We've all heard it before or been pressured by them. Here they come!

"It’s time to get my company car replaced, I’ve done two years and 40,000km in my company car. Can I have a new car because this one’s too old and doesn’t suit me anymore. Can I have a BMW, Audi or how about a Mercedes? They have great resale, trust me, my neighbour has one and it’s a great car and he got a great price on it. I got you some quotes, just to help you out. When can I order it?"

How often does this happen to you? Everyone’s an expert on cars and what’s best for them at your company’s expense.

We live and die by purchase costs, residual prices, running costs and FBT. It governs how much we have to charge employees. The dearer the car, the more it’s going to cost you. But they just don’t get it!!

What’s the right vehicle image for your company, does your CEO and executive management team have control over this? An approved vehicle listing by your CEO and executive management is the best protection you can have about limiting expectations and unrealistic demands.

And what’s your best defence if they're still not happy?

"BUY YOUR OWN CAR, THEN YOU CAN HAVE A BMW!" 

To stop our Anonymous Fleet Manager (AFM) blowing a gasket, we created Internal Combustion, a monthly column for fleet-related rants that lets him blow off some steam. Got a fleet gripe you'd like to get his opinion on? Email emily.ditchburn@ipwea.org and she'll pass it on to AFM – when he's in a good enough mood, that is.