“We looked at hybrids because of their fuel efficiency,†explains Denise Mueller, CEO of Rancho Santa Fe. “Gas prices here in California are completely unpredictable and sometimes seem to be at somebody’s whim.â€
The company had been using Ford Crown Victorias in its patrol fleet but was wondering whether smaller cars that get better gas mileage would offset higher gasoline prices. The costs of purchasing and fueling small, inexpensive vehicles for patrol were examined.