I am sad to announce that Warren Avis, the founder of Avis Rent A Car, has passed away aged 92.

One of the reasons why I love working for Avis is its interesting history, a history that is coloured by bold, pioneering individuals whose legacy has shaped the Avis of today. Warren Avis was undoubtedly one of those individuals.

He was a decorated pilot, serving in World War II with the US Army Air Corps. Legend has it that he was inspired to start up a car rental business during this service when he could not find transportation on arrival at the airports he would fly into. Popular belief at the time was that this idea would not work, that travellers would not want to drive a private car in an alien city. But with an investment of $85,000, Avis pioneered the world’s first airport car rental business with the opening of his first location at Willow Run Airport, Detroit in 1946. Under his leadership, rapid growth ensued and in 1954 Avis sold his interest in the business for $8 million.

I read that Warren Avis was been dubbed everything from an “impatient millionaire” to an “entrepreneurial legend”. He is undoubtedly a man whose vision helped shaped the industry we know today. 

 The blog team and all at Avis UK would like to express our condolences to the Avis family.