When your business relies on a fleet of vehicles, they need to actually be reliable. Too many breakdowns or accidents resulting in whiplash – and the associated absentee days for recovery – and your company won’t get very far.
So what do you need to think about when you’re looking for new fleet vehicles?
How safe are they?
One of the most important aspects of a vehicle is its safety. Some vehicles are renowned for their safety specifications – brands like Volvo have built a business on that factor. But there are some that have a reputation for not being able to withstand much damage. Some smaller cars, for example, have been known to flip over when taking speed bumps a little too fast or in rear-ending accidents.
Check out the safety ratings of any vehicles you’re considering. Depending on which country you’re based in, you’ll be able to find the top-rated vehicles for safety – for example, the European NCAP or the US’ NHTSA ratings. If safety is one of the most important features you’re looking to improve on, these are a good place to base a shortlist from.
What they’ll be used for
What is the vehicle going to be used for? Different purposes will require different vehicles. For example, if you need a rugged vehicle to head off-road in, you’ll need an entirely different beast to when you’re running around city centres all day.
These are extreme examples, but there are various features to consider when it comes your car’s purpose. Fuel efficiency, body type and cargo space are all going to be considerations, so narrow down the type of car you’re looking for.
How much will you spend?
All business departments have a budget they need to stick to. This is no different for fleet managers. Vehicles are one of the most expensive assets your business will pay for, so getting a good deal will be high on the list of priorities. Look at buying larger numbers of cars if a discount is offered or, if you plan to keep the vehicles on your books for a long period, think about buying used as the cost will typically be lower.
You should also look at the costs of running a vehicle. Think about how much it’ll cost to maintain a specific vehicle, as well as how much its fuel costs and what you’ll need to pay out for insurance, tax and other necessities. These can quickly add up and outweigh the benefit of a cheaper initial price, so think carefully.
Everything else
There will also be other issues to consider when buying new fleet vehicles. Do you want to convey a certain image with your cars, for example? Or are you looking to be as environmentally conscious as possible? Perhaps you looking to keep the cars secure when driving through some of the less desirable parts of town.
It comes down to knowing exactly what you need in your fleet. Once you know what you need and the order you need them in, you can start narrowing down the possibilities.
