Avis Budget offers rental chauffeurs

Avis Budget Group Inc. is offering chauffeurs for its rental cars to win customers who might otherwise use taxis or car services when traveling.

Avis customers in Los Angeles, San Francisco and eight other U.S. cities can hire a driver for $30 an hour, plus standard rental car fees, spokesman John Barrows said. The service is also offered in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Miami, New York, Phoenix and Washington.

Rental car companies are adding services including Internet connections and satellite radio in a bid to differentiate themselves and boost profit as automakers charge more for vehicles. Avis' chauffeur service is provided by San Mateo, Calif.-based WeDriveU.