You may have heard of Model E, the SOFTBANK venture which is producing "the world's first Internet build-to-order vehicles" and which provides clients with its all-inclusive "Subscribe & Drive"(SM) service.

What you may not know, however, is that Model E is interested in your fleet. According to George Kim, chief business development officer at Model E, his company is working with a number of fleets nationwide to provide executive vehicles which are leased as part of the "ideal and complete automotive experience" which is the goal of Model E. This provides an attractive option, according to Kim, for the business executive or owner for whom fleet manager is only one of several hats.

"We handle everything," Kim told Business Fleet. "From delivery of personalized vehicles to insurance, registration, maintenance and even roadside assistance, we offer a complete automotive experience."

The Model E business plan, called a "subscription," goes well beyond a mere lease. It is, according to Kim, a flexible alternative to both buying and leasing, with the difference being the fleet manager or business owner has a single point of contact for all his or her automotive needs.

Central to the Model E service offerings is the company's eConcierge, whose mission is to anticipate and serve a client's automotive needs. When vehicle maintenance or repair is needed, a Model E eConcierge picks up the vehicle at the time and place the client selects, and provides a replacement vehicle while the vehicle is being cared for.

"Our business fleet clients never have to experience any downtime," Kim said. In today's competitive hiring environment, Kim pointed out, the ability to offer "perks" such as a company luxury car can make the difference in motivating a key executive to come aboard. "Several of our client companies have reported to us that their recruitment efforts have been helped enormously through their association with us," Kim told Business Fleet.

Model E's strategic partner, PHH Vehicle Management Services, provides integrated vehicle management services for corporations, government agencies, and service-related fleets around the world. The company's service offerings include vehicle leasing, consultation, acquisition, financing, title and registration, maintenance and fuel management, driver safety and accident management, expense reporting, truck and equipment services, and used vheicle sales.

For more information, call (510) 791-3500 or visit www.modele.com.