Avis, a success story made in the USA
Despite the French-sounding name, Avis is an American institution. It was founded in 1946 by Warren Avis at the Willow Run airport in Detroit. This was the very first car rental agency to operate out of an airport, starting with a fleet of only three vehicles. The company took a steady approach to growth, and today it operates 5,500 branches across more than 165 countries with a fleet of over 300,000 vehicles.
Warren Avis was a visionary who correctly predicted post-war travel habits. The company has evolved into one of the most recognizable car rental brands globally and has earned a reputation for reliability, backed by multiple industry awards. It was named the World's Leading Car Rental Company at the World Travel Awards for seven consecutive years starting in 2012, and Best Car Rental Company in Europe at the Business Traveller Awards for ten years in a row starting in 2013.
Innovation and a focus on customer loyalty
These accolades are the result of a long history of innovation in the rental sector and a wide range of offerings available to travelers.
The company provides a comprehensive selection of vehicle types, including standard passenger cars, commercial vans, electric vehicles, 7 to 9-passenger haulers, and options for young drivers. Beyond the vehicles themselves, services like the Avis Preferred loyalty program and professional-grade used vehicle sales keep customers coming back. The brand is consistently ranked as one of the top global leaders in customer loyalty.
If you are wondering about payment requirements, check these tips for finding car rentals that accept debit cards.
I recently rented a car in Sicily. I chose the Avis agency and everything went really well. Upon arrival, there was no wait at the counter, the car was ready, and the inspection was quick but thorough. The staff was courteous and efficient. It was the same story when I returned the vehicle, just a few minutes to drop it off, with no nasty surprises or endless waiting. A real relief, especially after reading about some stressful experiences from other travelers.