Automotive Fleet

Electronic Onboard Recorders: It’s Only a Question of Time

Thu, 24 May 2012 14:09:12 PST

The paper-based logbook system used to track hours of service (HOS) by commercial truck fleets is prone to driver manipulation and falsification. Even the FMCSA has stated that falsification of logbooks is widespread. By all accounts, the current system of manually recorded logbooks is a joke. Yet, despite this “elephant in the room,” the federal government remains unable to mandate onboard devices to improve HOS enforcement. Why can it work in Europe, but not here?

Ford Shows Key Fleet Vehicles at Product Preview Event

Thu, 24 May 2012 14:37:36 PST

DEARBORN, MI – Ford held its 2013MY Fleet Product and Business Conference in May at the Motor City Casino Hotel in Detroit and at the company’s Dearborn Development Center. Ford said nearly 1,000 people attended this year’s preview, which featured a mix of business meetings and driving events.

IIHS Names BMW 3 Series Sedan a ‘Top Safety Pick’

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:24:43 PST

WOODCLIFF LAKE, NJ - The IIHS gave the BMW 3 Series Sedan ratings of “good” in all four of the tests the IIHS conducted.

Volvo and Mitsubishi Electric Partner on Next-Gen Infotainment Technology

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:39:36 PST

ROCKLEIGH, NJ - Mitsubishi Electric Corporation will supply the central module and act as the primary supplier for the infotainment system for future Volvo vehicles.

Autobytel & Autopacific Announce 2012 Vehicle Satisfaction Award Winners

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:04:07 PST

IRVINE, CA - To compile the results for the awards, both companies survey 75,000 owners of vehicles, from all major automakers, about their current satisfaction level with the new vehicle each individual surveyed owns.

U.S. Border Patrol Seizes ‘Cloned’ UPS Vehicle Carrying 13 Illegal Aliens

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:21:03 PST

EL CENTRO, CA - The vehicle stopped by U.S. Border Patrol agents was not a typical UPS parcel truck, but to the casual observer, looked as if it could have been a vehicle used by UPS.

Day Two of Fleet Safety Conference Features Awards and 'Town Hall' Discussion

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:53:57 PST

SCHAUMBURG, IL – The second day of the 2012 Fleet Safety Conference featured more busy conference sessions and the first Fleet Safety Awards presented by Automotive Fleet magazine and AALA.

Modern Transportation Services’ Evans Receives Fleet Safety Award

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:57:54 PST

SCHAUMBURG, IL – At the Fleet Safety Conference, Tammy Evans, VP of fleet operations for Modern Transportation Services, received the Fleet Safety Award. The Fleet Safety Award was presented on Tuesday, May 22, by the American Automotive Leasing Association's Executive Director Pam Sederholm.

Toyota Recalling MY-2013 Lexus GS 350

Wed, 23 May 2012 10:23:47 PST

WASHINGTON – Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling 663 2013 model-year Lexus GS 350 vehicles because of a potential steering wheel problem.

Chevrolet Malibu Eco, Hyundai Azera & Toyota Prius c Named Top Safety Picks

Wed, 23 May 2012 11:00:21 PST

ARLINGTON, VA -- The 2013 model-year Chevrolet Malibu Eco, 2012 model-year Hyundai Azera, and 2012 model-year Toyota Prius c have all drawn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick award for their performance in front, side, rollover and rear-impact evaluations.

Fleet Safety Tip of the Week

Wed, 23 May 2012 11:31:50 PST

This week’s tip, taken from the 2012 edition of “Illinois Rules of the Road,” concerns safety belts and airbags.

Telogis and FleetCor Announce Global Partnership for Fuel Card Management and Telematics Integration

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:32:59 PST

ALISO VIEJO, CA– Telogis, Inc., and FleetCor Technologies, Inc., announced a global partnership for the integration of telematics and fuel card reporting that will assist in bringing greater visibility to a fleet's fueling activities.

Jury Awards $21 million to Woman Struck by Coca Cola Truck in Distracted Driving Case

Thu, 10 May 2012 16:42:59 PST

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – A jury in Corpus Christi, Texas, has awarded $21 million to Vanice Chatman-Wilson, 37, who was struck by a Coca Cola truck driver, Araceli Venessa Cabral, while she was talking on a cell phone at the time of the accident.

Most U.S. Gas Prices Fall Though Refinery Issues Drive Up Prices on West Coast

Tue, 22 May 2012 10:11:49 PST

WASHINGTON - The average price for retail gasoline on the coast, including California, was $4.24 per gallon, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) even though the average nationwide price had fallen to $3.69 per gallon.

DOT Program Results Show Drivers Want Vehicle-to-Vehicle Safety Technologies

Tue, 22 May 2012 11:17:24 PST

WASHINGTON - Roughly four out of five participants, 82%, in a U.S. Department of Transportation program, said they strongly agreed they would like to have vehicle-to-vehicle safety features on a vehicle they drive.

Ford Prices C-MAX Hybrid at $25,995 MSRP

Tue, 22 May 2012 11:59:28 PST

DEARBORN, MI - The C-MAX Hybrid is based on Ford’s global C-segment platform and features room for five people.

More Commercial Fleets Clamping Down on Driver Cell Phone Use

Tue, 22 May 2012 14:20:56 PST

HERNDON, VA – The number of commercial fleet operators that have adopted written policies pertaining to employee use of cell phones while driving on the job has increased 29% in the past year – from 62% to 80% – according to ZoomSafer’s second annual survey of more than 900 transportation and fleet professionals.

2012 Fleet Safety Conference Day One Sees Packed Education Sessions

Tue, 22 May 2012 15:56:22 PST

SCHAUMBURG, IL – The 2012 Fleet Safety Conference kicked off day one of a packed event, and event schedule, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel. With more than 230 registered fleet professionals attending, the event focuses on raising the bar for fleet safety, and will host the first-ever Fleet Safety Awards, presented by Automotive Fleet magazine and the American Automotive Leasing Association (AALA).

Study: No Progress in Reducing Motorcyclist Deaths in 2011

Tue, 22 May 2012 16:33:21 PST

WASHINGTON – A new study released by the Governors Highway Safety Association underscores the need for all motorists to take extra precautions so they can more safely share the road with motorcyclists. Here are details about the study, along with some safety tips you can share with your own fleet drivers.

Chrysler Recalling 67,872 Jeep Wranglers

Mon, 21 May 2012 13:03:30 PST

WASHINGTON – Chrysler Group is recalling 67,872 2010 model-year Jeep Wranglers because the automatic transmission skid plate, which is near the catalytic converter, has the potential to collect debris.

California and New Jersey Bills Address Autonomous Vehicle Regulation

Mon, 21 May 2012 17:29:39 PST

SACRAMENTO, CA – State legislators in both California and New Jersey are now addressing regulatory issues associated with the testing and operation of so-called autonomous, or self-driving, vehicles on public roads.

GM’s Ed Peper Promoted to Position of U.S. Vice President, Fleet and Commercial Sales

Thu, 17 May 2012 10:23:11 PST

DETROIT - GM named Ed Peper, 50, who is currently general manager, Fleet and Commercial Operations, to the position of U.S. vice president, Fleet and Commercial Sales. GM originally named Peper to the position of general manager, Fleet and Commercial Operations, on February 1, 2012.

First New 2013-MY Nissan Altima Rolls Off the Assembly Line in Tennessee

Thu, 17 May 2012 12:36:49 PST

SMYRNA, TN - The automaker said the sedan will begin arriving at dealerships in June at a starting MSRP of $21,500.

Take Automotive Fleet’s 2012 Personal Use Survey

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:02:01 PST

TORRANCE, CA – Automotive Fleet needs your input! How does your company handle personal use of company-provided vehicles?

BMW Reveals Details on 3 Series Sports Wagon

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:54:07 PST

WOODCLIFF LAKE, NJ - BMW said this vehicle is set to arrive in U.S. showrooms in the spring of 2013.

Mercedes Says Three Dozen F-Cell Hydrogen-Fueled Vehicles Now Drive on California Streets

Thu, 17 May 2012 15:24:59 PST

LOS ANGELES - The automaker said the vehicle has as range of 240 miles and gets an average 55 mpg equivalent while emitting only water vapor.

BMW Releases New Fleet Incentives for Purchases Through End of 2012

Thu, 17 May 2012 15:40:05 PST

WOODCLIFF LAKE, NJ – BMW North America released new fleet incentives for applicable BMW Group Corporate fleet vehicle purchases ordered, and delivered, prior to Jan. 2, 2013.

2012 Hyundai Azera Named IIHS Top Safety Pick

Thu, 17 May 2012 15:47:28 PST

COSTA MESA, CA - The Top Safety Pick recognizes vehicles that protect people in front, side, rollover and rear crashes, based on “good” ratings in Institute test results.

Toyota Plans to Increase V-6 Engine Production in Alabama

Thu, 17 May 2012 16:01:13 PST

ERLANGER, KY - The Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama (TMMAL) plant currently assembles four-cylinder, V-6 and V-8 engines for eight of 12 vehicles Toyota builds in North America.

Report Says Automakers Will Launch More Vehicles for MY-2014 and 2015

Thu, 17 May 2012 16:14:52 PST

DETROIT - A new report titled Car Wars 2013 – 2016, from Bank of America Merrill Lynch, says automakers will ramp up new product launches for model-years 2014 and 2015.

FedEx Express Says Its Fleet Is Nearing 2020 Fuel Efficiency Goal Early

Thu, 17 May 2012 16:29:45 PST

MEMPHIS, TN -The FedEx Express fleet is now 16.6% more fuel efficient, through 2011, when compared to its average fuel efficiency in 2005 (the baseline for comparison).

EMKAY Named as Finalist in The 10th Annual American Business Awards for Customer Service

Wed, 16 May 2012 13:17:11 PST

ITASCA, IL - More than 3,000 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration in a wide range of categories.

NexTraq Featured in Google Maps Video Case Study

Wed, 16 May 2012 17:14:08 PST

ATLANTA – NexTraq and Google Maps API for Business, announced the release of a video case study conducted by Google Enterprise on the NexTraq Fleet Tracking platform.

2012 Consignor of the Year Kennedy is a Team Player

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:50:31 PST

In his 26-year remarketing career with General Motors, Dan Kennedy has helped build the automaker’s remarketing program and recently hit a significant milestone — the 14 millionth GM vehicle sold at auction.

CAR Conference Presents Upbeat Message to Attendees

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:59:43 PST

The annual Conference of Automotive Remarketing (CAR), held in conjunction with the National Auto Auction Association (NAAA), attracted 694 attendees.The International Automotive Remarketers Alliance (IARA) held its winter roundtable prior to CAR with a theme focused on the future of remarketing.

A Journey to the Top: Lee Miller Named 2012 Fleet Manager of the Year

Tue, 15 May 2012 17:06:55 PST

Lee Miller, senior manager of fleet services for Boehringer Ingelheim, has come a long way from her early days feeling “out of place” in the fleet industry. She shares the 33-year journey that has led her to earn the prestigious title of 2012 Professional Fleet Manager of the Year.

GreenRoad Delivers Driver Performance Mobile App

Tue, 15 May 2012 9:02:08 PST

REDWOOD CITY, CA – GreenRoad announced the GreenRoad Central mobile app for drivers,a mobile app designed and optimized to give drivers anytime, anywhere access to key performance data. The app runs on Apple iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch) and Android mobile and tablet devices.

Chrysler Event and Website Focuses on Mobility Solutions

Tue, 15 May 2012 9:07:25 PST

AUBURN HILLS, MI - Chrysler Group launched a new website focusing on its mobility solutions. The automaker is also hosting an event at its headquarters May 14 -18 that shows a range of vehicles converted for use by individuals with mobility restrictions.

Veolia Launches Propane Autogas Taxi Fleet in Baltimore, Plans to Convert 250 Taxis

Tue, 15 May 2012 9:54:57 PST

BALTIMORE - The company plans to convert 50 Checker Yellow taxis in Baltimore by the end of 2012, and a total of 250 more taxis in Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, Fla., and Denver.

Automotive Design Panel Discusses Vehicle Weight Reduction Efforts

Tue, 15 May 2012 10:27:59 PST

DETROIT – Reducing vehicle weight was a recent topic of discussion at an Automotive Press Association meeting on May 10. Panelists discussed how new types of automotive materials can reduce weight.

Hyundai Adds New Standard Equipment to 2013-MY Sonata Models

Tue, 15 May 2012 10:44:05 PST

COSTA MESA, CA – Hyundai added new standard features to its 2013-MY Sonata, including heated seats as standard on equipment on all models and option packages (except the base GLS model) and new sunroof choices for the Sonata Limited.

Nominations Open for the 2012 Fleet Hall of Fame

Tue, 15 May 2012 11:43:32 PST

TORRANCE, CA - Nominations for the 2012 Fleet Hall of Fame are now being accepted through Tuesday, June 5, 2012.

What’s the ‘Tipping Point’ for Fuel Prices?

Mon, 14 May 2012 11:47:56 PST

During the past decade, we’ve witnessed a steady escalation of fuel prices with forecasters extrapolating these trend lines to predict even higher future prices. What is the “tipping point” for the price of fuel before it starts to have a significant negative impact on senior management’s desire to operate a company-provided fleet?

Bloom Promoted to President of Enterprise Fleet Management

Mon, 14 May 2012 15:05:41 PST

ST. LOUIS - Steve Bloom’s most recent position was Senior Vice President of Enterprise Fleet Management. Bloom reports to Pam Nicholson, President and Chief Operating Officer of Enterprise Holdings.

KelleyAmerit Fleet Services Adds Scott Mishoe as VP of Sales

Mon, 14 May 2012 16:02:17 PST

WALNUT CREEK, CA - Mishoe has more than 25 years of experience in the fleet industry, including roles in fleet maintenance, management, and leasing, according to KelleyAmerit.

PHH Arval Named a 2012 Stevie Awards Finalist for Customer Experience

Mon, 14 May 2012 16:45:22 PST

SPARKS, MD – PHH Arval was named a finalist in The 2012 American Business Awards in the Business-to-Business Marketing category for its campaign titled “Creating the Customer Experience.”

GPS Insight Is a Finalist for the 2012 Red Herring Top 100 Americas Award

Thu, 10 May 2012 8:25:01 PST

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - GPS Insight announced it has been selected as a finalist for Red Herring's Top 100 Americas Award, a prestigious list honoring the year’s most promising private technology ventures from the North American business region.

GE Capital Fleet Services Launches New IntelliGauge Tablet and Mobile Application

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:26:44 PST

EDEN PRAIRIE, MN – GE Capital Fleet Services announced the launch of IntelliGauge, a mobile fuel and CO2 calculator application that allows users to compare components of their current vehicles against future vehicles.

Nevada DMV Issues Autonomous Vehicle Testing License to Google

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:46:08 PST

HENDERSON, NV – Nevada’s Dept. of Motor Vehicles approved Google's license application, and issued license plates, for test-driving autonomous vehicles on public roads.

Ford Boosts Production By Shortening Summer Plant Shutdown Times

Thu, 10 May 2012 11:31:21 PST

DEARBORN, MI – Ford said it plans to produce an additional 40,000 vehicles during the summer by reducing its summer shutdown period, from two weeks to one week.

ARI Named as Finalist in 2012 American Business Awards

Thu, 10 May 2012 11:47:36 PST

MT. LAUREL, NJ – Automotive Resources International (ARI), a leading global fleet services provider, was named a finalist in the Tech Innovation of the Year category in The 2012 American Business Awards

LeasePlan USA Sponsors Habitat for Humanity Event and Future Fleet Professionals

Thu, 10 May 2012 13:59:14 PST

ALPHARETTA, GA – LeasePlan USA, a high-touch, premium fleet management services provider, generously supported this year’s NAFA Institute & Expo (I&E) by sponsoring both the Habitat for Humanity build and a student attendee.

Audi Partners With NADA on Training Program to Enhance Customer Service

Thu, 10 May 2012 14:26:45 PST

HERNDON, VA

GM Says 2013-MY Cadillac ATS MSRP to Start at $33,990

Thu, 10 May 2012 14:58:18 PST

DETROIT - The automaker said it plans to offer the ATS in three versions, a base model equipped with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine, a mid-level model with a 2.0L turbocharged engine, and a version with a 3.6L V-6 engine.

NHTSA Report Says Low Tire Tread Depth and Underinflation Increase Collision Chances

Thu, 10 May 2012 15:25:26 PST

WASHINGTON – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released the results of a new study in April that focused on the specific tire problems that contributed to collisions.

Registration for Fleet Safety Conference Continues to Grow

Thu, 10 May 2012 15:38:37 PST

TORRANCE, CA – Don’t wait until the last minute to sign up for the first-ever Fleet Safety Conference. As of May 10, more than 170 fleet, safety, and risk management professionals from across the country have already signed up to attend.

Gas and Oil Prices Drop Due to European Economic Concerns

Thu, 10 May 2012 16:56:10 PST

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Energy Information Administration said it revised its outlook for gas prices downward, now saying that it expects the average retail price of gasoline to be around $3.79 per gallon from through September.

DOT to Distribute $20M in Emergency Funding for Ore., Ala. and S.C.

Wed, 9 May 2012 10:56:12 PST

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Transportation Sec. Ray LaHood on May 7 announced $20 million in funding for Oregon, Alabama and South Carolina to help cover the costs of repairing roads and bridges damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic events.

Auto Truck Group's CFO Gage McCotter to Retire

Wed, 9 May 2012 13:23:00 PST

BARTLETT, IL - Gage McCotter, long-time CFO at Auto Truck Group, announced that he will retire, effective June 1, 2012.

PHH Arval Global Alliance Adds sgfleet in Australia, New Zealand

Wed, 9 May 2012 16:35:17 PST

SPARKS, MD – The PHH Arval Global Alliance has expanded its reach to include Australia and New Zealand with the addition of sgfleet, a major provider of fleet management, leasing and salary packaging solutions “Down Under.”

EMKAY Announces New Fleet Education Program - Elluminate My Fleet

Wed, 9 May 2012 16:40:20 PST

ITASCA, IL - Elluminate is a customer-centric based educational program designed to help the company's clientele get the most out of EMKAY's fleet technological resources.

Toyota to Build More Four-Cylinder Engines at Kentucky Plant

Tue, 8 May 2012 10:01:07 PST

ERLANGER, KY - The TMMK plant assembles engines for the Avalon, Camry, and Venza. Toyota builds all of these vehicles at its TMMK plant.

instaVIN Vehicle History Reports Now Include Real-Time Open Lien, Active Theft, and Other Info

Tue, 8 May 2012 10:30:26 PST

SAN DIEGO - instaVIN announces that it now provides key ownership records, additional theft and other information through its reports.

Alabama Bans Texting While Driving

Tue, 8 May 2012 11:48:59 PST

MONTGOMERY, AL – Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley on Tuesday, May 8, signed into law a bill that prohibits use of a wireless device to write, send or read a text message, instant message or e-mail during operation of a motor vehicle.

Chrysler Recalling 471 2012-MY Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan Minivans

Tue, 8 May 2012 12:33:31 PST

AUBURN HILLS, MI - Chrysler Group LLC is recalling approximately 471 2012 model-year Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans in the U.S. to inspect and, if necessary, replace the right-side power liftgate anti-pinch sensor.

BMW Recalling 7,600 2012 3-Series Vehicles

Tue, 8 May 2012 13:16:49 PST

WASHINGTON – BMW of North America LLC is recalling 7,600 2012 model-year 3-Series vehicles in the U.S. because their front-seat head restraints exceed the downward movement limit of 25mm in the highest position.

10 Metrics to Optimize Fleet Efficiency

Mon, 7 May 2012 10:57:31 PST

You can’t manage what you don’t measure. There are a number of statistical measures that fleet managers can use to achieve optimum efficiency. Here are 10 of them.

Creating a Fleet Safety Matrix

Mon, 7 May 2012 11:20:37 PST

Understanding that one-size solutions don’t fit all, the CEI Matrix Project is geared to help fleets create the most comprehensive safety policies and practices, specifically measured to each fleet.

Strong Used-Vehicle Demand Created Opportunities for Fleets, According to PHH Arval

Mon, 7 May 2012 9:29:29 PST

SPARKS, MD – At a recent NAFA Fleet Management Association meeting, PHH Arval remarketing manager said the current use- vehicle market is strong, which opens the opportunity to reduce costs.

Chrysler Recalling 119,072 300 Sedans, Dodge Chargers

Mon, 7 May 2012 10:51:45 PST

AUBURN HILLS, MI - Chrysler Group LLC is recalling approximately 119,072 2011-2012 model-year Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 sedans because of their potential to lose ABS/ESC function as a result of an overheated power distribution center.

Fleet Safety Tip of the Week

Mon, 7 May 2012 11:55:17 PST

Here are some driver safety tips about passing on the left while traveling on a two- or three-lane roadway. The advice is culled from “What Every Driver Must Know,” published by the State of Michigan.

LeasePlan USA Named a Top Workplace in Atlanta

Mon, 7 May 2012 13:56:32 PST

ALPHARETTA, GA - The honorees are chosen based on employee surveys, conducted by consulting group, Workplace Dynamics. The organization based its grading on several factors including the direction of the company, execution, work conditions, career paths, management, pay and benefits.

New York City's Comptroller Refuses to Approve Nissan Taxi Contract

Mon, 7 May 2012 16:01:02 PST

NEW YORK – New York City’s Comptroller John C. Liu said he would reject the contract that would make Nissan’s NV200 the “Taxi of Tomorrow” until the city’s entire taxi fleet makes its cabs wheelchair accessible.

Survey Says Fleet Managers Want More Technology Solutions But Few Can Adopt Them

Mon, 7 May 2012 16:13:49 PST

MT LAUREL, NJ – A new survey of 147 fleet professionals by Automotive Resources International (ARI) found that although 86% of them said fleet technologies could make their fleet processes more efficient, less than half (44%) said they will invest in new technologies in the coming year.

Fleet Safety Conference is Two Weeks Away!

Mon, 7 May 2012 16:38:42 PST

TORRANCE, CA – Produced by Bobit Business Media, the first-ever Fleet Safety Conference will be taking place May 22-23 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel in Schaumburg, Ill.

First 2013-MY Dodge Dart Rolls Off the Assembly Line

Mon, 7 May 2012 16:56:19 PST

BELVIDERE, IL – Chrysler’s first 2013-MY Dodge Dart rolled off the assembly line, according to the automaker. The first Darts will begin arriving in dealer showrooms in June.

In Memoriam: Daniel Leary Jr., 1928-2011

Fri, 4 May 2012 9:28:12 PST

FARMINGTON, CT – Daniel Leary Jr., retired CEO of Motorlease Corporation, passed away Oct. 3, 2011, after a brief illness. He was 82.

ARI to Host Largest Fleet Energy Forum

Fri, 4 May 2012 15:18:40 PST

HOUSTON - ARI’s upcoming Fleet Energy Forum, May 15, 2012 in Houston, TX, is scheduled to host nearly 60 fleet managers and procurement professionals from the energy sector

Great Executives Empower Their Fleet Managers

Thu, 3 May 2012 10:57:17 PST

Exceptional leadership by senior management means inspiring and motivating fleet managers to become great fleet managers. These executives delegate responsibility (and authority) to their fleet managers and empower them to accomplish self-determined tasks needed to achieve corporate goals. They recognize the fleet manager is the subject-matter expert and are open to the new ideas they present.

Redtail Telematics' DataWarehouse to Provide Real-time Location and Journey Data

Thu, 3 May 2012 9:49:33 PST

SAN DIEGO – Redtail Telematics Corporation, an established global manufacturer of GPS tracking products, announced it has launched its state-of-the-art DataWarehouse, providing robust, real-time location and journey data for Enterprise level customers worldwide.

Hyundai Adding Brake Throttle Override in Advance of Possible Government Mandate

Thu, 3 May 2012 11:15:29 PST

COSTA MESA, CA – Hyundai announced it will add brake pedal throttle override technology to all of its U.S. Hyundai models, starting with May production.

Chrysler Plans to Keep Select Factories Operating During Summer to Meet Demand

Thu, 3 May 2012 11:35:47 PST

AUBURN HILLS, MI – Chrysler Group LLC announced it plans to keep a number of factories operating without the usual two-week shutdown during the summer months, including its Jefferson North plant in Detroit, its Belvidere, Ill., plant, its Toluca, Mexico plant, and its Toledo Supplier Park in Ohio.

BMW to Roll Out Test Fleet of ActiveE Electric Vehicles This Year

Thu, 3 May 2012 11:48:06 PST

WOODCLIFF LAKE, NJ – BMW said it plans to begin testing 1,100 of its ActiveE models on the road in the U.S., Europe, and China this year, with a total test fleet of 700 vehicles on the road in the U.S.

Mercedes Appoints Mark A. Webster as General Manager, Pre-Owned and Fleet Operations

Thu, 3 May 2012 14:45:39 PST

MONTVALE, NJ - Webster will report to Mike Slagter, senior vice president, sales, for the automaker.

Gas Prices Falling Due to Slowing U.S., European Economies and Easing Tensions With Iran

Thu, 3 May 2012 15:58:53 PST

WASHINGTON - The current average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.82, which is 4 cents less than the price during the same time a year ago. This price is 11 cents cheaper than on March 30, 2011.

Congressional Budget Office Says CAFE Standards Will Cut Highway Trust Fund by 21% by 2040

Thu, 3 May 2012 16:12:37 PST

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Congressional Budget Office (CBO) says improved fuel economy will cut the Highway Trust Fund by $57 billion between 2012 and 2022 due to reduced gasoline tax revenues.

Fleet Safety Conference Registrations Exceed Expectations

Thu, 3 May 2012 16:57:52 PST

TORRANCE, CA – More than 150 fleet management professionals have already signed up for the first-ever 2012 Fleet Safety Conference, which is still three weeks away. Several top commercial fleets will be in attendance.

Ford Increasing EcoBoost Engine and F-150 Production

Thu, 3 May 2012 17:16:36 PST

CLEVELAND, OH – Ford said it plans to add a third shift at its Cleveland, Ohio, engine plant to meet customer demand for its 3.5L EcoBoost and 3.7L V-6 engines. The 3.7L V-6 is used in Ford’s F-150.

Innovative Funding Services Partners With PHH Arval as Funding Source

Wed, 2 May 2012 9:23:55 PST

AUSTIN, TEXAS - PHH Arval will offer IFS as a potential funding source for its clients' employees wishing to purchase their fleet vehicles.

Proven Strategies to Mitigate Rising Fuel Costs

Tue, 1 May 2012 16:54:41 PST

Compensatory strategies to reduce fuel costs involve the adoption of a multi-prong strategy. This includes downsizing to smaller displacement engines, implementing idle reduction programs, and modifying driver behavior.

Resale Market Predicted to Show Strong Retention

Tue, 1 May 2012 17:07:11 PST

What can the market expect of wholesale price trends in the second-half of 2012? Relative price stability and strong demand as consumers look to rid themselves of their aging vehicles.

Drivers Can Now Access Key Vehicle Information Using PHH InterActive for Drivers Mobile

Tue, 1 May 2012 8:55:37 PST

SPARKS, MD - The mobile website from PHH Arval gives fleet drivers easy access to their vehicle and operator information from touch screen smartphones (including iPhone, Android or Blackberry Touch or PlayBook devices).

OEMs Provide Previews of New Vehicle Safety Technologies

Tue, 1 May 2012 9:14:48 PST

TORRANCE, CA – Learn about the latest in-vehicle safety technologies being offered by several automakers at the first-ever Fleet Safety Conference in Schaumburg, Ill.

CEI Names Ryan Dicken Midwest Sales Manager

Tue, 1 May 2012 9:20:06 PST

TREVOSE, PA - Dicken comes to CEI from Union Leasing, where he also held the position of Midwest regional sales manager. He will be based in Lake of the Hills, Ill.

GM Says It Expects Diesel Chevrolet Cruze Will Get Better Than 40 MPG

Tue, 1 May 2012 9:59:54 PST

DETROIT - GM said sales of diesel-fueled vehicles are on the rise, and it plans to capitalize on this trend with the introduction of a diesel option for its Chevrolet Cruze in 2013. The engine is a common-rail direct-injection fuel system, according to GM.

ARI Receives UTC Supplier Gold Distinction in Record Time

Tue, 1 May 2012 11:22:10 PST

MT. LAUREL, NJ – ARI, a leading global fleet services provider specializing in complex car and truck fleets, announced that it received the prestigious United Technologies Corporation (UTC) Supplier Gold award.

Bobit Business Media Acquires 'Heavy Duty Trucking' Magazine

Tue, 1 May 2012 12:59:36 PST

TORRANCE, CA - Bobit Business Media has acquired Newport Business Media’s publishing properties – Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT), TruckingInfo.com, Heavy Duty Aftermarket Journal, and Newport Poster Network.

Creating a Driver Orientation Safety Program for New Hires

Mon, 7 May 2012 10:42:00 PST

Implementing a new-hire-orientation driver safety program can lower accident and vehicle repair costs, keep fleet drivers safe, and reduce an organization’s negligent entrustment risk.

Chrysler Says 'Aero' Model of 2013-MY Dodge Dart Will Get 41 MPG Highway

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:01:35 PST

AUBURN HILLS, MI - The 2013-MY Dart will offer three powertrain options, a new 160 hp Tigershark 16-valve 2.0L engine, a 160 hp 16-valve 1.4L MultiAir Intercooled Turbo engine, and a new 184 hp Tigershark 16-valve 2.4L MultiAir 2 four-cylinder engine.

NSC White Paper Details Employer Liability From Crashes Caused By Distracted Driving

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:28:31 PST

ITASCA, IL - The National Safety Council (NSC) released a new free white paper called “Employer Liability and the Case for Comprehensive Cell Phone Policies,” which cites examples of the cost to employers of on-the-job crashes caused by distracted driving.