Chicago Police To Buy 2,000 SUVs

The Daley administration has signed a $59.2 million contract with a suburban dealership that could pave the way for the Chicago Police Department to convert most of its squad car fleet by 2011 to Chevrolet Tahoe SUVs favored by Police Supt. Jody Weis.

The three-year contract for up to 2,000 SUVs was awarded last month to Advantage Chevrolet of southwest suburban Hodgkins. The dealership is owned by an African American, but has gross revenues too high to qualify for city certification as a minority business enterprise.

As a result, Advantage Chevrolet applied for a waiver of the requirement that 16.9 percent of the contract, or $9.9 million, be set aside for minority subcontractors.

Chief Procurement Officer Montel Gayles granted the waiver request on Nov. 7.

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Comments

[YSSMAN]

The funny part? The Chevrolet Tahoe isn't that less economical than the Ford Crown Victoria, despite the size that is at least 50% greater than they need in a city that size. Why, exactly, are they not looking at some of the GM and Ford crossovers? They're cheaper, more fuel-efficent, and certainly just as tough.

[BillMelater]

Need a motor.

[johnnygoodwud]

budget cuts,,,,,,,,who are you kidding?

[Fabini]

The higher center of gravity of SUVs scares me at speed. Give me a good ol' sedan doing a hundred any day (and it will carry just as much tactical gear too).

[Fabini]

P.S. I'd sure like to own that dealership.

[Totto]

Just hope you're not in the way in your Ford Focus if one of those Tahoes is in pursuit.
Hybrids, I hope.

[Peter007]

I told you there was no financial crisis. Its all made up by the liberal media

[Chicago48]

Totally Wasteful. Those Tahoes cost $50K a piece. The mayor needs to be lobotomized.

[BillMelater]

$100 mil is a nice infusion into the economy.