Avis Budget, the lower-cost version of the car hire service, has joined forces with Waymo to provide support for its self-driving car programme.
The car hire service will provide fleet support and maintenance for Waymo at Avis Car Rental and Budget Car Rental sites, which will be enhanced in order to do so.
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Waymo was born out of Google’s self-driving programme, and is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with Uber over a rogue former employee, whom they accuse of stealing their intellectual property.
The multi-year agreement will also include secure parking for Waymo’s fleet, and services such as clearning, oil changes, and the ordering and installation of car parts.
John Krafcik, chief executive officer at Waymo said as autonomous vehicles increase in usage they must be properly maintained. He said: “Avis Budget Group is an ideal partner to provide fleet support and maintenance.
“With thousands of locations around the world, Avis Budget Group can help us bring our technology to more people in more places.”
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By GlobalDataLarry De Shon, president and chief executive officer at Avis Budget Group said the agreement with Waymo would benefit the car hire service, and allow it to adapt to autonomous technology.
He said: “Not only does this partnership enable us to leverage our current capabilities and assets, but it also allows us to accelerate our knowledge and hands-on experience in an emerging area as Waymo-enabled self-driving cars become available in the marketplace.”
