The need for precise and descriptive vehicle coding has never been greater in the automotive industry. As vehicle designs become increasingly diverse, especially with the rise of electric and hybrid models, standardized systems are crucial. The ACRISS (Association of Car Rental Industry Systems Standards) Car Classification Matrix serves this purpose, providing a globally recognized framework for categorizing rental vehicles. This matrix has evolved over the years to keep pace with automotive innovation, and the New Car Coding Guidelines 2022 represent the latest advancements in this system. This article delves into the ACRISS matrix, explaining its structure, its evolution, and the key updates introduced in the new car coding guidelines 2022, ensuring clarity and accuracy in vehicle booking and information.
The Evolution of the ACRISS Car Classification Matrix
Initially based on the SIPP (Standard Interline Passenger Procedure) system used by Global Distribution Systems (GDS), the car classification matrix has been a cornerstone for many years. However, the rapid changes in motor vehicle design necessitated an expansion to maintain its effectiveness.
In 2006, a significant update led to the launch of the current Car Classification Matrix, replacing the older system. This update was crucial to incorporate the design changes in modern vehicles and to enhance the information available to consumers. The goal was to foster better understanding and greater confidence when customers booked car rentals.
Further refinements were introduced in 2020, specifically targeting the definitions for Electric and Hybrid cars. These changes incorporated battery distance metrics in miles and kilometers, reflecting the growing importance of these vehicle types. Building upon these advancements, the new car coding guidelines 2022 further solidify the matrix’s relevance in today’s automotive landscape.
Key Factors Driving Matrix Expansion
Several critical factors have propelled the evolution and expansion of the ACRISS Car Classification Matrix, leading to the new car coding guidelines 2022:
- Increasingly Diverse Chassis Types: The sheer variety in motor vehicle designs, from SUVs to crossovers and specialized vehicles, demands a detailed classification system.
- Extensive Fuel Types: Beyond traditional petrol and diesel, the market now includes a wide array of fuel types, including electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, LPG, and hydrogen. Accurate coding is essential to distinguish these options.
- Differentiation in Drivetrain: The rise of 4WD and AWD vehicles, particularly in SUV categories, necessitates clear distinctions from 2-wheel drive models.
- Model and Promotional Variety: The market offers a greater diversity of specific models and promotional vehicle options, requiring a system that can accommodate these nuances.
- Enhanced Online Search Logic: Online booking services rely on precise coding for effective search functionality, enabling consumers to find the exact vehicle type they need.
- Informed Consumer Choice: Ultimately, the matrix aims to empower consumers with the information needed to make informed decisions when renting a car, ensuring they book a vehicle that meets their specific requirements. The new car coding guidelines 2022 further refine this aspect.
Decoding the Car Classification System: The Expanded Matrix
The ACRISS Car Classification Matrix is structured around a four-character code, with each position representing a key vehicle attribute:
| Position | Category | Type | Transmission / Drive | Fuel/Air Conditioning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Vehicle Category (e.g., Mini, Economy, Compact) | Vehicle Body Type (e.g., 2-Door, 4-Door, Wagon) | Transmission and Drive System (e.g., Manual, Auto, 4WD) | Fuel Type and Air Conditioning (e.g., Petrol, Diesel, Electric, Hybrid) |
| 2nd | Category Refinement (e.g., Elite) | Specific Vehicle Type (e.g., Convertible, SUV, Special) | Drive System Specifics (e.g., Unspecified Drive, AWD) | Fuel Type Details (e.g., With Air Conditioning, No Air Conditioning) |
| 3rd | ||||
| 4th |
The table below provides a detailed breakdown of the codes within each position:
| CATEGORY | TYPE | TRANSMISSION / DRIVE | FUEL/AIR COND. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M | Mini | B | 2-3 Door | M | Manual Unspecified Drive | R |
| N | Mini Elite | C | 2/4 Door | N | Manual 4WD | N |
| E | Economy | D | 4-5 Door | C | Manual AWD | D |
| H | Economy Elite | W | Wagon/Estate | A | Auto Unspecified Drive | Q |
| C | Compact | V | Passenger Van | B | Auto 4WD | H |
| D | Compact Elite | L | Limousine/Sedan | D | Auto AWD | I |
| I | Intermediate | S | Sport | E | ||
| J | Intermediate Elite | T | Convertible | C | ||
| S | Standard | F | SUV | L | ||
| R | Standard Elite | J | Open Air All Terrain | S | ||
| F | Fullsize | X | Special | A | ||
| G | Fullsize Elite | P | Pick up (single/extended cab) 2 door | B | ||
| P | Premium | Q | Pick up (double cab) 4 door | M | ||
| U | Premium Elite | Z | Special Offer Car | F | ||
| L | Luxury | E | Coupe | V | ||
| W | Luxury Elite | M | Monospace | Z | ||
| O | Oversize | R | Recreational Vehicle | U | ||
| X | Special | H | Motor Home | X | ||
| Y | 2 Wheel Vehicle | |||||
| N | Roadster | |||||
| G | Crossover | |||||
| K | Commercial Van/Truck | |||||
Understanding “Elite” Designations
The term “Elite” within the ACRISS matrix signifies a vehicle category that is superior to a standard vehicle of comparable body size. This superiority can stem from various factors, including price, engine size, performance, features, fixtures, or a combination thereof. The “Elite” category, expanded in the new car coding guidelines 2022 and previous updates, helps rental companies differentiate between standard and high-specification or luxury models within similar size categories.
Specifics for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles in the 2022 Guidelines
A significant aspect of the new car coding guidelines 2022 and earlier updates is the refined classification of Electric and Hybrid vehicles. Notably, all Electric and Hybrid vehicles are considered to have air conditioning as standard. Therefore, the matrix has removed the air conditioning option for these fuel types, allowing the existing fuel type codes (E, C, H, I) to be used more effectively to distinguish between different variables such as PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) vs. MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) and EVs with varying ranges. The codes “E” and “C” for Electric Vehicles are specifically for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and are not used in combination with other energy sources like hybrid or hydrogen, as per the new car coding guidelines 2022.
Benefits of the Expanded Matrix and 2022 Updates
The expanded ACRISS matrix, including the new car coding guidelines 2022, offers numerous benefits:
- Enhanced Category Differentiation: The introduction of “Elite” categories allows for clearer distinction between standard and premium vehicles within similar size classes.
- Accommodation of Oversized Vehicles: The “Oversize” category specifically addresses larger vehicles like “Hummer” types.
- Increased Type Options: Nine additional vehicle types, including Roadster, Coupe, and Special Offer/Promotional vehicles, have been added to provide greater granularity.
- SUV Category Refinement: The Type “F” code was redefined from “4WD” to “SUV,” reflecting the dominant market presence of SUVs.
- Fuel Type Clarity: The matrix now effectively distinguishes various fuel types, crucial in regions with tax incentives for specific fuel types. This is further refined in the new car coding guidelines 2022 to account for electric and hybrid advancements.
- Drive System Differentiation: The ability to differentiate between 2WD, 4WD, and AWD SUVs caters to consumer demand, particularly in North America, and improves booking precision globally.
- Sedan Inclusion: The “L” type code expansion to include Sedan cars, especially relevant in markets where “limousine” denotes a sedan, enhances regional accuracy.
- Pickup Type Definitions: Updated definitions for Pickup Types “Q” and “P” cover the diverse range of pickup trucks available.
- Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Specificity: The new car coding guidelines 2022 and 2020 updates provide clearer coding for Electric “E” and “C” and Hybrid “H” and “I” vehicles, reflecting the evolving electric vehicle market.
Passenger Van Coding
The expanded matrix also enhances the classification of Passenger Vans based on passenger capacity:
| PASSENGER VAN CODING | ||
|---|---|---|
| IV | 6+ Seats | |
| JV | Elite 6+ Seats or 5+2 Seats | |
| SV | 7+ seats | |
| RV | Elite 7+ Seats | |
| FV | 7+ Seats, plus more space | |
| GV | Elite 7+ Seats plus more space | |
| PV | 8+ Seats | |
| UV | Elite 8+ Seats | |
| LV | 9+ Seats | |
| WV | Elite 9+ Seats | |
| XV | 12+ Seats | |
| OV | 15+ Seats | |
This detailed passenger van coding within the new car coding guidelines 2022 and previous updates ensures accurate categorization based on seating, further improving clarity for both rental companies and customers.
Further Resources
For more in-depth information on the ACRISS Car Classification system and the new car coding guidelines 2022, please refer to the following resources:
- ACRISS Car Classification system (matrix) available to download
- Further information available in Annex B of the ACRISS Code of Conduct.
For direct inquiries, contact ACRISS:
- Email: [email protected]
- Web: www.acriss.org
By understanding the ACRISS Car Classification Matrix and the new car coding guidelines 2022, industry professionals and consumers alike can navigate the complexities of vehicle rentals with greater confidence and precision.
