DAILY rental giant Avis Europe has established a licensee partnership with Japanese hire firm Japaren in a deal that will put Avis in a position from which to expand its rental operations into the Japanese market.

Japaren is wholly owned by Japan Energy Corporation and runs a fleet of over 15,000 cars from more than 200 locations in Japan including Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya. Alun Cathcart, chairman of Avis Europe, said: 'This alliance marks a significant step forward in the further development of the Avis network in Asia.

Japan is a fragmented market where the most successful operators are those with strong brands. We believe Avis and Japaren are well placed to further enhance their position in this market.' The Japanese rental market alone is worth an estimated £2.5billion per year.