Fuel Prices are on the Rise AgainAction steps you can take now to lessen the impact.

A recent survey conducted by Automotive Fleet magazine found that 99 percent of respondents are concerned with fuel prices this year. The survey also revealed that only 16 percent could pass those cost increases on to their customers. Fuel efficiency and the inability to control the price of fuel were the top two concerns of the respondents - consisting of managers to executives of small, medium, and large companies.

So what can you do?

Review the age and mix of your current vehicle fleet. Automobile manufacturers are responding to increased consumer demand as well as new federal standards regarding fuel economy. New technology 4 cylinder engines are performing like 6 cylinder engines, but with much better fuel economy. If you have been specifying 6 cylinder engines in the past, it’s time to consider a change.

With gasoline at around $4.00 a gallon, you may be able to replace older vehicles with new fuel efficient vehicles and reduce your monthly operating costs. Values of used vehicles are at all time highs and interest rates continue to be low, which leverages your ability to upgrade vehicles sooner than you may think.

Explore out-of-the-box solutions. Trucks should be re-evaluated as well. Automobile manufacturers are moving to offer new down-sized models for a reason. They are responding to demand for improved fuel efficiency. Savvy businesses are reviewing old practices and thinking outside of the box. Reducing weight by eliminating unnecessary cargo improves fuel economy and may allow for the use of smaller trucks. Converting even part of the truck fleet to smaller more fuel efficient trucks can have a significant impact.

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From the President:Hello!As business decision makers, we’re faced with challenging decisions everyday to contain or reduce costs. Along with the most recent rise in fuel prices, commodity and material costs are escalating as worldwide demand increases during the economic recovery. While there may be limitations in some expense areas, many still provide an opportunity that is well worth the assessment.

Mayfair has experience, programs and strategies to measure, evaluate and advise your organization on holding the line or reducing your overall transportation expenses. I invite you to meet with one of our account team members to identify potential money saving opportunities and recommend solutions.

Regards,

Dan EwaldPresident

SPECIAL OFFER: Free Fuel Cost ConsultationCall Mayfair Leasing or Mayfair Rent-A-Car before May 31, 2011 to arrange a free, no obligation consultation to discover new fuel saving strategies. This offer is available to existing customers and anyone interested in fleet management programs.

Call Mayfair today at (888) 670-2967!

A Publication of Ewald Fleet Solutions

InsIghtQuarter 2 | 2011The Road Ahead Just Got Easier.

1720 Paramount Drive | Waukesha, WI 53186 | 262-513-3300 | www.ewaldfleetsolutions.com

Challenge drivers to engage in more fuel efficient behavior. Reducing idling time, monitoring tire pressure, and eliminating unnecessary cargo, all contribute to better fuel economy. This may require a contest or some other incentive, but the benefit will far outweigh the cost.

Look at other areas to reduce operating costs in order to offset rising fuel costs. Centralize and monitor your maintenance and fuel by implementing a comprehensive maintenance management program such as Network. Properly maintained vehicles get better fuel mileage, and closely monitoring fuel purchases generally results in a 10-15% savings.

Evaluate fleet utilization and right-sizing. Underutilized vehicles can be turned into cash and with both demand and prices of used vehicles at an all time high, no time is better than the present to remarket underutilized vehicles.

The earlier you act to implement these recommendations, the better prepared you will be to weather rising fuel prices. Evaluate your vehicle fleet, think outside the box, engage your drivers, and evaluate a maintenance and fuel program that allows you to manage costs.

There’s An App for That

As fuel prices rise, so do the stakes in the game of filling up. Below are a few of the available apps that can be used to help beat the price at the pump.

GasBuddy: This app maps or lists gas stations in the area, and can be sorted by price or distance from you. It’s free and compatible with iPhone iOS 3.0 or later, Android 1.5 and up. http://www.bottlerocketapps.com/

Gas hog: This app allows you to track the fuel economy of your car with each fill up, and gives you tips for improving your car’s fuel economy. It’s $.99 and compatible with iPhone iOS 3.0 or later. http://www.adairsystems.com/gashog/

Gas Cubby: For $4.99, Gas Cubby helps you track your gas mileage. It can also keep track of your vehicle’s maintenance and send you service reminders. A free version with Ads is available. It’s compatible with iPhone iOS 3.0 or later. http://www.appcubby.com/gas/index.html

FuelFinder: For $2.99 the app uses data on gas prices and geo-location to show you pricing and locations of gas stations near you. You also find out information about the gas station, i.e., whether there’s a car wash, ATM, and approximate time to get to the station. It’s compatible with iPhone iOS 3.1.3 or later. http://www.bottlerocketapps.com/

Mayfair Rent-A-Car has recently helped several businesses supplement their transportation needs for a more extended period of time. One customer has recently experienced delays on an ordered vehicle due to the crisis in Japan. Another customer has a project where one of their employees will be visiting from out of state for a few months.

With companies needing to provide employee transportation for both the short-term and the long term, many are looking to Mayfair Rent-A-Car to provide a cost effective, no obligation option that offers flexibility.

So whether it is a vehicle being delayed, an employee is going to be in the area only for an extended time, or there is a 1-12 month project that transportation needs to be arranged for, Mayfair Rent-A-Car can help you evaluate your options and select the most cost effective solution for your organization. For more information about the Corporate Rental Program, contact Kyle Teig at 262-754-3515 or kteig@ewaldauto.com.

Short-Term and Long-Term Rentals to Fit your Needs

Mayfair Leasing’s Fuel Savings Calculator

See how your fleet’s current fuel costs stack up against a fleet with a higher fuel efficiency.

Visit www.mayfairleasing.com, and navigate to the “Resources” Tab. Click on Fuel Savings Calculator, and enter your fleet information to generate your potential savings.

The Road Ahead Just Got Easier.

www.ewaldfleetsolutions.com

Is it Time to Consider a Hybrid for Your Fleet?

There are a number of hybrid vehicles that are available to order as a fleet model. Below are a few options that Mayfair’s clients are currently using.

Ford Escape Hybrid

Fuel EconomyCity (MPG): 34 Highway (MPG): 31 Maximum driving range: 513 miles

Toyota Camry Hybrid

Fuel EconomyCity (MPG): 31Highway (MPG): 35Maximum driving range: 602 miles

Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

Fuel EconomyCity (MPG): 24Highway (MPG): 33Maximum driving range: 528 miles

Ford Fusion Hybrid

Fuel EconomyCity (MPG): 41Highway (MPG): 36Maximum driving range: 700 miles

For more information on these vehicles, or other Hybrid options, contact your Mayfair Leasing Account Executive today!

AAA Study Finds Cost of Owning and Operating Vehicle in U.S. Increased AAA released the results of its annual “Your Driving Costs” study, which revealed a 3.4-percent rise in the yearly costs to own and operate a sedan in the U.S. The average costs rose 1.9 cents per mile to 58.5 cents per mile, or $8,776 per year, based upon 15,000 miles of annual driving.

The overall findings of the 2011 “Your Driving Costs” study, based on driving 15,000 miles annually, include:

Although several vehicles included in the ‘Your Driving Costs’ study had increases in fuel economy, it was not enough to offset the rise in gas prices which caused fuel costs to increase 8.6 percent to 12.34 cents per mile on average for sedans.

The 2011 AAA study found a 4.9 percent increase in depreciation costs, averaging $3,728 yearly for sedans driving 15,000 miles annually. Maintenance costs dropped 2.2 percent to 4.44 cents per mile on average for sedans, which reflects a trend by automakers to include some portion of scheduled maintenance in the purchase price and extending recommended maintenance intervals.

AAA’s ‘Your Driving Costs’ study analyzes the cost to own and operate a vehicle in the U.S. Ownership costs factored into the study include the cost of insurance, license and registration fees, taxes, depreciation and finance charges. Operational costs in the study include fuel, maintenance, and tires.

Source: Automotive Fleet April 4, 2011

Vehicle Class

Small Sedan

Medium Sedan

Large Sedan

Sedan Average

SUV 4WD

Minivan

Cost Per Mile

45.1 cents

53.7 cents

73.2 cents

58.5 cents

74.9 cents

63.3 cents

Cost Per Year

$6,758 $8,588 $10,982 $8,776 $11,239 $9,489

10 Fuel Management Strategies that Really WorkIt’s in the news again; fuel prices are climbing and fleet managers are looking for ways to manage that largest variable expense. Here are 10 tested strategies, from Fleet Financials, that work.

1. Downsizing: Look for models with both cargo and passenger carrying capacity that can handle the driver’s mission. 2. Rightsizing: Check with all locations to ensure the number of vehicles equals the number of drivers. 3. Keep It Clean: Don’t let cars go without regular washing. Dirt, grime, oil, grease, and especially salt can increase aerodynamic drag, which reduces fuel efficiency.4. Tires: Proper tire inflation is a critical component, not only in maximizing fuel efficiency, but tire life and safety as well.5. Preventive Maintenance: Put in place a formal, serious preventive maintenance schedule, including regular oil changes, fluid checks, wheel alignments, cooling system flush/fill, and transmission fluid changes.

6. Use a Fleet Fuel Card: Fleet fuel card programs offer the data needed to manage expenses at the pump.7. Put Vehicles on a Diet: weight is the enemy of fuel efficiency, so it’s a good idea to put the entire fleet on a diet. Excessive weight is a drag on fuel consumption 8. Driver Behavior: Encourage drivers to use cruise control when possible and to avoid “jackrabbit” starts, speeding, and excessive idling.9. Trip Planning/Routing: Planning trips carefully helps keep miles driven down. Also, try to have drivers avoid high traffic areas and rush hours.10. Shop Around/Buy Smart: Fuel pump prices can vary widely within only a few miles. Encourage field locations to communicate to each other where lower cost fuel can be purchased.

BETWEEN THE LINES

Are you looking to purchase a Used Vehicle?

We can provide you with an easy and satisfying solution for purchasing your next vehicle.

With Ewald you will have a positive purchasing experience. One of our experienced account executives will work with you to get the vehicle you want, so you can avoid shopping all over town.

You will have access to all makes and models. Whether it is in our inventory or we locate it for you, Mayfair will find you the vehicle that you have been searching for.

The first step in making your next used vehicle purchase more enjoyable is to

contact Ewald Fleet Solutions! (262) 513-3300

InsIghtInsIght

Flashing yellow arrows send a clear signal More and more Wisconsin intersections are sending motorists a flashy new signal: yellow arrows that tell drivers it’s OK to turn left, but only after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. A decade-long study by the Federal Highway Administration found the flashing yellow arrows are easier for drivers to understand. The study found that the standard circular green signals are sometimes mistaken as a protected left turn, causing driver confusion, and a higher incidence of left-turn collisions. The new signalization is currently in use in several areas including Milwaukee, Madison, Eau Claire, Appleton and Oshkosh. The flashing yellow arrows are also being used in several states including Missouri, Michigan, Arizona, and Virginia.

Twitter Updates on Traffic Incidents now available StatewideWisconsin motorists can now receive a tweet regarding traffic incidents to help them plan their drive.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s 511 Traveler Information System began tweeting incident reports that were previously only available to law enforcement agencies, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), and the media. Those who sign-up for traffic tweets can be alerted to traffic incidents before beginning their drive.

The near-real-time traffic incident information is tweeted by an operator at WisDOT’s Statewide Traffic Operations Center as soon as possible after he or she is alerted to the event, allowing motorists to avoid congestion and possible delays. Those who sign-up to follow the traffic tweets can choose a specific region in the state to follow so that most of the tweets relate to the main areas they travel.

To sign up for traffic tweets, go to www.511wi.gov, and click on the Twitter – 511 Traffic Incident Information Quick Link. Once there, the choice can be made as to which region(s) an individual wants to follow.

1720 Paramount Drive | Waukesha, WI 53186 | 262-513-3300 | www.ewaldfleetsolutions.com

1720 Paramount Dr I Waukesha, WI 53186

The Insight newsletter is published by Ewald Fleet Solutions as a source of information for clients and business associates. The information provided here is of a general nature and is not intended to address specific circumstances of any individual or entity. The services of a professional should be obtained before implementing specific ideas. Ewald Fleet Solutions offers products and services through various affiliates of Ewald Holdings, Inc., including Mayfair Leasing, LLC, Mayfair Rent-A-Car, LLC, Ewald Chevrolet Buick, LLC, Ewald Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, LLC, Ewald Motors of Oconomowoc, LLC, Ewald’s Harford Ford, LLC, and Ewald’s Venus Ford, LLC.