Avis Budget Group and Continental have collaborated to equip Avis’ EU and US connected fleets with Continental’s Key as a Service (KaaS) technology.

Under the enhanced collaboration, Avis Budget Group will boost its fleet of connected cars in Europe and in the United States by equipping 50,000 vehicles with Continental’s enhanced Key as a Service (KaaS) technology – 25, 000 of which will be in Europe.

Continental’s KaaS solution allows for two-way data communication between a vehicle and Avis Budget Group’s cloud-based system and app, which effectively “connects” the car.

Avis Budget Group’s president international Mark Servodidio said: “We’re excited to build upon our successful Key as a Service pilot in the United States, and provide our European customers with mobility on demand where and when they need it.

"Now, we’re another step closer to our goal of a fully connected fleet by the end of 2020.”

Until now, the KaaS solution only allowed for keyless entry and ignition and was only available in the Avis Budget Group “Mobility Lab” in Kansas City, USA which serves as a test bed for fully connected vehicles and operations.

Continental’s executive board member Helmut Matschi said:“Avis Budget Group is showcasing the power of the Internet of Things by connecting cars to the cloud and consumer apps.

“Our KaaS solution highlights Continental’s ability to quickly iterate a new product for shared mobility that is keyless, connected, and secure.  We are excited to enable new use cases for Avis that will provide their customers with a magical experience.”

Avis Budget Group and Continental will showcase the offering during the Consumer Electronics Show in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center on January 8-11, 2019.

 

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