Ohio advises fleet managers to purchase compact cars

The Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS) in December directed state fleet managers to switch from the midsize Chevrolet Impala to the compact Ford Focus when purchasing new sedans for state employees who normally drive alone or with only one other passenger. The state chose the Focus based on a competitive bidding process managed by DAS State Procurement.

“At the end of the day, compacts cost less to purchase, less to operate, get great gas mileage and have a smaller carbon footprint that any other vehicle purchased by the state, with the exception of the Honda Civic Hybrid,” Ohio DAS Director Hugh Quill said.

DAS spokesman Ron Sylvester told GovPro.com that the directive, which took effect in January, coincides with Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland’s push to reduce energy consumption and minimize the “carbon footprint” of Ohio’s fleet. Until now, the state has focused its efforts on boosting its consumption of E85 flex fuel.

“The Strickland administration, working through DAS, recognized that state fleet managers haven’t even had the option to select a compact car,” Sylvester said.

According to Sylvester, the “other big elephant in the room” driving the decision to switch to the Ford Focus is the budget: Strickland recently projected a $1.9 billion budget shortfall for the state. Consequently, Sylvester said, “we’re looking for every way to spend taxpayer dollars more wisely."

Sylvester told GovPro.com that the switch to the Focus should have an immediate impact on the state’s bottom line. According to Sylvester, the state expects to purchase between 150 and 200 Focuses this year to replace midsize cars that have reached the end of their service lives. Based on the Focus’ purchase price, EPA fuel-economy ratings—33 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway and 24 mpg in the city—and projected ownership costs, the state estimates that those purchases will yield $242,000 in savings.

In the directive itself, state Fleet Administrator Chuck Stang noted that the switch to the Ford Focus also sends the right message to Ohio taxpayers.

“The state fleet, with its red and white license plate, is one of the most visible fixtures of the state,” Stang said. “The increasing price of fuel, with taxpayers footing the bill, will also make it one of the most scrutinized. As state of Ohio employees and drivers of state vehicles, it is our responsibility to set an example in reducing fuel consumption by driving less, embracing alternative-fuel options and choosing appropriate vehicles for our fleet.”

Directive only affects a portion of fleet

According to Sylvester, the directive is aimed primarily at the 2,700 passenger sedans in the state’s overall fleet of roughly 11,000 vehicles, which runs the gamut from front-end loaders to highway patrol cars. The 2,700 sedans include take-home vehicles used by state employees who travel frequently—such as caseworkers and environmental inspectors—and vehicles used in the state’s motor pool.

Sylvester added that it’s unlikely that you’ll see highway patrol officers driving around in a Focus anytime soon.

“Nobody’s going to tell the state patrol not to buy the Crown Vic,” Sylvester said, referring to the Ford Crown Victoria, which is a staple in many police departments across the country.

He also noted that the directive provides some flexibility for agencies whose employees need a larger car.

“If you transport more than yourself and one other person, or you carry a lot of equipment around, you may be eligible to get a midsize car,” Sylvester told GovPro.com. “At that point it becomes more of a judgment call. There is still flexibility in the system so we can match the right vehicle to the job.”

Officials are quick to point out that the directive does not mean that the state is turning its back on using E85 flex fuel.

“We have many flex fuels in the fleet, and with the exception of the Focus, most other fleet purchases will continue to be flex-fuel cars and trucks,” Stang asserted in a Jan. 22 press release. “DAS Fleet Management will also continue to publish agency flex-fuel scorecards and help agencies to reach their alternative-fuel goals.”