashville, are repaid for repairs on two bridges on I-65 damaged by truck fires.

Delaware received funding to fix damaged piers on the I-495 bridge spanning the Christina River near the Port of Wilmington. Twenty other states received funding for extensive flooding, rainfall and other eligible events as well.

Norfolk Southern and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen today reached a new collective bargaining agreement that continues to link engineer compensation to corporate performance through 2019.

The agreement, which covers approximately 4,600 locomotive engineers, provides engineers with an annual bonus opportunity based on corporate performance and for the first time includes individual incentive opportunities based on personal performance. The agreement also includes changes to improve engineer work scheduling, which will help ensure that NS has a more stable and available workforce while providing employees with more predictable schedules.

“The new agreement builds on our long history of collaborative problem-solving with the BLET, and it will have a positive impact on employees, our customers and the long-term success of the company,” said Norfolk Southern Labor Relations Vice President Scott Weaver. “We thank the BLET for its continued partnership throughout this process.”

About Norfolk Southern
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal, automotive, and industrial products.

MIAMI– Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE: R), a leader in commercial fleet management and supply chain solutions, today announced that it will offer customers a female-friendly vehicle package for lease – the first of its kind in the industry. With the help of various OEMs and Women in Trucking Association (WIT), a non-profit organization established to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, Ryder is making available a custom vehicle design, including 15 unique specifications, to better meet the needs of female drivers. These same ergonomic specifications will also provide a benefit for many male drivers in the industry.

The ergonomic vehicles include features such as adjusted height and placement of cab grab handles, adjustable seatbelt shoulder straps, improved placement of dash cluster gauges, and better access to oil and coolant checks and fill ports. Upon customer request, and depending upon the OEM model of vehicle, Ryder can also include the following options:

ergonomically designed seats and adjustable armrest;
hood lift/closure assistance mechanism;
automated transmissions;
5th Wheel configurations with lower pull pressures to open the locking mechanism;
automated 5th wheel locking mechanisms;
automatic landing gear operators for trailers; and
a cab security system that offers personal protection while a driver is in his/her sleeper berth.
“Ryder is one of the largest purchasers of heavy duty trucks in North America and has a great deal of visibility into the needs of the professional truck driver,” said Steve Schmotzer, Region Fleet Manager, PACCAR. “There really is no one in a more suitable position to provide feedback on this issue to manufacturers than Ryder. We are proud to support this initiative, which is critical to addressing a pressing industry need.”

Women may be the key to unlocking the driver shortage, which is currently estimated to be between 20,000 and 25,000 drivers, and expected to reach 239,000 by 2022. Only five percent of professional truck drivers in the U.S. are women. Ryder is committed to identifying truck design gaps and influencing improvements in future vehicle designs that make driving a more attractive career option for women. For example, the Company is currently encouraging OEMs to make adjustable foot pedal height a standard feature in future truck models. This is one item identified by female truck drivers as an important need according to a recent survey conducted by Women In Trucking Association.

“This custom truck package is not only more ergonomically friendly to women, but will also benefit other drivers with the same types of needs,” said Scott Perry, Vice President of Supply Management and Global Fuel Products, Ryder. “Our intent is to not only help attract more women to the industry, but also to make the vehicles easier and safer for a broader range of drivers to operate. As an industry leader, we feel a responsibility to leverage our influence and find creative ways to deal with the professional truck driver shortage.”

“Addressing driver comfort and truck cab design to accommodate the typically smaller stature of women is one of the issues where Women In Trucking Association is prompting changes,” said Ellen Voie, President and CEO, Women In Trucking. “We are so pleased to see Ryder’s efforts in moving these ergonomic challenges into the forefront of the manufacturers’ design changes,” Voie added.

About Ryder
Ryder is a FORTUNE 500® commercial fleet management and supply chain solutions company. Ryder’s stock (NYSE:R) is a component of the Dow Jones Transportation Average and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index. Inbound Logistics magazine has recognized Ryder as a top third party logistics provider and green supply chain partner. In addition, Security Magazine has named Ryder one of the top companies for security practices in the transportation, logistics, supply chain, and warehousing sector. Ryder is a proud member of the American Red Cross Disaster Responder Program, supporting national and local disaster preparedness and response efforts. For more information, visit www.ryder.com and follow us on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and on our Online Newsroom.

About Women In Trucking
Women in Trucking was established to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the trucking industry. Membership is not limited to women, as sixteen percent of its members are men who support the mission. For more information visit www.WomenInTrucking.org or call 888-464-9482 FREE.

– See more at: http://newsroom.ryder.com/press-release/fleet-management-solutions/ryder-introduces-first-heavy-duty-truck-specification-desig#sthash.5MjkdT0g.dpuf

Union Pacific Railroad conducted training for 35 emergency response personnel from eight states December 1-3. The training focused on sharpening the emergency responders’ skills to better prepare them in the unlikely event of a crude-by-rail incident in or near their respective communities.

Union Pacific proactively reaches out to fire departments as well as other emergency responders along its lines to offer comprehensive training to first responders in communities where the railroad operates. The company annually trains approximately 2,500 local, state and federal first-responders on ways to minimize the impact of a potential derailment. Union Pacific has trained nearly 38,000 public responders and almost 7,500 private responders (shippers and contractors) since 2003. This includes classroom and hands-on training.

The recently completed training covered a variety of safety subjects, including identification of tank car types that transport crude, tank car fittings, tank car construction, chemical and physical properties of the different types of crude oil and crude oil response precautions. Participants received hands-on experience in assessing tank car damage, making certain on-site repairs, controlling the release of crude oil from damaged rail cars and crude oil fire suppression techniques.

Class members participated in a simulated crude oil fire. The simulation helped students understand how the railroad would work with them in an emergency, and how to work safely while on railroad property.

The three-day, 24-hour courses were held at the Association of American Railroad’s Transportation Technology Center near Pueblo, Colorado. Union Pacific paid for all attendees’ expenses, with no cost to communities or organizations. So far in 2014, the railroad has trained 314 emergency responders on crude oil safety at the Pueblo facility.

Emergency response personnel from the following organizations attended the course:

Arkansas:
Pine Bluff Fire Department, Pine Bluff
California:
Cal Fire – Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, San Luis Obispo
Benicia Fire Department, Benicia
Oroville Fire Department, Oroville
Illinois:
Elmhurst Fire Department, Elmhurst
Mutual Aid Box Alarm System – Illinois, Wheeling
Wheaton Fire Department, Wheaton
Iowa:
Belle Plaine Fire Department, Belle Plaine
Louisiana:
Olla Volunteer Fire Department, Olla
Port Allen Fire Service, Port Allen
Office of State Fire Marshall, Baton Rouge
St. James Parish, Convent
Pineville Fire Department, Pineville
Minnesota:
South Metro Fire Department, St. Paul
Oregon:
Clackamas Fire District, Clackamas
Gresham Fire & Emergency Services, Gresham
Portland Fire & Rescue, Portland
Umatilla Tribal Fire Department, Umatilla
Texas:
Homeland Security, Houston
Galveston Fire Department, Galveston
Huntsville Fire Department, Huntsville
San Antonio Fire Department, San Antonio
About Union Pacific

Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP). One of America’s most recognized companies, Union Pacific Railroad connects 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical link in the global supply chain. From 2004-2013, Union Pacific invested approximately $30 billion in its network and operations to support America’s transportation infrastructure. The railroad’s diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Coal, Industrial Products and Intermodal. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada’s rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways. Union Pacific provides value to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible manner.

PARSIPPANY, N.J., — Avis Budget Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:CAR), a leading provider of vehicle rental services, announced today that it has agreed to acquire its licensee for the Avis and Budget brands in Norway, Sweden and Denmark for approximately $50 million. The licensee being acquired operates both the Avis and Budget brands at major locations throughout the region including Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Sweden’s Arlanda and Goteberg airports.

“The Scandinavian territory represents one of our larger licensee acquisition opportunities and is consistent with our core strategic initiative of expanding our global footprint,” said Ronald L. Nelson, Avis Budget Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Along with the United Kingdom, it will be managed as part of a newly formed Northern unit within the EMEA region.”

The acquisition is expected to add more than $100 million of annual revenue and approximately $10 million of Adjusted EBITDA to Avis Budget Group, after synergies and in addition to the royalties that the licensee was paying to Avis Budget Group. The acquisition is scheduled to close in first quarter 2015, subject to customary closing conditions.

About Avis Budget Group
Avis Budget Group, Inc. is a leading global provider of vehicle rental services, both through its Avis and Budget brands, with more than 10,000 rental locations in approximately 175 countries around the world, and through its Zipcar brand, which is the world’s leading car sharing network, with more than 900,000 members. Avis Budget Group operates most of its car rental offices in North America, Europe and Australia directly, and operates primarily through licensees in other parts of the world. Avis Budget Group has approximately 29,000 employees and is headquartered in Parsippany, N.J. For more information, visit www.avisbudgetgroup.com.

MEMPHIS, Tenn., FedEx Corp. announced today that it acquired Bongo International, a leader in cross border enablement technologies and solutions. Bongo International’s capabilities complement and expand the FedEx portfolio of offerings important to the rapidly growing global e-commerce marketplace.

Bongo International’s technology and processes provide a comprehensive and integrated end-to-end solution that helps retailers and e-tailers grow by reaching international e-commerce consumers. Bongo International’s capabilities include duty and tax calculations; export compliance management; HS classification; currency conversions; international payment options inclusive of language translation; shopping cart management and fraud protection.

With a base of over 2,000 retailers across Europe, the UK and U.S., Bongo International is currently delivering cross border enablement solutions to more than 200 countries worldwide.

“We anticipate global e-commerce to continue on a double digit growth trajectory,” said T. Michael Glenn, FedEx Corporation Executive Vice President, Market Development and Corporate Communications. “Bongo International’s end-to-end cross border enablement capabilities will greatly enhance the FedEx portfolio of global e-commerce solutions and provide customers with unmatched flexibility to establish and expand their international business and customer base.”

“Our knowledge and experience within the evolving cross border enablement environment, as well as our customer-centric culture, is a perfect fit with FedEx. We’re excited about joining the FedEx family,” said Craig Turnbull, Bongo International Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “Our collective cross border and transportation solutions will catapult our customers’ global e-commerce business capabilities.”

Bongo International is headquartered in St. Petersburg, Fla. and will operate as a subsidiary of FedEx Trade Networks.

About FedEx Corp.
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $46 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 300,000 team members to remain “absolutely, positively” focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. For more information, visit news.fedex.com.

About Bongo International
Bongo International helps consumers and businesses overcome the obstacles associated with international e-commerce shipments and orders. Bongo International supports more than 250,000 customers in more than 200 countries, as well as EU, UK and U.S. online retailers through a comprehensive end-to-end suite of solutions covering accurate duty and tax calculations; export compliance management; HS classification; currency conversions; international payment options inclusive of language translation; shopping cart management; fraud protection.

UPS® (NYSE: UPS) today announced it has agreed to terms with Poland-based investment fund ORTIE to acquire its pharmaceutical logistics company Poltraf Sp. z o.o. The acquisition will further strengthen UPS’s healthcare expertise and network in Europe, enabling compliant logistics services to customers for streamlining their product supply to the fast-growing healthcare markets of Central and Eastern Europe.
UPS expects to complete the transaction in the first half of 2015, subject to customary closing conditions. Terms of the deal are not being disclosed.

Based in Blonie near Warsaw, Poltraf has offered customers top-rate healthcare logistics solutions for the past nine years. The company is recognized for its temperature-sensitive warehousing and transportation solutions that help healthcare and life sciences companies maximise supply chain efficiencies, meet regulatory requirements and deliver products reliably and securely. Its customers include some of the best known healthcare brands in the world.

“This acquisition brings greater capability to our global healthcare network,” said Cindy Miller, president, UPS Europe. “Poltraf complements our mainland Europe expansion plan and we are now able to provide healthcare companies access to a single source for logistics solutions across the continent, helping to achieve greater supply chain efficiencies and compliance with relevant guidelines.”

“This is a very positive development for our company, our employees, and our customers,” said Piotr Krol, CEO of Poltraf. “Joining forces with UPS will allow us to continue to provide high-quality logistics services to our customers and broaden our reach by leveraging UPS’s global distribution network. We look forward to creating even greater value for our customers.”

The acquisition will add three facilities with advanced warehousing management systems, full quality assurance services, and an experienced workforce to UPS’s existing European healthcare network, now totaling 14 healthcare facilities. UPS’s healthcare reach and expertise in Europe now includes dedicated healthcare distribution centers in the Benelux area, Eastern Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe, the Iberian Peninsula and the United Kingdom, effectively covering Europe’s most vital geographies.

Poltrafutilizes a fleet of approximately 170 temperature-controlled vehicles for the transportation of both 2-8 degrees C refrigerated and 15-25 degrees C products. All vehicles feature an end-to-end GPS and temperature-monitoring system, and deliveries are supported by an advanced scan-based tracking program. In addition, 10 field stocking locations, strategically placed across the country, support the timely delivery of the pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

The announcement follows UPS’s acquisitions of U.K.-based healthcare logistics innovator, Polar Speed, in February 2014; Hungary-based pharmaceutical logistics company, CEMELOG, in 2013; and Italy-based, Pieffe, in 2011 – all part of UPS’s ongoing strategy to expand its footprint in vital markets to meet the demands of healthcare customers.

UPS delivers value to healthcare companies through a broad portfolio of specialized freight and small package transportation and distribution services. UPS’s healthcare network also offers services such as temperature-sensitive around-the-clock monitoring and transportation capabilities, geography-specific regulatory compliance, monitoring and security, kitting and labelling, as well as order management and accounts receivable. Services across all locations are accessible via one global IT order management platform. UPS helps healthcare and life sciences companies meet stringent and often complex regulatory requirements, provides flexibility for a changing business environment and reliably serves an increasingly global customer base.

For more information on UPS’s broad healthcare logistics capabilities, visit: www.ups.com/healthcarelogistics.

About UPS UPS (NYSE: UPS) is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions including transporting packages and freight; facilitating international trade, and deploying advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. Headquartered in Atlanta, UPS serves more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. The company can be found on the web at ups.com® and its corporate blog can be found at longitudes.ups.com. To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS.
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NORFOLK, VA., and CALGARY, ALBERTA – Norfolk Southern Corp. (NS) and the Delaware & Hudson Railway Co. (D&H), a subsidiary of Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) today announced a proposed transaction under which NS would acquire 282.55 miles of D&H rail line between Sunbury, Pa., and Schenectady, N.Y. The $217 million sale, subject to approval by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board, would benefit customers, competition, and jobs in the northeastern United States.

“Acquiring this portion of the D&H provides for a more efficient rail transportation system by consolidating freight operations with a single carrier,” said NS CEO Wick Moorman. “Aligning the D&H track with Norfolk Southern’s 22-state network allows us to connect businesses in central Pennsylvania, upstate New York and New England with domestic and international markets while enhancing the region’s competitive rail and surface transportation market.”

The lines to be acquired connect with NS’ network at Sunbury, Pa., and Binghamton, N.Y., and would give NS single-line routes from Chicago and the southeastern United States to Albany, N.Y., and NS’ recently built Mechanicville, N.Y., intermodal terminal. NS also would gain an enhanced connection to its joint venture subsidiary Pan Am Southern, which services New England markets. Additionally, NS would acquire D&H’s car shop in Binghamton along with other facilities along the corridor.

“As we have stated in recent months, we’ve been in the process of negotiating the final details for the potential sale of the southern portion of our D&H line,” said CP CEO E. Hunter Harrison. “We are pleased to find a prospective buyer in Norfolk Southern.”

As part of the transaction, NS would retain and modify overhead trackage rights on the line between Schenectady, Crescent, and Mechanicville, N.Y., as well as Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The D&H would retain local access to serve customers in Schenectady and would maintain its access to shippers in Buffalo.

NS intends to retain its current employees and offer employment to about 150 D&H employees currently working in this area. Any adversely affected employees will be entitled to standard labor protections.

“This acquisition would preserve good-paying railroad jobs and set the stage for economic growth,” said John Friedmann, NS vice president of strategic planning. “Absent this transaction and its efficiencies, we are concerned that rail service along much of New York’s Southern Tier would be threatened with losing a crucial link to New England.”

NS has submitted an application for the transaction to the U.S. Surface Transportation Board. The rail companies are proposing a schedule that would lead to approval during the second quarter of 2015.

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal, automotive, and industrial products.

Canadian Pacific (TSX:CP)(NYSE:CP) is a transcontinental railway in Canada and the United States with direct links to eight major ports, including Vancouver and Montreal, providing North American customers a competitive rail service with access to key markets in every corner of the globe. CP is growing with its customers, offering a suite of freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit cpr.ca to see the rail advantages of Canadian Pacific.

PARSIPPANY, N.J., — Avis Car Rental today announced that it has signed a new, multi-year partnership agreement with Inspirato, the world’s largest luxury destination club.

As a result of the partnership, Avis has been named Inspirato’s exclusive rental car provider and Inspirato’s more than 8,000 members will receive exclusive offers and discounts from Avis. Inspirato’s team of Personal Vacation Advisors will educate their members about the Avis benefits as part of their trip planning services. In addition, Avis will be featured on the “Partners Programs” page of Inspirato’s website and in member communications. Avis customers will also enjoy exclusive Inspirato membership offers.

Inspirato is a private club that provides its members exclusive access to 245 luxury vacation residences across the United States, Europe, Mexico and the Caribbean, as well as custom experiences, VIP events and more. The club’s members also benefit from Inspirato’s on-site Destination Concierge staff who provide personalized assistance during their trips – everything from arranging for babysitters and private chefs, to stocking residences with groceries prior to arrival.

“We’re very excited to work with Inspirato. Our companies share a deep commitment to going the extra mile in every customer interaction, and our natural partnership will result in great benefits to customers on both sides,” said Tom Villani, vice president of global travel and partnerships, Avis Budget Group. “At the same time, our relationship with Inspirato positions us to further accelerate revenue growth with this highly sought-after demographic.”

Avis is the latest company to join Inspirato’s partner program, which is aimed at making the “before, during and after” of each vacation seamless.

“Like Inspirato, Avis is the choice of many discerning travelers,” said Brent Handler, founder and chief executive officer of Inspirato. “Our members expect a higher level of service when they travel with us, so we knew that Avis was the perfect fit when we sought a car rental provider. We’re thrilled with this partnership.”

About Avis
Avis Car Rental operates one of the world’s best-known car rental brands with approximately 5,450 locations in more than 165 countries. Avis has a long history of innovation in the car rental industry and is one of the world’s top brands for customer loyalty. Avis is owned by Avis Budget Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:CAR), which operates and licenses the brand throughout the world. For more information, visit www.avis.com.

About Inspirato
Launched in 2011 and now the largest destination club in the world with hundreds of luxury vacation choices in dozens of sought-after destinations, Inspirato is the luxury vacation solution for discerning travelers seeking a superior alternative to hotels, resorts and online villa rentals. In March 2013, Inspirato announced a partnership with American Express and the destination club’s new name, “Inspirato with American Express.” Inspirato with American Express is a private club that provides its members exclusive access to the Inspirato Signature Collection of luxury vacation homes, experiences and VIP offerings. At the heart of the Signature Collection are Inspirato Signature Residences, multimillion-dollar vacation homes fully managed and controlled by Inspirato for the exclusive use of its members. Inspirato members also enjoy Inspirato’s Signature Service every time they travel to one of the club’s Signature Residences, including the attention of a dedicated Personal Vacation Advisor to help them plan their trip, an onsite Destination Concierge to assist them during their stay, and daily housekeeping and pre-arrival grocery shopping. Learn more by visiting inspirato.com, calling 888-827-9561 and following Inspirato on Facebook and Twitter.

London/ Munich. DriveNow, the carsharing joint venture between the BMW Group and Sixt SE, is launching its flexible carsharing service in London today. Initially, 210 BMW 1 Series and MINI Countryman models will be available for spontaneous hire. DriveNow furthermore intends to add 30 all-electric BMW i3 cars to the London fleet in spring 2015, expanding it to a total of 300 vehicles during the course of next year. The scheme will start off by serving an area around 65 square kilometres (25 sq. miles) in size comprising the boroughs of Islington, Haringey and Hackney, though DriveNow is seeking to extend the area of coverage to neighbouring boroughs before long.

Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG and responsible for Mobility Services, comments: “DriveNow is already an international success, with more than 360,000 regular customers in Europe and America and we are delighted now to launch it in London, Europe’s largest city. DriveNow gives Londoners instant access to highly desirable cars, perfect for the city, in an innovative and entirely flexible way. This program is part of BMW Group’s strategic response to the growth in urban living and shared ownership. Our aim is to expand it into about 15 more cities in Europe and about 10 in North America in the future.”

Every journey is charged to the exact minute, with each minute of driving in London costing 39 pence. The hourly rate is capped at £20, so that customers save £3.40 per 60-minute hire. Each minute in the reserved park mode costs 19 pence. As in Germany, DriveNow additionally offers saver packages, which allow customers to buy blocks of minutes for as little as 32 pence per minute, as well as blocks of hours. Prices for the hourly packages vary from £35 for three hours, including 40 free miles, to £120 for 24 hours, including 125 free miles. All costs such as fuel, taxes, insurance and parking charges are already included in London as well. The standard one-off registration fee for London will be £29.

DriveNow is currently available in five cities in Germany – Munich, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Cologne and Hamburg – as well as in the Austrian capital Vienna and in San Francisco, USA. It gives over 360,000 customers access to a fleet of some 3,000 premium BMW and MINI cars in any of these cities.
Further information can be found at https://uk.drive-now.com.

About DriveNow
DriveNow is a carsharing joint venture by BMW Group and Sixt SE. Each company holds a 50 percent share of the joint venture. BMW Group contributes the vehicles and the automotive technology to the joint company. Sixt SE, in turn, provides the services, the car rental know-how, the IT systems, and an extensive network of stations for customer registration. The modern mobility concept of DriveNow is currently available in Munich, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Cologne, Hamburg, Vienna, San Francisco and London. In London DriveNow is available across three London boroughs: Islington, Hackney & Haringey. The location-less, booking free service has a fleet of 210 cars in the UK and is enjoyed by more than 360,000 customers globally.
The main customer benefit of DriveNow is the flexible and spontaneous location-independent hiring and returning of vehicles as well as the premium fleet including a wide range of models. DriveNow exclusively uses high-quality premium vehicles of the brands MINI and BMW. Nearly all cars come with at least four seats, a full suite of extras (including parking assistance, automatic AC, heated seats, etc.) and highly efficient engines. With the BMW ActiveE, DriveNow additionally offers a purely electric, emission-free mobility solution in Berlin and Munich. The vehicles are marked with the DriveNow logo and are easily recognisable.

Royal Mail’s Home Movers Study has revealed that spending on a new home doesn’t stop when contracts have been exchanged on the new property
The study found that nearly seven in ten recently moved home owners (69 per cent) have either already carried out building work on their new home, or plan to do so within the next six months

Across the UK, 22 per cent of home owners who have budgeted to extend their new home have spent or expect to spend between £25,001 and £50,000. Two in ten (19 per cent) have budgeted over £50,000

Meanwhile, 81 per cent of recently moved home owners have already carried out cosmetic work or will do in the next six months, the study found
The study revealed that in the Midlands, more owners surveyed than anywhere else in the UK are planning to spruce up their new homes following their move: 86 per cent have carried out or are planning cosmetic work in the next six months and 75 per cent say the same for building work
When it comes to buying furniture, the North West comes top with 61 per cent of home owners having bought or planning to buy furniture in the next six months

Home owners in London ranked the highest when it came to installing double glazing or new windows (22 per cent) and putting in a loft conversion (8 per cent). They were also ranked joint highest with the North East, the North West and Thames Valley (12 per cent each) when it came to extending a property

Royal Mail’s Home Movers Study has revealed that spending on a new home doesn’t stop when contracts have been exchanged on the new property.
The study found that nearly seven in ten recently moved home owners (69 per cent) have either carried out building work or plan to do so within the next six months. Meanwhile, 81 per cent say the same of cosmetic work.

Move and improve
The study revealed that in the Midlands, more home owners surveyed are planning to spruce up their homes following their move: 86 per cent have carried out or are planning cosmetic work in the next six months, and 75 per cent say the same of building work.

This compares to London where only 79 per cent of recently moved home owners have completed or are planning cosmetic work and 64 per cent have completed or are planning building work.

When it comes to buying furniture, the North West came top with 61 per cent of recently moved home owners having bought or planning to buy furniture in the next six months, followed by Thames Valley and London at 60 per cent. The study found that only 49 per cent of recently moved home owners in Wales have bought or plan to buy new furniture within the next six months.

However, when asked about other structural work such as insulation, damp proofing and installing a new roof, recently moved home owners in Wales ranked highest, with 22 per cent having completed or planning such improvements in the next six months. This compares with 14 per cent of Scottish home owners.

Anglia (74 per cent) ranked highest for the number of recently moved home owners who have already smartened up their new homes by painting and decorating or plan to do so in the next six months. Meanwhile, the North East (40 per cent) took the top spot for the number of people saying the same of a new kitchen or bathroom.

Recently moved home owners in London ranked highest when it came to installing double glazing or new windows (22 per cent), putting in a loft conversion (8 per cent). They were also ranked joint highest with the North East, the North West and Thames Valley (12 per cent each) when asked if they have already or if they plan to extend their new property in the next six months.

Budgeting beyond the purchase
When it comes to budgeting, 42 per cent of recently moved home owners with a budget in mind for new furniture have spent or are planning to spend between £2,001 and £5,000, while only one in ten (13 per cent) will push the boat out and have spent/will spend over £5,000 on new furniture within the next six months, the study found.

However, across the UK, 22 per cent of home owners who have budgeted to extend their new home have spent or expect to spend between £25,001 and £50,000, while 19 per cent say an extension has cost, or will cost, over £50,000.

The study comes as Royal Mail encourages people across the UK to redirect their mail when moving home in order to protect themselves against identity fraud. If people don’t take out a Redirection when changing address, their mail is likely to land on their old doorstep, with no control over who opens it or uses the information it contains.

Andrea Martin, Royal Mail’s Managing Director of Data Services, said: “Royal Mail’s unique insight into the priorities of home owners shows that a significant number of recently moved home owners are improving their homes after purchase with nearly 70 per cent having already carried out or planning to carry out building work in the next six months.”
– See more at: http://www.royalmailgroup.com/britain-move-making-house-home#sthash.OlosBj9Z.dpuf

PARK RIDGE, N.J., — The Hertz Corporation (NYSE: HTZ), the world’s largest general use car rental brand, announces its participation in this year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show. At the show, Hertz will be providing in booth demonstrations of its new web-based portal, HIRS for Repair Shops, and will once again be sponsoring the Society of Collision Repair Specialist’s (SCRS) Repairer Driven Education (RDE) Series and the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit.

“Hertz is committed to growing its network of neighborhood locations that service the collision repair industry,” said Hertz Senior Vice President, John Holt. “Our new HIRS web portal was developed to assist shops in managing their performance and to provide real time Hertz rental reporting. Hertz’s attendance at SEMA and our sponsorship of SCRS’ RDE educational series will be instrumental in growing the Hertz business, especially in the insurance replacement market, while educating attendees on the products and services Hertz offers to provide customers with the fastest and easiest car rental experience in the industry.”

HIRS for Repair Shops, developed in conjunction with Information Builders, is a web based tool that assists shops in managing their key performance indicators and provides real time rental reporting. The tool will help repair shops reduce in-coming phone calls, give real time access to customizable reporting and manage Hertz rentals all in one place. Set to launch in the first quarter of 2015, shops can demo the product and sign up for service during SEMA at Hertz Booth #11381.

Held throughout the duration of SEMA, SCRS’ RDE educational series presents attendees with a variety of programs that address the issues faced in today’s collision repair businesses. The education program is presented each day of the SEMA Show, and features some of the industry’s most respected subject matter experts.

“The industry is focused right now on finding ways to maintain pace with the rapid advancement of technology in today’s vehicles, and the need for collision repair business to find business models that financially support the growing demands to invest in training, equipment and resources necessary to perform proper repairs,” shared SCRS Executive Director, Aaron Schulenburg. “Having support and involvement from corporations like Hertz makes the development of these educational opportunities possible, as we collaborate to better our industry’s ability to serve the motoring public through enhanced access to information.”

SCRS’s 2014 lineup of education sessions boasts more than 20 new sessions and a dozen new speakers to its educational platform. The OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit, being held on Wednesday, November 5, will allow the industry to explore ways in which auto design, technology and materials impact reparability; and in turn, how reparability influences structural design and development.
To see a full list and schedule of offerings in the Repairer Driven Education series and OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit, visit www.semashow.com/scrs.

Additional products and services Hertz will showcase while at SEMA, include:
Hertz Local Edition: Hertz’s network of neighborhood locations servicing the replacement, leisure and business customers and offering customers pickup and delivery service as well as ‘Key2Key’ service with cars conveniently located at auto body and collision repair shops, enabling customers to have access to a car while their car is in the shop.

Hertz Technology: Committed to providing customers speed, ease and value with technological innovations and personalized service, unique customer services include:
Carfirmation: A mobile email/SMS text service – Mobile Gold Alerts — that confirms a Gold customer’s reservation, advises of their car, and its location at the Hertz facility. Mobile Gold Alerts also shows other available cars and upgrades and lets customers select the one they want – all via their mobile device.
Choose Control: Hertz Gold Choice gives the customer the power to keep the car they reserved or simply choose another, something no other car rental brand offers.
Zap Technology: Hertz e-Return is the fastest way to get customers, when they return, back on their way home. Hertz will email the customer’s receipt in a flash.
Acceler-Rental: Hertz is the first rental company to offer airport and neighborhood location customers the ability to rent cars through a live face-to-face video kiosk with Hertz ExpressRent™ kiosks.
Mobile Apps: As consumers are looking to mobile technologies as a way to take back control of their travel experience, from on-the-go bookings to instant upgrades.
Hertz Mobile App: Book, modify and search car rental reservations, find locations, and browse special deals and offers all from the palm of your hand.
Hertz NeverLost My Explore App: Users can plan their itinerary and navigate popular cities all on their smart phone and import it into a calendar or to the award-winning Hertz NeverLost® GPS.
Hertz 24/7 Mobile App: Customers have 24/7 access to a variety of vehicles when and where they need them with the ability to reserve a car or modify an existing reservation and view upcoming and previous reservations.
For more information visit Hertz online at www.hertz.com or, during SEMA, visit Booth #11381 to meet with a Hertz representative.

About SCRS’ RDE Series
REPAIRER DRIVEN EDUCATION (RDE) series will feature 4 days of seminar offerings, many of which are uniquely designed and being offered only at the 2014 SEMA Show. Each of the courses has been individually selected or crafted by SCRS because the content specifically focuses on information that is relevant to the diverse array of marketplace perspectives within the collision repair industry. Register at www.semashow.com/scrs or contact Customer Service at (866) 229-3687.
About SCRS
Through its direct members and 44 affiliate associations, SCRS is comprised of 6,000 collision repair businesses and 58,500 specialized professionals who work with consumers and insurance companies to repair collision-damaged vehicles. Additional information about SCRS including other news releases is available at the SCRS website: www.scrs.com. You can e-mail SCRS at the following address: info@scrs.com.

About Information Builders
Information Builders helps organizations transform data into business value. Software solutions for business intelligence and analytics, integration, and data integrity empower people to make smarter decisions, strengthen customer relationships, and drive growth. Dedicated to customer success is unmatched in the industry, tens of thousands of leading organizations rely on Information Builders to be their trusted partner. Founded in 1975, Information Builders is headquartered in New York, NY, with offices around the world, and remains one of the largest independent, privately held companies in the industry. For more information, visit www.informationbuilders.com.

About Hertz
The Hertz Corporation operates the Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty and Firefly car rental brands in approximately more than 11,500 corporate and licensee locations throughout 145 countries in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Australia, Africa, the Middle East and New Zealand. Hertz is the largest worldwide airport general use car rental brand with more than 1,400 airport locations in the U.S. and a presence at more than 250 international airports. Product and service initiatives such as Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, NeverLost®, Carfirmations, Mobile Wi-Fi and unique vehicles offered through the Adrenaline, Dream, Family, Fun, Green and Prestige Collections set Hertz apart from the competition. Additionally, Hertz owns the vehicle leasing and fleet management leader Donlen Corporation, operates the Hertz 24/7 hourly car rental business and sells vehicles through its Rent2Buy program. The company also owns Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation (HERC), one of the largest equipment rental businesses with more than 340 locations worldwide offering a diverse line of equipment and tools for rent and sale. HERC primarily serves the construction, industrial, oil, gas, entertainment and government sectors. For more information about Hertz, visit: www.hertz.com.

PARSIPPANY, N.J., — Avis Budget Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:CAR), a leading provider of vehicle rental services, announced today that it has agreed to acquire its Budget Car Rental licensee for southern California and Las Vegas for approximately $210 million, plus the cost of acquired fleet.

The licensee being acquired operates directly at Los Angeles International and Bob Hope Burbank airports, as well as numerous local market locations throughout the Los Angeles metropolitan area. It also generates licensing income from its sub-licensees that operate throughout Southern California and in Las Vegas. The acquisition is expected to add $100 million of revenue and more than $25 million of Adjusted EBITDA to Avis Budget Group, after synergies, and is scheduled to close in fourth quarter 2014, subject to customary closing conditions.

“This substantial property is the largest Budget licensee in North America and has been on our acquisition target list for a long time. I’m pleased that we will be able to acquire this strategic asset at a multiple that will be accretive to earnings,” said Ronald L. Nelson, Avis Budget Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Southern California is one of the largest gateway markets for inbound travelers in North America, and operating both the Avis and Budget brands there will allow us to capture more of this profitable business, as well as drive significant revenue and cost synergies.”

Budget Car Rental has operated in southern California since being founded by the Mirkin family in 1958, and the licensee held a long-standing, exclusive, royalty-free right to use the Budget brand there. This acquisition includes owned operations at Los Angeles International Airport, the largest airport in the United States based on revenue. In addition, sub-licensed locations such as Orange County’s John Wayne International Airport, San Diego International Airport and Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport will now become licensees of Avis Budget Group, and the Company will now receive royalties from them.

“This investment will enable us to substantially increase our off-airport presence in southern California, capturing a larger share of this important car rental market,” said Tom Gartland, president, North America, Avis Budget Group. “In addition, we will be able to immediately leverage the existing infrastructure of our existing Avis brand in the region to expand the Budget footprint, enhance brand loyalty and increase our profitable revenue growth.”

Avis Budget Group expects to fund the acquisition with available cash and incremental corporate debt borrowings.

About Avis Budget Group
Avis Budget Group, Inc. is a leading global provider of vehicle rental services, both through its Avis and Budget brands, with more than 10,000 rental locations in approximately 175 countries around the world, and through its Zipcar brand, which is the world’s leading car sharing network, with more than 900,000 members. Avis Budget Group operates most of its car rental offices in North America, Europe and Australia directly, and operates primarily through licensees in other parts of the world. Avis Budget Group has approximately 29,000 employees and is headquartered in Parsippany, N.J. For more information, visit www.avisbudgetgroup.com.

CHICAGO, — United Airlines today announced the airline is expanding its partnership with Hertz to offer elevated travel benefits to members of the airline’s MileagePlus loyalty program, as Hertz and its Dollar and Thrifty brands become United’s exclusive car rental partners beginning Nov. 1. Special perks are also in store for MileagePlus Club and Presidential Plus Card members.

MileagePlus members who book with Hertz may earn the following per rental:

1,250 miles – MileagePlus Global Services, Premier 1K and Premier Platinum members;
1,000 miles – MileagePlus Premier Gold and Premier Silver members;
750 miles – Primary cardmembers of MileagePlus credit cards from Chase; or
500 miles – MileagePlus general members.
MileagePlus members will continue to receive discounts when they book Hertz car rentals via United.com.

Members renting with Dollar and Thrifty will still earn 50 miles per day for rentals of one to four days and 500 miles for rentals five days or longer.

Travelers who reserve car rentals before Nov. 1 will accrue the higher level of benefits available if they pick up their vehicle on or after Nov. 1.

Elite Benefits

Additionally, beginning Jan. 1, 2015, MileagePlus Global Services, Premier 1K and Premier Platinum members and primary MileagePlus Club and Presidential Plus Card members may sign up for complimentary Hertz President’s Circle status in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program, with benefits that include:

Confirmed availability of standard-equipment economy through full-size, four-door vehicles in the United States and Canada, with a minimum 48-hour advance reservation; and
Confirmed one-car-class upgrade availability at all participating locations in the United States and Canada and select European locations.
MileagePlus Premier Gold and Premier Silver members may sign up for complimentary Hertz Five Star status, which includes one-car-class upgrades, based on availability.

“Through United’s relationship with Hertz, our customers will enjoy more rewards and greater convenience when they travel,” said Praveen Sharma, United’s vice president of loyalty. “Our unique partnership will offer added benefits for MileagePlus members in general and will enable our top flyers to have an elite experience throughout their trip.”

MileagePlus Premier Travel Benefits
United Airlines is investing in partnerships that offer its customers a higher level of service from the start of their travel to their final destination. In addition to priority airport check-in and boarding, extra-legroom seating, priority baggage handling and elite Hertz benefits, MileagePlus Premier Global Services, Premier 1K, Premier Platinum and Premier Gold members may register to enjoy an enhanced hotel experience through United’s RewardsPlus partnership with Marriott Rewards®.

About United
United Airlines and United Express operate an average of more than 5,200 flights a day to 374 airports across six continents. In 2013, United and United Express operated nearly two million flights carrying 139 million customers. With U.S. mainland hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., United operates more than 700 mainline aircraft and, in 2014, is taking delivery of 35 new Boeing aircraft, including the 787-9 as the North American launch customer, and is welcoming 32 new Embraer 175 aircraft to United Express. The airline is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 192 countries via 27 member airlines. More than 85,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world. For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United’s parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL.

LONDON, — Nissan Motor Company has chosen The Hertz Corporation (NYSE: HTZ), the world’s leading general use car rental brand, to become its exclusive mobility partner. The partnership comes after Nissan was named the new official global automotive sponsor of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and related events.

As part of this partnership, Hertz will provide logistical support to help Nissan, the official global automotive sponsor of the tournament, transport executives and officials to and from match stadiums and facilitate related pick-ups.

The agreement means Hertz will supply Nissan with use of the all new Nissan Qashqai 5-seater and the New Nissan X-Trail 5-seater and 7-seater. With approximately 11,555 corporate and licensee locations across 145 countries, dedicated local points of contact and a specific booking hub, Hertz is ideally placed to offer Nissan a service of unparalleled speed and convenience.

Michel Taride, Group President, Hertz International, said: “Hertz’s reputation as a mobility solutions provider has been built on streamlined packages for major sporting events such as The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships for 20 years and the Rugby World Cup in 2013. We are naturally delighted to support a winning Nissan team. We look forward to an action-packed season of football over which we will support Nissan in providing a comprehensive mobility package.”

The partnership with Nissan kicked off in Cardiff on August 12th with the UEFA Super Cup, for which over 70 vehicles were needed. Hertz also supported Nissan in the coordination of executive and VIP transport to the official UEFA Champions League group stage draw on August 28th.
Nissan will be using 4 Hertz vehicles per UEFA Champions League group game, while the final in Berlin on June 6, and other related events will require between 20-160 vehicles. Nissan and Hertz have estimated that a league-topping 400 vehicles will be used throughout the 2014-2015 season alone.

About Hertz
Hertz operates its car rental business through the Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty and Firefly brands from approximately 11,555 corporate and licensee locations in about 145 countries in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Australia, Africa, the Middle East and New Zealand. Hertz is the largest worldwide airport general use car rental brand, operating from approximately 10,090 corporate and licensee locations in approximately 145 countries. Dollar and Thrifty have approximately 1,400 corporate and franchise locations in approximately 75 countries. Hertz is the number one airport car rental brand in the U.S. and at 130 major airports in Europe. 

Product and service initiatives such as Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, NeverLost®, Carfirmations, Mobile Wi-Fi and unique vehicles offered through the company’s Adrenaline, Dream, Family,  Fun,  Green and Prestige Collections also set Hertz apart from the competition. Additionally, Hertz owns the vehicle leasing and fleet management leader Donlen Corporation, operates the Hertz 24/7 hourly car rental business and sells vehicles through its Rent2Buy program. The company also owns a leading North American equipment rental business, Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation, which includes Hertz Entertainment Services. More information about the company can be found at www.abouthertz.com.   

About Nissan Motor Co.
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan’s second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 244,500 employees globally, Nissan sold almost 5.2 million vehicles and generated revenue of 10.5 trillion yen (USD 105 billion) in fiscal 2013. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of more than 60 models under the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands. In 2010, Nissan introduced the Nissan LEAF, and continues to lead in zero-emission mobility. The LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle launched globally, is now the best-selling EV in history with almost 50% share of the zero-emission vehicle segment.
For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/

About Nissan in Europe
Nissan has one of the most comprehensive European presences of any overseas manufacturer, employing more than 14,500 staff across locally-based design, research & development, manufacturing, logistics and sales & marketing operations. Last year Nissan plants in the UK, Spain and Russia produced more than 635,000 vehicles including mini-MPVs, award-winning crossovers, SUVs, commercial vehicles and the Nissan LEAF, the world’s most popular Electric Vehicle with 97% performance satisfaction and 95% of customers willing to recommend the car to friends. Nissan now offers 24 diverse and innovative products for sale in Europe today, and is positioned to become the number one Asian brand in Europe.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) today announced it has awarded $1 million in grants to nine technical and community colleges across the country to help train returning military veterans for jobs as commercial bus and truck drivers. The funding is provided through FMCSA’s Commercial Motor Vehicle – Operator Safety Training (CMV-OST) grant program.

“Those that we entrust to protect and serve our nation deserve opportunities that utilize the skills and training they received on the job on military bases overseas and at home,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “We can think of none more appropriate to safeguard our highways as commercial vehicle drivers than the thousands of veterans who have already proven they can safely handle large vehicles under extremely stressful circumstances.”

“These unique grants are designed to help recruit, train and place veterans and their spouses in good jobs that are in high demand and in an industry that is vitally important in keeping our national economy moving forward,” said FMCSA Acting Administrator Scott Darling. “Graduates of these training programs are continuing to serve our nation by ensuring that the goods and products we depend on are delivered professionally, efficiently and, most importantly, safely.”

FMCSA awards CMV-OST grants to organizations that provide truck driving training, including accredited public or private colleges, universities, vocational-technical schools, post-secondary educational institutions, truck driver training schools, associations, and state and local governments, including federally-recognized Native American tribal governments. The funds are used to recruit, train, and provide students job placement assistance after graduation.

The 2014 FMCSA grants announced today will provide training for nearly 400 new students. The awards were made to the following organizations:

Florida – South Florida State College, Avon Park, Fla., $58,003

Illinois – Joliet Junior College, Joliet, Ill., $165,800

Minnesota – Century College in White Bear Lake, Minn., $91,080

Missouri – Crowder College, Neosho, Mo., $72,160

Nebraska – Metropolitan Community College, Omaha, Ne., $47,614

Pennsylvania – Northampton County Area Community College, Bethlehem, Pa., $134,400

Pennsylvania – The Sage Corporation, Camp Hill, Pa., $249,968

Texas – Lone Star College-North Harris, Houston, Texas, $73,704

Virginia – Tidewater Community College, Norfolk, Va., $107,271

The Commercial Motor Vehicle – Operator Safety Training Grant Program was established by Congress in 2005 through the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act – A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), to expand the number of commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders possessing enhanced operator safety training to help reduce the severity and number of crashes on U.S. roads involving large trucks and buses.

In July 2014, FMCSA announced that the Military Skills Test Waiver Program had been expanded to include all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Under this program, state licensing agencies have authority to waive the skills test portion of the CDL application for active duty or recently separated veterans who possess at least two years of safe driving experience operating a military truck or bus. Waiving the skills test expedites the civilian commercial drivers licensing application process and reduces expenses for qualified individuals and operating costs to state licensing agencies.

FMCSA also announced this summer that, commencing with Virginia residents, returning military service personnel who possess a state-issued Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) certificate due to a limb impairment will automatically be recognized as equivalent to an FMCSA-issued SPE certificate and allowed to obtain an interstate commercial driver’s license (CDL). FMCSA encourages other state licensing agencies to establish comparable equivalency SPE programs.

To learn more about the Commercial Motor Vehicle – Operator Safety Training Grant Program, please visit http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/grants/cmv-operator-safety-training-grant/commercial-motor-vehicle-cmv-operator-safety-training.

For a listing of last year’s CMV – OST grant recipients, please visit http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/newsroom/federal-motor-carrier-safety-administration-announces-almost-1-million-train-veterans

To learn more about the Military Skills Test Waiver Program, please visit http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/cdl/Military-CDL-Waiver.aspx

To learn more about the U.S. Department of Transportation’s dedication to our nation’s veterans, please visit http://www.dot.gov/veteranstransportationcareers.