Leasing

May 2007, Work Truck - Feature

DCX Launches Full-Service Truck Leasing

By Cindy Brauer

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DaimlerChrysler Financial Services now offers full-service truck leasing with its new product, CompleteLease. “The comprehensive transportation package targets small to midsize business owners in the vocational segment with fleets of fewer than 100 vehicles,” said Geoff Robinson, director of sales, DaimlerChrysler Truck Financial.

CompleteLease “offers the convenience of a single-source transportation package for busy entrepreneurs,” according to Robinson. “We provide a wide range of vehicle choices with one monthly payment that covers vehicle acquisition, tailored financing, fleet management, maintenance support, and hassle-free disposal at the end of the term.”

The leasing arrangement was introduced at the National Truck Equipment Association’s (NTEA) recent Work Truck Show in Indianapolis.

Tailored Financing Offered
The product is available with Dodge, Jeep, and Chrysler vehicles and Sterling trucks, including Class 8. Financing arrangements include fair market value (closed-end) and TRAC operating leases, maintenance and repair, and such services as titling, fuel card, registration, and regulatory compliance.

Designed for such applications as the food service and beverage sector, furniture stores, fuel distribution, plumbing supply, landscaping, and contracting, CompleteLease offers three maintenance packages. The Silver level includes scheduled maintenance for oil, lube, filters, tire rotation, and any servicing recommended in the vehicle’s owner’s manual. The Gold package adds extended warranty coverage. The Platinum package offers Silver and Gold features plus repairs on such wear-and-tear items as brake pads, spark plugs, and wiper blades.

The new DCX lease product offers additional fleet-friendly features, including 24/7 roadside assistance, covering flat-tire changes, battery jumps, gas delivery, lockout service, and towing. When a customer’s trucks require full-day or overnight servicing, CompleteLease can provide a $35 daily rental vehicle allowance.

Servicing Availability to Grow
According to Robinson, CompleteLease currently is offered by “a select number of Sterling Trucks dealers and Chrysler Group BusinessLink dealers.” The program will be available at most Chrysler and Sterling dealers by 2009, Robinson said. Servicing and repair under the CompleteLease arrangement must be performed at approved dealers.

CompleteLease maintenance and repair services offer another advantage for customers with trucks powered by the new 2007 and 2008 diesel systems, noted Robinson. “These fleet owners won’t have to worry about finding mechanics with the knowledge to work on the new systems,” he said.

DaimlerChrysler Financial Services finances and manages more than 6.5 million vehicles in 39 countries, with a U.S. portfolio of more than 100,000 units, according to Robinson.

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