Enterprise Holdings is working with Microsoft to bring connected car technology to Enterprise’s car rental, exotic vehicles, and commercial truck rental fleets in the U.S. – and soon to the U.K. and Canada.

Enterprise has already implemented this technology for hundreds of thousands of its vehicles, with as many as 350,000 vehicles set to be connected by the end of the year, according to the company. Over the next five years, Enterprise is looking to fully convert its fleet to connected vehicles.

Enterprise is using Microsoft’s analytics technologies to gain insights from connected vehicle data that its fleet of vehicles generate, according to the company. This process streamlines the rental process for consumers while creating efficiencies within the business.

"Consumers want a more streamlined car rental experience, and our manufacturer partners are looking for more information about how our vehicles are performing," said Shane Behl, vice president information technology for Enterprise Holdings. "As we approach 350,000 connected vehicles in the U.S. by year’s end, we are not only looking at growing that number, but also exploring and enhancing the additional capabilities a connected fleet can offer with an emphasis on improving the customer experience, as well as the operational efficiencies it offers."

Connected car technology can enhance the overall customer experience by streamlining tasks such as checking fuel levels and odometer readings as well as improving the check-in and checkout processes.

Additionally, connected cars also give OEMs and Enterprise more information about a vehicle. Through on-board sensors, connected cars have the technology to share specified vehicle information to Enterprise’s systems – streamlining communications with connected vehicles from its OEM partners.

"Advances in digital technology are redefining every aspect of our work and life, including transportation and travel experiences," said Kelly Rogan, Microsoft’s CVP strategy & operations, customer and partner solutions. "We are pleased about the collaboration with Enterprise, benefitting from the power of Microsoft Azure, to help them scale their connected fleet of vehicles, and ultimately advancing the streamlined rental experience of the future."