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Five Minute Coffee Break
What will we think of the cars we're driving 25 years from now?
You may not know it, but we are wrapping up the national and international car show season. An online summary of the 2013 North American Auto Show in Detroit included some photos from the 1988 edition. A few things struck me 25 years later: first, how outdated those cars looked. Second, how outdated the hairstyles and clothes looked. And third, how many brands aren't present anymore. Some are gone altogether, some are just not being sold in the US. In 1988, we were leasing cars from AMC, Plymouth, Pontiac, Renault, Daihatsu, Mercury, Oldsmobile, Suzuki and Saab. Now those brands are just answers to bar room trivia questions.
 | | 1988 Daihatsu Charade |
 | | 1988 AMC Eagle |
 | | 1988 Cutlass Supreme Classic |
The other interesting aspect to this trip down memory lane was the features we have now come to find indispensable that didn't yet exist in 1988. ABS & airbags were just becoming common and CD players were new, optional and expensive. Forget about GPS Navigation and Bluetooth, consider that in 1988, only a couple GM cars (like Cadillac) had remote keyless entry. Not even Mercedes or Acura had it (Lexus wasn't here yet.)
You know that look you get when you tell your kids or grandkids that you actually had to get off the couch to change TV channels, or flip the album over to listen to the other five songs? It's sort of the same thing here, "You had to use a key to unlock the car doors?"
Fast forward another 25 years and what will kids then be laughing at? "Look, grampa's car actually had a steering wheel and pedals!" Or, "Look, grandma's car ran on, what was it called, gasoline?"
Jeff Barron
email me
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Vans aplenty
Do you your company work vans look like this? Have you been putting off replacements because you couldn't find the right fit? Well, this may be your year.
No, work vans aren't very sexy but most of you reading this operate vehicles that work for your business. After what seems like decades of the same boxes-on-wheels, you, the business operator, will soon have many new choices to select from.
Mercedes' Sprinter (initially sold as Dodge and Freightliner) was the first shot across the bow of the iconic Ford Econoline and Chevy/GMC battleships several years ago. The Sprinter was a European design with different proportions, smaller and more efficient (diesel) engines, and multiple lengths and heights.
In 2014, Ford will be introducing a new generation of vans, in front-wheel-drive mid-size, and rear-wheel-drive full-size flavors, both named (confusingly) the Transit. The small van will still be called Transit Connect, but the full-size vans will be called just Transit 150, 250 etc. The all-new Transit Connect versions arrive early in 2014 with two lengths to choose from. But the big news for many companies is Ford's new full-size Transit lineup that will replace the Econoline-Series vans. Modeled after the European Ford Transit, the new vans were developed with the unique needs of American companies in mind. There will be three lengths and three roof heights to choose from, as well as gas and diesel powerplants.
 | | 2014 Ford Transit Full-Size Vans |
Not to be outdone, Chrysler is leveraging its Fiat ownership by introducing the 2014 ProMaster full-size vans which are Americanized versions of the popular Fiat Ducato vans from Europe. Also featuring multiple heights, lengths, and powertrains, the 2014 Ram ProMaster should also be on your increasingly-confusing shopping list.
 | | 2014 Ram (Dodge) ProMaster Full Size Van |
Two years ago, Nissan unveiled its first full-size cargo vans and has just released a direct competitor to the smaller Transit Connect, called the Nissan NV200. I should have one on hand soon to demo for those interested.
 | | All-New Nissan NV200 Cargo |
Intimidated? Let us guide you through the dimensions, payloads, powertrains, and costs. Call us when you're ready to replace those old warhorses in the warehouse.
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VEHICLE SPOTLIGHT
One of the most hotly contested segments these days is the small crossover utility vehicle (CUV.) Virtually each manufacturer offers a 4-cylinder CUV now and the most popular models have been the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V, accompanied by the Subaru Forester, Mazda CX5, Nissan Rogue and others. Toyota offered the RAV4 but it had become a bit dated by the end of its most recent model run.
The 2013 is a welcome addition to the CUV mix. Gone are the quirky side-hinged rear cargo door, optional (and fun) V6 and tiny 3rd row seat. The RAV4s come in LE, XLE and Limited trim levels but all models feature the same peppy 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine and 6-speed automatic found in the Camrys. Even the base models have Bluetooth phone calling and a backup camera for added safety.
On the road, the RAV4 performs like you would expect of a new Toyota: quiet ride, adequate power, comfortable seats and a suspension that isn't too soft and isn't too firm. Toyota has done a nice job of making the interior modern looking with very nice materials but not overly complicated. Even your parents will be able to adjust the temperature and select a radio station without reaching for the owner's manual. It seats four adults comfortably and five in a pinch.
If you are in the market for a new CUV and had been ignoring the old RAV4, put this one back on your shopping list. For our commercial and fleet customers, these are now built in the U.S. and are available through the Toyota Fleet system.
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Helpful Gizmo Father's Day Gift Idea - good for everyone  With recent tragedies like Hurricane Sandy and the Oklahoma tornado, we all should consider having a backup radio that does more than just play FM radio. One example is this unit at Sharper Image that will run on batteries, or its built-in solar panel, or its built-in hand-crank generator. It will also charge your cell-phone with that hand-crank generator and integrated USB ports. In addition to AM and FM, it will tune to NOAA weather channels and Short Wave bands. All for $90. Click here for the link.  |
Okay, now these are just crazy (but very cool) |
Used Car Corner
We have a 2012 Ford E250 Cargo Van with only about 12,000 miles. Small V8, power windows/locks/mirrors, air conditioning and a cargo partition and mat. Call or email us for lease information.
You can also peruse Ellis Brooks Auto Center's inventory here for other pre-owned vehicles. We can help with the purchase or lease of most of their cars too.
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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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Thank you for reading our newsletter. 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 really appreciate personal referrals. Jeff Barron
Ellis Brooks Leasing, Inc.
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