– By Rod Fuller –
As company car drivers we know our car is our kingdom and that fleet managers are only there to make our lives difficult with policies and procedures. But have you ever thought, how the fleet manager might view you?
I’ve devised a little Q&A to help drivers develop some self awareness.
Pick the statement that best fits you
Q1 – Would you prefer a fully maintained company vehicle, novated lease or car allowance?
a) Give me the keys to the closest one on the lot.
b) I want next year’s model, but in that new shade of Royal Dalton blue!
c) Can I claim carbon offsets toward my planet ark membership with my allowance?
Q2 – Would you let your car be part of a pool fleet during business hours?
a) Sure, can you also get somebody to give me a lift home tonight?
b) I’d rather give up my first born.
c) Ok, but only if it is part of a green environmentally proven study to help sea birds on Easter Island.
Q3 – How often do you wash your company car?
a) When did it last rain?
b) What time is it now?
c) Never, soap suds hurt the dolphins.
Q4 – Do you think wider tyres will make your car safer to drive?
a) How would I know? Do I look like I work in the tyre industry?
b) YES, bigger tyres equals better grip, safety and performance.
c) Yes it would be safer, but I’d still worry about increased CO2 emissions.
Q5 – Does signage on your car make you more or less likely to drive your company car on weekends?
a) Less likely, I don’t get paid to drive a billboard on my time.
b) Less likely, but it’s not relevant as I’d never allow signage on my car.
c) More likely, I love the company and proudly show the car off on weekends, but only if it’s been freshly washed in an eco-friendly manner.
Q6 – Have you fitted accessories (tow bar, roof rack, window tint) to your company car at your own expense?
a) NO, if petrol was an optional extra it wouldn’t get that either.
b) YES of course, I don’t think there isn’t an accessory that hasn’t been fitted.
c) YES, but only if it doesn’t detract from the “vibe” of the vehicle.
Q7 – How often do you vacuum your company car?
a) When I can no longer operate the pedals, for all the empty coffee cups and food containers.
b) Again, what time is it now?
c) I like to think that my car interior is a healthy habitat for many forms or life.
Q8 – Would you consider changing jobs if your company vehicle policy changed from large sedans to small hatchbacks?
a) Who cares, it’s got four wheels and it’s free.
b) I’m taking my SUV and heading for the sunset.
c) I’d probably leave and look for an organisation that only allows electric cars.
Q9 – Do you expect a brand new vehicle every three years?
a) YES, I’ve put up with this old banger for long enough.
b) YES and NO, I love my car & will replace it only when I choose, but there is that NEW model coming out……
c) YES, I’d love to donate my old car to a worthy community group in Nimbin.
Q10 – What does YOUR company car say about you?
a) Nothing, who gives a you know, it’s their car, let them look for it if it gets stolen.
b) Everything, it is a definitive statement of style for both me and the company.
c) Nothing, I am my own unique entity, empowered both in mind, body and spirit.
Well what does it all mean?
MOSTLY C’s – You’re a special individual. You’re heart is in the right place though you have a strong set of values and won’t be compromised. Unfortunately most of your requests don’t fall within the commercial reality of running a fleet.
MOSTLY B’s – You’re a fleet manger’s nightmare. You want it your way or the highway. A company car is your birthright. You can justify any request even if it’s valve caps to match the colour of your eyes.
MOSTLY A’s – Fleet managers love your easy going attitude. For you the car is just a business tool to get from A to B. But they also know not to reallocate your car to another employee – because the condition report will create too much extra work for them.
