FRANKFORT, KY - A September 14 auction of Kentucky's used fleet vehicles — 156 cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs — generated more than $350,000, according to a news release from the state Finance and Administration Cabinet.

The auction was held to generate revenue, reduce expenditures, and decrease the state's fleet.

Of the 156 vehicles sold, 29 were sold in advance to city and county governments. A 2005 Chevy Tahoe was the highest selling item, bringing in $8,800. 

The number of people who registered as potential bidders was 492, an increase of 54 from the last Division of Fleet Management Auction that was held Sept. 22, 2009. At the 2009 auction, 180 vehicles sold for $336,475. 

The state fleet included 4,639 vehicles as of August 2010.  That number is down 253 vehicles from January 2008.  Of the current fleet, 49 percent of the automobiles are five years or older or have logged more than 100,000 miles.  Another 36 percent are seven years or older or register over 140,000 miles.

"We are keeping our fleet vehicles longer and when they must be replaced, we are looking at smaller, more fuel efficient options," said Jonathan Miller, secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet.

"The state's fleet is essential in maintaining any number of programs and services for the public, but in an effort to stretch every dollar as far as possible, we are using those vehicles longer and for more miles than in the past," said Gov. Steve Beshear.