Avis Budget during the next five years plans to install "virtual rental" technology in more than 25,000 vehicles in the United States and Canada.
The technology enables travelers to rent and return vehicles from unstaffed locations using smartphones and "fully integrates with Avis Budget's existing rental, reservations and fleet-management systems," according to the company.
The initial deployment of the technology represents a $14 million investment.
Avis Budget took a 9% stake, representing $4.6 million, in I.D. Systems, its exclusive provider of the vehicle-management systems.
This report originally appeared in sister publication Business Travel News.