Google car firm Waymo signs self-driving car deal with rental firm Avis Budget

A Chrysler Pacifica hubrid minivan, decked out in Waymo's colors and self-driving technology. Former Google car project Waymo has signed a deal with Avis Budget Group to service and house a fleet of self-driving vehicles being tested in Phoenix, giving the rental car agency a foothold in the budding market for autonomous transportation. The agreement accelerates Google parent Alphabet Inc.-owned Waymo's effort to commercialize its self-driving car technology, which is beginning a real-world pilot program after years of tests. Avis Budget said Monday that it would provide "fleet support and maintenance services" to the Waymo vehicles in Phoenix. Waymo is providing free rides to passengers in a fleet of Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid minivans outfitted with Waymo's myriad autonomous car sensors.