Fleet Vehicles: 'Kicked Up' & Unique
Many fleet vehicles are indistinguishable from consumer models; however, several fleets are “kicking it up a notch” with unique looks, designs, and purposes.

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E-mail photos, vehicle details, and use information for possible inclusion in a future Automotive Fleet article to Lauren.Fletcher@bobit.com.
Cooper Watches Over Gold'N Plump Poultry
The St. Cloud, Minn.-based poultry company Gold'n Plump started in 1926 as a small hatchery. The delivery fleet utilizes a one-of-a-kind fleet vehicle for events, store openings, parades, and more.
Called the "Chik'n Cruiser," it features a replica of the company's mascot, Cooper, positioned as though he's riding a motorcycle. Built on a 1-ton cargo van, the vehicle is equipped with a PA system and rooster horn, and is designed to pull a concession trailer used for product samples.

Pest Defense Stays in Sight
Selecting the Nissan Cube due its unique styling, design, and pricing/operating costs, the Dallas-based Pest Defense outfitted the vehicles to gain customer awareness of its HomeTeam and Taexx brands, targeting homeowners in neighborhoods where the company is working to attract new customers.
According to the company, homeowners see uniformed salesmen in company-decaled vehicles as more credible than ones who drive their own personal vehicles. Providing GPS-equipped, decaled vehicles allows the company to control the image it portrays, as well as track territory covered by the sales force.

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Federated Auto Parts: Stylish and Capable
Federated Auto Parts was formed in 1985 and currently operates more than 4,400 Federated Auto Parts stores nationwide. The parts distribution company selected the Chevrolet HHR due to its unique styling and utility capabilities.
According to the company, the vehicle makes a great billboard for signage and its cargo capacity works great for "Hot Shot" deliveries - parts deliveries to customers repairing vehicles in their shop.
"We rush (Hot Shot) parts to them and they receive the needed parts in 20 minutes or less," said Rusty Bishop, CEO for Federated Auto Parts.

SEMCO Energy Trucks Provide Capability and Crew Support
Used to maintain natural gas pipelines, Semco Energy's trucks not only have the ability to tow a 20,000-lb. trailer with backhoe, but can carry a four-person crew, both uncommon in work trucks, according to the company.
Equipment helps keep materials and crew organized and clean, including a frame-mounted air compressor/generator (allowing more storage space). The trucks also have a compartment mounted under the vehicle's body to store shovels and digging equipment. The compartment features expanded metal pieces connected to the bottom, allowing dirt to drop while the vehicle is in motion instead of accumulating in the truck bed.

State of Michigan Vehicles Built for Extreme Temperatures
The State of Michigan Department of Natural Resources utilizes upfitted Chevrolet Tahoe’s to operate effectively in high-temperature environments where strong winds and sand blows at vehicles. A special LED lighting system was installed to enhance visibility in sand dune terrain. In addition, the vehicle is also equipped with necessary law enforcement and public safety equipment.

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In-N-Out Burger 'Out on the Town'
Based in Baldwin Park, Calif., In-N-Out has seven modified trucks termed "Cookout Trailers."
These vehicles travel to businesses and events serving hot food made famous at their locations in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.
While unable to serve shakes or fries, these roving restaurants serve piping hot burgers with the traditional fixings.
Cookout Trailers are fully self-contained units, equipped with generators and operated and staffed completely by In-N-Out Burger associates.

NURSECARs show 'Care Never Sleeps'
In 2007, Great Lakes Home Health and Hospice developed an industry-unique company car - the NURSECAR. Taking a page from the eye-catching autos of NASCAR, the health-services company purchased a fleet of 50 reliable, fuel-efficient Ford Focuses, painted them in a rich scarlet-red pearl coat, and emblazoned them with the Great Lakes logo, "Care That Never Sleeps Promise" logo, NURSECAR name, and other local business graphics.
Now more than 100 vehicles strong, NURSECARs are provided to nurses, therapists, and other employees who travel the most miles on a daily basis. As fully insured, maintained, and fueled company cars, they were an instant hit - translating into a better work environment for employees and improved quality care for patients, according to the company.

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