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Self-service car hire by app introduced by Avis Budget

A new self-sevice car rental option is being introduced by Avis Budget in Italy.

Smile Rent will initially be operating from Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa airports.

Customers will be able access vehicles via their mobile phones, bypassing the rental desk.

The keys will be inside the vehicles in the dedicated parking spots near the airport, wit access via a shuttle service. Cars can be unlocked and locked via an app.

Costs are worked out per kilometre with users managing bookings, costs and any modifications via smartphone.

Avis Budget Group international strategy director Katie Mille said: “This is an exciting step for us as we continue to look at ways to re-invent rental for the present and future needs of different customers and partners.

“The launch of Smile Rent represents a further step in the path taken by Avis Budget Group to generate innovative mobility solutions.

“With this launch we are making the rental experience more simple, transparent and on-demand – allowing customers to manage the entire process with complete freedom and autonomy.”

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