September 15, 2005
Runzheimer International and Vehicle Advantage today announced a strategic alliance offering employees of Runzheimer customers the ability to save hundreds - and even thousands of dollars - on their next new or used vehicle purchase or lease. This continues Runzheimer’s initiative to deepen the scope of its services and provide enhanced value to employees of its customer base. The alliance further expands Vehicle Advantage’s foothold in the corporate market, which is growing exponentially.
“Buying a vehicle can be a time-consuming and arduous process. Through Vehicle Advantage, the employees of our customers - and their family members - have immediate access to a one-stop, hassle-free, no cost service for purchasing a new or used vehicle,” states Greg Harper, President of Runzheimer International. “We’re excited about partnering with an organization with a strong reputation for outstanding customer service and value. Some of our Runzheimer employees have already used the service with excellent results.”
“Through Runzheimer International, we have the ability to assist hundreds of thousands of business drivers with their individual vehicle purchases,” states Vehicle Advantage President Ty Reed. “Due to our car purchasing volume, we can provide the average employee the same discount pricing that major corporations receive when purchasing vehicles for their corporate fleets. Perhaps even more important, we take the stress and frustration out of buying a vehicle. Drivers using our service never have to perform any negotiations or even speak to the dealer until Vehicle Advantage has located the car and finalized the price. The potential buyer simply shows up at the dealership, pays for the vehicle, and drives away.”
The service is complimentary and easy to use. Individuals wanting to purchase any type of vehicle (car, sport utility vehicle, truck, motor home, motorcycle, farm equipment, boat, etc.) communicate their selection criteria to Vehicle Advantage. The best price is then negotiated through Vehicle Advantage’s national network of dealerships. Once established, the driver is contacted and informed of the price, which can be accepted or rejected.
“Our list of partnering companies who offer this benefit to their employees continues to grow. This may become a significant trend in the country. Saving an employee $2,000 to $4,000 on their vehicle purchase is like putting more money in their pocket, and instills a great deal of loyalty,” commented Reed.
About Runzheimer International
Founded in 1933, Runzheimer International serves 60 percent of the Fortune 500. Recognized for providing innovative solutions relating to employee mobility, Runzheimer is a global leader in nontaxable employee-provided business vehicle reimbursement programs, employee compensation and relocation, and travel management.
About Vehicle Advantage
Founded in 1998, Vehicle Advantage is the largest private vehicle buying and leasing service in the U.S. and Canada. Vehicle Advantage is unique in that its vehicle advisors do all the work, from locating to negotiating the best price and financing on any type of vehicle - including RVs, boats, motorcycles, agricultural, commercial, luxury, and more - prior to any customer contact with the dealer.
Vehicle Advantage is an employee benefit for millions of employees of Fortune 500 Companies, as well as a benefit for members of numerous large associations. The company also has a unique fundraising program for non-profits and charities. Through Vehicle Advantage's high volume buying power, its customers can get the same low pricing on their own personal vehicles, one vehicle at a time, that large corporations receive when making volume purchases of fleet vehicles.
* * * * *
For more information, contact Luella Dooley at Runzheimer International, Runzheimer Park, Rochester, Wisconsin 53167, (262)971-2277, ljd@runzheimer.com, www.runzheimer.com.
