Last update: 08/14/2009

Vehicle news archive

August 14, 2009

2010 Vehicle Contracts Status

We have just successfully concluded negotiations to extend several model year 2009 vehicle contracts for model year 2010 at the same pricing. Uploaded and now available for ordering are Hybrid Toyota Prius, Honda Civic and Insight, and Ford Escape in both the hybrid and non hybrid models. In automobiles we also have the Ford Focus and Chevrolet Impala. In police vehicles we have a full array of the Ford, Dodge and Chevrolet vehicles. In trucks we are starting out with the Chevrolet Colorados and in Passenger Vans the Chevrolet Express Vans. The balance of the vehicle categories (trucks, vans, autos, and SUVs) are being rebid and should be available for ordering this coming October.

All vehicles currently available for ordering may be ordered on line at https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/apps/VehicleOrdering/VehicleMenu.aspx.

Limited in stock 2009/2010 vehicles are also available for viewing at https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/apps/VehicleOrdering/InStockVehicles.aspx.

July 21, 2009

Hybrid Vehicle Sales Tax Exemption to expire

State vehicle contract customers are advised that the sales tax exemption previously authorized by RCW 82.08.813 for high gas mileage hybrid vehicles achieving 40 MPG is scheduled to expire Friday July 31, 2009 (The .003% vehicle sales tax exemption will still apply). Impacted vehicles on contract are the Honda Civic, Honda Insight, and Toyota Prius hybrids.

To take advantage of this last minute opportunity our contract dealers do have a limited number of in stock vehicles available for immediate delivery on a first come, first served basis. A list of current in stock vehicles may be found at https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/apps/VehicleOrdering/InStockVehicles.aspx

For more information on these vehicles contact Breann Aggers at baggers@ga.wa.gov or 360-902-7441.

July 6, 2009

2010 Vehicle Contract Specifications Being Developed

The Office of State Procurement is in the preliminary stages of developing the bid document for the model year 2010 light vehicle contracts. State agencies, as well as government organizations and non profit corporations who are members of the State of Washington Purchasing Co-Op are welcome to send a representative to attend our upcoming ad-hoc Specification Committee meeting. We are seeking input on your vehicle needs for 2010 and advice on the vehicle equipment bid specifications and categories. Once the bid document is developed and released we will then invite Washington state dealers and their manufacturer’s to provide their input at a subsequent pre-bid conference.

The meeting is scheduled for 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Thursday July 23rd here at the Office of State Procurement Bid Room, 201 General Administration Bldg, Olympia.

For familiarization and preparation, please view last year’s bid document:

If you will be attending please send your RSVP to Chris Schoepfer at 360-902-7193, fax 360-586-2426 or e-mail at cschoep@ga.wa.gov. If you are unable to attend but would like to provide input for the group’s consideration you may e-mail Breann Aggers at bagger@ga.wa.gov or  Bill Griffin at wgriffi@ga.wa.gov.

Thank you for your interest in the state’s vehicle contracts. We look forward to your input.

June 26, 2009

VROOM gets more Vroom

Our Information Systems (IS) staff have completed new enhancements to our Vehicle Rapid Order Online Messaging system(VROOM). Included are:

  • Our vehicle menu will be enhanced to provide customers the ability to view vehicles available by organization type and vehicle category.
  • The vehicle menu will also now show what vehicles currently are In Stock and provide a link to the In Stock vehicle page.
  • The Vehicle Requisition Form will have a fresh new look, that provides the ability for previous customers to select organization and location information from dropdown lists. Customers can update location information online so that the information will be available on the initial and future orders.
  • Requisitions can now be reviewed and edited before submitting the vehicle order.

Roll out of the enhanced system will start the week of June 29. We hope these changes will make the vehicle ordering process more efficient for our customers. Once in place, should you have any questions or would like to provide feedback on the changes you may contact our IS Developer, John Honnold at (360) 902-7462 or email jhonnol@ga.wa.gov.

June 16, 2009

Toyota offers early order period and $1,000 price reduction for 2010 Prius Hybrid

Toyota and our contract dealer have agreed to an early ordering period for 2010 Prius hybrid model vehicles at a reduced contract price of $22,596. Orders may be placed through July 31st, 2009. (Vehicles delivered prior to August 1st, 2009 will be sales tax exempt) With the current equipment purchasing freeze imposed by ESSB5460 scheduled to expire June 30th, having these vehicles available for purchase in July will hopefully assist agencies in meeting their pending and emergent transportation needs. All vehicles available on contract may be ordered online at https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/apps/VehicleOrdering/VehicleMenu.aspx

May 20, 2009

New 2010 Honda Insight Hybrid now on state contract

We have just concluded negotiations with our contract dealer to add the new Honda Insight compact hybrid sedan to contract 04408 for Hybrid and Alternative/Flexible Fuel vehicles. The vehicle is listed under the Honda Civic Compact Hybrid category as an alternative hybrid vehicle along with the previously added Honda Civic CNG vehicle. The vehicle is EPA rated at 40MPG city, 43MPG hwy and achieving 40MPG is therefore sales tax exempt(through July 31, 2009 only).

Two trim levels are available; an EX model with traction control, cruise control, heated mirrors, center console at $21,650 and a base level LX model without those features at $20,200. Delivery may be expected in 60 to 90 days and the dealer Bellevue Honda will be stocking the vehicle in inventory in anticipation of your needs. Demand is expected to be high as the vehicle was the top selling vehicle in Japan for April.

May 11, 2009

Breann Aggers joins Vehicle Acquisition Team

We are pleased to announce that Contract Specialist Breann Aggers here in the Office of State Procurement is joining the VAT team. Breann has been with OSP for four years and has previous experience with various commodities including past experience with the annual vehicle contracts. She will be teaming with Bill Griffin to learn the intricacies of the vehicle desk prior to Bill’s pending retirement this fall.

Breann says she is looking forward to partnering with our contract dealers to help meet all of our customers transportation needs. You may welcome her by calling 360-902-7441 or e-mailing baggers@ga.wa.gov. Congratulations Breann!

May 4, 2009

Ford offers early order period for 2010 models

Ford Motor Company and our contract dealers have agreed to an early ordering period for 2010 model vehicles at 2009 contract pricing.

Orders may be placed through July 31st for all Ford trucks on contract as well as the Ford Focus sedan and Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor. With the current equipment purchasing freeze imposed by ESSB5460 scheduled to expire June 30th, having these vehicles available for purchase in July will hopefully assist agencies in meeting their pending and emergent transportation needs. All vehicles available on contract may be ordered online at https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/apps/VehicleOrdering/VehicleMenu.aspx

April 17, 2009

2010 Ford Escape Hybrid SUV now available on state contract

A rebid for the model year 2010 Ford Escape hybrid has just been concluded and an award made. The vehicle is now on contract 04408 and may be ordered on line at https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/apps/VehicleOrdering/VehicleMenu.aspx. Washington is the first state to contract for the 2010 hybrid Escape. Orders may be placed beginning today with production scheduled to start in July 2009. Ford reports important new sustainability and safety features of the vehicle include:

  • Eco-Friendly Soy-based Foam Seat Cushions wrapped in 100 percent recycled fabric, replacing a staggering 40 percent of the standard petroleum-based polyol used in seating materials. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, soy-based products have only one-quarter of the level of total environmental impact of petroleum-based products.
  • Integrated Spotter Mirror (standard) – blind spot technology that consists of an outside rearview mirror designed with a secondary convex spotter in the top outer corner, which is aimed exclusively at the driver’s blind spot. When traffic enters the driver’s blind spot on either side of the vehicle, it is visible in the secondary convex mirror, helping provide the driver roader peripheral view.
  • MyKey (standard) – allows owners to program a key that can limit the vehicle’s top speed and audio volume, encourages safety-belt usage, provides earlier low-fuel warnings and can be programmed to sound chimes at 45, 55 and 65 miles per hour.
  • SYNC (standard) – exclusive new SYNC real-time information features. The new Escape is one of the first vehicles to introduce this innovation – SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information – which leverages industry-leading voice-recognition software, integrated GPS technology, and a customer’s Bluetooth-capable mobile phone.
  • AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control) – the world’s only system with a gyroscopic sensor that actively measures and helps prevent both side-to-side “yaw” and roll movements.
  • Safety Canopy™ – a side air curtain technology offering protection for the first and second seating rows, and helps provide rollover and ejection protection with extended deployment in rollovers.
  • Personal Safety System® – a suite of seven safety technologies, including new dual-stage front air bags for the driver and front-seat passenger, side air bags and a front passenger sensor system.
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System – alerts drivers when tire pressure is low. Properly inflated tires not only are important for safety – they also can help improve fuel economy.

2009 Toyota Prius and Camry hybrids and 2009 Honda Civic hybrid and CNG vehicles are also available on contract 04408 and several are in stock, available for immediate delivery. Additional model year 2010 vehicles will be on contract via 2009 contract extensions or rebids this summer/fall.

March 12, 2009

Vehicle contract factory order cutoff dates announced

We have been advised by vehicle contract dealers and their manufacturers of factory order cutoff dates for model year 2009 vehicles. Announced dates have been posted to our Vehicle Acquisition Team website at https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/apps/VehicleOrdering/VehicleMenu.aspx.

While dealers are contractually required to fill all orders received through at least the 31st of March, some 2009 vehicles have already been discontinued or reached their fleet allocation and are no longer available. (Chevrolet Aveo, Trailblazer, Colorado, Toyota Sienna) Orders for those vehicles will need to be filled by in stock units or model year 2010 production vehicles. Customers are advised to order their vehicles as soon as possible to ensure timely production and delivery.

March 11, 2009

Vehicle contract sales tax changes

Some 2009 vehicle dealers on contract will have a change in sales tax rates effective the 1st of April. Specifically, vehicles delivered and invoiced after March by the dealers listed below will change:

  • Bud Clary Chevrolet 8.0% to 8.2%
  • Columbia Ford 8.0% to 8.2%
  • Sound Ford 9.3% to 9.8%
  • Dwayne Lane Dodge 8.9% to 9.5%

Sales tax rates for other dealers on contract remain unchanged.

March 2, 2009

The boat has arrived, latest Prius shipment is in

The latest shipment of contract 2009 Toyota Prius hybrid sedans has arrived from Japan and our dealer now has over 100 vehicles in stock, available for immediate delivery.

Vehicles have all contract required equipment and are currently available in several colors. Delivered contract price is $23,600 and because they are a hybrid achieving over 40MPG, they are sales tax exempt per RCW 82.08.813. Over 1400 of this popular hybrid vehicle have been sold on state contract since the year 2000.

All in stock contract vehicles, available on a first come-first served basis, are listed at https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/apps/VehicleOrdering/InStockVehicles.aspx.

February 24, 2009

Temporary Price Incentive, 2009 Hybrid Honda Civic in stock vehicles!

To assist state vehicle contract customers with very tight budgets but continuing need for fuel efficient vehicles, Bellevue Honda our Honda Civic hybrid dealer on contract 04408 is offering a temporary price reduction on in stock 2009 vehicles. Currently available are fifteen 2009 Honda Civic HEV sedans in four different colors. They have been discounted by $500 per vehicle to a new contract price of $22,990.00. (That is a net delivered price as the vehicles are also sales tax exempt. ) The price reduction applies to all orders for in stock vehicles placed through the Office of State Procurement through March 31st. All in stock contract vehicles, available for immediate delivery on a first come-first served basis, are listed at https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/apps/VehicleOrdering/InStockVehicles.aspx

February 13, 2009

Starting a Vanpool?

If so, then you might be interested in knowing our contract dealer for the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander 7 passenger van has over 30 new units in stock available for immediate delivery at lower contract pricing than current 2009 contract vehicles.

The vans have all 05607 state contract required equipment plus rear air conditioning, power driver’s seat, and aluminum wheels. They have the 3.9liter V6 non ffv gas engine, are Slate in color, and are priced at $18,651.00 + sst delivered to your door. (Lesser equipped 2009 contract vans are priced $1,000 to $3,000 more.)

Vehicles will be sold on a first come, first served, basis until existing inventory is exhausted. For a faxed equipment list and requisition form to return fax your contract order contact Bill Griffin at (360) 902-7421.

February 6, 2009

Chevrolet Trailblazer out of production

Vehicle contract customers are advised that the 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer on contract 05207 is no longer in production and no additional factory orders may be placed. In anticipation of their cut off the dealer preordered some 2WD and 4WD contract required equipped vehicles. Those vehicles are now in, available for contract ordering and immediate delivery. They are listed on our “In-stock vehicles” website at https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/apps/VehicleOrdering/InStockVehicles.aspx

Additional vehicles may become available over the next two months to fulfill the terms of our contract.

Contact John Slater at Bud Clary Chevrolet (1-800-899-1926) or Bill Griffin for further details.

January 15, 2009

Temporary Price Incentives, Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs)

GEM has just announced an increase in Dealer Fleet Incentives that is being passed on to the state on contract AD508 for Neighborhood Electric Vehicles. The price reductions apply to all orders placed through the Office of State Procurement between now and February 28th. The incentives are $400.00 for the E6, $300.00 for the E4 and EL, and $100.00 for the E2 and ES.

Also note that with newly enacted RCW 82.08.809 these electric vehicles are now sales tax exempt.

December 2, 2008

In Stock Police Vehicles

Our vehicle contract dealers currently have the police vehicles listed below available in stock for immediate delivery. Please note that several have now been discounted. For equipment lists and available options contact Bill Griffin at 360-902-7421 or wgriffi@ga.wa.gov.

Police Vehicles
Make and Model Color Notes No. Price
2008 Chevrolet Impala Police White   1 $18,603.00
2008 Chevrolet Impala Police White   2 $18,903.00
2008 Ford Crown Victoria Dark Blue DISCOUNTED 3 $21,526.00
2008 Ford Crown Victoria Silver Birch DISCOUNTED 1 $21,526.00
2009 Ford Crown Victoria Vibrant White/ Charcoal Black interior (WT/*N)   Several $21,688.00
2008 Ford Crown Victoria Dark Blue DISCOUNTED 1 $21,691.00
2009 Ford Crown Victoria white DISCOUNTED 2008 PRICING 1 $21,702.40
2009 Ford Crown Victoria Vibrant White/ Charcoal Black interior (WT/*N)   Several $21,957.00
2009 Dodge Charger Stone White   1 $22,866.00
2008 Ford Crown Victoria Dark Blue DISCOUNTED 1 $24,166.00

 

October 7, 2008

Sales Tax-Exempt 2009 Hybrid Sedans on Contract

Bids have been evaluated and awards made on contract number 04408 for model year 2009 Hybrid, Alternative/Flexible Fuel Vehicles. The contract includes the Honda Civic hybrid and dedicated CNG sedans and the Toyota Prius and Camry hybrid sedans. These vehicles supplement contract 04907 which has 2009 flexible fuel e85 Chevrolet Express cargo vans and Chevrolet Tahoe utility vehicles. Other 2009 vehicle category bids are still being evaluated and additional hybrid and/or flexible fuel vehicles may be added in the future. (The Ford Escape hybrid, previously on contract, was not bid this year as fleet allocations and production capabilities have been exhausted for model year 2009).

While bid pricing for the hybrid vehicles is higher, your net cost this coming year may actually be lower since hybrid vehicles achieving 40 MPG delivered after 12/31/08 are sales tax exempt per RCW 82.08.813. Both the Honda Civic hybrid and Toyota Prius are rated at 40 MPG or more. Additionally, dedicated CNG vehicles like the Honda Civic GX CNG vehicle are similarly exempt per RCW 82.08.802.

October 7, 2008

Chevrolet Trailblazer going out of production

Due to a just announced plant closure the 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer on contract 05207 will soon be discontinued. Final factory order date has been set for this Friday, October 10th. To meet our contractual obligations our contract dealer will preorder several vehicles for inventory to meet your needs. Equipment and color selections will be limited however so if you require specific options or colors shown on the current contract you need to order immediately.

August 19, 2008

Full Model year 2009 Vehicle Contract Extensions

OSP has just concluded negotiations with vehicle contract dealers for full model year 2009 vehicle contract extensions. We were successful in achieving extensions on three vehicle categories. The 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer mid size utility vehicle may now be ordered on contract 05207 while the 2009 Chevrolet Express AWD ffv cargo van and the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe PPV ffv utility vehicles may be ordered on contract 04907. Orders may be placed through March 31, 2009 or factory order cutoff, whichever is later. Prices for the Trailblazer and the Express van remain unchanged while the price for the Tahoe is a $3,100 price reduction. All 2009 vehicles currently available for ordering may be ordered on line at https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/apps/VehicleOrdering/VehicleMenu.aspx.

The balance of the 2009 vehicle categories are being rebid and will be awarded in October. In the interim several in stock 2008 contract vehicles are immediately available. A list of those vehicles may be viewed at https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/apps/VehicleOrdering/InStockVehicles.aspx