Avis Budget Group Expands Avis First to 50 Markets, Advances AV Fleet Management with Waymo Partnership.

Avis Budget Group is expanding its Avis First service to 50 markets and advancing its fleet management through a partnership with Waymo. The company also announced a new CFO, Daniel Cunha, who is a strategic thinker with operating experience.

Avis Budget Group (CAR) has announced significant strategic moves that position the company as a leader in the premium rental car industry and autonomous mobility ecosystem. The company is expanding its Avis First service to 50 markets by the end of 2025 and has entered into a strategic partnership with Waymo to manage its robotaxi fleet in Dallas.

The expansion of Avis First, a premium rental car service, marks a pivotal milestone in Avis Budget Group's evolution. CEO Brian Choi stated that the service is live in over a dozen locations today and is set to be operational in 50 markets by the end of the year [2]. This expansion underscores Avis Budget Group's commitment to providing high-quality, innovative services to a broader customer base.

In addition to the expansion of Avis First, Avis Budget Group has partnered with Waymo to manage its fleet of all-electric autonomous Jaguar I-Pace vehicles in Dallas. This partnership is the first of its kind for Avis Budget Group, marking a significant entry into the autonomous mobility market. Waymo, an Alphabet-owned company, will launch its robotaxi service in Dallas next year, with Avis handling general depot operations, including charging and maintaining the vehicles [1].

Waymo spokesperson Chris Bonelli noted that Avis Budget Group will play a large role in helping Waymo scale its technology to new markets faster and more cost-effectively. The partnership is expected to extend to other cities in the future, indicating a long-term strategic alliance between the two companies [1].

The appointment of Daniel Cunha as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) further solidifies Avis Budget Group's strategic focus. Cunha is a strategic thinker with real operating chops, and his appointment signals a shift in the company's approach to earnings calls and long-term strategic direction [2]. Choi emphasized that the company will focus on long-term opportunities and investments rather than short-term trends.

Avis Budget Group's Q2 2025 earnings call highlighted the company's strategic vision and commitment to achieving at least $1 billion in normalized EBITDA annually. Despite operational challenges such as OEM production delays and significant fleet recalls, management maintained a confident and forward-looking tone [2].

The partnership with Waymo and the expansion of Avis First position Avis Budget Group as a key player in the autonomous mobility ecosystem. The company's focus on innovation and strategic growth, combined with its operational expertise, makes it well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for premium and autonomous mobility services.

References:

[1] https://techcrunch.com/2025/07/28/waymo-taps-avis-to-manage-robotaxi-fleet-in-dallas/
[2] https://seekingalpha.com/news/4474551-avis-budget-group-outlines-expansion-of-avis-first-to-50-markets-while-advancing-av-fleet