avis

Avis, commonly known as Avis Budget Group, is an American multinational car rental company. It operates rental services under the Avis and Budget brands and, since 2013, the Zipcar car‑sharing service. The company is headquartered in Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey, and conducts rental operations through company-owned and franchised locations worldwide.

History and branding: The business began in 1946 when Warren Avis opened the first Avis Rent a Car System location in Los Angeles to provide standardized, convenient rentals for travelers. The name “Avis” derives from the founder’s surname. Over subsequent decades the company expanded internationally and developed a multi-brand strategy that includes Budget Rent a Car. In the 2000s the corporate structure was reorganized to unite the brands under the Avis Budget Group umbrella. In 2013, the company completed the acquisition of Zipcar, expanding into the peer-to-peer and corporate car-sharing market.

Operations and services: Avis Budget Group operates across regions including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. Its fleet ranges from economy to luxury vehicles, with services oriented toward business and leisure travelers. The company maintains a loyalty program known as Avis Preferred, which offers members faster check-in and other benefits. In many markets, the group provides fleet management, corporate rental solutions, and mobility services for commercial clients.

Sustainability and strategy: The company has pursued fleet modernization, fuel-efficient alternatives, and carbon-reduction initiatives as part of its sustainability efforts. It has also invested in digital platforms, contactless rental processes, and improved customer experience to adapt to evolving mobility trends.