Avis Budget Group (ABG) has launched a coalition designed to enhance the cleanliness and disinfection of its rental facilities and vehicles. Along with ABG, the coalition includes RB, which is the maker of Lysol, and a team of medical professionals from leading institutions, including Columbia University, with expertise in public health, COVID-19, and other infectious diseases.

The coalition is also joined by Hip Hop Public Health, which is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering positive behavior change.

RB, which has been a longstanding customer of ABG, will help elevate ABG’s cleanliness and disinfection protocols. A team of scientists and germ experts from RB, who are responsible for driving germ-kill innovation for Lysol, will review and provide ABG guidance on the latest science and best practices to optimize the efficacy of ABG’s protocols. The introduction of Lysol products at ABG rental facilities and vehicles over the coming weeks is part of the new agreement with Lysol and will replace or supplement existing CDC-recommended and EPA-certified products that ABG currently uses.

In addition, a group of highly acclaimed medical professionals will combine their knowledge and expertise to form the ABG Medical Advisory Council. The council is chaired by Olajide Williams, chief medical officer of neurology at Columbia University and founder of Hip Hop Public Health, and includes Dr. Amelia Boehme, Dr. Robert Bollinger, Dr. Gbenga Ogedegbe, and Dr. Angela Rasmussen.

Collectively, this external team will guide ABG in deploying effective tools and enhanced protocols grounded in the latest medical science to help curb the spread of infectious diseases. To cultivate training for ABG employees, the Council will collaborate with Hip Hop Public Health, a group known for its ability to curate music-centric content that drives positive behavior change.

“Our commitment to the safety and satisfaction of our customers and employees is unwavering,” Joe Ferraro, CEO of Avis Budget Group, said in a statement. “Recovering from the impacts of a global pandemic requires innovative solutions and we are excited to announce the Avis Safety Pledge and our Budget Worry-Free Promise. Beyond words, we are taking a comprehensive set of actions through our coalition with Lysol, Hip Hop Public Health and highly esteemed expert medical professionals, aimed at ensuring the products, protocols, and training are in place to raise the bar for cleanliness and safety.”