ATLANTA — When Nia Lewis was looking for a car to drive to Florida to visit her in-laws, she found quite a discount on the Atlanta Budget Rent a Car website.
As long as she didn’t mind driving a billboard.
Lewis saw that she could get an SUV that would usually cost closer to $300 for a four-day trip for about $88 — the car is outfitted with ads for Sheets Brand Energy Strips, a product launched this summer.
“I think it’s a neat idea,” Lewis said. “You’re paying them to advertise their vehicle, but they’re helping you because it’s a much cheaper rate than I would’ve paid.”
The Boca Raton, Fla.-based rental-car company is launching its sponsored-rental-vehicles campaign in Atlanta, one of its major hubs, with 15 full-size sedans and 10 intermediate SUVs. Those are the sizes most frequently rented by leisure travelers and families.
Heather Etzler, vice president and general manager for Budget’s Atlanta branch, said the campaign is in keeping with the company’s mission to provide the best value for customers. She said Budget expects renters will find the ads are exciting and in good taste.
Wrap Media Group president Ira Berke, whose company brokered the deal, said the partnership is a win- win for consumers and the companies his firm is trying to reach. The Associated Press
