Top Exclusive Fleet Vehicles for 2012

For many vehicles and even entire automakers, the fleet business can be the difference between success or failure. The Checker Motor Corporation (founded as a supplier of a major taxicab corporation) is an example of a car builder benefiting from a strong commercial vehicle sales network. Finding enough business inside major American cities such as New York and Chicago to sustain fleet-only sales from the 1960s to Checker’s end in 1982. Fleet vehicles can also be valuable for building brand recognition for an automaker and trust with the marketplace.

A world where vehicle ownership consists of dozens, if not hundreds, of vehicles, fleet management companies is one of few important choices businesses and governments department must articulate. Require automobiles capable of serving high-mileage duties, durability, and an affordable cost of operation comes into a decision-making process that now pertains to a growing assortment of vehicles. For the 2012 model year, the next generation of fleet vehicles are truly ready to serve.

Chevrolet Captiva Sport

Basically an elongated Chevrolet Equinox, the Chevrolet Captiva Sport has been available several world markets outside of North America. For sale only through General Motors’ fleet outlets, the Captiva Sport offers 56.4 cubic feet of fully functional cargo room. Featuring direct-injection engines in four and six cylinder varieties, power as well as economy is well balanced. Capable yet economical, fleets will appreciate a full array of equipment on the Captiva Sport crossover vehicle. Air conditioning, General Motor’s StabiliTrak, 17-inch aluminum wheels and remote keyless entry is found on all Chevrolet Captiva Sport models as standard features. While the Captiva Sport is available as fleet vehicles, individual Chevrolet crossover vehicle buyers will have to settle on either the Equinox or Traverse.

Ram Cargo Van

Since Chrysler Group lost the Sprinter van when ties with Daimler-Benz were severed in 2007, plans for serving the commercial and fleet vehicle customers remained mostly focused on the truck business. Though Dodge presented a cargo van version of their minivan for past several years, the vehicle is now a member of the work-oriented Ram brand. Most distinguishing from the Dodge Caravan or the Chrysler Town & Country, the Ram Cargo Van features body colour paneling over much of the usual window space beyond the front passengers. Availing businesses up to 144.4 cubic feet of cargo room, the rear floor compartment is reinforced with structural aluminum. For this new 2012 model Cargo Van, Chrysler gave fleet and commercial customers the riches of the 3.6 liter Pentastar V-6 engine. Serving up 283 horsepower, the Ram Cargo Van accomplishes impressive performance with stunning 25 mile per gallon highway fuel economy.

Ford Interceptor

Constructed specifically law enforcement, the Ford Interceptor is the heir apparent to the trusty Ford Crown Victoria. The future of policing promotes many of the same standards and criteria set out in 21st century motoring. An improved aerodynamic shape, the Ford Interceptor preserves all the toughness needed for patrolling the streets. High-powered braking and heavy-duty cooling system that includes an enlarged radiator are found on the Interceptor. Powered by either normally aspirated or Ecoboost powerplant, the 3.5 liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine boasts pursuit power of a V-8 with 25 percent better efficiency. Despite the decreased cylinders, the Ford Interceptor is even more capable of pursuing lawbreakers with 365 horsepower sailing through a 6-speed SelectShift automatic and all-wheel drive.

Nissan NV

Ideally, a freight business could furnish themselves with large transport cube vans. However, the burdens of urban travel as well as the challenges interstate travel inconveniences such as IFTA taxes (an agreement between states and Canadian provinces on fuel taxing) has made full-sized vans popular. The North American commercial vehicle market was long dominated by domestic auto companies until recently. Wanting a piece of the rich fleet vehicle business in the United States, Nissan presents the NV series of work vans.

Offering up to 323.1 cubic feet of cargo volume, the Nissan NV is targeting various commercial enterprises ranging from delivery businesses to home contractors. Featuring the flexibility of a standard and high roof model allowing up to 70.2 inch tall loads, the full-sized Nissan NV can be powered by either the fuel-saving 4-liter V-8 or a 317 horsepower 5.6 liter V-8 engine. Just entering the American market, the new fleet vehicle gained some major confidence. Nissan made news with the city of New York when the Japanese auto brand’s smaller NV200 vans were granted approval for taxicab services. Japanese badged, Nissan’s commercial vans will be produced in their Canton, Tennessee plant.

Information and photo source: Chrysler Group, Ford Motor Company General Motors, Nissan North America, Inc.

Filed Under: Car News • Chevy • Chrysler • Ford • Misc • Nissan