The American Car Rental Association (ACRA) stands at a pivotal moment in its history.

With the retirement of our beloved longtime executive director, Sharon Faulkner, the organization has entered a new era of growth, engagement, and national visibility. Sharon’s years of service laid an incredible foundation for us to build on. Her tireless advocacy, coalition building, and dedication helped shape ACRA into the leading voice of the U.S. car rental industry.

Her departure marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, as ACRA welcomed Don Lefeve as its new president and CEO.

A New Era of Leadership

Don brings to ACRA extensive experience in government relations and association management. Based full-time in Washington, D.C., he has quickly elevated ACRA’s presence within the nation’s capital.

Having a full-time executive leader in Washington has allowed ACRA to engage more directly with policymakers, regulators, and federal agencies, ensuring that the voices of rental car operators, large and small, are heard at the highest levels of government.

This increased visibility has already borne fruit. In early November, ACRA achieved a historic milestone: its first-ever meeting with the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy. The meeting represented a significant step forward in recognizing ACRA as a key stakeholder in national transportation policy.

For the first time, the U.S. Department of Transportation formally engaged ACRA as an essential partner in the broader mobility ecosystem.

Key Issues on the National Stage

During the meeting with Secretary Duffy, ACRA raised several critical issues affecting car rental operators nationwide:

• Chief among them was the industry’s growing concern over access to vehicle data. As modern vehicles become increasingly connected, access to real-time data is vital for operators to manage fleets efficiently, ensure customer safety, and maintain transparency in maintenance and recalls. ACRA emphasized the need for fair and open access to vehicle data so that all rental operators, both large corporations and small independents alike, can compete on equal footing in a rapidly digitizing industry.

• Another pressing issue was the challenge of vehicle recalls, for which no immediate repair solution is available. Rental companies have a legal and moral obligation to prioritize safety, but when manufacturers issue recalls without providing remedies, vehicles can sit idle for months, disrupting business operations and reducing customer mobility. ACRA urged the DOT to explore ways the federal government can assist the industry, either by working with manufacturers to accelerate repairs or by offering regulatory flexibility when no viable fix exists.

• Parity across all operators and platforms was also a central theme. ACRA called for consistent recall requirements for all entities that rent or share vehicles, including peer-to-peer platforms. Equal standards ensure public safety and create a level playing field across the rental and mobility landscape.

• Finally, ACRA discussed the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and the essential role rental cars will play in transporting millions of visitors nationwide. ACRA underscored that the rental car industry is a cornerstone of America’s transportation infrastructure. We provide flexible, reliable mobility to tourists, business travelers, and residents alike. Collaboration between federal and state transportation agencies and the rental industry will be key to ensuring that large-scale events like FIFA are supported by a robust, coordinated transportation network.

Strengthening the Organization from Within

While ACRA’s policy engagement has reached new heights, the organization has also worked internally to enhance value for its members. Three major initiatives highlight ACRA’s ongoing modernization: a comprehensive website upgrade, the introduction of new associate membership tiers, and the launch of the ACRA Buyers Guide.

Website Upgrade

ACRA’s website is undergoing a full redesign, with a launch targeted for early December. The new site will feature an updated look, improved navigation, and enhanced functionality for members. Each company will have an administrator who can manage its member listings, add or remove users, and ensure information remains accurate and up to date. ACRA will soon post more exclusive, members-only content. Regulatory filings, letters to Congress, and key industry communications (previously only accessible via direct email) will now be available through the member portal. This change marks a significant leap in transparency, convenience, and engagement for all ACRA stakeholders.

New Associate Membership Tiers

To better serve its growing base of vendor and supplier partners, ACRA recently approved four new tiers of Associate Membership. Each level offers distinct benefits, visibility, and engagement opportunities, allowing vendors to align their involvement with their business goals and budget. These new tiers recognize the diverse needs of ACRA’s partners and provide a clear framework for deeper collaboration with operator members.

The ACRA Buyers Guide

Another exciting initiative is the launch of the ACRA Buyers Guide, a comprehensive directory of vendors and suppliers serving the car rental industry. All associate members will be featured in the guide, which will be distributed to operators and posted online. The guide will include company logos, contact information, and brief descriptions, making it an indispensable resource for rental operators seeking trusted partners for products, technology, and services.

By elevating the visibility of associate members, the Buyers Guide also underscores a broader truth: ACRA is more than an advocacy organization; we are a community of businesses working together to advance the industry.

Looking Ahead To 2026

From the halls of Congress to the daily operations of rental companies across America, ACRA’s influence grows. With new leadership, stronger advocacy, and improved organizational infrastructure, the association is better positioned than ever to represent the industry’s collective interests.

There are certainly significant challenges ahead: technological disruption, evolving regulations, and shifting consumer expectations. Yet, ACRA’s renewed energy and strategic direction help increase the prospects of a bright future for all of us. We thank all our members for their support; our collective engagement makes this possible.

As we close one chapter and begin another, one thing remains constant: ACRA’s commitment to driving the car rental industry forward. 

A shorter version of this article originally appeared in the print edition of the 2026 Auto Rental News Fact Book.