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Automotive Fleet Magazine

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Oct 20-22, 2026 | MD

Driving Notes

Knowing about a vehicle is one thing; driving it is quite another. Getting behind the wheel gives yo...

Multiple Authors

3 contributors

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FleetTakes

FleetTakes is exactly that — a take on what fleets need to know when it comes to the latest in autom...

Chris Brown

Associate Publisher

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Insight Lane

Insight Lane delivers Colin Sutherland’s perspective from the intersection of leadership and innovat...

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Market Trends

Automotive Fleet's former editor, Mike Antich, shared his opinions and ideas on the overall commerci...

Mike Antich

Former Editor and Associate Publisher

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Remarketing Streams

Remarketing Streams reports on the flow of used vehicles moving through the consignor-auction-dealer...

Martin Romjue

Managing Editor

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In Memoriam: Coach's Insights•by Ed Bobit•February 21, 2014

Be Careful What You Wish For!

Despite the compact truck market diving from 2 million sales to 250,000, there appears to be ample competition coming. Most believe the compact truck market is now expanding and will continue.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•February 11, 2014

Remarketing Déjà Vu: Will the Resale Market of 2016 be a Repeat of 2002?

Many of the dynamics in today’s market are eerily familiar to the resale value softness that occurred in the last decade, which ultimately peaked in 2002. At that time, year-over-year increases of off-lease vehicles entering the wholesale market exerted downward pressure on resale prices. It appears that we are on the same trajectory, with off-lease volumes peaking in 2016. What are you doing to prepare for these different market dynamics?

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•February 3, 2014

Extending Vehicle Service Life Negatively Impacts Sustainability Goals

The long-term trend in vehicle cycling for commercial fleets has been a gradual increase in vehicle service lives. An increasing number of companies cut costs by extending vehicle replacement cycles so cash flow can be diverted to other expenditures. When extending vehicle cycles, the most significant (and uncertain) expense is the impact on the maintenance budget. Another argument against extended replacement cycling, albeit less vocalized, is the impact on corporate sustainability.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•January 28, 2014

Component Theft and Vandalism: A Growing Expense for Truck Fleet Managers

Protecting vehicle assets from vandalism and theft is a growing problem for many fleets.Industrywide, these thefts run the gamut from catalytic converters, tailgates, and spare tires, all the way to the vehicle itself. As fuel prices increase, fuel theft becomes more common, especially fuel siphoning. Trucks parked overnight are found the next day with holes in the fuel tanks to steal the drained fuel. Here's what companies need to do to secure unattended vehicles.

In Memoriam: Coach's Insights•by Ed Bobit•January 9, 2014

Fuel or Resale: Where Can You Find the Biggest Savings Now?

With mpg improving with each new model and prices at the pump receding, some are forgetting the more expensive depreciation cost.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•January 6, 2014

The Adverse Impact of Staggered Production Schedules on Fleet Planning and Ordering

Nowadays, OEMs introduce new models throughout the calendar-year. For many fleet managers, the staggered release of new models complicates fleet planning and the ordering process. Some model lines may have variable final order and startup dates due to muttiple plant assignments and model configurations. Fleet-minded OEMs have been terrific partners to fleets and, together, there should be a way to mitigate the impact of staggered production schedules for their largest customers.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•December 31, 2013

Return of 'Normal' Used-Vehicle Market Demands Seasonal Remarketing Strategy

For the past three years, everyone has been a remarketing genius. The low inventory of used vehicles in the wholesale market helped inflate resale values by about 10 percent. However, as greater volumes of used vehicles begin to enter the wholesale market, vehicle supply will start to meet buyer demand, which will put downward pressure on resale values. In many ways, the new used-vehicle market will demand returning to the basics, namely recognizing the seasonality of the used-vehicle market.

In Memoriam: Coach's Insights•by Ed Bobit•December 16, 2013

Set Your Priorities for Another Challenging Year

Make sure that you not only learn about resale values, but you should be getting a free (customary for dealers and fleets) lunch at your favorite auction. Maybe your FMC is taking it for you.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•December 13, 2013

Traits Needed to Successfully Implement a Fleet Sustainability Program

Even with senior management support, implementing a green fleet sustainability program is not for the faint-hearted. Inevitably, there will be pushback from all sides, which, at times, can seem overwhelming. A fleet manager’s mettle will be tested, but there are 13 traits that will help you be successful.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•December 10, 2013

IRS to Focus on Auditing Fleets for Personal-Use Reporting & Compliance

Last August, the IRS announced areas it will prioritize for audits in 2014, one of which is fringe benefits, especially the personal use of company vehicles. Managing personal-use compliance is a headache. It is also expensive, with internal costs ranging from $35 to $75 per year per vehicle. Here's what you need to do to be prepared should your friendly IRS agent come knocking on your front door.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•November 27, 2013

Top Trends in Truck Fleet Management in 2014

Calendar-years 2014 and 2015 will be pivotal years for truck fleet management due to the discontinuation of long-time commercial vehicles and the all-new replacement models and upfit packages entering the market. This is prompting vehicle and equipment specification revisions from the perspective of fleet efficiencies and driver satisfaction. Here are the Top 12 trends.

In Memoriam: Coach's Insights•by Steve Kibler•November 22, 2013

The 12 NEW Complaints of Christmas

Thinking of the 12 Days of Christmas song, I thought I would substitute 12 hopefully smile-generating complaints that I’ve heard customers say. You’re lucky I decided not share this as a video since I’m banned from most karaoke clubs… Perhaps you and your staff have heard some of these comments/responses.

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