Avis and Ford set connected target

Avis Budget Group has announced a deal with Ford Commercial Solutions to connect approximately 14,000 vehicles in its European fleet.

This will enable Avis customers to manage their entire rental experience through the Avis mobile app, including choosing the type of vehicle they want to rent, upgrading and extending the duration of their rental from their phones.

Even returning a rental vehicle is automated with connected technology, allowing customers to drop off their vehicles through a simple tap in the Avis app.

Additionally, these connected Ford vehicles will provide valuable telemetry data in real time, including mileage, fuel level and vehicle condition updates. This allows a faster turnaround for customers, as Avis Budget Group fleet managers can process information they need more quickly.

More than 4,000 Ford vehicles in the Avis Budget Group fleet are expected to be connected by the end of 2019, and a further 10,000 vehicles by the end of 2020.

Valerie Chenivesse, fleet services director – international, Avis Budget Group, said, ‘Following the recent announcement of more than 35,000 Ford vehicles connected in our US fleet, this expansion of a further 14,000 connected vehicles in Europe is testament to the relationship with Ford Commercial Solutions and a significant milestone in our commitment to have a fully connected global fleet. Connectivity allows us to increase efficiencies as a business, delivering a more streamlined and on-demand experience for our customers.

‘It is great to work alongside an organisation which shares our mutual goal to push the boundaries of connectivity and innovation as we charge into a new era for mobility.’

Dave Phatak, director of Ford Commercial Solutions, Europe, said, ‘Ford Data Services and the TMC make it possible to deliver real-time connectivity across a fleet, enabling new data collection and insights. These insights make daily operations more efficient for our partners and their customers. We are thrilled to work with Avis Budget Group, whose commitment to a fully connected fleet matches ours as we deliver 100% new vehicle connectivity in Europe by the end of 2020.’

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