VUMC Vehicles Information Page 

VUMC Supply Chain is responsible for general oversight of the Medical Center's vehicle fleet.  This website will serve as an information resource for Medical Center departments which use vehicles on either a regular or occasional basis.

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5/3/22

By Frank Ashe

You have probably all seen in the news that there is a vehicle shortage on. It seemed at first that this pertained only to computer chips and might resolve fairly quickly. It looks like now that's not the case. We have had a briefing from Enterprise, our main vehicle vendor, and they have told us that the issue is not just chips--there is some kind of difficulty in many things that go into vehicle production. This can be either in producing the parts, in the supply chain delivering them, or both.

Naturally, shortages mean price increases, and the general rate of inflation on top of that doesn't help. Enterprise estimates that we should expect about a 10% rise in vehicle prices going into the 2023 model year. They will get us all possible incentives when ordering from the manufacturer, but did warn that those are being cut back compared to previous years. In some cases it may be possible to order from dealer inventory, but those prices will be higher still, as dealer incentives have nearly vanished.

Enterprise is recommending extending leases on existing units where possible. They will work with us to get that done. This may also be necessary where a replacement has been ordered but delivery turns out to be seriously delayed. We can also consider purchasing the current vehicle at the end of the lease.

It should be noted that these problems are all industry-wide, and vehicles sourced from other vendors are likely to be similarly affected. The rental car industry is hitting these same constraints, so try to book early, and be aware you may not have much choice of vehicles.

Your Financial Manager will be happy to advise the best choice in your situation. If your department has any additional questions that needs to be addressed, you can reach out to the assigned Sourcing Officer for this commodity.

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EMISSIONS

On January 4th, 2022, the Metro Council voted to eliminate vehicle emissions testing in Davidson County.  The last testing was on February 4. 

From now on, departments need not do anything to prepare for license plate renewals.  Fleet Management will either renew these, or facilitate renewal by the leasing company as required.  Departments will be notified to pick up renewals at the Post Office window, B-0106 MCN.

FYI - Other Tennessee counties that had previously required emissions checks have also ceased.  There is no longer a testing requirement anywhere in the state.

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ALSO PLEASE NOTE ON LICENSE RENEWALS

After you put the sticker on your plate, or put on your new place, be sure to put the certificate of registration in your glove compartment. You may need to be able to show the current copy later. This form is a white 8.5" x 4" piece of paper like this:

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SERVICE

VERY SMALL MAINTENANCE ITEMS

These can genrally be purchased with the Voyager Fuel card--see the end of the Gasoline section below.

VEHICLES LEASED FROM ENTERPRISE

These units come with provision for routine maintenance at no extra charge. You should have a maintenance card in your glove compartment. You can use Enterprise’s service website to find a convenient authorized location here. Just present them the card when you arrive.

We very strongly encourage regular maintenance under this plan.  It is a service we are already paying for and helps to maintain the resale value of the vehicle.  Better resale saves us money at lease-end time!

VEHICLES OWNED OR LEASED FROM OTHER SOURCES

If you already have an established relationship with an off-campus service provider for your vehicle, you may continue to utilize it.

If you don't, you may access service using your Voyager gasoline card.  See the end of the Gasoline section below.

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GASOLINE

We recommend the Voyager Fuel Card program administered by VUMC Procurement.  These cards are accepted at multiple locations, including the Mapco at 1507 21st Ave. S., which is convenient to the Medical Center. 

If you would like to look into a new Voyager card, please contact the Payment Card team at VUMC Procurement.  Please be prepared to furnish the following information:

• Vehicle number (cards are tied to vehicles and not individuals);

• Department name;

• Account and center to charge;

• Approximately how many times a day the card will be used;

• Dollar limit per month for the card.

SMALL MAINTENANCE ITEMS - things such as washer fluid, wiper blades, etc., are generally available at places like Mapco, and can usually be purchased with the Voyager card. 

LARGER MAINTENANCE ITEMS - For larger needs such as tires, oil changes, etc., the Voyager card may be used at many auto service establishments.  Here is their locator page, which will allow you to search by zip code for merchants that accept the card and also see what services they offer.  (Note--search only in the Fleet (Fuel) Card tab.  We are not enrolled in the Voyager Maintenance Solution Program.)

Voyager Card Merchant Locator

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INSURANCE

This is coordinated by VUMC Risk Management under the new VUMC policy. 

All vehicles should have updated insurance cards in their glove compartments showing the insured entity as VUMC and the effective dates running with our fiscal year, July 1 to June 30.  If you need a new card, please contact the Fleet Manager below.

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VEHICLE WASHING

VUMC currently does not have a washing program for vehicles. We will let you know when this changes.

CONTACTS

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