Examining How Driver Performance Impacts Resale Value
For commercial fleet operators, your drivers have a profound impact on the condition and performance of your vehicles. Their behavior behind the wheel and how they care for your vehicles are among the biggest x-factors affecting the overall performance of your fleet. As a fleet manager, it is critical that you effectively influence their behavior to illicit a positive impact.
In a recent Automotive Fleet article, Holman’s Holly Vollant highlighted the important role drivers play in helping to minimize the wear-and-tear on fleet vehicles. In the article, Holly provided advice for ensuring they properly care for their vehicle, and in turn, help to maximize the vehicle’s resale value. She noted that a comprehensive fleet policy that clearly outlines the expectations for vehicle care and driving performance is the foundation of a successful strategy.
“While many of these scenarios may seem like common sense, it is important to clearly outline expectations and behaviors that are prohibited. For example, a lingering odor of cigarettes or stains from food or pets will severely diminish the vehicle’s resale value.”
Holly also recommended that the fleet policy should include potential consequences for failure to comply with these guidelines. Later in the article, she said that fleet managers should look to leverage telematics to identify and correct poor driving habits that may negatively impact vehicle condition.
“Fleet managers should monitor and train drivers on proper driving habits to mitigate high-risk behaviors such as speeding, harsh braking, and rapid acceleration. These aggressive driving habits not only put your drivers at greater risk of being in an accident, but they also increase the wear-and-tear on fleet vehicles.”
Additionally, Holly discussed the importance of properly maintaining fleet vehicles to help maximize their resale value. She also shared that this sentiment extends to the upfit packages found on many vocational fleet vehicles as well.
“Similar to the vehicle itself, upfit components should also have a preventive maintenance schedule to ensure they remain in top operating condition. Components such as compressors, boom lifts, and service bodies should be in good condition at the time of sale. If an upfit component requires repair or is inoperable, it will negatively impact the vehicle’s resale value.”
Visit Automotive-Fleet.com to read the entire article and learn how Holman’s strategic remarketing solutions can help you optimize your vehicle liquidation strategy.
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