All fleet operators-not just those involved in the leasing and renting of vehicles-have an interest in AUTOMOTIVE FLEET's first national survey of the leasing and renting industry. By its very nature, vehicle leasing and renting has an impact on all fleet operations.

Obviously, the survey is more meaningful to those firms actively engaged in the leasing or renting of vehicles. It serves as a yardstick in allowing individual companies to compare their operations against the average. The typical leasing and renting operator can determine where he stands in size, volume and profitability. In interpreting the survey it should be remembered the respondents represent slightly larger-than-average operators and as a result the number of vehicles per fleet figures tend to be on the high side. Nevertheless the survey for the first time spells out the size and scope of the leasing and renting industry.

Of far more importance to the over-all betterment of the industry are the comments that were received in the survey. Many respondents strongly felt that the biggest problem facing the leasing and renting industry today is the number of inexperienced operators in the field. While it is understandable that the industry is attracting newcomers, it is regrettable that so many feel that there are too many questionable operators in the field. And it should not be. Not only do the "fly by nights" give the entire industry a black eye, but they can also seriously affect the price and profit structure by offering "phony" prices to cash in on a short term gain.

Leasing and renting operators should band together to put an end to questionable practices. There are many avenues open to them such as their national associations and local better Business Bureau. There is no place in leasing and renting for gimmick advertising, tricky contracts and broken guarantees.

I would like to point tout that if the industry does not police itself the government-both federal and state-will step in and set up controls that are more stringent than the ones already on the books. The present administration in Washington has already launched on attack against the franchise system as seen by the antitrust charges leveled against Chevrolet in the California discount case. Given the right opportunity, the government may see fit to take similar action in the renting and leasing field. National chains should consider this when formulating policy.

Fleet operators who lease rather than own their cars should also take note of the comments drawn out of the survey. It should be clear that price is not the only determinant in a leasing judgment. Service and the reliability of the operator should also be considered. If price is the only consideration, you should make certain of the conditions of the contract. An attractive initial price can sometimes lead to increased costs in the end.