Purchasing vehicles for your fleet is often a tough decision. It’s a huge investment and often requires significant capital outlay. In larger firms, fleet vehicle purchasing often has to be approved by senior management, and that requires extensive background checks and reports.

What can help fleet managers make the best decisions when it comes to buying fleet vehicles?

Elements of a good fleet buying decision include:

• Accurate vehicle performance data for fair and true comparisons, as well as management reporting
• Decision data that can be collected quickly and easily
• Vehicle data that is available to anyone within the company regardless of how long they’ve worked for the firm
• Data that covers the full and total cost of vehicle ownership (TCO)
• Data is truly representative resulting in unbiased decisions

Buying on emotion?

A big mistake a lot of fleet managers (and plenty of other car buyers) make when buying a vehicle is they buy for emotional reasons. Of course, no one ever admits to buying based on emotion but it happens – a lot!

Car makers know this and market their vehicles to appeal to your emotions. Whether it’s appealing to your patriotic sense of duty, your need for safety or a childhood dream, car advertising is not about facts and figures. It’s about the fluffy stuff and while that might give you the warm fuzzies, it’s not a good basis for buying fleet vehicles.

Keep your vehicle buying decision rational – and save!

So how can you avoid the mistake of buying for emotional reasons and make sure that your purchases are squarely based on what’s best for the fleet, and the overall profitability of the company?

Ultimately it’s about having reliable information to base your decision on – or when preparing a business case report if you don’t make the actual purchase.

Collecting accurate vehicle data starts early, in fact the sooner you can start gathering information on your current fleet, the more accurate your decisions will be, and the more tailored to how your company specifically uses their fleet vehicles.

Then only fair and accurate method is using GPS vehicle tracking to monitor and report on your current vehicles. GPS fleet tracking can be used to assess a lot of different vehicle metrics, not just the number of miles they cover. But for it to be useful it needs to be deployed as part of an overall fleet management system.

Using Telogis Fleet and GPS tracking devices, fleets are able to monitor vehicle metrics such as:

• Fuel economy (actual vs. expected)
• Maintenance downtime
• Idle time
• Fuel costs
• Cost per mile
• Productivity percentage

When you first set up Telogis Fleet, you can tag all your vehicles with specific tags, allowing you to track different types of vehicles. For example, you could compare dual-wheel axles with single wheels. Are they considerably more expensive to operate? What about Japanese vehicles compared with European? Toyota versus Hyundai? Utilities versus vans? There’s no limit to the number of vehicle tags you can create and attach to a vehicle or group of vehicles, which you can then report on at a later time for accurate comparisons.

The advantage of measuring a range of vehicle cost metrics is that you look at the total cost per mile. While some vehicles may use less fuel, if they breakdown more often or have higher maintenance costs, they can end up being more expensive overall.

Making better fleet buying decisions

While you could use the manufacturer’s specifications and expected vehicle running costs, they aren’t familiar with the rigors of your business and the conditions you operate under.

Really, the only fair and accurate method of measuring the vehicle’s performance is to monitor it using GPS fleet tracking. That way you can not only discover potential savings by switching to more economical vehicles but when it comes to replace an aging fleet, you’ll be able to make smarter decisions on what vehicles will give you better value for money.

Best offer from Kia for March, 2009: $3,000 on a 2009 Kia Borrego

2008 MODEL YEAR:

Rebates

• $5,000 on Amanti, Sedona, Sorento
• $4,000 on Optima, Rondo, Sportage
• $3,000 on Spectra
• $1,500 on Rio

Special Interest Rates

• 0-3.5% available on Amanti, Sedona, Sorento
• 0-3.5%  available on Optima, Rondo, Sportage
• 0-3.5%  available on Spectra
• 2.5-6.75% available on Rio

2009 MODEL YEAR:

Rebates

• $3,000 on Borrego
• $2,000 on Spectra, Sportage
• $1,500 on Optima
• $500-$1,000 on Rio

Special Interest Rates

• 0-1.9% available on Borrego
• 0-3.5% available on Spectra, Sportage
• 2.5-6.75%available on Optima
• — available on Rio

2010 MODEL YEAR:

Rebates

• – on Soul

Special Interest Rates

• 0-5.9% available on Soul

Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. is currently training its assembly plant employees for production that is slated to start the last quarter of 2009. While they are still hiring team members, Kia’s direct of human resources and administration, Randy Jackson is please with the training process and results he is seeing.

“As we gear up to go into production later this year, the training our team members receive is of the utmost importance,” Jackson said. “I’ve been in a lot of states and seen a lot of workforce training programs and I can tell you that our team members are receiving the “best of the best” from Quick Start. This organization is a true testament to the hard work put in by Commissioner Ron Jackson, Assistant Commissioner Jackie Rohosky and their staff.”

Best offer from Hyundai for March, 2009: $2,000 on a 2009 Hyundai Sonata

2008 MODEL YEAR:

Rebates

• $4,000 on Entourage, Veracruz
• $2,500-$3,500 on Santa Fe
• $3,000 on Sonata, Tiburon
• $2,500 on Tuscon, Azera
• $1,500-$2,000 on Accent, Elantra

Special Interest Rates

• – available on Entourage, Veracruz
• 0-2.9% available on Santa Fe
• — available on Sonata, Tiburon
• — available on Tuscon, Azera
• — available on Accent, Elantra

2009 MODEL YEAR:

Rebates

• $2,000 on Sonata
• $1,000 on Azera, Santa Fe
• $1,000 on Accent, Elantra, Tucson
• — on Genesis sedan

Special Interest Rates

• – available on Sonata
• 0-2.9% available on Azera, Santa Fe
• — available on Accent, Elantra, Tucson
• 0-2.9% available on Genesis sedan

2010 MODEL YEAR:

Rebates

• – on Genesis Coupe

Special Interest Rates

• 0-4.9% available on Genesis Coupe

On Wednesday March 25th, a few of New Zealand’s celebrities participated in the Hyundai Wheels of Courage in support of Child Cancer. The celebrities drive Hyundais on a one-day trip and compete to raise the most funds by selling child cancer beads to people along the way. The $10 bead bracelets represent the bravery beads each child cancer patient receives for enduring painful and intrusive treatments. Child Cancer Foundation Chief Executive, Neil Porteous, says “We’re thrilled to have so many high profile New Zealanders take part in the Hyundai Wheels of Courage Challenge.”

Best offer from Honda for March, 2009: $2,500 in dealer incentives on a 2009 Honda Ridgeline

2008 MODEL YEAR:

Rebates

• – on Civic

Special Interest Rates

• 2.9-3.9% available on Civic

Dealer Cash Incentives*

• $2,000 in dealer incentives on Civic Hybrid
• $1,000-$1,500 in dealer incentives on Accord, Element
• $500-$750 in dealer incentives on Civic (excluding Hybrid)

2009 MODEL YEAR:

Rebates

• – on Civic

Special Interest Rates

• 2.9-3.9% available on Civic

Dealer Cash Incentives*

• $2,500 in dealer incentives on Ridgeline, Odyssey
• $1,500-$2,000 in dealer incentives on Civic Hybrid, Pilot
• $1,000 in dealer incentives on Accord
• $500-$750 in dealer incentives on Civic (excluding Hybrid), CR-V

*NOTE: Dealer cash isn’t always available to every dealership. Therefore, consider this insider information that may or may not be useful in a negotiation.

U.S. News and World Report Ranking and Reviews has Honda automobiles in the top 3 spots of affordable small cars. The Honda Civic, ranked # 2, is considered one of the most dependable, high performing and nicely crafted autos of the 35 that were reviewed. As if that wasn’t good enough, it is also respected for its great gas mileage. It is becoming a symbol for a more climate-conscience owner.

Best offer from Chevrolet for March, 2009: $3,000 on a 2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer

2008 MODEL YEAR:

Rebates

• $7,250 on TrailBlazer
• $6,000-$7,000 on Silverado 2500HD/3500HD, Suburban, Tahoe
• $3,000-$5,000 on Avalanche, Equinox, Silverado 1500
• $2,750-$4,250 on Colorado
• $2,500-$3,250 on HHR, Impala, Malibu
• $2,000-$2,500 on Cobalt, Corvette
• $1,000-$2,000 on Express cargo
• $1,000-$1,500 on Express, Malibu Hybrid, Uplander
• $1,000 on Aveo

Special Interest Rates

• 0-1.9% available on TrailBlazer
• 1.9-4.9% available on Silverado 2500HD/3500HD, Suburban, Tahoe
• 1.9-4.9% available on Avalanche, Equinox, Silverado 1500
• 2.9-3.9% available on Colorado
• 19.9-4.9% available on HHR, Impala, Malibu
• 5.9-6.9% available on Cobalt, Corvette
• — available on Express cargo
• — available on Express, Malibu Hybrid, Uplander
• 6.9% available on Aveo

2009 MODEL YEAR:

Rebates

• $3,000 on TrailBlazer
• $1,500-$2,500 on Silverado 1500
• $1,500-$1,750 on Cobalt, Impala
• $1,500 on Avalanche, Silverado 2500HD, Silverado 3500HD
• $1,250 on Malibu
• $1,000 on Colorado, Equinox, HHR
• $1,000 on Suburban, Tahoe (including Hybrid)
• $1,000 on Express cargo
• $750 on Traverse
• $500 on Express
• — on Aveo

Special Interest Rates

• 3.9-4.9% available on TrailBlazer
• 0-4.9% available on Silverado 1500
• 0-5.9% available on Cobalt, Impala
• 5.9% available on Avalanche, Silverado 2500HD, Silverado 3500HD
• 0-4.9% available on Malibu
• 0-4.9% available on Colorado, Equinox, HHR
• 0-6.9% available on Suburban, Tahoe (including Hybrid)
• — available on Express cargo
• 0-6.9% available on Traverse
• — available on Express
• 0-5.9% available on Aveo

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is finally rolling off the assembly line! GM has already received over 14,000 orders for the hotly anticipated muscle car. You can oogle at the new car from 360 customizable angles at Camaro configurator. Chevrolet will also be giving you a taste of five new concept muscle cars in the movie-Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.  With the movie’s release and the availability to get the new Camaro-Chevrolet looks to have a sales hit (in the right direction) luming.

Best offer from Cadillac for March, 2009: $8,500 on a 2008 Escalade, XLR, XLR-V

2008 MODEL YEAR:

Rebates

• $8,500 on Escalade, XLR, XLR-V
• $5,500-$6,500 on DTS, STS, STS-V
• $3,500-$5,000 on CTS, SRX

Special Interest Rates

• 0.9-1.9% available on Escalade, XLR, XLR-V
• 0.9-1.9% available on DTS, STS, STS-V
• 0.9-1.9% available on CTS, SRX

2009 MODEL YEAR:

Rebates

• $4,500 on XLR, XLR-V
• $2,000 on DTS
• $1,000-$1,500 on CTS, SRX, STS, STS-V
• $1,000 on Escalade

Special Interest Rates

• 6.9% available on XLR, XLR-V
• 0-6.9% available on DTS
• 0-6.9% available on CTS, SRX, STS, STS-V
• 0-6.9% available on Escalade

After Spring 2009, Cadilliac will cease production on the XLR. Dealerships continue to place orders and the last one will be built at the Bowling Green, Kentucky production factory. The retractable hardtop XLR and XLR-V are the most expensive models Cadillac has to offer and each engine is hand assembled by one person. The XLR engine closely resembles that of a Corvette’s, but it never surpassed its competitor in sales.

Buick

Best offer from Buick for March, 2009: $2,000-$3,500 on a 2008  Buick Lucerne

2008 MODEL YEAR:

Rebates

• $2,000-$3,500 on Lucerne, LaCrosse
• $2,500 on Enclave

Special Interest Rates

• 0.9-2.9% available on Lucerne, LaCrosse
• 4.9% available on Enclave

2009 MODEL YEAR:

Rebates

• $1,000 on Lucerne, LaCrosse
• $750 on Enclave

Special Interest Rates

• 0-6.9% available on Lucerne, LaCrosse
• 0-6.9% available on Enclave

Pontiac

Best offer from Pontiac for March, 2009: $1,500 on a 2009 Pontiac G5

2008 MODEL YEAR:

Rebates

• $4,250 on Torrent
• $2,500-$3,000 on G5, G6, G8
• $2,250 on Grand Prix
• $1,250 on Solstice
• $750 on Vibe

Special Interest Rates

• 2.9-3.9% available on Torrent
• 3.9-6.9% available on G5, G6, G8
• 3.9-4.9% available on Grand Prix
• 4.9% available on Solstice
• — available on Vibe

2009 MODEL YEAR:

Rebates

• $1,500 on G5
• $750-$1,500 on G6, G8, Torrent
• $500 on Solstice
• $500 on Vibe
• — on G3

Special Interest Rates

• 2.9-4.9% available on G5
• 0-6.9% available on G6, G8, Torrent
• — available on Solstice
• 0-6.9% available on Vibe
• 0-5.9% available on G3

GMC

Best offer from GMC for March, 2009: $7,250 on a 2008 GMC Envoy

2008 MODEL YEAR:

Rebates

• $7,250 on Envoy
• $7,000 on Yukon XL
• $6,000-$7,000 on Sierra 2500HD/3500HD
• $6,000 on Yukon
• $3,000-$5,000 on Sierra 1500
• $2,750-$4,250 on Canyon
• $2,500 on Acadia
• $1,000-$2,000 on Savana cargo
• $1,500 on Savana

Special Interest Rates

• 0-1.9% available on Envoy
• 1.9-3.9% available on Yukon XL
• 4.9% available on Sierra 2500HD/3500HD
• 1.9-3.9% available on Yukon
• 2.9-4.9% available on Sierra 1500
• 2.9-3.9%E available on Canyon
• 4.9% available on Acadia
• — available on Savana cargo
• — available on Savana

2009 MODEL YEAR:

Rebates

• $3,000 on Envoy
• $1,500-$2,500 on Sierra 1500
• $1,500 on Sierra 2500HD, Sierra 3500HD
• $1,000 on Canyon, Yukon, Yukon XL
• $1,000 on Savana cargo
• $750 on Acadia
• $500 on Savana

Special Interest Rates

• 3.9-4.9% available on Envoy
• 0-4.9% available on Sierra 1500
• 5.9% available on Sierra 2500HD, Sierra 3500HD
• 0-6.9% available on Canyon, Yukon, Yukon XL
• — available on Savana cargo
• 0-6.9% available on Acadia
• — available on Savana

Buick and Jaguar split first  place and oust Lexus for top spot in the J.D. Power and Associate’s vehicle dependability study this year. The industry average was 170 problems per 100 automobiles. Wind noise is the highest reported problem. Brake noise, peeling paint, brake vibrations and errors with the car’s lights also are also reported frequently. This survey was conducted with 46,313 first-time owners of 2006 model-year vehicles.

Best offer from Ford for March, 2009: $3,500-$7,000 on a 2008 Ford F-150

2008 MODEL YEAR:

Rebates

• $5,500-$8,000 on F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty
• $3,500-$7,000 on F-150
• $3,500-$6,000 on Explorer
• $2,500-$5,500 on Mustang
• $3,500-$5,000 on Expedition, Expedition EL
• $2,000-$4,500 on Taurus, Taurus X
• $2,500-$4,000 on Explorer Sport Trac, Fusion
• $1,000-$4,000 on Edge, Escape
• $500-$3,500 on Ranger
• $1,500-$3,000 on Econoline, Focus

Special Interest Rates

• 0-3.9% available on F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty
• 0-5.9% available on F-150
• 0-3.9% available on Explorer
• 0-6.9% available on Mustang
• 0-3.9% available on Expedition, Expedition EL
• 0-3.9% available on Taurus, Taurus X
• 0-4.9% available on Explorer Sport Trac, Fusion
• 0-4.9% available on Edge, Escape
• 0-4.9% available on Ranger
• 0-5.9% available on Econoline, Focus

2009 MODEL YEAR:

Rebates

• $1,500-$4,000 on Flex
• $2,000-$3,500 on F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, Fusion
• $1,500-$3,000 on Explorer, F-150
• $0-$3,000 on Ranger
• $1,000-$2,500 on Taurus, Taurus X
• $1,000-$2,500 on Expedition, Expedition EL, Explorer Sport Trac
• $500-$2,500 on Escape, Focus, Mustang
• $0-$1,500 on Econoline, Edge

Special Interest Rates

• 0-6.9% available on Flex
• 0-7.9% available on F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, Fusion
• 0-8.9% available on Explorer, F-150
• 0.9-7.9% available on Ranger
• 0.9-7.9% available on Taurus, Taurus X
• 1.9-7.9% available on Expedition, Expedition EL, Explorer Sport Trac
• 0-11.9% available on Escape, Focus, Mustang
• 0.9-7.9% available on Econoline, Edge

Kelley Blue Book reveals Ford F-150 as the 2009 Brand Image Award winner for “Most Rugged Truck Brand” on Friday 13th, 2009. “What experts think of your brand is very important, but what shoppers think is equally as important,” said Jack P. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. Neard went on to add, “These awards, which are the direct result of opinions given by shoppers who are in the market to buy a new vehicle, are a great honor and something for which your company should be very proud.” Doug Scott, Ford Truck Marketing manager, whole-heartedly agreed that the F-150 is deserving of the award. “We’ve raised the bar in capability with the new Ford F-150, delivering best-in-class trailer tow and payload across all cab types,” he said. “The 2009 model provides class-leading towing capability of 11,300 pounds and hauling capacity of 3,031 – a combination no other competitor can match.”

Best offer from Jeep for March, 2009: $4,000-$4,500 on a 2008 Jeep Commander

2008 MODEL YEAR:

Rebates

• $4,000-$4,500 on Commander
• $500-$4,500 on Grand Cherokee
• $0-$2,500 on Liberty, Patriot
• $750-$1,250 on Compass, Wrangler

Special Interest Rates

• 0-5.9% available on Commander
• 0-5.9% available on Grand Cherokee
• 0-5.9% available on Liberty, Patriot
• 0-5.9% available on Compass, Wrangler

Dealer Cash Incentives*

• $0-$1,000 in dealer incentives on Wrangler
• $0-$500 in dealer incentives on Commander, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot

2009 MODEL YEAR:

Rebates

• $2,000-$2,500 on Commander
• $750-$1,500 on Grand Cherokee, Liberty
• $0-$500 on Wrangler
• — on Compass, Patriot

Special Interest Rates

• 0-5.9% available on Commander
• 0-5.9% available on Grand Cherokee, Liberty
• 0-5.9% available on Wrangler
• 0-5.9% available on Compass, Patriot

*NOTE: Dealer cash isn’t always available to every dealership. Therefore, consider this insider information that may or may not be useful in a negotiation.

From March 10th thru March 31st Pink Jeep Tours is offering a 20% discount for a Girlfriends Getaway. Pink Jeep Tours has been giving tours since 1960 to visitors around the world in Sedona, AZ. The Girlfriends Getaway honors International Women’s Day, celebrated in March. The excursions cover rugged terrain where you get to bask in nature, enjoy scenic views and  learn about Native American history from certified guide trainers. Tours must be booked 24 hours in advance with Pink Jeep Tours at (800) 873-3662.

Best offer from Dodge for March, 2009: $3,500-$4,000 on a 2008 Ram 2500/3500

2008 MODEL YEAR:

Rebates

• $2,250-$4,250 on Dakota, Magnum
• $3,500-$4,000 on Ram 2500/3500
• $1,500-$4,000 on Durango, Ram 1500
• $1,000-$3,500 on Avenger, Charger
• $500-$2,000 on Grand Caravan, Nitro
• $0-$1,250 on Caliber
• — on Challenger, Viper

Special Interest Rates

• 0-5.9% available on Dakota, Magnum
• 0-5.9% available on Ram 2500/3500
• 0-5.9% available on Durango, Ram 1500
• 0-5.9% available on Avenger, Charger
• 0-7.9% available on Grand Caravan, Nitro
• 0-5.9% available on Caliber
• 0-5.9% available on Challenger, Viper

Dealer Cash Incentives*

• $0-$3,000 in dealer incentives on Ram 1500, Ram 2500/3500
• $0-$1,250 in dealer incentives on Caliber, Grand Caravan, Charger
• $0-$500 in dealer incentives on Avenger, Nitro

2009 MODEL YEAR:

Rebates

• $1,500-$3,000 on Ram 2500/3500
• $1,000-$2,000 on Charger, Journey
• $500-$2,000 on Durango, Ram 1500
• $250-$1,500 on Avenger, Grand Caravan
• $0-$1,250 on Caliber, Dakota, Nitro
• — on Challenger, Viper

Special Interest Rates

• 0-5.9% available on Ram 2500/3500
• 0-5.9% available on Charger, Journey
• 0-5.9% available on Durango, Ram 1500
• 0-5.9% available on Avenger, Grand Caravan
• 0-5.9% available on Caliber, Dakota, Nitro
• 0-5.9% available on Challenger, Viper

Dealer Cash Incentives*

• $0-$1,500 in dealer incentives on Ram 1500, Ram 2500/3500
• $0-$750 in dealer incentives on Caliber, Grand Caravan

*NOTE: Dealer cash isn’t always available to every dealership. Therefore, consider this insider information that may or may not be useful in a negotiation.

Are you tired of watching the same DVDs over and over again on your family trips? Then you want to take a look at the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT. It’s the only automobile that can receive Sirius Backseat TV. Couple that with the Dual Screen DVD Entertainment System option which comes with 8-in monitors that drop down in front of the second- and third- rows and allows viewers to watch and listen to their own individual programs and you finally get the rest and relaxation you have been hunting for.