Fleet Beat Blog

Breaking in a new vehicle - A quick guide

Fri, 25 May 2012 06:05:26 GMT

You’re in your new car. Your finance has cleared and you're ready to go. All of a sudden the dealer’s mechanic makes the “wind your windows down” signal. Prepare yourself, he or she is about to potentially take all the fun out of your first 1000km. As annoying or overcautious as this advice may seem..

A lot on your mind? Navigating fleet management for SME?s

Fri, 18 May 2012 06:05:13 GMT

“What's involved in fleet management exactly?” This is a question we get all the time. The common misconception is that it focuses on holding onto car keys and passing them on to the next person when a company car is needed. Fleet management is much more than holding the keys, so to speak. For the small to medium sized business, fle..

Budget 2012 for the car owner

Fri, 11 May 2012 05:05:02 GMT

There is no getting away from it; the Gillard government is very unpopular at the moment. The Labor party has a primary vote of 27 precent and things are simply not getting any better. With all of this playing on the minds of the Labor front bench, they have conceived what is called the “battler..

Crisis? What crisis? - Is the auto industry back to boom times?

Fri, 04 May 2012 07:05:24 GMT

The 4th of December 2007 was a very cold day in Detroit. GM CEO Rick Wagoner woke up, joined the heads of Chrysler and Ford and drove to Washington to beg for the survival of their industry. Something was clearly rotten in the city of Detroit. While big changes and big progress has been made since that dark day the que..

New diet, same Falcon - Ford Falcon EcoLPI review

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 05:04:30 GMT

“Its an LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), but they don’t want to call it Ford Falcon LPG because they don’t want people to confuse it with their old LPG model”. True or not, this statement, along with the new Ford Falcon EcoLPI was delivered to me last week. In the past few months we have reviewed many cars whic..

Kick starting the debate on Lemon Laws

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 07:04:13 GMT

“We pluck the lemons; you get the plums.” Pulled from a VW advert circa 1950 this is possibly one of the first mentions of the term “lemon” to describe a car which doesn’t live up to purchaser expectations. The question of what to do once you find out you have bought a “lemon” has pe..

Vehicle recalls ? The need to know guide

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 13:04:50 GMT

"This can result in the electrical system malfunctioning, the vehicle failing to start and, in some cases, charring or fire,". Those were the words of BMW on their most recent recall of around 1.3 million vehicles. While this latest recall is not the largest or most dangerous on record it does give us a chance to dis..

Hybrid or Electric - A new comparison

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 02:04:41 GMT

Switch on the TV, listen to the radio or check-up products online. Over time you will notice the widespread use of one word in particular. That word is “compare” and it can be used or misused to persuade you, as a customer, to part with your cash for any given product or service. This week we take an independent look at the comparison b..

The other problems with speeding

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 05:04:35 GMT

“Almost 50 trucks with tampered speed limiters have been netted in three separate operations and NSW police say it's a 'systemic issue' for the industry.” That was the opening paragraph of an article from the Herald Sun on the recent tampered limiters truck fiasco. While it’s uncommon for fleet car..

Australia?s top ten most fuel efficient vehicles

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 08:04:54 GMT

You’ve been there before, staring at the pumps with the price going higher and higher all the while thinking to yourself; “wasn’t I here just yesterday”? Just this week warnings have rippled all around Australia on the subject of fuel prices. In this environment the statistic of litres per 100km has been getting a lot more air time at the water cooler. With this, and a healthy curiosity towards the subject, we set out to discover what cars were capable of running on a ..Comments (3)

Going green ? The next steps to a greener fleet

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 04:03:42 GMT

The 24th of June 2010 was a big day for Australia. Julia Gillard was sworn into office with the help of a handful of independents and, most importantly, the Australian Green Party. Suddenly ambitious green policies become a real prospect. Tax concessions for green fleet managers are currently thin on the ground however in th..

Route planning - Your directions to lower costs

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 03:03:52 GMT

We all know the feeling, you’re on a road, in the middle of nowhere, with some very poor directions. You’ve been trying to coordinate both your map and your notes, but things are not going well. While satellite navigation systems have eliminated a lot of the problems in this area, it is still relatively easy to get lost. Proper route planning has never been easier but in a strange twist of fate its seems that the skill itself is dying out. This week we look at some smart ways to s..

"Must drive better" - A guide to motivating your fleet drivers

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 07:03:22 GMT

Like any matter of the mind, motivation and its causes is a highly debated and at times confusing subject matter. As a fleet manager motivating drivers and other stakeholders to do the right thing, or avoid the wrong thing can be a real challenge. Providing the carrot can be difficult now that costs are tight and constan..

The Big Ute Review - Mazda BT-50 4x4 Dual Cab XTR auto

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 04:03:25 GMT

Very tall. Very, very tall. That’s the first thing that struck me about the new Mazda BT-50. The second generation BT-50 is Mazda’s latest attempt to capture their own section of the utility market. With very serious existing competition from the Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara and others, it’s very..

Tips for the top ? predictions for the top sellers of 2012

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 01:02:04 GMT

2011 was a year of radical change with uprisings, a new country in Africa, financial turmoil and financial miracles. The same, fortunately or unfortunately, could not be said of the Australian top ten selling vehicles. Other than a few re-models and a brief shuffle of the deck very little has changed in the last ten years. In this weeks blog we give our tips for the top in 2012 and, unless something very big comes along, we're predicting very little change.

Fleet cars and staff cars - the SME need to know

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 02:02:57 GMT

There are a number of daunting aspects of starting up a new business. Tax, insurance, logistics and recruitment can seem like purpose built mazes designed to trap and punish the uninitiated. Fleet and staff cars have the unfortunate accolade of covering all of these confusing and at times infuriating areas. With this in mind we decided to list our top 5 things small business owners need to know about fleet cars and staff cars.

The New Toyota Camry 2012

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:02:16 GMT

“Same, same but different” those were the words of my colleagues from the corporate sales team on the all new Toyota Camry. Indeed the new Camry provokes an “I’ve seen this car before” response from the uninitiated while treating the seasoned Camry buyer to subtle yet wide ranging changes. While the changes a..Comments (1)

A drivers guide to mobile phone use

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:02:12 GMT

Everything used to be so simple; a driver would set out on his or her journey and promise to call the office or house for further instructions or updates when they had reached their destination. With the possible exception of worrying about where to find a pay phone, drivers had very little to think about w..

Buying second hand cars for Novated Leases

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 04:01:41 GMT

“Please, no tyre kickers!”. This hostile and largely meaningless warning adorns thousands of vehicle classified adverts online and offline all across Australia. The Australian second hand car market is as vibrant as ever before and the sellers remain unpredictable and varied. From private sellers to second hand..

Collision avoidance systems, a fleet managers new best friend

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:01:17 GMT

“The next thing I know my Mercedes had stopped, without hitting the car in front of me.” Those were the words of Google Senior Vice President, Vic Gundotra, who described his experience with collision avoidance technology in this YouTube video. Collision avoidance technology is quickly becoming a very serious selling point for some very forward thinking vehicle manufacturers. With this in mind..

Holiday driving, a non-crash course

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 03:12:15 GMT

Beach parties, Santa hats, work holidays and the highest number of road fatalities for any 5 day period in the entire year, welcome to the Christmas holidays. While most of us enjoy our annual rituals and customs which come with the festive season, our high Christmas road deaths have, in our recent history, become someth..

Preparing for the worst ? Planning for accidents

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 07:12:29 GMT

“I just froze, I had no idea of what to do. In my panic I scanned my thoughts for any piece of advice I had ever received about dealing with a car crash, but I couldn’t think of anything”. Those are the words of a shaken Adelaide resident who was involved in a minor vehicle collision earlier this y..

Fleet Manager Series - Outsourcing, the big question

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 07:12:23 GMT

Anyone involved in managing a fleet of any size knows it’s a difficult and at times thankless task. Managing everything from fuel to FBT (fringe benefit tax) reporting it can seem that the work itself conspires to inexplicably build up at the most inconvenient and conflicting of times. With all this im mind we decided that this week we would write an article especially to help the small fleet manager (this is generally under 50 cars) understand the full spectrum of tasks which are deman..

Top 10 cars series; Indonesia's top selling cars

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:12:23 GMT

“Indonesia has the fourth biggest population on earth? That can’t be right”. That was my initial thought after discovering that Indonesia has a population of over 237 million people which is over 40 million more than its nearest competitor, Brazil. Along with this huge population, Indonesia also boasts very..

Volkswagen fight for number 1 spot

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 07:11:18 GMT

It was 11.09am on a hot Perth morning at the VW drive day, my palms were sweaty and my heart was pounding, I was facing my first ever slalom time trial and I was nervous. As it turns out I posted an average speed and my trial went off without incident but that was just an aside. In the time waiting for my ..

Top 10 cars series; Brazil's top selling cars

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 07:12:02 GMT

7.49% is a curious number, it doesn’t look significant, it doesn’t sound significant, but it is……very significant. 7.49% is the economic growth rate for Brazil in 2010. Considering that in 2010 the rest of the world virtually cried itself to sleep over their respective economic figures, 7.49% growth is nothing..

Fleet Manager Series - The tyre article

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 07:11:09 GMT

“Ok today we’re going to talk to you about tyres, the presentation is 40 minutes long and we have tea, coffee and pastries for you guys”. Those were the words of a supplier of ours who was showing us his company’s new tyre range. I remember thinking that 40 minutes was a hell of a lot of time to talk ab..Comments (2)

Top 10 cars series; China's top selling cars.

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 07:12:03 GMT

If India is a small car nation it must be then said that China truly is a nation obsessed with the sedan. Amazingly 9 out of the top 10 are what I would class as “medium” (bigger than a large hatch but no bigger than a Holden Commodore). Admittedly the top ten only represent some 2 million of a to..

Top 10 cars series; India?s top selling cars.

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 07:12:59 GMT

“Oh wow, it really does look like a bumper car” those were the words of one of my esteemed colleagues on first viewing the Tata Nano (its one of the cheapest and arguably one of the ugliest cars the world has ever seen). Produced and created in India the Nano is the perfect car to show how the ..Comments (1)

Fleet Manager Series - 5 numbers every fleet manager needs to know

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 06:10:07 GMT

Like every area of business, key numbers and success measurements are critical in fleet management. For our friend the salesperson, success measurements are usually straightforward and promotions are gained on the back of big numbers, but how does the fleet manager measure his or her successes? This w..Comments (1)

Fleet Manager Series - 6 surprising facts about road accidents

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 06:10:21 GMT

Misplaced focus is a dangerous thing, from not concentrating on the road to focusing too much on one aspect of cost control, it’s generally only in retrospect when you realise the error of your ways. Cost control in fleet management can be a classic example of this, while some fleet managers fixate on cutting the f..

Venturing into the unknown - Tips on driving overseas

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 05:10:36 GMT

“The only problem with Spain is all these foreign drivers” Those were the words of a naïve tourist (the “foreigners” he was refering to were the local Spanish) reporting on his Spanish holiday in an obscure 1980’s documentary. Whilst some may chuckle at his clear lack of per..

Better things to do - Everything you need to know about driver distraction

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 07:09:14 GMT

“Distracted drivers are dangerous drivers.” Those are the words of the most up to date driver awareness advertising campaign beaming its way into our living rooms. As factually correct as this statement may be, it can be argued that statements like this, along with shocking images..Comments (1)

The all new Holden Barina - Top ten material?

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 06:09:01 GMT

Walking into the Melbourne docklands warehouse that hosted the Holden Barina launch I was immediately confronted with two vehicles. One was Holdens first attempt at the Barina, its boxy awkward frame reminded me of my mothers old 1980’s Ford Fiesta which would break down at the most inopportune of times (once on the beach as th..Comments (1)

Top selling cars of 2011

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:02:26 GMT

Click here for the year end update Jan 2012

From cars, to computer games, to holiday destinations and everything in between, top ten lists are a favourite of hobbyists and enthusiasts the world over. From the fickle (the bar stoo..

A new middleweight contender - Hyundai Elantra

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 06:09:28 GMT

"No brand has taken such a massive leap over the past decade as Hyundai" those were the words of Acting Editor for Auto Express, Graham Hope. His words carried all the more gravity as Hyundai has just topped the list for “most improved” car manufacturer of the last 10 years in a survey ca..

Vehicle life expectancy ? What does it mean in 2011?

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 07:09:10 GMT

Enacted in October 1960 the United States Trade Embargo on Cuba has had many impacts on the people of Cuba. The most interesting development from a car enthusiast’s point of view is the sheer levels of old cars cl..

The Perth Motor Show 2011; A review

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 00:08:11 GMT

The Perth Motor Show returned to the Perth Convention Centre after a 3 year break to mixed reviews, tentative expectations and guarded optimism. The show was engaging and enjoyable but cost cautiousness on behalf of the organisers (and car manufacturers) was evident as some more fun motor show elements were absent.

Highs and lows

The Electric Car - Where to now?

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 03:08:49 GMT

"With more research and incentives, we can break our dependence on oil with biofuels, and become the first country to have 1 million electric vehicles on the road by 2015". Those were the words of US president Barack Obama during his state of the Union speech in January of this year (2011). But is this a modest or ambitious goal? This week I set out to find out more about electric vehicles; their past, their present and their future with a specifi..

Speed Cameras: A change in the game?

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 01:09:13 GMT

Some things demand to be talked about and a large camera on a pole which punishes you for going too fast is most definitely one of those things. Speed cameras have a chequered history in Australia and have been accused of everything from a vast Big Brother conspiracy to money making reverse ATM’s. In the past month something very big happened, the New South Wales government gave speed cameras and their impact a luke warm review; hot and cold reviews have been s..Comments (1)

What's involved in a vehicle service?

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 07:08:24 GMT

Like most, I personally find car services are like stepping into the unknown. The idea of leaving your car in the hands of a stranger can seem counter intuitive and without knowing what’s happening it can also feel little worrying. What’s being done, what parts are being replaced, what exactly should I expect once the service has been completed? With all of this confusion in mind I set out to find out what was involved in car servicing so I could decode the jargon that left me stu..Comments (1)

Fleet Safety from a new perspective

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 06:07:55 GMT

Ask any health and safety officer and they’ll tell you, at length, how hard it is to get people to read and recall health and safety documents and policies. Unfortunately fleet safety policy is no exception to this and it would seem that the issue is further compounded by even longer documents which in..

Hybrid vs Diesel - a new auto competition

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 02:07:07 GMT

Like everyone who stares blankly at listings on car sales websites, I too am overcome with the sheer level of choice. From hatchback to convertible, manual to automatic and all the other choice criteria the number of options for the car seeker can become very confusing. While most of these options are fairly self explana..

What will the Carbon Tax mean for fleet?

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 01:07:55 GMT

Big news events don't usually fall on Sundays. Normally our news anchors, politicians and journalists have the good grace to leave us all more or less alone on our traditional day of rest, however like it or not Sunday’s event was anything but normal. Placing a price on carbon emissions (if the measure passes in parliament) is possibly ..

What makes a good mine vehicle?

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 06:07:09 GMT

When we think of mine vehicles, images of super dump trucks, diggers and equipment hauling mega machines come to mind. However there is another vehicle strutting its stuff all over mines in Australia; the mine ready four wheel drive (4WD). For obvious reasons a conventional vehicle will simply not suffice in the tough, rugged, dang..

Will Holden Captivate the growing SUV market?

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 00:07:26 GMT

Review; Holden Captiva Series 2 (7 seater diesel)

Family wagons were, at one time, the vehicle of choice for so many Australian mums and dads. Lately however, this seems to be changing. With wagons declining in popularity and manufacturers discontinuing some models it would seem that there is now a space vacant in the Australian auto market. In a previous article I noted that the

Fleet cost reduction for the long haul

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 07:06:22 GMT

In a perfect world, goods and services would be bought or sold with scant regard for costs and people could glory in the comfort of purchases and consumption. Unfortuantely we do not live in that world. With Greece in crisis, the US broke and the global economy still a little bruised, “..

Japan; The need to know parts and deliveries update

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 07:06:14 GMT

This year’s natural disasters in Japan have caused some of the largest devastation the world has ever seen. With these disasters came loss of life, loss of property and, for many of the survivors, loss of livelihoods. While we all come to terms with the tragedy it is important not to forget the progress which is being made by the resilient Japanese car makers. The table below gives us some understanding of the obstacles which must, and are being overcome to return the bruised indus..Comments (2)

Depreciation; Do you know how much it's costing you?

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 07:06:40 GMT

Intricate financial modelling is not the first thing to spring to mind when you consider buying a new car……but it really should be. Choosing the wrong vehicle can cost thousands of dollars and leave many burnt fingers. The inconvenient truth is that the lifetime cost of a vehicle does not take centre stage in most vehicle ..

What makes a popular fleet car?

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 01:06:40 GMT

Car popularity has always been an issue of debate and popularity amongst fleet cars is a similarly contentious subject. Does popularity really mean quality and reliability, or does it mean something altogether less reassuring? For most, any given car's popularity is a combination of factors, some emo..

How will the Carbon Tax affect pump prices?

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 03:07:07 GMT

The art of negotiation has a long and distinguished history. While in a political sense it gathers most attention during coalition formation talks, it does have the capacity to crop up at any time or place in most societies. The current negotiations and wrangling over the terms and conditions of..

FBT (Fringe Benefit Tax) Changes Budget 2011

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 07:02:38 GMT

This year’s budget change relating to Novated Lease FBT rates on company vehicles has been much talked about since the release of the budget information last week. On our blog this week we wanted to outline these changes for our readers whilst addressing the most common questions relating to the new system.

The overhaul will, over a four year time frame, end the lower rates of FBT liability for those who drive in excess of 24,999 kilometres per year. The change to thos..Comments (8)

GPS and Fleet Management

Fri, 13 May 2011 04:05:07 GMT

Since the American military released its first satellites in the “Block 1” launches back in 1979 the world of navigation has been forever altered. Long ago drivers relied on maps, intuition and local knowledge to get to customers and deliveries. Today when we peer into a police car or taxi we will see an entire dashboard of navigation and communication devices. Global positioning systems have changed the way we navigate, plan and forecast our own personal and business lives, but h..

Getting the most out of Fuel Cards

Thu, 05 May 2011 03:05:33 GMT

The humble fuel card has, for many Australian businesses, replaced company credit cards and cash in an effort to allow accounts departments generate a clearer picture of how much fuel is costing their respective businesses. Fuel cards simply add up all the fuel purchases made by a business and charge monthly through a standard invoice.

While most ..Comments (1)

An Insight into the new Honda Hybrid

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 03:04:11 GMT

Review of new Honda Insight

When the Toyota Prius exploded into life back in 1997 the world watched as Toyota took the rewards for responsible fuel efficient engineering. Since then other manufacturers have drooled over the sales figures and free publicity garnere..

Safety tips for Easter road trips

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 06:04:47 GMT

Easter is fast approaching and is the time of year that families travel far and wide to spend the long weekend together. In preparation for this busy time on the roads, we’ve put together some tips to ensure that you and your family have the safest Easter possible.

Prepare your vehicle

2011, the year of the SUV?

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 01:04:15 GMT

The main trend

With new hybrid and electric models being trooped out by almost every major car manufacturer you would be forgiven for believing that the public was, en masse, moving away from large, noisy and relatively high emissions vehicles. This, however, is not the case according to last months FCAI (Federal Chamber of Automotiv..

Holden on for a new Cruze

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 02:04:22 GMT

Since an emotional launch in Adelaide back in late February Australians have waited to hear the assessment of the new series 2 Holden Cruze. Would this second model build on the relative sales success of the first, or would it remind us of the disappointing Vectra range which Holden and GM would prefer to forget?

The changes

Apart from a new grill, new bumpers and new wheels there isn’t much to distinguish the n..

Pump prices pack a punch

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:04:45 GMT

Who would have thought 5 years ago that we would be paying $1.50 per litre at the petrol station? I certainly wouldn’t have. Gone are the days that a station was selling fuel for $0.98/L. How I wish those prices would come back! But times have changed, and so have prices. Now the average national petrol price is at $1.43 per litre, and it doesn’..Comments (3)

Australian auto industry faces some speed bumps

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 06:03:22 GMT

As the devastating news of an earthquake and subsequent tsunami hitting Japan came across TV screens all over the world, so too did the images of the damage and catastrophe it had left behind. One of the scenes saw the new cars that were at the dock ready to be shipped overseas instead being dragged away by a strong and powerful wave. It soon became obvious tha..

Does green really = clean?

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 01:03:43 GMT

Over the last few years we’ve seen the introduction of the ‘green’ car by the majority of large car manufacturers. The new way to show that you are doing your bit for the environment has been to get yourself one of these machines. Not only are you cutting your CO2 emissions, but you’re also getting more km’s out of your tank. Now really..

Hyundai i40 Targets Fleet Market

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 03:10:03 GMT

The new Hyundai i40 has made its world public debut in Geneva this week. In a recent news release from the BBC, Hyundai is looking to venture into the European fleet market with its new i40 series eco-friendly vehicle.

Features

The i40 model and has been developed specifically for the European market and maintains the signature features from the i-range. In terms of performance Hyundai has placed a 140 HP 1.6L GDI engine for the entry level, while ..

Safety vs Cost Control

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 07:02:01 GMT

A question which is often avoided by car buyers, which is more important – keeping costs low or safety? Many people want to appear as if safety is their highest priority, however more often than not, they will often choose a vehicle based on low whole of life costs rather than the safety features.

This is also a vital question for companies who own..

Can your business save money with fuel cards?

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 09:02:12 GMT

With the cost of living constantly going up, who wants to spend extra money on rising fuel costs? I certainly don’t. And I imagine most business owners would agree, especially those who own fleets of vehicles. If you think about it, when you add up how much is spent on fuel each month, the savings from discounted fuel could be significant. A popular solution amongst fle..

The rise of in-car technology

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 08:02:01 GMT

In 1929, American Paul Galvin, the head of Galvin Manufacturing Corporation, invented the first car radio. Customers were required to purchase the radio separately with the car as the first car radios were not available from car makers. Imagine how many people would cause a riot if they were told today that their car radios have to be purchased independently! Its hard to believe j..

Driverless Cars - the future of automobiles?

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 08:02:35 GMT

Old movies like Back to the Future or TV series Knight Rider presented futuristic scenarios featuring flying or even talking cars. While outside of the movies we may not be quite there yet, we are however taking a huge leap in the automobile industry with our latest breakthrough sensation – the robo-car.

Yes, the robo-car. They are the ..

Toyota to stay on top

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 07:01:33 GMT

There was a time when Toyota was an automotive leader in the global car industry by a country mile. No other company was able to compare to the staggering sales records, quality reputation, and loyal consumers Toyota had accumulated through-out its years of operation. However, given the year of recalls they had in 2010, what comes to mind now when you think of Toyota?

Throughou..Comments (2)

Top 5 bad habits your drivers have

Sun, 23 Jan 2011 10:01:57 GMT

Many of us see ourselves as good drivers - whether we’ve had our licence for 2 days or 2 decades. However, it can be said with confidence that we are all guilty of not driving with the best interests of our vehicles in mind. Small everyday things such as not using the parking brake, etc, are some of the causes in reducing the longevity of a vehicle.

While bad habits can ..Comments (1)

5 vehicle checks to complete post flooding

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 08:01:03 GMT

As the flood waters in Queensland slowly fall, Australia is left with the devastating aftermath. The unexpected flooding savaged people’s livelihoods from communities and created ghost towns in its place. For the people affected by this natural disaster, all of us at Fleetcare have you in our thoughts and prayers.

If you managed to salvage your vehicle in the immediate af..

To lease or to buy?

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 07:01:26 GMT

As a new year descends upon us, you may decide to evaluate your fleet and look at upgrading some vehicles. Maybe that old clunker of a truck that keeps blowing off steam every chance it gets, or perhaps ‘Dusty’ the trusty little delivery van isnt being so trusty anymore? Either way, a successful company who depends on the efficient running of their fleet requires vehicles whic..Comments (3)

Top tyre tips for festive road tripping

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 07:12:08 GMT

‘Tis the season to be jolly - not to be stuck on the side of the road!

This time of year, country roads are full of vehicles filled with people travelling to visit family, friends, or maybe just a good ol’ road-trip for the Christmas season.

Most people are sensible enough check their car engine (oil, water etc) in preparation for the upcoming winter trips. Howev..

Does your fleet really need premium?

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 06:12:57 GMT

It’s in middle of the day and you’re craving something sweet. Chocolate cake or a brownie? The cake sounds much more delectable than the brownie, but at the end of the day they both consist of the same product that will satisfy your craving. Chocolate. The same goes for when your car becomes a bit hungry. Amid the vast range of car-snacks comes the hard decision of which to choos..

Is your fleet in need of a security upgrade?

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 02:08:47 GMT

Imagine the inconvenience if one of the most active vehicles in your fleet was stolen, or broken into – causing irreparable damage and your driver to be off the road indefinitely or at least until you come up with an alternative. I suppose vehicle security should have been right up there with safety and performance from the beginning but hindsight is a great gift isn't it..

VW Polo - Car of the year 2010

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 05:12:32 GMT

With a vast array of contenders vying for the title of Car of the Year, the winner which superseded all other competitors is none other than the little German powerhouse, the Volkswagen Polo. Firstly it won Drive’s Best City Car and went onto win the over accolade from both Drive and Carsguide.

Nonetheless, this isn’t the first time Volkswagen has tasted victory. But..Comments (2)

Electric vs Petrol

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 08:11:42 GMT

There is a substantial amount of people who believe as a society, we should take care of the environment in lieu of our future generations. Okay, so I kind of agree, I don’t want my future children or children's children to have to swim to school everyday because of the rising sea levels caused by Global Warming. And, while there may b..Comments (4)

Worlds Apart: Australian vs European car market

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 04:11:45 GMT

Europe. The continent many Australians consider the epitome of exuberance. With the delectable cuisine, the breath-taking views, and the ancient historical attractions how could anyone say otherwise? However, its no secret the struggles that the European economy has faced in recent times. With record car sales just been announced on this side of ..

Holden Barina Spark - An ideal first car

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 07:11:47 GMT

Do you remember your first car? I imagine some people would not have many pleasant recollections of their first bought as a teenager. However, the stereotype of the first car is fast approaching a revolution. This week at Fleetcare, we have had the amazing opportunity to cruise around in the new Holden Barina ..

Is 3 star safety satisfactory?

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 06:11:00 GMT

In September we posted a blog The real price of safety, taking a look at the cars that state they have 5 stars, yet require you to pay extra for that 5th star. This tweaked my curiosity to monitor the ANCAP safety ratings and I happened to come across something a lit..

Driver education or ISA device?

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 02:08:59 GMT

Over the past 6 months, the RTA has been trialling an Intelligent Speed Adaption (ISA) device that warns people when they are driving over the speed limit by beeping until they decrease their speed. According to the RTA, this device could help prevent 35 deaths and around 1500 injuries, although it is not going to be made a compulsory install..

Sydney Motor Show Stoppers

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 05:10:33 GMT

In a day full of elegance champagne and super models these rough edged rouges showed that the Sydney Motor Show isn’t just for super car prototypes. These exciting previews signal 2011 as a year for a shake up in the Utility and Jeep categories.

Ford Ranger

The new “one world, one ford” branding is doing grea..

Cruze vs Corolla

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 00:06:55 GMT

Holden, the genuine Aussie icon. Toyota, the reliable household name. Both big names, both big players in the Australian car market. So how do they compare? We take a look at the new and improved Holden Cruze CD (5 speed manual) and put it next to the sturdy Toyota Corolla Ascent Sedan (6 speed manual) to see what these competing brands have ..

Misfuelling - The cost to fleets

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 02:08:11 GMT

With an ever increasing choice at the petrol pump and an array of coloured nozzles, some only slightly different, it can be easy to confuse Unleaded 91 for Unleaded 95 or even 98 (I know I always have to triple check what I’m putting in). Sure, it’s ok if you get the unleadeds mixed up every now and again, but what if you drive a diesel car? For fleet..Comments (1)

Is Accelerated Wear and Tear Testing Good Enough?

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 03:10:36 GMT

When people say "Your Ferrari 458 Italia is smoking" you normally think they’re talking about the Victoria Secret model in the passenger seat, not the back wheel thats combusted and is burning your body work like newspaper.

This tragedy has been effecting millionaires across the globe..

Nissan Dualis Drive Day: Shifting my perception of light SUV?s

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 03:10:25 GMT

The new cross over segment that has been emerging over the past 4 years is somewhat of an enigma in the fleet industry. Is it a 4WD is it an SUV or is it a wagon? No it’s a light SUV or a family crossover or maybe a compact SUV……. I think. Whatever you name it, the growth in this segment is impossible to ignore with a massive 35% growth year to date (source: VFACTS). But is that growth just from young families and people with too many dogs or has fleet started to see value..

Speed Cameras: Life savers or money makers?

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 03:10:07 GMT

Recently in some UK counties, fixed speed cameras have been switched off due to cost cutting. In some states in Australia they have been introduced (WA being the newest recipient). If they save lives, why switch them off? If they don’t save lives, why have them?

Do speed cameras really save ..Comments (11)

Review: Kia Cerato Koup

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 06:09:01 GMT

I must admit the first thing that attracted me to the Kia Cerato Koup was its eye catching sporty exterior teamed with the added bonus of a reasonable price tag. When approaching the car you’ll notice its tough looking front bumper with an open air dam, supported by large fog lights either side. It also has a mesh-like radiator grille which adds to..

The Real Price of Safety

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 03:09:48 GMT

An article caught my eye this week - ”Safety expert: don’t buy Camry Hybrid” (drive.com.au). The reason? It’s only a 4 star safety rating. I don’t know about you, but for a car around $41,000 for the basic model, I’d probably expect 5 stars. When I mentioned this to someone in the office they said, “Most cars are actual..

Not Another Green Article!

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 01:01:23 GMT

Before you think “oh no, not another blog about green driving”, we’re not here to introduce a new age, super energy efficient, bio fuelled, electricity powered, emission free, hovercraft/car/green machine. We’re just reminding our readers that you don’t need to run out and buy a Prius, Leaf or Tesla to ease your environ..

6 Steps to Great After Sales Service

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 03:09:19 GMT

You’re having one of those days where nothing seems to be going your way. Then to top it off, your mobile phone/laptop/car/washing machine suddenly stops working. While trying your best to hold in your frustration, you call the after care number to see if someone there can help you fix your product.

You wait for what seems like h..

Mobile Apps Changing the Way We Drive

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 03:09:23 GMT

Ever seen Kitt from KnightRider in action and wished you had a car like that? It might have seemed like a fantasy 20 years ago, but with technology these days it seems a car like this might not be too far off! The capability of the mobile phone is ever increasing, and now they can impact the way you use your car. With their downloadable applications you can now drive safer, reduce your carbon footprint and even find where you parked your car (when you could have sworn you parked in bay ..Comments (1)

Has Toyota Caused a Rukus?

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 03:10:48 GMT

The Toyota Rukus- a car created to revive Toyota’s presence with the younger market, particularly with Gen Y. But has it succeeded as of yet?

With approximately 150 of these vehicles selling each month, around 55% of the buyers have been between 20-40 years old, an age group which usually makes up less than 50% of Toyota’..Comments (2)

Hyundai i20 a Hit with the Ladies

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 03:09:44 GMT

The Hyundai i20 has recently been released in Australia and has been designed to attract busy ladies who are constantly on the go and looking for something stylish and agile to zip around in. I decided to interview two Fleetcare employees who fit the description and see their initial take on Hyundai’s latest edition.

Liz:

The i20 packed..

Accident Management: The argument for outsourcing

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 01:07:51 GMT

A driver is on their way to a drop off point and has just pulled up at a set of lights, when “BANG”. Yep, the person texting on their mobile in the car behind has forgotten to brake. Unfortunately accidents are a part of life if your company has a large fleet.

If you are responsible for your company’s fleet, what is the management proce..Comments (5)

Is Speeding in Moderation OK?

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 09:07:02 GMT

Speeding is bad. That is what we have all been taught from a young age. “Don’t ride your bike too fast, you will fall off” and “don’t run around the pool, you will slip” are words most mothers have used at least once, warning their children of the consequences of speed, no matter what the mode of tra..Comments (4)

June 2010 New Car Sales: movers & shakers

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 03:10:07 GMT

This time last year it was all doom and gloom for the automotive industry, but unprecedented growth has brought us from an all time low to possibly setting an all time high with 1.1million sales forecasted this year.

The impacts of the GFC have caused big shifts in consumer trends. Here are some of the movers & shakers of the auto industry over the past year & the reasons they have succeeded where others have failed.

Movers & Shakers

What is Unsafe Driving Costing Your Company?

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 08:07:21 GMT

Road accidents are now the most common form of work-related death, injury and absence from work in Australia (Safety climate & driver safety at work: integrating fleet management & OHS).

The annual cost of road traffic injury is estimated to be over AU$500 million and related property damage increases this figure to over AU$1 billion (Travelsafe34, 2002)

These two facts show ..Comments (1)

Suzuki Left off 'The First Car List'

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 04:06:47 GMT

Despite being under $15000, having 6 airbags, ESP & an ANCAP rating of 4 stars the Suzuki Alto was excluded from ‘The First Car List’, a government initiative aimed at getting young drivers in safer cars. Rather confusing considering a 1989 Peugeot 404 made it on the list. Nothing against Peugeot’s but which car would you feel safer in?

Total Cost of Ownership: The hidden traps of buying a car

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 08:06:22 GMT

A new vehicle is one of the most important purchases we make in our life time. But do we really consider what is in our best interests when selecting a vehicle? Most of us choose the best priced car in the yard without considering the ‘total cost of ownership’, a decision that can cost you thousands in the long run.

There are many costs to consider that aren’t included in the initial price of a vehicle. These include ongoing operating costs that can hurt your hip poc..

5 Simple Steps to Stop Fuel Cards from Declining

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 02:08:34 GMT

There is nothing more annoying than having a fuel card declined. As a driver reaching in to your own pocket to pay for fuel can be extremely inconvenient. Not to mention the lengthy reimbursement process where drivers are left out of pocket and the loss of the fuel card discount.

If you’re in charge of your company’s fleet implement these five simple steps & avoid those fuel card dramas. They might seem obvious but they come directly from our client services officer..

Toyota Ruckus: Trendy or Tacky?

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 03:06:55 GMT

We all have that ‘trendy mate’. They are the ones who had an i-Phone before you even had an i-Pod. They were twittering before you had even heard of Facebook and they're always up with the latest fashion (to the point of irritation).

In marketing terms they're called ‘innovators’. A small but powerful crowd that have been proven invaluable for influencing the general public & starting new trends.

Why are we talking about your trendy m..Comments (3)

Vehicle Maintenance 101

Thu, 20 May 2010 06:05:12 GMT

Basic car maintenance is not beyond the average driver. Most likely the best bit of help you can get when carrying out some basic checks is still in the same place as when you first got the car - in the glove box! You should find the drivers handbook there and this will give you all the information you need to know specifically about your vehicle. Even if you personally don't plan on carrying out any maintenance on your vehicle have a basic understanding of it, this can help you avoid problem..Comments (1)

To Track or not to Track

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 03:01:55 GMT

I was with a prospective new client the other day and they were telling me how all of their vehicles have GPS tracking. Recalling some earlier discussions around concerns for driver privacy I asked how this was addressed in the organisation. They told me privacy concerns had been a minor issue before the accident, but now GPS tracking is fully supported. The accident?

They told me that one of their drivers had a head-on collision on the crest of a hill in a remote ..Comments (3)

2 Simple Reasons Employers Should Start a Novated Lease Program

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 07:09:35 GMT

With another skilled labour shortage heating up the old saying good help is hard to find is really starting to ring true. In order to stay competitive employers have to start offering incentives to keep the workforce they have and attract new talent.

But how can you differentiate your business? Cheap gym membership and a free flu vaccine every year are nice but it’s doubtful they would really increase retention or attract great new talent.

What if you could offer ..

A Hummbling Response: What our readers really thought about the H3

Mon, 10 May 2010 08:05:07 GMT

A week ago we blogged about the Hummer and why it seems Australians never really warmed up to the flashy SUV. We also performed a survey on some of our newsletter readers to see what everyone really thought about the Hummer. Going by the results it seems it wasn't the brash styling but rather the poor fuel consumption that was the root of the negative response.

Ford Step Ahead, Posting a $A2.2b Profit for Q1 2010

Thu, 20 May 2010 04:05:08 GMT

Ford step ahead, posting a $A2.2b profit for Q1 2010

The A$2.2billion profit for Q1 represents a full year out of the red for Ford, quite an achievement compared to the Detroit based companies neighbours GM & Chrysler.

No doubt the solid financials are the effects of their competition being flawed for most of 2009, with GM & Chrysler needing government bailouts & Toyota being snowed under by a mountain of negative press.

As a result of the stronger..

Hasta Lavista Hummer

Mon, 10 May 2010 03:05:11 GMT

After a March sales figure of 14 it seems the Hummer H3’s place on Australian roads is truly done & dusted. The doom was hanging heavy in the clouds with GM announcing earlier this year that Hummer would wind down production. But why did it never really take off in Australia?

It’s fuel economy actually matchs the likes of pajero & patrol, the price is reasonable and by most reports it is a great off-roader. However despite looking good on paper the H3 just can&..

5 Ways Small Business Can Benefit from Outsourcing Their Fleet Management

Tue, 11 May 2010 04:05:36 GMT

If your business has over 2 vehicles you could now consider it a fleet and get the benefits that come along with owning a fleet. Over the past decade fleet management companies have uncovered the small business market as a valuable prospect, creating innovative solutions that help small businesses cut down on their overheads and administration time.

These days you don’t need 1000+ vehicles to benefit from outsourcing fleet management. Here are five ways small business can be..

March New Car Sales Increase by a Record Breaking 25.2%

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 03:04:05 GMT

In December 2009 the car sales figure dubbed ' the magic million' seemed like a far off prospect left back in 2007/08. The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industry chief Andrew Mckellar predictied 2011 as the year Australia would return to pre-GFC sales levels. However the outstanding March new car sales figure of 94,744 was enough to change Mr Mckellar’s somber tune from last year,

“This is an outstanding March result and provides further evidence..Comments (1)

Ford Say Goodbye to an Old Fleet Favourite the Falcon Wagon

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 03:10:42 GMT

Ford recently announced the deletion of the Ford Falcon Wagon by June, a fleet institution for large corporations such as Telstra. With no demand in the consumer market it’s been kept afloat by fleet sales since it’s the BA/BF models where released. Last year it only accounted for 2500 of the 31000 falcons sold in 2009 the majority of which came..

Holden, Caltex and the Victorian Government Create Alternative Fuel Consortium to Introduce E85 Fuel Network

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 04:03:01 GMT

The bio-fuel cars of tomorrow could be closer than we think with the Victorian government recently announcing the formation of a consortium including, Caltex, Holden, & Coskata. The group will investigate the viability of creating an ethanol production plant in Victoria. This plant could produce up to 200 million litres of ethanol annually for cars powered on the ethanol based bio-fuel E85. This alternative fuel consists of 85% ethanol and 15% regular petrol and has various positive effec..

The Move Towards a 0.02 Alcohol Limit for Australian Drivers

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 05:10:55 GMT

The recent suggestion of a 0.02 blood alcohol limit in Queensland has ignited a nation wide debate, splitting academics and the media down the middle. It has stemmed from a submission to the Government of Queensland giving numerous options for combating drink driving, a 0.02 limit being one of them.

Professor Daube from Curtin University in Western Australia says the move is ‘inevitable’.

“We can wait forever for yet more evidence or we can decide as a nation..Comments (1)

The Australian Camry Hybrid Distraction or Innovation?

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 08:03:46 GMT

The new hybrid Camry is a welcome distraction for Toyota Australia amidst the Prius media storm. With the recall extending to Australia the local confidence in their hybrid range has undoubtedly wavered. With a total of 2378 Prius vehicles being recalled early this year consumer and fleet buyers alike may be hesitant about the new hybrid Camry.

However Toyota issued in its press release that ‘the locally made Hybrid Camry launched this week in Australia is not affected (by the p..

Mercedes Benz Sprinter NGT 2010: Workhorse on a green diet

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 05:10:34 GMT

The new Mercedes sprinter has been put on a greener leaner diet for 2010. Mercedes is revamping their efforts to introduce a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) version of their Sprinter to fleet customers, nine years after their previous attempt at CNG failed.

The new Sprinter range comes in the traditional diesel and petrol version but now with the added option of a petrol CNG hybrid. Unlike Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) CNG is not dependant on oil, making it a viable fuel alternative for th..

Toyota Drifts to the Dark Side. Oh what a feeling?.

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 03:03:42 GMT

Every day seems to bring more bad news for the automotive giant Toyota with 4.5 million vehicles recalled internationally, a class action law suit, a congressional hearing starting in America and an award for energy efficiency being stripped in Japan.

Their main woes are coming from the US, also Toyota’s region of highest growth. But it seems the US is the source

How to hold on to Your Employees During the Upcoming Boom in WA

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 05:10:49 GMT

If you live in WA you will know three things about the resources industry. It’s hard work, it pays well and there is always someone hiring. All three facts contributed to the skills shortage of 07, putting the power in the employee’s court. Job hopping became rife with miners and tradespeople picking and choosing positions that suited them and skilled labourers making a mass exodus from the eastern states.

Anyone in upper management knows that when you lose an experienced ..

Geely Enters the Market Low but Aims High

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 03:03:32 GMT

This year we will see the introduction of the third Chinese Automotive brand to the Australian market. Geely is set to bring 3 models into Australia via John Hughes ‘Chinese Automotive Distributors’ Company. Initially it will be WA that receives the first 1.5 litre MK models, with dealerships in North Perth and Mandurah releasing possibly in May.Hughes is currently recruiting dealerships over east to distribu..

Survival of the Fittest: The competitive environment after the GFC

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 03:10:59 GMT

Darwin’s law of Natural Selection came into play in the Auto industry this year, with the GFC testing all manufacturers flight or fight responses. If a companies value proposition didn’t add up in 2009 then they were subject to the laws of nature, with only a handful posting positive sales.The down turn really showed the underlying demand for brands. Those who where not thriving in 2008 where left behind to be eaten by this new economic threat.

Top of the food chain
..

Car Production Takes a Dive

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 04:03:04 GMT

Australian car production has slumped to a low of 225,713 vehicles produced in 2009, a staggering 100,000 fewer cars than 2008. The high Australian dollar has hindered the already diminished demand from foreign importers in the US and Middle East. On top of this local producers are hurting from the recent tariff cut that has lowered foreign importers costs considerably.

These combined factors mean local producers will be relying heavily on tax-payer funded assistance in the coming y..

December 2009 Hits an all Time Record for Car Sales! Pity About the Rest of the Year??

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 05:10:15 GMT

A last minute rush from business owners seeking the investment allowance resulted in a record December, with 88,708 vehicles sold (15.9% up on last December). The main contributors were vans, 4x2 and 4x4, all receiving significant growth in sales.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industry (FCAI) forecasted 880’000 vehicles being sold for 2009, however December pushed the auto industry well past the line with 937,328 new cars sold, a positive result in the context of a recession..

5 Safety Tips for Country Christmas Driving

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 04:03:27 GMT

Christmas is a great time of year to venture out into the Australian countryside for a break with the family. So please read these 5 simple tips to ensure you have a safe and happy Christmas trip.

Turning off the road. When turning right, across traffic, have your wheels pointed straight ahead rather than right. This way, if hit from behind you will not be knocked into oncoming traffic

Road Trains. Impatience with large trucks has ca..

10 Reasons Why Your Fleet Needs GPS Tracking

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 02:08:12 GMT

GPS Fleet Tracking 101

GPS tracking uses a satellite linked device to update vehicle information at regular intervals (usually around 20sec). Information includes, date, time, location (latitude & longitude) heading direction, altitude and travelling speed. This information is then delivered to the fleet manager, keeping managers updated on their fleet’s status 24 hours a day 7 days a week, from anywhere with an internet connection.

GPS software packages come equip..Comments (1)

Is the Auto Industry Climbing Back Up the Mountain or Tripping Over an Ant Hill?

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 05:10:53 GMT

With the release of the October figures from ABS the automotive industry looks as if it’s turning around. October marked the third consecutive month of growth with a 3.7% increase for new car sales. Encouraged by the extension of the small to medium business tax rebate, business’s rather than consumers seem to be fueling this sales resurgence.

This is positive news when compared to our British counterparts who sustained a drop of 6.7% in new car production compared to Octo..

Tarriff Cuts: Will Mazda zoom ahead in 2010?

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 05:03:03 GMT

January 1st could be bringing more than a champagne induced headache for car companies operating under the current Free Trade Agreement. An importation tariff cut of 5% is being introduced in the New Year. This will further flatten the playing field for those companies that import their entire car line outside of the Free Trade area such as Mazda and Porsche.

The tariff reduction is from 10% to 5%, giving importers one of two options, pass on the savings to consumers or increase their..

Fleet Safety: Are you steering your company towards a productivity iceberg?

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 05:03:25 GMT

We all know the tragic price families and friends pay because of mobile phone usage on the road. But now there is another cost being identified, the loss in productivity for big business. You could be sailing along fine at the moment but all fleet managers should stop and peer into the distance to avoid a productivity disaster. What does the iceberg look like?

Heinrich’s Accident Pyramid proposes that for every 300 unsafe acts, 29 minor injuries and one major injury occur. A re..

5 Steps to Reduce Your Fleet Emissions

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 02:03:47 GMT

The prospect of saving on operating costs and reducing your carbon footprint is too good to pass up. By implementing these five simple steps you can reduce your fleet overheads while enhancing your company’s environmental image.

1. Measure Your Fleet – Obtain an accurate picture of you current emissions rate. Gaining a clear and accurate picture of your company’s current emission output is obviously the first step in reducing carbon emissions and sav..

Holden?s Incredible Hulk

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 02:03:17 GMT

This year Edward Norton and Lou Farigno aren’t the only one showing off some green muscle. Holden’s new ‘MY10’ Commodore takes a progressive step away from previous gas guzzling models with a greener, more powerful 210kw engine. Who says that the environmentally friendly driver has to sip chai latte and drive a Hybrid?..