Chevy Impala Does It Again: 2007 Fleet Car Of The Year

[Perian]

Link: http://www.fleet-central.com/af/t_in...k&storyID=1055


Chevrolet Impala Earns Back-to-Back Fleet Car of the Year Awards

By Cindy Brauer

From a record field of 61 domestic and import-badged models, fleet professionals chose the 2007 mid-size sedan as the industry’s most popular car for the second year in a row in AF’s annual match-up.

One year after the completely redesigned 2006 Chevrolet Impala captured the Fleet Car of the Year award, the 2007 Impala again was chosen the industry’s most popular car, in an annual award program sponsored by Automotive Fleet and Business Fleet magazines. Fleet professionals selected the mid-size sedan from a record field of 61 domestic and import-badged nominees.

“Repeating as Car of the Year is a great reflection on the GM men and women who design, build, and sell the Impala,” said Brian McVeigh, general manager of GM Fleet & Commercial Operations. “But just as important, sales of Impalas to our commercial and fleet customers translate into more than 32,000 jobs for people in North America. Every fleet manager who buys Impalas can feel good about that.”

“We’re thrilled that customers think the Impala is worthy of Fleet Car of the Year,” added Rob Minton, communications manager for GM Fleet & Commercial Operations. “The fact it won for the second year in a row against more-recently launched competition is even more significant. This award validates the Impala as an excellent choice for the fleet customer.”

The Impala is the choice for Bristol-Myers Squibb, according to Joe LaRosa, associate director, worldwide fleet administration for the pharmaceutical company.

“Drivers love them for their reliability and gas mileage; they ask for them,” said LaRosa. “We ordered the Impalas with the E-85-capable engine. They are especially attractive for our people in the Midwest.” LaRosa also cited the Impala’s comfort and utility for its popularity with the Bristol-Myers sales fleet. “It’s big enough for cargo and supplies.” The Bristol-Myers fleet currently includes more than 2,000 Impalas.

[Perian]

Originally Posted by Perian

“We’re thrilled that customers think the Impala is worthy of Fleet Car of the Year,” added Rob Minton, communications manager for GM Fleet & Commercial Operations.[/b]

Now there's a true company man...

I would be "thrilled" if fewer Impalas (and Grand Prixs) went fleet, but as we all know, fleet sales keep factories going and fixed costs in check.

[GMFreak8]

Oh good god, this is one award GM could stand not winning.

[Perian]

Originally Posted by GMFreak8

Oh good god, this is one award GM could stand not winning.

I take it you are already excited about next years vote tabulation...

[EldoFan]

Fleet Sales.......yeah, they can be good or bad........just wonder how things would be though if our men and women in blue bought Accords and Camrys instead of Crown Vics, Impalas and Chargers.......

[GMFreak8]

Originally Posted by Perian

I take it you are already excited about next years vote tabulation...

Yeah, I can't stand the wait, it's killing me.

[Chronos97]

My prayers have been answered. Now Chevy can put a new commercial on to battle the Camry for MT coty.

=(

[likearock00]

Wow...this is awesome!! Now if only GM could win an award for car of the year or quality award or something actually to get people to buy these vehicles.

[Sparta]

Oh joy.

[HoosierRon]

Should I start a new thead to announce that GMC beat out Blue Bird in the National Association of School Bus Drivers bus of the year award?

[GotAWD]

Originally Posted by HoosierRon

Should I start a new thead to announce that GMC beat out Blue Bird in the National Association of School Bus Drivers bus of the year award?

it sounds a little better than the Fleet award. Giver dude.

[guitarlix]

ROFLMAO!!!

That press release made me spit my coffee on my keyboard. It's absolutely hilarious from start to finish. The Onion couldn't have done a better job if they tried.

On a more serious note, the Impala is my fleet car of choice in the large sedan category and I too ask for it when I have to rent a car.

[kenman923]

The Impala deserves better than to be just a "fleet car." How insulting.

[IROCNROL1]

Originally Posted by HoosierRon

Should I start a new thead to announce that GMC beat out Blue Bird in the National Association of School Bus Drivers bus of the year award?

Yes, you should.

[FoMoCo Fan]

This wouldn't be such a black eye to GM, if the vehicle won similar respect among non-fleet customers. But overall it hasn't.