Mission
To develop, implement and promote standards across all mobility services and distribution systems enabling customers to book with confidence.
Vision
- Continue to develop, educate and communicate industry standards to provide full transparency with a fair comparison when booking mobility services.
- Evolve and automate the car codes and ACRISS Car Classification System to reflect the fast-changing state of the car manufacturing industry for the benefit of the end consumer.
- Pivot from European focus to a global scope.
- Evolve the ACRISS Cloud solution to automate content management and become a consolidated source of industry data.
- Influence mobility services and distribution channels to drive adoption of the ACRISS standards and best practices.
- Adherence and compliance of the ACRISS Code of Conduct.
Influence and Leadership
Industry Leadership Since 1989
Since its formation in 1989, ACRISS has focused on developing industry standards that enable travel professionals and consumers to make informed choices when booking car rental services through electronic distribution channels.
A key part of ACRISS’ success has been its ability to influence the wider industry — including non-members — to adopt and comply with recognised standards, best practices, and codes of conduct.
Key Achievements
Over the years, ACRISS has achieved significant growth and industry recognition, including:
- Expansion of ACRISS Membership and Associate partnerships across the mobility and travel technology sectors
- Global adoption of ACRISS Vehicle Classification Codes by car rental companies, mobility providers, insurance replacement services, and technology platforms
- Widespread adoption and implementation of ACRISS Car Codes by travel technology partners, booking system developers and mobility solution providers
- Establishment of the ACRISS Code of Conduct, including a formal complaints procedure
- Registration as a European Economic Interest Group (EEIG), now operating and registered as ACRISS UKEIG (UK Economic Interest Group) following Brexit
- Collaboration with Global Distribution Systems (GDS), Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), and Travel Technology partners to improve how car rental and mobility services are displayed and distributed
- Ongoing support for members in meeting industry and regulatory compliance requirements
- Development of the ACRISS Cloud platform to centralise the distribution of vehicle images and data records to global partners
- Collaboration with organisations including the BVRLA, ACCRA, and OTA to support the wider travel industry
- Joint development initiatives with the automotive industry, IATA, and the hotel sector, including the development of TIDS standards
Education & Industry Support
ACRISS provides extensive educational resources, reference materials, and industry guidance to support travel professionals, booking platforms, and users of mobility services.
Resources include:
- Best practice guides and industry standards
- Booking tips and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Selling guides, glossaries, and terminology references
- Support documentation for all distribution and booking platforms
- Car Rental Format Cards for GDS entries
- Vehicle Classification Codes and explanations for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand
- Expanded car classification matrix reflecting evolving market trends and mobility requirements
- Vehicle image libraries and classification comparisons between European and US vehicle categories
- Standards for special equipment, optional extras, ancillaries, and OTA-equivalent terminology
- Definitions and coding standards for rental locations, including airport locations and terminology
- Location coding and content guidelines
- Policy content best practices
- Service definitions, categories, and policies for Vehicle with Driver Services and transfer solutions
ACRISS also provides practical training materials for use within GDS and travel industry training programmes, including:
- Vehicle selling guides featuring coding references and car classification matrix in 8 languages
- Vehicle images and classification coding
- GDS format guides
- Special equipment and Optional extras
- Location information
- E-vouchers format and guidance
- Booking tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
The ACRISS website continues to evolve as a valuable information hub, offering both consumer rental guidance and dedicated travel industry resources.
Communication & Industry Engagement
Effective communication plays a vital role in supporting the travel industry and helping ACRISS achieve its objectives. ACRISS actively communicates standards, trends and industry guidance through:
- Industry news updates and newsletters
- The ACRISS website and email communication platforms
- Member and project team meetings that support the rapid development of key initiatives
- Quarterly industry meetings involving travel industry partners and stakeholders
- Glossaries of terminology, abbreviations, and definitions
- FAQs for both travel professionals and consumers
- Best practice documentation and coding guidelines
Through continued collaboration, education, and communication, ACRISS remains committed to improving transparency, consistency, and confidence across the global mobility services industry.