Fleet sales managers from several automakers gave a lunchtime presentation to fleet managers on Tuesday, right before participants took off to view displays at the LA Auto Show. As part of the monthly meeting for NAFA Fleet Management Association’s Pacific Southwest Chapter, brief presentations were made on what’s relevant for fleets in 2013 and 2014 model year offerings.
Here’s a few highlights from the presentations:
- The Volvo C30, S60, XC60, and XC90 are prominent at this year’s show, with the Volvo City Safety forward collision avoidance system being emphasized.
- Most prominent for Toyota are the all-new 2013 Avalon available in 3.5L V6 and hybrid versions, and the all-new 2013 RAV4 with its four-cylinder engine and six-speed transmission.
- Mercedes-Benz’ G Class sedan is its “bread and butter” with fleets, and its GLK has been refreshed and took Motor Trend’s award for the SUV category.
- American Honda showed its portfolio of alternative fuel vehicles that now includes the 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid and Honda Civic Natural Gas.
- Volkswagen is focusing on its Beetle refresh at this year’s show including debuting a convertible version; offering six TDI models is also very big for Volkswagen.
- For Audi, the Allroad crossover is a new offering and replaces the A4 Avant, and the Audi Q5 has a new look this year.
- Chrysler is debuting the Fiat 500L in North America, which is two feet longer and six inches wider than the traditional 500. The Fiat 500e electric car is also being emphasized at the show. The new Ram 1500 is being marketed to fleets.
- For Ford, the 2014 Fiesta with its 1.0L, three cylinder EcoBoost engine is top priority at the show. Fleets are also being informed about the all-new 2014 Transit Connect, now available in wagon and cargo versions.
- General Motors is rolling out 13 new models in the next year, with most of the changes influenced by the federal fuel economy mandates. Details were shared on the Impala, Corvette, Silverado/Sierra, and all-electric Spark.
