Avis Budget Group has signed an agreement to provide fleet support and maintenance services for the with Alphabet company Waymo's self-driving car programme at a number of Avis’s vehicle rental locations. 

Waymo has partnered with Avis to support its autonomous vehicle (AV) fleet as well as its early rider programme, a public trial of its self-driving cars in Phoenix, Arizona. 

Earlier, Waymo revealed that it is planning to build a 600-vehicle fleet of Chrysler Pacifica minivans.

Avis Budget Group president and chief executive officer Larry De Shon said: "We are excited to partner with Waymo, the self-driving technology leader that is changing the mobility landscape in a profoundly transformative and beneficial manner.

"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."

Avis Budget Group will provide their services to Waymo's increasing fleet of autonomous vehicles and to ensure that their cars are ready for riders around the clock.

"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."

Under the deal, Avis Budget Group has agreed to enhance certain rental facilities and offer automotive services, as well as provide secure parking for Waymo's fleet.

Waymo chief executive officer John Krafcik said: "With members of the public using our growing fleet of self-driving cars, our vehicles need standard maintenance and cleaning so they're ready for our riders at any time of the day or night.

"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."

Avis Budget Group will also offer other services such as interior and exterior cleaning, oil changes, tyre rotations, and installation of automotive parts, as well as other necessary fleet support and maintenance.

Image: Avis Budget Group to offer fleet support and maintenance services for Waymo's self-driving car programme at Avis Car Rental and Budget Car Rental locations. Photo: courtesy of Avis Budget Group/GlobeNewswire, Inc.