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Car Classification Matrix

The original matrix was created from the SIPP system used by the GDS and had been used successfully for many years but with an increasing number of changes in motor vehicle design it was necessary to expand the matrix to facilitate more precise and descriptive coding.
In 2006 the current Car Classification Matrix was launched replacing the original older Matrix to include these changes in motor vehicle design and to improve the information provided to the consumer enabling a better understand and confidence when booking car rental.

Key factors:

• Increasingly diverse chassis types in motor vehicle design
• Extensive list of different fuel types including electric and hybrid cars
• Differentiation between 2, 4 and AWD wheel drive SUVs and other car types.
• Greater diverse offering of specific models and promotional vehicles
• Support of enhanced search logic via online booking services
• Improved information for consumers to make an `informed choice’ when making a car rental booking

Car Classification System - Expanded Matrix

ACRISS Definition for "Elite"

The term ‘Elite’ has been selected by ACRISS to identify a category of vehicle that is superior to another of equal body size. The difference between the two vehicles may be Price, Engine size, Performance, Fixtures, Features or any combination of these.

Features & Benefits of the Expanded Matrix

• Category was increased with the introduction of an `Elite’ band for most existing categories.
• The `Elite’ categories are designed to enable Car Rental companies to differentiate between standard and high-spec or luxury brand models of similar dimensions
• Oversize category was added to cater for the `Hummer’ type vehicles. 
• Types had nine additional types added, including: Roadster, Coupe, Special Offer / Promotional
• The existing Type `F’ was changed from 4WD to SUV
• Fuel Type – with the ever-increasing number of options available it was necessary to have the ability to distinguish the fuel type, this is particularly true in regions whereby tax breaks apply to certain fuels. This element has been incorporated into the 4th character
• Drive – Due to demand, especially within North America, the ability to distinguish SUV’s as 2 wheel drive, 4 wheel drive, or ALL wheel drive had become a key issue. Consequently, this has now been incorporated into the 3rd character. This enables improved consumer choice globally when making bookings.
• in 2018 the "L" type code expanded to include Sedan cars as well especially in certain markets where limousine indicates a sedan car.
• In 2019 the Pickup Type “Q an “P” had new definitions to cover most of the different types of pick-ups available.
• In 2020 new definitions for Electric "E" and "C" and Hybrid "H" and "I" were introduced

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

For further information:

Further information available in Annex B of the ACRISS Code of Conduct.

or contact ACRISS on:
Email: info@acriss.org
Web: www.acriss.org