Business Fleet – Issue

July 2012

Cover Story
Downsize to Rightsize: Service Fleet Leaps into the Scion xB
By Chris Brown

This HVAC company downsized its service vehicles from traditional cargo vans to the Scion xB — without a technician revolt.

Features

How to Start a Preventive Maintenance Plan for a Small Fleet <p>Joe Boyd stands with some of Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Model Coverall Services&rsquo; delivery step vans. The company just purchased four additional 20-foot vans from Utilimaster with a Freightliner chassis and a Cummins automatic engine, and has made the decision to standardize any new purchases to this selection.</p>

By Joanne M. Tucker

If you’re looking to lower your fleet’s maintenance expense and spend less time in the shop, then record it, track it and give your drivers buy-in on the maintenance process.

How to Protect Your Fleet from Smash-and-Grab Thefts <p>&copy;ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/COOKELMA</p>

By Chris Wolski

Crimes of opportunity can be prevented by taking a few simple anti-theft steps with your fleet vehicles.

DEPARTMENTS


Toolbox - Wright Express Offers Streamlined Electronic PayCard Program

By Brittni Rubin

Fleets can pay employees and reimburse their expenses electronically through one system and on one paycard.


Showroom - MINI: Little Big Car <p>MINI Clubman wagon</p>

By Tariq Kamal

With its stiff, European-style suspension and wheels mounted at the corners of the frame, it’s impossible to describe the MINI driving experience without using the word “go-kart.”


Showroom - Dodge Dart: Low-Priced and Sporty Compact Sedan <p>The 2013-MY Dodge Dart.</p>

By Tariq Kamal

Today, it’s out with the Caliber and in with the brand-new Dart, a true compact that offers aggressive styling, a wide body and a heavy dose of horsepower, all for a starting MSRP of $15,995.


Showroom - Ford Fusion: Gunning for the Fuel Efficiency Triple Crown <p>2013-MY Ford Fusion</p>

By Tariq Kamal

The Fusion is looking smartest at the pump: The gas, gas/electric hybrid and plug-in hybrid are expected to lead their classes in fuel efficiency.

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Market Trends

Mike Antich
The Emerging Trend of Simultaneous Remarketing on Multiple Online Platforms

By Mike Antich
When you electronically buy an airline ticket, you do so through an electronic hub, such as Egencia. When realtors electronically list homes for sale, they use a multiple listing service for all other realtors to simultaneously see the property listing. Many see comparable change occurring for the remarketing of vehicles in the wholesale market. The consensus among remarketers is not “if” this will occur, but “when.” And, just as important, most see it happening sooner, rather than later

June 29, 2007: A Seminal Day in the History of Fleet

By Mike Antich
Significant dates in the history of fleet management, which ushered the start of profound change in the industry, include: Oct. 16, 1973 - The first OPEC oil embargo, which completely altered the types of vehicles driven by fleets and August 12, 1981 - IBM’s launch of its first desktop computer, which expanded computerization beyond the IT department to the desktop of every fleet manager. In future years, a new milestone date will be recognized - June 29, 2007.

Maximize Fuel Efficiency as a Sustainability Goal

By Mike Antich

Why is the Fleet Manager the Last to Know?

By Mike Antich

Auto Focus

Chris Brown
Fleet Manager = Big Data Manager

By Chris Brown
Now more than ever, the fleet manager is tasked with harnessing large amounts of data and turning the findings into actionable results. With so much technology driving so much information, the responsibility and burden are now greater than ever.

GM Goes High Touch at Fleet Preview

By Chris Brown
Amid new products such as the light-duty pickups, the 2014 Impala, the Cruze diesel and the announcement of a new small cargo van, it’s the one-on-one attention that sticks with you.

How Will VW Sell 800,000 Units in America?

By Chris Brown

A Coda for Coda Automotive

By Chris Brown

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Business Fleet - 2012 Buyer's Guide

2012 Business Fleet Buyer’s Guide
Is the No. 1 industry resource guide covering:

  • Manufacturers Directory
  • Fleet Management
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    And much more...