Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

How to Recognize a Company Car

Why are company cars so popular? One of the reason is they can take bumps at twice the speed of private cars. A light-hearted look at company cars.

by AF Staff
March 1, 1984
2 min to read


Why are company cars so popular? The reason seems to be that they have special features not found in private autos. Gerry Keenan, fleet manager for GAB Business Services Inc., provided this list to a recent NAFA Bulletin.

Ad Loading...

1. They travel faster in all gears, especially reverse.

Ad Loading...

2. They accelerate at a phenomenal rate.

3. They enjoy a much shorter braking distance.

4. They have a much tighter turning radius.

5. They can take bumps at twice the speed of private cars.

6. Oil and tire pressures and battery and water levels do not need to be checked

Ad Loading...

nearly so often.

7. The floor is shaped just like an ashtray.

8. They burn only gas with the highest trading stamp rate.

9. They do not have to be garaged at night.

10. They can be driven up to 100 miles with the oil warning light on.

Ad Loading...

11. They need cleaning less often, especially inside.

12. The suspension is reinforced to allow concrete slabs and other heavy building materials to be carried.

13. They are adapted to allow reverse to be engaged while the car is still moving forward.

14. The tire walls are designed for bumping into and over curbs.

15. Unusual and alarming engine noises are easily eliminated by the adjustment of the radio volume control.

Ad Loading...

16. No security is needed. They may be left anywhere, unlocked, with the keys in the ignition.

AF readers are invited to submit any additional special features that they have discovered on company cars.


Topics:Operations
Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Operations

Automotive Fleet News Recap thumbnail featuring a woman in a blue sleeveless top looking toward the headline, “90% Use Telematics. Are Fleets Getting Safer?” against a dark blue background with bold red accents.
Operations•by Faith Howell•November 6, 2026

90% Use Telematics. Are Fleets Getting Safer? | AF News Recap

This week, we're breaking down which industries have the highest rates, how Jamie McKay manages 2,400 vehicles, what's happening with the 2027 fleet awards, and why software-defined vehicles could introduce new costs.

Read More →
Collage of FFC2026 roundtables
Operations•by Chris Brown•November 5, 2026

What's Best Handled by an FMC, and What's Better Done Directly?

Fleet managers continue to rely on FMCs for essential services but are taking a closer look at where working directly with suppliers can improve efficiency and responsiveness.

Read More →
Erin Gilchrist, inaugural Mike Antich Spirit of Fleet Award winner, featured in Automotive Fleet's Fleet Meets series, wearing a charcoal blazer against a white background.
Operations•by Faith Howell•November 5, 2026

Fleet Meets: Erin Gilchrist

Meet Erin Gilchrist, the inaugural Mike Antich Spirit of Fleet Award winner, as she shares insights on leadership, mentorship, the power of industry connections, and why people remain at the heart of fleet's future.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Automotive Fleet video thumbnail featuring Jamie McKay alongside a male interviewer, with the headline “Jamie McKay Gives Fleet a Voice With Her Company’s Leadership” against a blue and black background.
Operations•by Chris Brown•November 4, 2026

How 2026 Fleet Visionary Jamie McKay Manages 2,400 Vehicles Across 37 States

How do you keep 2,400 vehicles running across 37 states? Fleet Visionary Award winner Jamie McKay shares how collaboration, flexibility, and a few simple strategies help her tackle fleet management challenges at Aptive Pest Control.

Read More →
Fleet operating costs for 2026 over image of a service center
Operations•by Chris Brown•November 1, 2026

Managing Fleet Costs in an Era of Permanent Volatility

Fleet operating costs have risen more than 20% since 2020, raising a key question: When does extending a vehicle's service life stop making financial sense?

Read More →
An Automotive Fleet podcast thumbnail
Operations•October 29, 2026

The Next Evolution of Fleet Management: Autonomous Operations

This opening keynote session at the Fleet Forward Conference highlights the future of autonomous driving for fleets.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A picture of a transparent catalytic converter with blue text and the Automotive Fleet logo on the top.
Operations•October 29, 2026

How to Reduce the Total Cost of Risk From Catalytic Converter Theft

A stolen catalytic converter can cost fleets far more in downtime and lost productivity than in repairs. A total-cost-of-risk approach can help fleet managers quantify their exposure and prioritize theft prevention.

Read More →
AF news recap thumbnail
Operations•by Faith Howell•October 26, 2026

Personal-Use Charges Rise as Vehicle Values Fall | AF News Recap

Personal-use charges are climbing, wholesale used-vehicle values are declining, and commercial fleet sales growth is slowing. This week, we're breaking down the latest fleet data, plus how Element Fleet Management is helping Waymo prepare for its first Canadian robotaxi market.

Read More →
A transparent blue background of a hand stamping a paper is the background of text that says "What about fleet policy exceptions?" with the Automotive Fleet logo in the bottom right corner.
Operations•by Faith Howell•October 20, 2026

Here's When You Should Make an Exception to Fleet Policy

Fleet policies are designed to create consistency, but not every driver or situation fits neatly within standard rules.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A hand writing on an ipad with a transparent AI graphic over it
Operations•October 20, 2026

AI-Native or AI-Acquired: What Should Fleet Managers Look for in an AI Platform?

Six questions can help fleet managers look beyond AI marketing claims to evaluate integration, data access, and real-world operational performance.

Read More →