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Time for a 5-Minute Coffee Break
It's clear from sales data that the auto manufacturers are doing okay. Not great, but better. Many of the new vehicles arriving at dealerships were approved for production when gasoline was $4.50 gallon. Vehicles such as the new Chevy Volt, Ford Fiesta, and Mazda 2, as well as more fuel-efficient versions of existing vehicles.
The funny thing is, fuel economy isn't at the top of everyone's list like it was in 2008. But as the economy slowly recovers (both here and abroad), oil prices will rise. Barrel prices have already gone from the low $70s to the mid $80s. I bring this up because many of you are making vehicle selections based on today's gas prices, but remember these vehicles will be in service for the next 3-5 years. We (you) should be asking, "what if ?"
We can help you by analyzing your fleet, and how it's used, to make sure you are making sound choices (even if your fleet consists of just one vehicle.)
You never know, we may ask you questions and come up with vehicle solutions you never thought of. So call us, we can help.
Jeff Barron |
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Vehicle Personalization
I want it "my way"
When Henry Ford was building Model Ts, he said you could have any color you want, as long as it was black. Many carmakers have streamlined production by limiting the number of options. Honda has made a lot of money off ering just three or four set trim levels of each model and no menu of options. But what if you don't want to see yourself coming and going? Try a MINI Cooper. You can spend hours on their website picking options, colors, wheels, stripes, interior accents, and on and on. There are something like ten million different combinations so  you are almost guaranteed to have a unique MINI. We love putting together MINI orders so feel free to call.
Other European luxury carmakers have also embraced personalization by offering the ability to choose different materials, paint & leather colors, stitching and wood types through special channels. For years, Porsche has offered  literally hundreds of options for the interior and exterior of their cars. You'd be amazed. Ordering a 911? How about a leather covered rear-view mirror for $675? Or an Alcantra covered gear selector and handbrake for $1800? Special custom paint for $5000, or one of my favorites: leather covered defroster vents for $365? Want to try it? click here, choose your model, choose your trim, and then click on "customize". It's fun.
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And the not-so-sexy side of custom vehicles . . .
Yes, you'd love to order that new Porsche 911 but your business really needs new delivery vehicles or a medium-duty work truck. Where do you start? With us, of course. If you operate a business, you know about most facets of your operation but you may not know how to spec out the proper work vehicles. As mentioned at the top, we come up with solutions you may not have thought of. And we start by asking a lot of questions. We'll start wit h you, but we also like to talk with the employees who are driving your vehicles daily. If you have a warehouse, we'll start by talking to those who are lifting, carrying, and delivering your products. We'll look at payload weights, package sizes, delivery routes, and loading & unloading issues at both ends. We'll compare gasoline vs. diesel, body configurations, liftgate types and capacities, and all the other boring stuff you may not have a handle on.
Or, how about simple cargo vans? 1/2-ton or 3/4-ton? Which axle ratio? Do we need full-size Chevy Express vans or can we get by with the smaller and more fuel-efficient Ford Tran sit Connect? Can we get customized shelving units inside? How about ladder racks? Do you have someone to install our graphics and logos on the sides?
Or, it may be as simple as comparing cars for your sales reps. Are Hybrids better for us than traditional powertrains? What's the difference between 4-wheel-drive and all-wheel drive? Who has the best warranties?
And finally, are used-vehicles an option?
Don't guess and make mistakes. Call us at 415-474-1100.
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Drive a Toyota, Honda, Lexus or Acura?
Are your headlights really on?
Now that we are all driving home in the dark again, be sure and check that your headlights are really on. Almost all of the above mentioned vehicles, as well as several other Japanese namepl ates, feature electronic instruments that glow bright even when your headlights are off. I see four or five cars every night on my way home. Some even have dim daytime running lights (DRLs) that make you think your headlights are on but the rest of your marker lights are off. If you've been to a valet parking lot, or a had your car serviced, chances are they turned your headlight switch from AUTO to OFF. So don't be "that person", double check that your lights are set to AUTO.
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Technology: helpful or just too much?
Remember when we were younger and read about how someday cars would drive themselves? Honestly, there is enough technology today that, liability issues notwithstanding, the auto manufacturers could almost build a car that required no driver input to get you from home to work. Between precise GPS-routing and radar-, sonar-, infrared-, and camera-based car controls, your car doesn't need you to accelerate, stop, turn or navigate. Consider the following features available on some of today's cars:
- Radar- and sonar-based cruise control maintains a safe distance behind the car in front of you. And some will maintain a safe distance even in stop & go traffic.
- Night Vision uses updated infrared technology to detect, highlight, and warn you about pedestrians and other objects beyond the reach of your headlights.
- Lane-assist alerts you that you are drifting into another lane and will steer your back if you do not.
- Park-assist will locate an adequate sized parallel parking space and maneuver the car into it for you, hands-free.
- Pedestrian Detection will recognize people crossing your path, alert you, and stop the car if you don't. It will also stop your car if you're about to rear-end the car in front.
- Attention-assist senses if you show signs of drowsiness and will take steps to alert you.
Ironically, many of these safety features are being installed to protect us from ourselves and the distractions caused by our Blackberries, Droids and iPhones. I suppose the good news is that more and more cars have excellent interfaces so that we can take calls and listen to texts without taking our eyes off the road. (Ford's SYNC system is among the best.) The problem is, while our eyes may be on the road, our minds are often in another time zone and that's when aids like Lane Assist and Pedestrian Detection come into play.
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About Ellis Brooks Leasing, Inc.
Since 1964, we have been providing fleet management and leasing services to businesses in California and the west. Whether you have a fleet of 1 or 100, we can help you select the right vehicles and lease plans to fit your needs.
- High-mileage leases are our specialty (even 100k/year)
- Fuel and Maintenance Card programs
- Fleet pricing
- Local and out-of-state deliveries
- All makes of cars, trucks, vans and SUVs
- Upfitted work trucks and vans
- Pre-owned vehicles
- Professional, personal, no-pressure environment
Call us at (415) 474-1100 and see how easy it is to get started.
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Used Car Corner
2010 Toyota Camry LE
Economical 4-cylinder, automatic, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, power seat, am/fm/cd with auxiliary input for iPod/mp3 player, approx 6,000 miles, just serviced, very clean.
email or call 415-474-1100 for a custom lease quote.
Also visit our sister company, Ellis Brooks Auto Center for a full inventory of pre-owned vehicles and Wheego Electric cars.
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Thank you for taking the time to read this. We don't do much advertising so please pass this along if you know of a company that uses vehicles in their daily operation.If you're an existing client, we love referrals!
Please enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.
Jeff Barron
Ellis Brooks Leasing, Inc.
tel: 415-474-1100, press 1
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