1946 Avis is founded by Warren Avis at Willow Run Airport in Detroit with an $85000 investment. This is the first car rental operation located at an airport. Soon after facilities are opened at Miami Airport. 1953 Franchise operations are begun in Europe Canada and Mexico. 1954 Avis is sold to Boston financier Richard S. Robie for $8 million. 1956 Avis is acquired by investment group led by Amoskeag Company. Avis Inc. is formed as a formal holding company for the company related business interests. 1960 Avis Europe corporate offices are established in the United Kingdom. 1962 Investment banking firm Lazard Freres and Company buys Avis. 1963 We Try Harder. advertising and marketing campaign makes its debut. 1965 ITT Corporation buys Avis for $51 million. 1972 ITT spins off Avis as a public company. Wizard® is introduced the first real time information management and reservation system.2010 Avis is named the leading car rental company in customer loyalty by the Brand Keys® Customer Loyalty Engagement Index for the 11th consecutive year. 2010 Avis launches next generation iPhone and iPod Touch application 2011 Avis Budget Group Inc. acquires Avis Europe plc. The transaction re unites Avis Budget Group with its licensee for Europe the Middle East Africa and Asia.1946 Avis is founded by Warren Avis at Willow Run Airport in Detroit with an $85000 investment. This is the first car rental operation located at an airport. Soon after facilities are opened at Miami Airport. 1953 Franchise operations are begun in Europe Canada and Mexico. 1954 Avis is sold to Boston financier Richard S. Robie for $8 million. 1956 Avis is acquired by investment group led by Amoskeag Company. Avis Inc. is formed as a formal holding company for the company related business interests. 1960 Avis Europe corporate offices are established in the United Kingdom. 1962 Investment banking firm Lazard Freres and Company buys Avis. 1963 We Try Harder. advertising and marketing campaign makes its debut. 1965 ITT Corporation buys Avis for $51 million. 1972 ITT spins off Avis as a public company. Wizard® is introduced the first real time information management and reservation system.2010 Avis is named the leading car rental company in customer loyalty by the Brand Keys® Customer Loyalty Engagement Index for the 11th consecutive year. 2010 Avis launches next generation iPhone and iPod Touch application 2011 Avis Budget Group Inc. acquires Avis Europe plc. The transaction re unites Avis Budget Group with its licensee for Europe the Middle East Africa and Asia.