The American Car Rental Association was formed to represent the car rental industry in legislative forums, travel issues, and public policy matters that are debated by the media and elected officials at all levels.
ACRA moved two steps closer to gaining the support of the entire industry when Avis Budget Group, Inc. and Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group joined the association. Sharon Faulkner, Executive Director of ACRA, stated: “The companies joined at the best of times. The car rental industry is stronger than it has been in a very long time and yet it is facing significant issues that require a unified voice that carries a consistent message. In this new era of solidarity, ACRA can make a difference for everyone in the car rental industry.”
Robert E. Muhs, Vice-President of Government Affairs and Counsel for Avis Budget Group, Inc. , has joined the ACRA Board of Directors and will be an important contributor to our legislative forum. Bob has been involved in the car rental industry since 1994 and is responsible for all federal and state government relation activities and directs the lobbying efforts before the U.S. Congress for Avis Budget Group. The company has a total rental fleet of more than 345,000 vehicles and is a leading vehicle rental operator in North America, Australia, and New Zealand including licensees that operate in more than 100 countries throughout the world. They also operate one of the largest truck rental businesses in the U.S.
Bill Walker, Corporate Attorney for Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group since 1995, will represent the company’s membership. His years of experience in legislative affairs will be extremely valuable in addressing the issues that affect the car rental industry. Together Dollar and Thrifty have operations in over 80 countries throughout the world including approximately 600 corporate and franchised locations in the U.S. and Canada.
Each large and midsize rental company, every franchise owner, independents of all sizes, and each member of ACRA reaps the benefits of having the knowledge and the experience of our Board Members who have been involved with the industry for a mean average of over 30 years.
If the industry has a concern that needs an immediate response with level-headed reactions and decisive actions, ACRA has the power to address the issue. Powerful lobbyists make all the difference when a bill is introduced to the legislature and ACRA has some of the very best in the industry. But ACRA needs everyone’s support to continue to be successful.
Judging by the high attendance at this year’s Car Rental Show in Las Vegas, it’s apparent that the car rental industry is ready to grow stronger and become more profitable, more sustainable, and it’s doing this under an all encompassing umbrella of solidarity, the American Car Rental Association.