Avis Budget Group Announces Multi-Year Strategic Partnership with Waymo

Core Insights - Avis Budget Group has announced a multi-year strategic partnership with Waymo to launch a fully autonomous ride-hailing service in Dallas, marking a significant shift in its business model from traditional car rental to mobility solutions [1][2][3] Company Overview - Avis Budget Group is a leading global provider of mobility solutions, operating approximately 10,250 rental locations in around 180 countries, with a strong presence in North America, Europe, and Australasia [5] Partnership Details - The partnership will see Avis serve as Waymo's fleet operations partner in Dallas, providing end-to-end services including infrastructure, vehicle readiness, maintenance, and depot operations [2] - Waymo will manage the ride-hailing service through its app, while also being responsible for the performance of the Waymo Driver [2] Strategic Goals - This partnership reflects Avis's ambition to expand beyond traditional travel services and actively shape the future of mobility, leveraging its expertise in large-scale fleet management [3] - The initial testing phase is already underway, with a public launch planned for 2026, and intentions to expand to additional cities in the future [2][4] Leadership Statements - Brian Choi, CEO of Avis Budget Group, emphasized the partnership as a pivotal milestone in the company's evolution towards becoming a leading provider of fleet management and operations within the mobility ecosystem [4] - Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo, expressed excitement about bringing the autonomous ride-hailing service to Dallas, highlighting the potential for safe and seamless transportation [4]