Car rental provider, Avis, has introduced the first in a number of schemes aimed at attracting more corporate customers.

The move is part of an ambitious plan to increase its share of the corporate rental market.

Currently Avis has a 50/50 split between leisure and business rentals.

It hopes to move this to a 30/70 split in favour of business rentals.

The first initiative, which will be introduced from January 2008, allows corporate customers using the Avis frequent flyer preferred scheme to benefit from quicker rentals at Heathrow and Gatwick airports.

Avis is introducing the ‘three minute promise’, which guarantees car rental within three minutes of entering the rental area.

If it takes longer, Avis will offer an apology and a £20 gift voucher.

“We see this as crucial for inbound corporate customers,” said Kevin Bradshaw, who took over as Avis managing director four months ago.

“It will guarantee a speedier passage between landing and getting into one of our cars for customers on a tight business schedule.”

Mr Bradshaw said the promise was part of a raft of new innovations from as it increased its focus on supplying daily rental to the corporate and SME markets.

“By offering innovative new products in the market, we can position ourselves to fleet managers as an alternative to the market’s big players,” said Mr Bradshaw.

Avis is now also using a fleet of electric bikes for delivery and collection of vehicles in London. The electric bikes are collapsible and stow in the car’s boot.

The company says 40% of all London collection and deliveries will be done using electric bikes.

“Reducing our environmental impact by changing the way we operate is a critical part of our business,” said Mr Bradshaw.