Business Fleet – Issue

January 2013

Cover Story
Better Life Maids Sees the Value of Fleet
By Joanne M. Tucker

Providing company vehicles is helping this cleaning company grow its business, retain workers and market itself as an environmentally friendly brand.

Features

Spec'ing the Extra Mile with Do-It-Yourself Modifications <p>Photos courtesy of Power Washer Sales.<br />This fleet modified Reach vans with a winch to aid loading, as well as e-track in the box to secure the equipment, and a file cabinet for parts storage and desk space.</p>

By Chris Brown

This sales fleet used some do-it-yourself modifications on the Isuzu Reach to create the optimal operating environment for its drivers.

The Power of Data: Changing Driver Behaviors <p>Expanding into commercial services and responding to emergency calls, Sure-Fire Inc. in Wisconsin has to be prepared with a full inventory in each vehicle. This added weight makes each driver&rsquo;s fuel efficiency a top priority.</p>

By Joanne M. Tucker

Technology can help monitor your drivers’ behaviors, but this small fleet puts the data into the drivers’ hands with a friendly peer competition.

Do You Qualify for Fleet Status?

By Chris Brown

If your company’s fleet has grown, you may qualify for fleet status. If you do, the savings on work vehicles can be substantial.

The Hybrid Payback for Fleets: A New Class of Vehicles

By Chris Brown

There are more hybrid models than ever before, but is the gap shrinking on return on investment for fleets?

Ford Fusion and Ram 1500 Earn Fleet Car and Truck of the Year <p>The 2013-MY Ram 1500.</p>

By Grace Suizo and Lauren Fletcher

Fleet managers have spoken and the results are in. The all-new 2013 Ram 1500 was selected as the top fleet truck, while the Ford Fusion took the fleet car crown for the third consecutive year.

DEPARTMENTS


Toolbox - Is Re-refined Oil A Viable Fleet Option? <p>Photo courtesy of Safety-Kleen.<br />From left to right are comparisons of crude oil, conventional base motor oil made from crude, EcoPower base oil made from used motor oil and used motor oil.</p>

By Joanne M. Tucker

Re-refined motor oil is better for the environment, domestically produced and its cost is ­comparable to traditional motor oil. But is it safe for your engine?


Revving Up: Start Calling Yourself a Fleet <p>Fleets with less than 100 vehicles make up a majority of the U.S. commercial fleet and &ldquo;non-fleet&rdquo; market. Ask your dealer to find out if you qualify as a fleet in order to get incentives and other services not available in retail vehicle sales.</p>

By Chris Brown

Small businesses that run work vehicles often don’t even know they are a fleet — and they’re leaving money on the table.


Showroom - Subaru Forester: New Body, More Features, Better MPG <p>The 2014-MY Subaru Forester.</p>

By Tariq Kamal

Since its North American debut in 1997, the Forester has evolved from a compact wagon to a fully capable midsize crossover SUV. This newest redesign continues that growth and adds technical refinements and improved fuel efficiency.


Showroom - Toyota RAV4: A New Look for a Crossover Classic <p>The 2013-My Toyota RAV4.</p>

By Tariq Kamal

The 2013-MY RAV4 is a brand-new car with brand-new dimensions compared to earlier generations. The exterior, for example, is a radical departure from its predecessors’ boxy, utilitarian designs.


Showroom - Lincoln MKZ: Entry-Level Luxury with a Twist <p>THe 2013-MY Lincoln MKZ.</p>

By Tariq Kamal

Each new year has brought technological advancement and additional options to the Lincoln MKZ, and the second-generation model is no exception.

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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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