Avis Budget Group is adding around 22,000 Fiat Chrysler Automobiles cars and vans to its European fleet, streamlining customers’ rental experiences.

The agreement will enable customers renting FCA vehicles in Europe to pick up and return their vehicles, while managing their entire rental experience digitally.

The deal will see more than 22,000 connected Fiat, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Lancia cars and Fiat Professional LCVs deployed by the end of July 2020, of which some 8,000 will be available by the end of March.

It’s the latest move by the rental giant to connect its fleet; it recently passed the 200k milestone of connected vehicles globally, helped by deals including tie-ups with Ford that have seen 14,000 connected vehicles deployed in Europe and more than 35,000 in the US.

From the rental customer perspective, the deployment of connected cars will enable Avis users to manage their entire rental experience through a mobile app, including choosing the exact vehicle they want, selecting an upgrade and extending the duration of their rental from their phones.

The use of connected vehicle lock and unlock technology also streamlines pick-up, with customers able to access vehicles direct without the need to collect keys.

Vehicle returns are also automated with connected technology, allowing customers to drop off their vehicles through a simple tap in the Avis app.

The connected FCA vehicles also bring important operational gains for Avis thanks to the use of real-time telemetry data, including mileage, fuel level and updates on the mechanical condition of the car, benefiting customers in terms of increased vehicle availability.

“At the end of 2019, we surpassed the milestone of 200,000 connected vehicles in our global fleet. This partnership with FCA group, adding a further 22,000 connected vehicles in Europe, is a step towards having a fully connected global fleet,” said Valerie Chenivesse, VP of Fleet Services – International, Avis Budget Group. “Connectivity allows us to deliver a more on-demand and streamlined experience for our customers, by helping to increase efficiencies as a business.”