Auto Rental News hailed a career deeply rooted in politics and government affairs this month when it named the winner of its Annual Impact Award.

Robert Muhs, the vice president of government affairs and counsel for Avis Budget Group, received the award May 13 for his 32 years of service to the rental car industry. That period included 10 years serving on the board of directors of the American Car Rental Association from 2015-2025, including in leadership roles.

Each year, ARN recognizes a rental car industry professional who deeply influences and improves the wider industry through commitment, hard work, and results. The ARN Annual Impact Award celebrates outstanding service to the car rental industry.

ARN gave the award during the 30^th anniversary dinner celebration of the International Car Rental Show at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas.

“When I first met Bob, I thought he was cranky, stubborn, and very opinionated,” said ACRA Chairman Sharky Laguana at the awards ceremony. “Over the years, though, I realized something else: ‘BIAR”, Bob Is Always Right. Time and again, Bob would make a point I disagreed with, and eventually I’d realize he was absolutely right.”

Muhs, who joined Avis Budget Group in 1994, was instrumental in helping promote key pieces of legislation benefitting the car rental industry, such as the Graves Amendment and the Safe Rental Car Act. Before joining the car rental industry, Muhs worked in various state-level legislative and coordinator positions in the New York State Senate and Assembly, and worked on several presidential campaigns, including those of presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.

“Bob has been a stalwart defender of the industry,” Laguana added. “Through his work on ACRA’s security committee and many other efforts, he has contributed enormously to protecting and advancing the rental car industry.”

In related remarks, ACRA board colleague Gordon Reel, the vice president of government affairs at Enterprise Mobility (Enterprise Rent-A-Car), recalled how he first met Muhs 25 years ago after joining Enterprise. He praised his strong personality, conviction, and a “thoughtful, collaborative, and deeply committed” approach to the car rental industry.

“One of Bob’s greatest contributions was helping bridge divides between competing companies during critical public policy discussions,” Reel said. “At times, the industry was fragmented; Enterprise on one side, Hertz on another, with others somewhere in between. Bob often acted as the person who brought everyone together.”

Muhs worked worked tirelessly to help companies compromise, align around common interests, and move the industry forward, he said. “That ability to unify people with strong personalities and competing interests is one of Bob’s greatest legacies.”

Upon accepting the award, Muhs said, “It has been a privilege to spend more than 31 years as part of this industry and to contribute to the accomplishments we’ve achieved together. Sharky is right about one thing: the future of this industry depends on engagement and participation.

“There is still so much work to do, and I encourage everyone to get involved, become a member, and continue supporting the industry. This will be my final ICRS as I prepare for retirement and pass the torch to the next generation.”

The ARN Annual Impact Award dates to 2017, when Michael DeLorenzo of NP Auto Group became its first recipient. The award evolved from the Russell Bruno Award, which started in 2004. Bruno was a former Hertz executive, insurance company owner, and founder of an association that preceded today’s ACRA.

Muhs won the Russell Bruno Award in 2016.