FleetWeek

The Wheels 2009 Model Year Ordering Team will be conducting our annual model year ordering web seminar on Tuesday, June 3 at 1:00 p.m. CDT.

Every year, a cross-functional Model Year Ordering Team is formed to review the ordering process and ensure that Wheels employees and clients are educated on the upcoming model year. The team, headed this year by Account Manager Michele Zeiler, represents multiple operating and client contact areas, addressing every aspect from system readiness to client communications.

The team seeks to improve and enhance the quality of the ordering process by providing valuable information so that clients can make the best decisions for their fleets in support of company business goals.

In addition, the team provides Wheels employees with the leadership, training and information necessary to meet defined expectations and ensure accountability.

We will open registration and begin distributing sign-up instructions and content information in early May. In the meantime, please contact a member of your account team for more information on model year ordering.

This is the time of year when many fleets are reviewing their policy and preparing for the new model year's ordering. Communicating effectively with your drivers is especially valuable during this time, not only to keep drivers informed but also to garner useful driver feedback that may help when making adjustments to your policy or ordering process.

We would like to take this opportunity to provide you with some useful tips to keep in mind when creating and distributing effective communications, not only in anticipation of ordering season, but for any communications you may wish to share with your drivers.

• State the goal: Communications serve a purpose, and the goal should be clear. Generally, the goal will be to distribute information or to provide a call to action for the recipient.
• Less is more: Communications should be concise. Drivers on the road often do not have time to decipher long and complicated communications.
• Drive a mile in their car: As you develop the communication, try and think like the recipient. Let someone who isn't as close to the content read it for you and provide feedback.
• Clear statements avoid questions: What questions arose when reviewing the communication from the point of view of the recipient? Others may have the same questions, so be sure to answer those questions in the communication.
• Time communications well: Even well-developed communications may generate phone calls by their nature. While the goal should be to address all questions upfront, questions still should be anticipated. Knowing this, carefully determine the best time for distributing the communication. It will be easier on the recipient and those fielding the calls if they don't hit at a peak time for the call taker. Generally, inbound call volume peaks on Monday and Friday, so if possible, try to schedule communications for Tuesday through Thursday receipt.
• Communicate the communication: Distribute communications to any group that may receive questions or comments on the communication prior to mass distribution. Ideally, you want to give this group the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback on the content. This should include internal stakeholders as well as external partners, such as Wheels, if we field your driver calls.

We would be happy to review any fleet communications you are preparing. Please contact a member of your account team if you would like assistance.

ADESA Canada is advising that the country's used vehicle index's consistent downswing since early 2007 is merely indicative of the type of fluctuation that is common in the resale market, and that the market will right itself in time.

The current downswing is largely the result of the recent relative strength of the Canadian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar. Coupled with lower vehicle prices in the U.S., that trend has caused many to purchase vehicles in the U.S. and then resell them in Canada as an attempt to turn a profit. Consequently, there has been less competition in the auction lanes over vehicles due to more volume, and the market has thereby softened.

But with the rift between the U.S. and Canadian dollar steadily narrowing of late, the cross-border profit margins will naturally subside, likely leading to a rebalancing in the market. Slight changes are already being seen, and ADESA expects the market to noticeably rebalance itself within the next few months.

U.S. - Ford

The final order cutoff date is May 16, 2008 for the 2008 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor.

The final order cutoff date is May 19, 2008 for the following vehicles:

• 2008 Ford Expedition
• 2008 Ford Expedition EL
• 2008 Ford Taurus
• 2008 Ford Taurus X
• 2008 Lincoln Navigator
• 2008 Lincoln Navigator L
• 2008 Mercury Sable
• 2008 Ford F150
• 2008 Ford F250
• 2008 Ford F350
• 2008 Ford F450
• 2008 Ford F550

The final order cutoff date is May 26, 2008 for the following vehicles:

• 2008 Ford Crown Victoria
• 2008 Lincoln Town Car
• 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis

The final order cutoff date is May 27, 2008 for the following vehicles:

• 2008 Ford Explorer
• 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
• 2008 Mercury Mountaineer Toyota

The final order cutoff date is May 12, 2008 for the following vehicles:

• 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
• 2008 Toyota Highlander
• 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
• 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser Canada Ford

The final order cutoff date is May 2, 2008 for the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid.

The final order cutoff date is May 16, 2008 for the 2008 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor.

The final order cutoff date is May 19, 2008 for the 2008 Ford F150.

The final order cutoff date is May 26, 2008 for the 2008 Lincoln Grand Marquis.

The final order cutoff date is May 30, 2008 for the following vehicles:

• 2008 Ford Econoline
• 2008 Ford Econoline w/ 6.0L Diesel Engine
• 2008 Ford Expedition Max

Please review the Industry Reference section of the Wheels website for a complete list of 2008 final order cutoff dates and projected 2009 production startup dates.

Please keep in mind that these dates are tentative and subject to change. Therefore, we recommend you place your orders as soon as possible. Placing orders early will help to ensure production of your vehicle and avoid missing the cutoff date due to sudden changes by the manufacturer.

An order submitted by the final order cutoff date does not guarantee production by the manufacturer. Any orders received after the cutoff will be placed on a will-try basis, assuming a will-try period has been allotted by the manufacturer. If you have any questions, please contact a member of your account team.

Model: Certain 1997-2003 model year Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix model vehicles, equipped with a 3.8L V6 Supercharged engine

Situation: Affected vehicles have higher front rocker cover gasket temperatures, creating the potential for earlier degradation of the front rocker cover gasket and eventual oil seepage. Certain underhood fires may be caused by drops of engine oil, from seepage or spillage, being deposited on the exhaust manifold through hard braking. If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame and, in some instances, the fire may spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel and beyond. If this occurs, there could be a fire in your vehicle and nearby property.

Solution: Dealers will install a new front rocker cover gasket with an improved design over the original gasket and replace the spark plug wire channel with new retainers.

Model: Certain 2003-2006 model year Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles

Situation: Some affected vehicles have safety belt buckles that may not latch or unlatch. If a safety belt buckle does not latch, that seating position should not be used and another seating position should be used if possible. If a safety belt buckle does not unlatch, it may require cutting of the belt to release the occupant. Occupants in a vehicle should always wear a safety belt or an increased risk to personal injury can occur in the event of a vehicle crash.

Solution: Dealers will inspect the safety belt buckles and replace either the buckle cover or the entire buckle assembly.