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Welcome to Avis
Where the journey began.
They say necessity is the mother of invention. Warren Avis, a US Air Force Officer, struggled to travel to and from airports on his own accord. In 1946, Avis opened the world's first airport car rental location at Willow Run Airport, Detroit, with a grand total of three cars. Today, Avis and its brands operate over 11,000 locations in 180 countries worldwide.
Avis is a trusted and award-winning brand, boasting a long history of innovation in the car rental industry. Avis strives to bring great cars and destinations together, to create better journeys. With a strong commitment to innovation and superior customer service, customers’ needs remain at the heart of everything we do.
Here are just a few key historical milestones in this success story:
Milestones
1946
Anticipating post-war travel trends, Warren Avis founds Avis Airlines Rent a Car Systems at Willow Run Airport, Detroit. Soon after, expansion began across the U.S.
1953
By 1953, Avis became the second largest car rental company in the U.S. For the first time, Avis begins to expand internationally and successfully operates franchises in Europe, Canada and Mexico.
1963
Avis launches a bold new advertising campaign... 'We're only No.2. We try harder'. It is now acknowledged as one of the 10 best advertising slogans of all time. It remains embedded in our ethos and is the very essence of the Avis company culture.
1965
Avis Europe is founded by the formal expansion of Avis in the international arena of Europe, Africa and the Middle East division. After achieving spectacular success, Avis races from newcomer to largest car rental company in just one year.
1973
After merely eight years, Avis Europe obtained market leadership in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Avis begins expansion into the fleet leasing market.
1986
Avis Europe becomes the first car rental company in history to successfully float on the London Stock Exchange. In three years as a public company, Avis Europe triples in market value.
1989
Avis Europe reverts to private ownership with three major shareholders, D'Ieteren, General Motors and Avis Inc.
1997
Avis Europe successfully floats on the London Stock Exchange for the second time, primarily to fund expansion of its core business.
2003
Avis Europe acquires the rights to operate the Budget brand in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, expanding experiential car rental across the globe to deliver unforgettable journeys.
2012
Awarded the 'World's Leading Business Car Rental Company' at the World Travel Awards for the seventh consecutive year.
2013
Awarded the 'Best Car Rental Company in Europe' at the Business Traveller Awards for the tenth consecutive year. Avis Budget Group also acquires world leading car sharing network, Zipcar and continually strives to provide for a diverse range of consumers.
2014
Avis launches their most groundbreaking advert in 50 years, inspiring customers to Unlock the World. Unforgettable experiences await ... You hold the key.
2015
Avis Budget Group acquires Maggiore, a leading Italian car rental company.
2017
Avis launches the Avis app. Reinventing the way cars are rented, providing a stress-free and transparent experience. Putting you back where you belong: In the driver’s seat.
2018 – 2019
Avis shows its continuous passion for technology and mobility by sponsoring Indian motorsport team Mahindra Racing of Formula E. Exhibiting our commitment to innovation on a global stage.
2019
Avis becomes the first major car rental company in Europe to launch a worry-free car rental package: Avis Inclusive. Combining the rental vehicle, comprehensive cover and Roadside Assistance Plus together, allowing our customers to simply pay one up-front cost. No nasty surprises.
2020
Avis is recognised at the 2020 World Travel Awards™ as the Leading Car Rental Company and Leading Business Car Rental Company in a total of 74 countries including Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, India, China, Singapore, Denmark, Belgium, Poland, Czech Republic and Argentina.
Avis launches its innovative digital check-in service to provide customers with a safe and speedy way to collect their rental vehicle.
Award-winning car hire
Supported by the recognition of numerous travel awards, Avis has established itself as a truly global car rental provider.
We would like to say thank you to all the Avis employees worldwide whose hard work and dedication has made this journey possible.
See the awards
Car hire on your terms. Here’s what to expect:
- Fully flexible
Enjoy fee-free flexible booking with full cash refunds and no vouchers.
- Fully flexible
- Savings on coverage
When you choose Avis Inclusive you can experience total peace of mind with no extras or surprises. Pay one upfront price for free Roadside Assistance Plus and 25% discount on comprehensive zero-excess cover.
- Savings on coverage
- Loyalty benefits
Join our free loyalty programme Avis Preferred, and benefit from priority service, discounts and more.
- Loyalty benefits
- Safety first
From our well-maintained fleet to protecting your data, we take safety seriously. That means before each rental our vehicles are safety checked and cleaned in line with hygiene protocols.
- Safety first
- Faster collection
Save time at the counter by registering your details in advance with our simple and free QuickPass. You could be on the road sooner than you think.
- Faster collection
- VIP treatment
Get priority counter service on collection with Avis Preferred. At our larger locations you can use our Avis app to go straight to your car where the keys will be waiting for you.
- VIP treatment