NOTABLE AUTO LEASING TRENDS FOR MAY

MIAMI – (June 2, 2011) – LeaseTrader.com, the most recognized name in car leasing, announces a few notable auto leasing trends during the month of May. Specifically, demand and takeover of Honda leases was the highest since 2006; Chrysler’s lease popularity is soaring; and “bridge-the-gap” leasing continued to grow in popularity.

Honda Takeovers Rise

In May, Honda vehicle leases such as the Accord, Fit and Civic represented a combined 7.9% of total LeaseTrader.com transactions, up from 4.3% of transactions a year ago and its highest level since November 2006 when Honda represented 6.9% of transactions.

“A lot of the Honda demand comes from car shoppers today looking for shorter-term leases that come with lower monthly payments compared with retail,” said Sergio Stiberman, CEO and founder of LeaseTrader.com.

Chrysler’s Lease Popularity Increases

Chrysler group (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge) had a successful month on LeaseTrader.com, with takeover demand up 6.8% compared with April as more inventory comes into the marketplace. “Now that Chrysler is leased through Ally Financial, the lease policies are friendlier and flexible which makes leasing a Chrysler a lot more fun again,” added Stiberman.

Bridge-The-Gap Leasing Continues To Grow

A growing number of car shoppers are looking for leases with less than 12 months remaining as a way to bridge the gap and take them into early 2012, when inventory levels on certain models are expected to return to normal, including retail pricing and incentives. The majority of demand in this group is with Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Infiniti.

“We expect demand for leases with less than 12 months remaining to be high on certain models as we move through the summer months,” said Stiberman. “Demand for these leases will return to normal as Japanese manufacturers’ production levels return to normal later in the year.”

Bridge-The-Gap Activity for May:

Brand	Short-term Takeovers	Avg. Months Remaining	Avg. Monthly Price
Toyota	+9.2%	11.6	$312
Honda	+7.6%	10.7	$318
Nissan	+6.1%	10.2	$327
Infiniti	+5.5%	11.8	$415

About LeaseTrader.com

LeaseTrader.com, the most recognized name in car leasing, easily and affordably matches car shoppers with individuals looking to escape their auto lease. Visit www.LeaseTrader.com, on Twitter @Lease_Trader.

Ford Motor Company Receives Prestigious Freedom Award from U.S. Department of Defense

DEARBORN, Mich., June 2, 2011 – Ford Motor Company is being honored with the 2011 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. Sponsored by the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), the Freedom Award is the highest honor bestowed upon America's employers who provide exceptional support to their employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve.
Ford is one of 15 companies nationwide to be selected for this prestigious award.  More than 4,000 nominations were submitted this year.
“We are proud of our employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve and it is our privilege to support them,” said Mike Bannister, Ford executive vice president, chairman and CEO of Ford Motor Credit Company, and executive champion of the Ford Veterans Network Group. “We thank ESGR and the Department of Defense for this recognition. We appreciate the honor, and we deeply appreciate all the men and women involved in military service.”
The Freedom Award, now in its 16th year, is the highest in a series of employer recognition awards given by the Department of Defense. “To stand out among the many thousands of employers who firmly support our Citizen Warriors is a testament to the remarkable efforts of these 15 recipients,” said Dennis McCarthy, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs. "On behalf of the Department of Defense, I congratulate the 2011 honorees and thank them for serving as outstanding partners in our nation's defense.”
Ford received a total of six nominations.  One nomination was submitted by Todd Brooks, an employee currently serving in the Navy Reserve.  “Ford makes service to our country much easier.  From senior leadership all they way down the ladder, they understand the necessity of the citizen soldier and the difficulties their loved ones face as a result of their commitment,” said Brooks, an engineering supervisor, Body, Chassis & Steering Test Labs. “Ford really gets it. Truly it is One Team and for that we are ever so grateful.”
The Freedom Award recognizes employers for the formal and informal initiatives they put in place for Guard and Reserve employees and their families.  For example, Ford currently offers differential pay for its employees on active duty. In the U.S. there are approximately 700 Reservists and Guardsmen employed by the company along with more than 7,000 veterans.   Ford currently has nearly 30 employees actively serving in the military.
Ford Motor Company has a longstanding commitment to its veterans and military personnel. Ford’s relationship with Disabled American Veterans (DAV) began in 1922 when Henry Ford organized a cross-country caravan of 50 Model T’s to take disabled veterans to their convention in San Francisco.  Since 1974, Ford Motor Company and the Ford Motor Company Fund have provided over $6 million to veterans organizations.
Since 1996, Ford Motor Company has donated 156 vehicles to DAV for their Transportation Network, totaling approximately $4 million.  Each year Ford sponsors the DAV’s winter sports clinic, and has supported the DAV’s youth scholarship volunteer program since 2000.  In 2006 the Ford Fund made a $500,000 contribution toward the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial.  Ford Motor Company also helps all veterans through vehicle donations, scholarships and special vehicle purchase programs. 
The Ford Veterans Network Group (VETNG), one of Ford’s corporately supported Employee Resource Groups, sponsors activities throughout the year in support of its veterans, military personnel and their families.
“The Veterans Network Group is committed to serving and supporting all members of the U.S. Armed Forces,” said Dan Duderstadt, lead security supervisor, and president of the Veterans Network Group. “And we could not do it without the ongoing support of our senior leadership here at Ford Motor Company.”
The Ford Veterans Network Group recently sponsored a Memorial Day Parade in Dearborn, Michigan. Other activities throughout the year include the annual Veterans Day Ceremony at Ford World Headquarters and sending care packages overseas to activated employees, as well as company employees with sons and daughters serving abroad.

A national selection board composed of senior defense officials, business leaders and prior awardees selected the 15 recipients for the 2011 Freedom Award.
The 2011 recipients will be honored in Washington, D.C. at the 16th annual Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award Ceremony in September.

Chevrolet Cruze Leads Compact Car Sales for May

DETROIT, June 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time in five years, an American car is the best selling compact car in the United States. The Chevrolet Cruze recorded 22,711 segment-topping sales in May, and achieved its second consecutive appearance on the Top 10 across all U.S. auto segments.

The Cruze also has helped Chevrolet gain share in the compact segment – which represented 16 percent of total U.S. sales in May – and accelerated the brand's shift to fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines.

In May, fuel-efficient models four-cylinder vehicles – including Cruze, Equinox and Malibu – accounted for 51 percent of Chevrolet retail sales. That is up from 36 percent in May a year ago, and doubles the rate of four-cylinder sales five years ago.

"The launch of the Cruze has exceeded all of our expectations," said Alan Batey, U.S. vice president, Chevrolet Sales and Service. "Cruze launched as a brand-new vehicle, with a brand-new name, in one of the most competitive segments in the industry.

"Today, Consumer consideration for the Cruze has increased to the point that it is on many of the same shopping lists as established compact cars, like Civic and Corolla," he said. "This is an incredible accomplishment, even considering the industry's disruptions caused by the tragedy in Japan."
Cruze trails only the Honda Civic in sales for the 2011 calendar year:

Total sales	May 2011	2011 Calendar Year
Cruze	22,711	98,076
Focus	22,303	76,639
Elantra	20,006	83,309
Civic	18,341	110,086
Corolla	16,895	83,957

The Cruze has increased Chevrolet's share of the compact car segment, even as the segment grew by 19 percent year to date. For 2011, Chevrolet accounted for 11.9 percent of the compact car market, up from 9.5 percent a year ago.

Much of the success of the Cruze can be attributed to its exterior styling and fuel efficiency, which were ranked as the top reasons for purchase in an internal survey of more than 500 Cruze buyers.
Karen Peters of Hemet, Calif., traded in her 2005 Toyota Corolla for a Cruze after seeing the Cruze in a television ad.

"I just fell in love with the Cruze the first time I saw it," she said. "There was nothing wrong with my Corolla, and I wasn't even looking for a new car. But something about the Cruze just stuck with me. I finally had to go for a test drive, just to get it out of my system. All it took was a short test drive, and I fell in love with the Cruze."

Like Peters, nearly 51 percent of Cruze buyers are new to Chevrolet, either trading in a non-GM vehicle or purchasing outright – suggesting they were either adding a vehicle to the household or that the Cruze was their first new car. For 2011, Cruze has brought more than 40,000 of these "conquest" buyers – second only to the Silverado full-size pickup for attracting new customers to the brand.

About Chevrolet
Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 120 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Spark, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly to gas-free" solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended range. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

ALTe POWERTRAIN TECHNOLOGIES ESTABLISHES ADVISORY BOARD

AUBURN HILLS, MI – May 31, 2011 – ALTe Powertrain Technologies is pleased to announce the creation of their Advisory Board, which consists of some of the nation’s leading corporate fleets.  The board will help ALTe address important industry needs as the company prepares to deploy their range-extended electric powertrain into light and medium-size trucks, vans and buses early next year. 

The Advisory Board represents delivery, utility and commercial fleet leaders, and currently consists of representatives from the following companies: Calcars, Club Assist, Consumers Energy, Cox Communication, DIRECTV, Enterprise, Film Vehicle Services, Frito Lay, NCH, PG&E, Stantec, Service Master, and Waste Management. ALTe’s initial meeting with its Advisory Board was held May 23-25 and included drives in prototype vehicles as well as extensive dialogue and Q&A sessions.

 “ALTe is excited to have the opportunity to work with these distinguished companies in the formation of this Advisory Board,” said ALTe CEO John Thomas. “By gaining important insights from these large fleet users, we will be able to better address their market needs and ensure a seamless transition to harnessing the benefits of electric hybrid use. These fleet managers have decades of experience operating many thousands of vehicles, and the feedback was invaluable.”

ALTe plans to showcase their technology next at the GFX Expo in San Diego, June 6-8 and is currently hiring to fill new positions that stem from their recent signing of a seven year lease at their facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan. 

About ALTe Powertrain Technologies

ALTe is the developer of a Range Extended Electric Powertrain used to repower light commercial vehicles up to 26,000 GVW. The system will retrofit into existing fleet vehicles as well as in “glider” applications of new vehicles to dramatically increase their fuel economy and lower emissions. Designed to replace a base V-8 internal combustion engine powertrain, the system’s patented technology improves fuel economy from 80% to 200%. Based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, the company is headquartered in an 185,000 square foot facility where it will assemble its powertrain kit that will be shipped to installation locations across North America. For more information, visit http://www.altellc.com.

FleetMind Safety White Paper Wins Tech Industry Award

MONTREAL, CANADA – June 1, 2011 - FleetMind Solutions, Inc., the technology leader for fleet management solutions, announced today that Network Products Guide, the industry’s leading technology research and advisory guide, has named its recently published white paper on fleet safety a winner of the 6th Annual 2011 Hot Companies and Best Products Awards in the “Best White Paper” category.

The “Waste Fleet Safety: Tips and Tools to Ensure Safe Driving" white paper explores a variety of strategic recommendations for waste fleet safety including:
• Fleet safety planning – A discussion of key considerations toward the development of an effective fleet safety plan.
• Influencing driver behavior – Important steps for the creation of a pro-active safe driving environment.
• Fleet safety tools – An overview of technology tools for implementing and supporting a fleet safety program.
• Accident management – The processes required to deal effectively with any accident situations.

These industry and peer awards from Network Products Guide are the world’s premier information technology awards honoring achievements and recognitions in every facet of the IT industry.
To download the "Waste Fleet Safety: Tips and Tools to Ensure Safe Driving" white paper, visit: http://www.fleetmind.com/white-paper/
 
About Network Products Guide Awards
As industry’s leading technology research and advisory publication, Network Products Guide plays a vital role in keeping decision makers and end-users informed of the choices they can make in all areas of information technology. You will discover a wealth of information and tools in this guide including the best products and services, roadmaps, industry directions, technology advancements and independent product evaluations that facilitate in making the most pertinent technology decisions impacting business and personal goals. The guide follows conscientious research methodologies developed and enhanced by industry experts. To learn more, visit www.networkproductsguide.com
 
About FleetMind
FleetMind Solutions, Inc. is the technology leader for fleet management solutions. FleetMind was founded in 1996 by bringing together leading-edge computer systems expertise for harsh, real-world environments with breakthrough research and development in telematics for heavy trucks. FleetMind designs, manufactures, and markets wireless enabled on-board computers, driver terminals and business automation software that extend the reach of our customer’s enterprise back-office systems all the way to the truck and driver. Our solutions have allowed some of the largest transportation and Waste Management fleets in North America to link their drivers and vehicles to business operations in real-time, delivering proven business results and a true competitive edge. FleetMind puts YOU in your driver’s seat. For more information, visit us at http://www.FleetMind.com.

EPA Unveils Next Generation of Fuel Economy Labels

(PHILADELPHIA – June 1, 2011) New fuel economy labels unveiled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today at the Mid-Atlantic AAA Office  in Wilmington, Del. will provide shoppers of model year 2013 cars and trucks with comprehensive fuel efficiency information.

 

“The new labels will help consumers be smart buyers who know which cars will save them money and leave the smallest footprint on the environment,” said EPA mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. Garvin was joined by Delaware’s Environmental Secretary Collin O’Mara, and representatives of the Clean Air Council and Mid-Atlantic AAA.

 

The new window stickers will have information about a vehicle’s estimated fuel costs, savings, and impact on the environment.  

Although automakers may voluntarily adopt the new labels for model year 2012 vehicles, all model year 2013 passenger cars and trucks will feature the improved fuel economy labels.  The requirement applies to all conventional gasoline-powered and “next generation” cars, such as plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles.

 

For the first time, fuel economy labels will compare energy use and cost between new-technology cars that use electricity and conventional cars that are gasoline-powered, including estimates on how much consumers will save or spend on fuel over the next five years.    

The labels will also contain easy-to-read ratings of how a model compares to all other models for smog emissions and emissions of pollution that contribute to climate change.  For electric-powered cars, the labels will indicate how much electricity it takes to drive 100 miles, as well as information on the driving range and recharging time frame.  

  

Also new, a QR code will be on the label to allow smartphone users to scan the label and get even more information with model comparison and vehicle specific energy use.  The smartphone application will allow consumers to calculate specific information tailored to their own driving distances and behaviors to get more precise estimates of their own expected fuel costs and savings.

 

Consumers can get more information on the new label at: http://fueleconomy.gov/label 

GTA Fleets Going Green With Chevrolet Canada

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - May 26, 2011) - Chevrolet joined the Toronto Atmospheric Fund (TAF) today to announce its participation in FleetWise EV300, TAF's initiative to encourage commercial vehicle fleets in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) to work collaboratively to purchase, drive, charge, evaluate and promote at least 300 plug-in electric vehicles by 2012. Fleet managers from across the GTA were given the opportunity to test drive the Chevrolet Volt, an award-winning electric vehicle with extended range.

"Plug-in electric vehicles offer a tremendous opportunity for commercial vehicle fleet operators in the GTA to dramatically reduce their greenhouse gas emissions," said Julia Langer, TAF's Chief Executive Officer. "By taking a leadership position and committing to green their fleets, our EV300 partners are enabling Toronto to benefit from the superior environmental performance of plug-in vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt."

"The Chevrolet Volt is an electric vehicle without compromise," said Kevin Williams, president of GM of Canada. "Through its extended range capabilities, the Chevrolet Volt is the only electric vehicle that provides the flexibility required for commercial fleets, where businesses can't afford to be stranded with a depleted battery."

The Chevrolet Volt is an electrically driven vehicle designed and engineered to operate in all climates, with a total range of up to 580 km. Powered by GM's revolutionary Voltec propulsion system, it consists of a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and electric drive unit that provide pure electric range between 40 and 80 km, depending on terrain, driving techniques and temperature. A 1.4L gasoline-powered engine extends the range up to an additional 500 km on a full tank of fuel by operating the vehicle's electric drive system until the car can be plugged in and recharged or refuelled.

Fleets that operate hundreds of vehicles for a wide range of tasks are seen as natural "first adopters" for electric vehicle technology, and today marked the first opportunity for fleet managers in Canada to test drive the Chevrolet Volt.

"Fleets have the sophistication and the motivation to take a strong interest in looking at where EVs could fit in their operations," explains Ben Marans, TAF's Manager of Social Innovation and Transportation, including the FleetWise EV300 program. "Our fleet partners are very interested in integrating electric vehicles to reduce emissions and vehicle operating costs, and many have been eagerly anticipating this opportunity to experience the Chevrolet Volt for themselves."

The EV300 program is helping fleets with the assessment and integration of electric vehicles with tools such as FleetCarma, a software package that helps fleets assess the best fit for specific vehicles; the EValuation Calculator, which helps them determine the return on investment specifically for electric vehicles; and eDriver training, a program that recognizes that driving style can have a significant impact on EV performance. FleetWise EV300 is also an information sharing, assessment and vehicle acquisition network that means fleet managers don't have to go it alone in securing electric vehicles.

"Events like this Volt Ride 'n Drive help our partners get the information they need to make smart choices when it comes to adding electric vehicles," says Marans. "We're very excited to be able to offer our partners a first look at the Volt, one of the most talked about electric vehicles in North America."

"We are planning on adding the Volt to our fleet and I look forward to encouraging other business leaders to green their fleets through initiatives like these," added Mike Hewlett, Fleet Manager for the Greater Toronto Airports Authority. "As responsible fleet managers, we are all working to reduce emissions and exposure to rising fuel costs."

About TAF
The Toronto Atmospheric Fund (TAF) has been sparking action on climate, air pollution and energy use in Toronto for 20 years. Internationally recognized for its innovative and effective programs, TAF has helped the City save millions on energy costs and helped citizens to live greener lives in healthier communities. Starting with a small endowment from a sale of surplus City lands, TAF has directly invested more than $50 million in this city while keeping the original endowment intact. TAF works with a variety of partners, including corporations, federal and provincial governments and community organizations, to leverage its investments in climate change action and to improve our City. For more information, please visit www.toronto.ca/taf or www.FleetWise.ca.

About Chevrolet in Canada
Founded in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 140 countries. From today's Cruze Eco which consumes just 4.6 L/100 km on the highway to the Volt coming this fall, which provides up to 80 km of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 500 km of extended range, Chevrolet offers gas-friendly to gas-free solutions. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse and a host of new, smaller, highly efficient models to come including the all-new Orlando and Sonic (fall 2011) and Spark (2012). Chevrolet also provides iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro as well as dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models can be found at http://www.chevrolet.ca or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/chevroletcanada.

Clean Green Collision Introduces Fleet Auto Body Repair Program To The Bay Area

Oakland, CA—May 30, 2011—Clean Green Collision, an East Bay collision repair shop, is pleased to announce the expansion of its sustainable fleet auto body repair program for Northern California corporations and public agencies.

The auto body repair industry is an extremely dirty business. Current local, state and federal regulation does not prevent shops from using toxic chemicals, known carcinogens and air pollutants that are harmful to the environment, customers and workers, and there is almost no industry self-regulation. 

Jacque Andres founder of CGC believes that his shop is unique in fleet repair services.  “We work with fleet owners to create an efficient work flow stream, we negotiate competitive pricing based on volume  and we use sustainable techniques that minimize health risks to our workers and to car drivers.  

Andres has painstakingly redesigned the typical body shop, inventing technology such as double layer filtration systems where it didn’t exist. CGC features these sustainable techniques and products:

·        Water borne color paints (rather than solvent borne) that emit little VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and that are air dried rather than heat dried. These paints eliminate the use of solvents for clean up.

·        Ultraviolet curing body fillers and primers that reduce or eliminate the use of solvents. (This process is similar to the way dentists cure filling material.)

·        Multi-stage dust filters in controlled work environments. An Andres invention that he calls the eco-plenum to help recurculate the paint bboth emitions.

·        Ceiling filters to trap dust that would otherwise escape through the roof into the air.

·        Recycling and/or proper disposal of all paint waste and dismantled car parts.

·        CGC washes its cars with a high-pressure wash systems that uses minimal amounts of water and bio-degradable soap. All runoff water if filtered before it goes into the proper drains.

·        Certification as a green business by Alameda County. Recycling of all paper glass and plastic products, use of energy efficient lighting and the other requirements needed to be certified.

Jacques Andres became a proponent of sustainable collision repair after personally experiencing a physical reaction to body shop work. He had purchased a newly painted car that he was driving home, and within a few minutes came down with intense, flu-like symptoms. He realized that paint particles had entered the interior and were causing his response. That day Andres decided he would change his approach to auto body repair. At CGC every car has the air vents and the interior tightly sealed so that dust and paint do not enter the car, protecting his customers from unwanted chemicals and particulates.

Through these sustainable practices CGC is able to reduce emissions of paint and dust by large amounts without any sacrifice in the quality of work the shop performs. Andres is constantly researching the newest developments in clean auto body repair. He predicts that breakthroughs in paint technology in the next coming years will eliminate more of the remaining VOCs from the spray booth. 

Fleet managers can meet sustainability criteria, insure the improved health of their drivers and create green marketing and pr opportunities for management by switching to Clean Green Collision.