Costco Connection - December 2006

Auto Financing & Refinancing Getting “juiced” at a Costco in Colorado.

Getting a charge out of Costco

A RECENT DOCUMENTARY posed the question “Who killed the electric car?” But for the thousands of electric-vehicle (EV) drivers on the roads, the pronouncement of the EV’s demise is premature. And Costco is helping to keep the ecological dream alive with the installation of two chargers at the new warehouse in Gypsum, Colorado.

The biggest problem facing EV drivers is the lack of charging stations. While EVs average 60 to 120 miles on a charge—how does your gas-slurping vehicle compare to that?— the fact remains that they have to be recharged, and charging stations are few and far between.

Steve Hawkins, general manager of Vail’s Mountain Haus at the Covered Bridge, in Vail, Colorado, had used electric chargers at Costco warehouses in California. When he heard about the new warehouse being built in neighboring Gypsum, he made a few calls and was ultimately referred to Costco’s Ed Fitzgerald, automobile sales administrator. “I told him we had not planned on installing chargers at Gypsum, and there was no budget for them,” says Ed. “But if [Vail’s Mountain Haus] was willing to donate, I’d see what I could do.”

Hawkins purchased and delivered the charging stations in October, and Costco installed them two days later. “It’s a perfect example of what can be accomplished when business and community work together,” says Ed.

Costco offers 90 charging stations at 64 locations. Most of the stations are in California, with a handful in Arizona, New York and Georgia. (To see if there are any charging stations at your local warehouse, check the Specialty Services grid on page 76.)

The process couldn’t be simpler. Members park in reserved spaces, attach special paddles and head into the warehouse. By the time their shopping is done, their car should be, too.

Just another reason to say, “Charge it!” at Costco.—Steve Fisher

Lock in rates from:

New Car 5.74%*

Used Car 7.04%*

Refinance 7.20%*

Executive Members save even more.

Apply online and get a response in 15 minutes. Visit costco.com and click on Services.

*Listed rates are for a 36-month car loan.

**Response is typically 15 minutes during business hours. Capital One Auto Finance business hours are Monday – Saturday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., CST. Vehicle loans provided by Capital One Auto Finance and are arranged pursuant to a California Department of Corporations finance lender’s license. Rates quoted are offered depending on the individual's excellent and substantial credit and key loan characteristics, including amount, term, vehicle age and selecting the Automated Payment Option. Rates are Annual Percentage Rates (APR) quoted as of 10/10/06 for cars purchased through a ne w or used car dealer and are subject to change without notice. Capital One Auto Finance provides auto and motorcycle loans in all states. Capital One Auto Finance only refinances loans from other financial institutions, not including Capital One subsidiaries. Costco Executive Members receive an additional 0.10 percentage point discount on all auto loans. 07EX0134 12/06

$20 Off * plus your member discount!

• Reserve a compact through full-size car, minivan or SUV in the United States, Latin America, Caribbean or Asia Pacific.

• Valid for a rental of at least four days.

• Valid through 12/31/07.

• Be sure to request I.D. Number 7013461 and Coupon Code AD1627SDR at time of reservation.

Book online at costco.com
or call Costco Travel toll free
at 1-877-849-2730.

* One coupon per Alamo rental and void once redeemed. Discount applies to base rate, which does not include taxes (including VAT), other governmentally authorized or imposed surcharges, license recoupment/air tax recovery and concession recoupment fees, airport and airport facility fees, fuel, one-way rental charge, or optional items. Offer is subject to standard rental conditions. Blackout dates may apply. Not valid with any other discount or promotional rate, except your Costco member discount. Subject to availability and valid only at participating Alamo locations. Some countries may convert coupon value into local currency. 24-Hour advance reservations required. Coupon VOID if bought, bartered or sold for cash. Travel purchases are not included in the Executive Membership 2% Reward program. All prices are in U.S. dollars. Costco Travel disclaims liability for inaccuracies or typographical errors.

Costco Travel is a registered seller of travel and travel agency in the following states: Washington (WST 602042600); Ohio (8789302); Florida (Fla. Seller of Travel Reg. No.ST32555); and California (CST 2054248-50). Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the state of California.