In an effort to create an auto rental alliance and establish a platform for lobbying and cultivating clout on the legislative level regarding regulatory matters affecting the auto rental industry, the American Car Rental Association has launched its Web site, www.acraorg.com as the beginning of what is being called the "new ACRA."

The site, viewable, but under construction, contains links for operators, vendors, suppliers and service providers to apply for membership to the association.

Under the guidance of its interim board and interim executive director, Neil Abrams of Abrams Consulting Group, ACRA had grown to 33 members by early November. At the September Car Rental Show, the association had zero.

The idea, according to Abrams, is to garner enough membership support in the coming months so that the interim board can be replaced by a permanent board consisting of operators only. That is a move away from the old model of the association, with a board that comprised operators and vendors.

Though, Abrams said, the hope is to build an association inclusive of all segments of the industry, from the smallest independent operators to the big eight that dominate the industry to the vendors and suppliers who work along side them.

"The goal is to create a strong and united voice for the industry," he added. "And establish the rental industry as a vital service within the travel industry."

To find out more about the application process, log on to the ACRA Web site or call (800) 200-2795.