July 9th, 2009
Ford creates high-tech suite for productivity behind the wheel
If your fleet vehicle is your full-time office, you’re well aware things like cup holders, wooden seat beads and arm rests haven’t advanced much in more than 30 years. But these latest amenities more than make up for the auto industry’s shortfalls in functionality.
msnbc.com jumped into the driver seat to demonstrate how Ford is rolling out its latest technologies, or “Work Solutions,” just for the modern day mobile commercial customer.
To meet the demands of today’s all-day drivers, Ford teamed up with innovators DeWalt, Garmin, Master Lock, Microlise, Sprint, Magnetti-Marelli and Microsoft to create workforce enhancements such as:
• An in-dash, touchscreen, theft-proof computer for Internet access, hands-free phone calls, navigation and even printing invoices and checking inventories
• A smart “Crew Chief” program records maintenance, performance oil pressure, tire pressure, check engine lights, and productivity sensors for things like how much time is spent idling
• Something called “Cable Lock” to ensure the valuable gear in the bed of your pick-up doesn’t grow feet when you’re not looking
“Ford Work Solutions takes productivity to a new level by bringing the office to the job site in an integrated, seamless way … with a strong network of industry-leading partners,” said John Felice, Ford’s general marketing manager, according to the article.
The features are now available in all new Ford’s F-150 light-duty pickups, Super Duty pickups and the 2010 Transit Connect commercial minivan.
If your fleet vehicle is your full-time office, you’re well aware things like cup holders, wooden seat beads and arm rests haven’t advanced much in more than 30 years. But these latest amenities more than make up for the auto industry’s shortfalls in functionality.
MSNBC.com jumped into the driver seat to demonstrate how Ford is rolling out its latest technologies, or “Work Solutions,” just for the modern day mobile commercial customer.
To meet the demands of today’s all-day drivers, Ford teamed up with innovators DeWalt, Garmin, Master Lock, Microlise, Sprint, Magnetti-Marelli and Microsoft to create workforce enhancements such as:
• An in-dash, touchscreen, theft-proof computer for Internet access, hands-free phone calls, navigation and even printing invoices and checking inventories
• A smart “Crew Chief” program records maintenance, performance oil pressure, tire pressure, check engine lights, and productivity sensors for things like how much time is spent idling
• Something called “Cable Lock” to ensure the valuable gear in the bed of your pick-up doesn’t grow feet when you’re not looking
“Ford Work Solutions takes productivity to a new level by bringing the office to the job site in an integrated, seamless way … with a strong network of industry-leading partners,” said John Felice, Ford’s general marketing manager, according to the article.
The features are now available in all new Ford’s F-150 light-duty pickups, Super Duty pickups and the 2010 Transit Connect commercial minivan.
Tags: Dewalt, Ford, Garmin, Magnetti-Marelli, Master Lock, Microlise, Microsoft, msnbc.com, Sprint
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July 9th, 2009
Road rage is a term that we’re all familiar with, but as a problem on our highways, it’s one that is not going away.
As a fleet manager, teaching your drivers how to deal with road rage, especially during these hot summer months, can help your team avoid incidents that in the past have led to some pretty terrifying conclusions.
One of the most important rules of the road when it comes to dealing with aggressive drivers is to know that you can’t control any driver’s behavior but your own. It is not being cut off by another driver, or having someone tailgating behind your vehicle that causes road rage as much as how you react that will determine what happens next.
Remind your drivers that they should try to keep their cool and not react as aggressively as the other driver. Doing so might actually defuse any potential further incidents.
Venting might seem as gratifying as other actions when you’re in the heat of the moment, but encourage your fleet drivers to talk about the driving experience – it is proven to relieve stress and help cut down on a drivers road rage.
In an article posted at dmv.org, the question is asked, “What if you are the aggressive driver?” The article recommends that you challenge your drivers to analyze their driving styles to find out if they are susceptible to road rage and supply a list of examples that are characteristics of aggressive drivers:
* Tailgating
* Using their horn
* Flashing their headlights
* Changing lanes quickly and often
* Gesturing to other drivers
* Talking on their cell phone
There are thousands of drivers on the road every day and dmv.org points out that road rage can be triggered by drivers who are driving under the speed limit, skipping turn signals, slowing down early for exits, accelerating unevenly, and hogging lanes.
Sometimes it’s easier said than done, but remind your fleet drivers that they are sharing the road with other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists and in the end everyone is trying to get from here to there, no matter where they may be headed, safe and sound.
It’s better to keep a watchful eye on the road than to be ready for a confrontation when another driver makes one wrong move on the road.
For a free analysis of your driving style, check out RoadRagers.com and for the complete article on road rage, click here.
Road rage is a term that we’re all familiar with, but as a problem on our highways, it’s one that is not going away.
As a fleet manager, teaching your drivers how to deal with road rage, especially during these hot summer months, can help your team avoid incidents that in the past have led to some pretty terrifying conclusions.
One of the most important rules of the road when it comes to dealing with aggressive drivers is to know that you can’t control any driver’s behavior but your own. It is not being cut off by another driver, or having someone tailgating behind your vehicle that causes road rage as much as how you react that will determine what happens next.
Remind your drivers that they should try to keep their cool and not react as aggressively as the other driver. Doing so might actually defuse any potential further incidents.
Venting might seem as gratifying as other actions when you’re in the heat of the moment, but encourage your fleet drivers to talk about the driving experience – it is proven to relieve stress and help cut down on a drivers road rage.
In an article posted at dmv.org, the question is asked, “What if you are the aggressive driver?” The article recommends that you challenge your drivers to analyze their driving styles to find out if they are susceptible to road rage and supply a list of examples that are characteristics of aggressive drivers:
* Tailgating
* Using their horn
* Flashing their headlights
* Changing lanes quickly and often
* Gesturing to other drivers
* Talking on their cell phone
There are thousands of drivers on the road every day and dmv.org points out that road rage can be triggered by drivers who are driving under the speed limit, skipping turn signals, slowing down early for exits, accelerating unevenly, and hogging lanes.
Sometimes it’s easier said than done, but remind your fleet drivers that they are sharing the road with other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists and in the end everyone is trying to get from here to there, no matter where they may be headed, safe and sound.
It’s better to keep a watchful eye on the road than to be ready for a confrontation when another driver makes one wrong move on the road.
For a free analysis of your driving style, check out RoadRagers.com and for the complete article on road rage, click here.
Photo courtesy of yummic00kies under the Creative Commons License
Tags: dmv.org, fleet managers, road rage, roadragers.com, tailgating
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July 7th, 2009
If you’re looking for ways to save at the pump this summer, and you already have a fleet card, this promotion may interest you.
Suzuki just announced its ‘Free Gas for Summer’ sales event that offers car buyers three months of free gasoline with the purchase a new 2009 Suzuki SX4 Sedan or 2009 SX4 Crossover. Plus, to get you in one today, they’ll throw in $2,000 in customer cash on all 2009 SX4 models with manual transmission.
“Suzuki recognizes the economic challenges facing Americans and thought this promotion was a great way to provide relief for car buyers,” said Koichi Suzuki, executive vice president, American Suzuki Automotive Operations.
It should be noted, Suzuki’s four-door SX4 Sedan was recently named as one of the “Top 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000″ by Kelley Blue Book.
The Suzuki “Free Gas for Summer” sales program kicked off July 1 and runs through Aug. 31.
If you drive one off the lot let us know how it goes.
Tags: 000, American Suzuki Automotive Operations, fleet card, Free Gas For Summer, Kelley Blue Book, Suzuki, Top 10 Coolest Cars Under $18
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July 6th, 2009
For many small business owners, the question of whether to buy or lease vehicles is a serious one. While the right answer depends on a number of factors — size of your fleet, working mileage, existing overhead, etc. — looking at the benefits of both, as laid out by Business Knowledge Source, is good place to start. (But check with your accountant, too.)
The benefits of leasing
- Could mean a smaller cash payout upfront, or lower monthly payment, so you can put your money back in your business.
- A larger tax deduction on a leased vehicle.
- Deduct monthly lease payments as rental expenses on your taxes.
- Many leases cover maintenance costs.
- With an open-end lease, you can buy the car at a lower cost when the lease is up.
- Pay the sales tax over time and claim a business deduction. (As opposed to buying and having to pay sales tax immediately upon purchase.)
The benefits of buying
- Makes sense if for heavy use vehicles. Most leases have a 10,000 or 12,000-mile annual limits then you start paying per mile.
- It can be difficult to terminate the lease early should you no longer need it.
- New tax credits for buyers of clean-fuel-burning cars and trucks.
- It’s your car and you can put a million miles on it without worry.
- Sell or trade in on your terms, not the dealer’s.
Have you had better success with one over the other? Obviously, the best choice is the one that fits your business.
Photo copyright of emilio labrador under the Creative Commons License
Tags: Business Knowledge Source, Car buying, car dealer, Car leasing, car payment, leased vehicle, small business owner
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July 2nd, 2009
Last week, AT&T released its voice-guided turn-by-turn GPS iPhone app, AT&T Navigator, specifically for the iPhone 3GS and earlier iPhone models with the OS 3.0 software update.
In addition to being able to display daily gas prices and one-touch rerouting, some fleet-friendly features include:
• Voice and On-Screen Turn-By-Turn Directions: Real-time voice and visual guidance, including street names, automatic re-routes, ETA, total mileage updates and multiple route options.
• Speech Recognition: Touch and talk capability for instant turn-by-turn directions to destination.
• Traffic Alerts: Real-time route monitoring and proactive searches every five minutes for traffic congestion or incident.
• 3D Maps: Full-color 3D moving maps provide details on current location, plus streets and interstates within driving distance.
• Business Listings: One-touch access to more than 10 million business listings from YELLOWPAGES.COM. Plus, access to business ratings, phone numbers and one-touch dialing.
• In-Route Customization: Find convenient rest stops for gas, food and other needs along their current route – saving both time and mileage.
The app is yours for $9.99 a month from Apple’s App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore/.
So what do you think; a helpful high-tech tool that creates fleet efficiencies? Or another driver distraction?
Last week, AT&T released its voice-guided turn-by-turn GPS iPhone app, AT&T Navigator, specifically for the iPhone 3GS and earlier iPhone models with the OS 3.0 software update.
In addition to being able to display daily gas prices and one-touch rerouting, some fleet-friendly features include:
• Voice and On-Screen Turn-By-Turn Directions: Real-time voice and visual guidance, including street names, automatic re-routes, ETA, total mileage updates and multiple route options.
• Speech Recognition: Touch and talk capability for instant turn-by-turn directions to destination.
• Traffic Alerts: Real-time route monitoring and proactive searches every five minutes for traffic congestion or incident.
• 3D Maps: Full-color 3D moving maps provide details on current location, plus streets and interstates within driving distance.
• Business Listings: One-touch access to more than 10 million business listings from YELLOWPAGES.COM. Plus, access to business ratings, phone numbers and one-touch dialing.
• In-Route Customization: Find convenient rest stops for gas, food and other needs along their current route – saving both time and mileage.
The app is yours for $9.99 a month from Apple’s App Store on iPhone and iPod touch.
So what do you think: a helpful high-tech tool that creates fleet efficiencies? Or another driver distraction?
Tags: Apple App store, AT&T, AT&T Navigator, iphone, iPhone3GS, iPod touch, itunes, yellowpages.com
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July 2nd, 2009
This week, we’re going to begin a series of blogs based on fleet incentive programs offered by the major automakers.
As a fleet manager, these incentives are offered with initial model year production. This year, Toyota’s program features two components, an invoice credit (fleet incentive) and price assurance.
Fleet incentives
The incentive amounts listed below for each model will be paid with an invoice credit on all eligible factory orders. Vehicles purchased from dealer stock are ineligible for the fleet incentives. For your reference, the 2009 model year incentive amounts are also listed.
Model 2010 MY Incentive 2009 MY Incentives
| Avalon |
$750.00 |
$750.00 |
| Camry (gas engine) |
$400.00 |
$600.00 |
| Camry Hybrid |
$400.00 |
$0.00 |
| Corolla |
$200.00 |
$200.00 |
| Highlander (gas engine) |
$900.00 |
$800.00 |
| Highlander Hybrid |
$800.00 |
$400.00 |
| Matrix |
$200.00 |
$200.00 |
| Prius |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
| Rav 4 |
$400.00 |
$400.00 |
| Sequoia |
$2,000.00 |
$3,500.00 |
| Sienna |
$1,000.00 |
$2,000.00 |
| Tacoma |
$600.00 |
$1,000.00 |
| Tundra |
$2,000.00 |
$3,500.00 |
| Venza MY09/10 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
| Yaris |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
| 4 Runner |
$800.00 |
$2,200.00 |
Visit fleet.toyota.com for full details
Photo copyright of danielctw under the Creative Commons License
Tags: 4 Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, fleet incentive program, fleet managers, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, Toyota, Tundra
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June 30th, 2009
Now called Car Allowance Rebate System
President Obama signed the Cash for Clunkers bill into law on June 25, which the NHTSA is now calling the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS).
The program was designed to get millions of gas guzzlers off the road by helping people to pay for a new, more fuel efficient car or truck with the trade-in of an older vehicle.
The official government website cars.gov lists these 5 Important Things to Know about the program:
• Your vehicle must be less than 25 years old on the trade-in date
• Only purchase or lease of new vehicles qualify
• Generally, trade-in vehicles must get 18 or less MPG (some very large pick-up trucks and cargo vans have different requirements)
• Trade-in vehicles must be registered and insured continuously for the full year preceding the trade-in
• You don’t need a voucher; dealers will apply a credit at purchase
If you’re interested in taking advantage of in CARS, take a moment to sift through site’s well-organized, easy-to-understand FAQ section for some important particulars, such as:
• There is a cap on your purchase. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price cannot exceed $45,000.
• The program includes leases provided the period for the new vehicle is at least for five years.
• The amount of the credit is $3,500 or $4,500, and generally depends on the type of vehicle you purchase and the difference in fuel economy between the purchased vehicle and the trade-in vehicle. Different requirements apply for work trucks.
• The program ends November 1, 2009
If you plan on participating, let us know how it goes, what kind of “clunker” you’re trading in and what you purchase in exchange.
President Obama signed the Cash for Clunkers bill into law on June 25, which the NHTSA is now calling the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS).
The program was designed to get millions of gas guzzlers off the road by helping people to pay for a new, more fuel efficient car or truck with the trade-in of an older vehicle.
The official government website cars.gov lists these 5 Important Things to Know about the program:
- Your vehicle must be less than 25 years old on the trade-in date
- Only purchases or leases of new vehicles qualify
- Generally, trade-in vehicles must get 18 or less MPG (some very large pick-up trucks and cargo vans have different requirements)
- Trade-in vehicles must be registered and insured continuously for the full year preceding the trade-in
- You don’t need a voucher; dealers will apply a credit at purchase
If you’re interested in taking advantage of in CARS, take a moment to sift through site’s well-organized, easy-to-understand FAQ section for some important particulars, such as:
- There is a cap on your purchase. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price cannot exceed $45,000.
- The program includes leases provided the period for the new vehicle is at least for five years.
- The amount of the credit is $3,500 or $4,500, and generally depends on the type of vehicle you purchase and the difference in fuel economy between the purchased vehicle and the trade-in vehicle. Different requirements apply for work trucks.
- The program ends November 1, 2009
If you plan on participating, let us know how it goes, what kind of “clunker” you’re trading in and what you purchase in exchange.
Tags: Car Allowance Rebate System, CARS, cars.gov, NHTSA, president obama
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June 29th, 2009
This is it. We’ve reached the end of the road. Come to the last stop on the alphabet highway. By now you should have a real handle of the CB lingo and hopefully you’ve enjoyed the ride along the way.
So, without further adieu here’s your final language lesson featuring the letters X-Y-Z:
X
XYL – The wife of a CB’er
YL – Young lady, Miss
Y
Youngville – Young children using the channel
You got it – Letting another station know he has the “floor”.
You gone? – Are you still there?
Your telephone is ringing – Someone is calling for you.
Z
Z’s – Sleep
You can get a dictionary full of terms from the book, Woody’s World of CB.
10-4 from Hotlanta
Tags: CB, CB radio, Lost Art of CB Radio
Posted in Fleet Resources | No Comments »
June 29th, 2009
As you know, a tire’s performance plays a critical role in your fleet’s fuel economy. And if the U.S. Department of Transportation gets its way, you soon won’t have to guess at your tire’s impact on fuel economy and carbon dioxide emission reductions, according to government-fleet.com. You’ll just have to look at the label on your tires when you purchase them.
The proposal, which was put forth by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), also would provide customers “with two other key pieces of tire performance information: wet weather traction and tread wear,” according to NHTSA officials, as reported by Modern Tire Dealer (MTD).
Should the proposal get approved, tire dealers would be required to display the label until that tire has been sold. The new ratings would also be posted on safecar.gov where savvy shoppers can compare overall tire performance before buying them.
“Today’s proposal takes the guess work out of buying the best tires for your vehicle,” says U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Our proposal would let customers look at a single label and compare a tire’s overall performance as it relates to fuel economy, safety and durability.”
Tags: Modern Tire Dealer, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Safecar.gov, tires, vehicle maintenance, vehicle performance
Posted in Fleet Resources, Industry News | No Comments »
June 26th, 2009
Nitrogen gas is steadily overtaking standard air when it comes to inflating tires for your vehicles, and one Phoenix based company is now offering their services to companies with fleets and the trucking industry.
In an article posted on The Auto Channel, NitrogenMan just completed installation for Safeway grocery stores to fill their vehicles with nitrogen. Tests, on tires filled with nitrogen, have shown it improves handling, fuel efficiency, and up to a 40% longer tread life.
Because Nitrogen is an inert, dry gas, it allows the tire to run cooler than with normal air, which creates a more consistent tire pressure, despite the weather outside. In turn, tests show this reduces the need for maintenance and the possibility of a blowout on the road.
The Auto Channel also reports that industry studies found that “Nitrogen-inflated tires can increase fuel economy by between 4 and 10%.”
Safeway, which is one of the NitrogenMan’s first major clients, plans on completing the conversion of the grocery store’s fleet of 320 trailers and 80 tractors by August.
Nitrogen tire inflation has not only seen an increase with truck fleets, but also with auto dealers offering the service on new car purchases.
For more information on Nitrogen inflation, check out the full article here:
Nitrogen gas is steadily overtaking standard air when it comes to inflating tires for your vehicles, and one Phoenix based company is now offering their services to companies with fleets and the trucking industry.
In an article posted on The Auto Channel, NitrogenMan just completed installation for Safeway grocery stores to fill their vehicles with nitrogen. Tests, on tires filled with nitrogen, have shown it improves handling, fuel efficiency, and up to a 40% longer tread life.
Because Nitrogen is an inert, dry gas, it allows the tire to run cooler than with normal air, which creates a more consistent tire pressure, despite the weather outside. In turn, tests show this reduces the need for maintenance and the possibility of a blowout on the road.
The Auto Channel also reports that industry studies found that “Nitrogen-inflated tires can increase fuel economy by between 4 and 10%.”
Safeway, which is one of the NitrogenMan’s first major clients, plans on completing the conversion of the grocery store’s fleet of 320 trailers and 80 tractors by August.
Nitrogen tire inflation has not only seen an increase with truck fleets, but also with auto dealers offering the service on new car purchases.
For more information on Nitrogen inflation, check out the full article here.
Tags: fleets, Nitrogen, NitrogenMan, Phoenix, Safeway, The Auto Channel, trucking industry
Posted in Industry News | No Comments »
