Industry Standard Car Classification Code

ACRISS Members utilise an industry standard vehicle matrix to define car models ensuring a like to like comparison of vehicles. This easy-to-use matrix consists of four categories. Each position in the four character vehicle code represents a definable characteristic of the vehicle. This vehicle matrix makes it possible to have 400 vehicle types. Car codes are created by assigning one character from each column and combining them into a four-character car code:

  • 1st character denotes the vehicle category – based on size, cost, power and luxury factor
  • 2nd character defines the vehicle type – chassis type (van, SUV, wagon, convertible….)
  • 3rd character defines the transmission and drive – automatic / manual & 2WD / 4WD / AWD
  • 4th character defines the fuel type (petrol / diesel / hybrid/ electric…) and whether air conditioned or not

Vehicle Matrix- Car Classification Codes

CATEGORY   TYPE   TRANSMISSION / DRIVE   FUEL/AIR COND.
M Mini B 2-3 Door M Manual Unspecified Drive R Unspecified Fuel/Power With Air
N Mini Elite C 2/4 Door N Manual 4WD N Unspecified Fuel/Power Without Air
E Economy D 4-5 Door C Manual AWD D Diesel Air
H Economy Elite W Wagon/Estate A Auto Unspecified Drive Q Diesel No Air
C Compact V Passenger Van B Auto 4WD H Hybrid 
D Compact Elite L Limousine/Sedan D Auto AWD I Hybrid Plug in 
I Intermediate S Sport     E Electric 
J Intermediate Elite T Convertible     C Electric 
S Standard F SUV     L LPG/Compressed Gas Air
R Standard Elite J Open Air All Terrain     S LPG/Compressed Gas No Air
F Fullsize X Special     A Hydrogen Air
G Fullsize Elite P Pick up (single/extended cab) 2 door     B Hydrogen No Air
P Premium Q Pick up (double cab) 4 door     M Multi Fuel/Power Air
U Premium Elite Z Special Offer Car     F Multi fuel/power No Air
L Luxury E Coupe     V Petrol Air
W Luxury Elite M Monospace     Z Petrol No Air
O Oversize R Recreational Vehicle     U Ethanol Air
X Special H Motor Home     X Ethanol No Air
    Y 2 Wheel Vehicle        
    N Roadster        
    G Crossover        
    K Commercial Van/Truck        
 

e.g. : CCMN = Compact Car – 2/4 Door – Manual Transmission – Non air-conditioned

The compact, 2/4 door results would include models similar to Ford Focus or Opel Astra for example.

PASSENGER VAN CODING*  
IV 6+ Seats 
JV Elite 6+ Seats or 5+2 Seats (2 fold down 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 

 


*Passenger Vans –In the expanded matrix, classification of the Passenger Vans Category (1st character) is enhanced to identify passenger capacity, as per the chart.


An independent motor vehicle professional is commissioned by ACRISS to assign the codes for all European manufactures’ models to ensure accuracy and transparency.

This coding system has been adopted to ensure that all ACRISS members display the same coding for the same vehicles, enabling you to make an informed decision when comparing rates. In addition it enables you to select the right vehicle.

Looking for a code for a particular car? Click here to search for the code.

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