Avis Rent a Car is upgrading 50,000 vehicles in its fleet to fully connected cars by 2018. These cars will be equipped with telematics and connected-vehicle technology that streamline the rental process by giving Avis real-time access to vehicle data. Staff will be able to check a car’s maintenance status, fuel level and mileage at the start and end of each rental, improving operational efficiency and customer service.
“This investment will bring the total of connected cars in the Avis fleet to nearly 100,000,” said Arthur Orduna, chief innovation officer at Avis Budget Group. “It will help keep us at the forefront of our industry and move us closer to the future of car rental for our customers.”
Renters of connected vehicles gain several conveniences through the Avis mobile app. One-touch returns simplify drop-off, and customers receive instant email receipts. The app also enables remote functions such as locking and unlocking the doors and flashing the headlights, adding security and flexibility to the rental experience.
Beyond customer-facing benefits, the connected-car rollout supports better fleet management. Real-time diagnostics mean technicians can address maintenance issues sooner, reducing downtime and the risk of unexpected breakdowns. Monitoring fuel consumption and mileage remotely helps optimize vehicle utilization and supports more accurate billing and reporting.
For customers who value speed and convenience, connected vehicles reduce wait times at pick-up and make returns quicker and more transparent. The instant receipt feature eliminates uncertainty about charges at the end of the rental, while remote access functions let customers manage the vehicle without returning to the counter for minor tasks.
From an operational standpoint, the technology allows Avis to make data-driven decisions about maintenance schedules, vehicle rotations and fleet composition. Aggregated vehicle data can reveal usage patterns and help the company plan service interventions, minimize costly repairs and extend vehicle lifecycles.
As the automotive and rental industries move toward greater connectivity, Avis’s investment aligns with broader trends in mobility and digital customer experiences. By combining telematics, mobile integration and streamlined processes, the company aims to deliver a faster, safer and more convenient rental experience for customers while improving overall fleet performance.