Automotive Fleet

AFLA 1995

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:53:33 PST

Industry Professionals Gather at NAFA & AFLA Conferences

AFLA 1994

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:51:45 PST

NAFA & AFLA Meetings Bring Players Together

AFLA 1993

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:49:01 PST

NAFA/AFLA Meetings Focus on Quality/Management Trends

AFLA 1992

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:47:18 PST

Automotive Fleet Honors 1991's Top Fleet Dealers at AFLA Convention

Presenting Your Case to the Boss

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:17:51 PST

Meeting face-to-face with senior management is critical to promoting recognition of fleet's intrinsic value to the corporate body and the importance of professional fleet management. Here are some tips to help make the most of presentations to executives.

Total ‘Top Safety Picks’ Down for 2010

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:08:12 PST

ARLINGTON, VA - Requiring for the first time good performance in a roof strength test to measure protection in a rollover, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety named 27 Top Safety Picks this year — down from 72 models in 2008.

InstallerNet Announces New Diagnostics Port Location Tool

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:45:01 PST

ATLANTA - Fleet managers and users of telematics services can now access location data for on-board diagnostic (OBD-II) ports on thousands of vehicles.

CleanFUEL USA Debuts New Propane Option for Light-Duty Fleets

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:41:02 PST

GEORGETOWN, TX - CleanFUEL USA announced the debut of its latest liquid propane injection (LPI) system for the General Motors 6.0L engine.

AT&T to Help United Road Services Boost Efficiency

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:24:03 PST

ROMULUS, MI - AT&T recently announced a five-year, $2.6 million contract for wireless services and applications to United Road Services, Inc.

James Named TRALA President & CEO

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:05:52 PST

ALEXANDRIA, VA - Serving as acting president and chief executive officer for the Truck Rental and Leasing Association (TRALA) since July, Thomas James has been unanimously chosen by the Board of Directors for the role.

AFLA 1984

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 9:55:15 PST

Record numbers flocked to Southern California for the 17th annual conference of the Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association, held at the Sheraton Grande in downtown Los Angeles, March 16 through 18.

Free Webinar: Tips for Effectively Managing Your Fleet

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 9:54:58 PST

TORRANCE, CA - A free Web seminar providing strategies on how to effectively manage your fleet will be available on Thursday, Dec. 17, at 11 a.m. PST (2 p.m. EST).

AFLA 1980

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 9:53:46 PST

Uncertainty over the economy and a record turnout marked the annual Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association (AFLA) meeting during early March in New Orleans. Over 260 persons attended as concern over skyrocketing interest rates dominated discussions both outside and during formal sessions.

Year-End Discounts Available on GPS Fleet Monitoring System

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 9:39:53 PST

LOS ANGELES - DOTMOBIL will apply a 15-percent instant stimulus credit to any business that gets a DOTMOBIL remote fleet monitoring system for their fleet by Dec. 31.

AFLA 1977

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 9:37:39 PST

The continuing search for innovative ways to provide new levels of service to fleet administrators sparked the 9th Annual Meeting of the Automobile Fleet & Leasing Association.

AFLA 1976

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 9:36:58 PST

Some 250 industry leaders who turned out for the 8th Annual Meeting of the Automotive Fleet and Leasing Association spent three days of intensive brainstorming in a continuing quest to improve the products and services they provide fleet administrators.

AFLA 1975

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 9:36:13 PST

The Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association (AFLA) met in Montreal April 11-13 to present a balanced agenda to help its members "Come Alive in '75." As it turned out, the members were not disappointed as 120 ended up attending the three-day session that included interesting speakers as well as subject matter.

AFLA 1974

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 9:35:30 PST

"The worst appears behind us," commented one AFLA member as the Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association (AFLA) met at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. "Things are improving, but still could be better."

AFLA 1973

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 9:34:12 PST

Addressing the largest group ever at an Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association meeting, President Ron Trapani (ABC Buying Corporation) welcomed more than 170 members to AFLA's Fifth Annual Meeting at the Sheraton=Cadillac Hotel in Detroit.

AFLA 1972

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 9:33:09 PST

The Automotive Fleet and Leasing Association used the phrase, "Tell It Like It Is" as the theme for its fourth annual meeting, and more than 30 speakers did just that. The meeting was held April 14-16 at the San Francisco Hilton.

AFLA 1970

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 9:30:59 PST

Two business-packed days of meetings and seminars in early April proved to both members and observers from related industries that the young Automobile Fleet & Leasing Association had finally arrived and is satisfying a long-felt need in the fleet and leasing field.

AFLA Annual Meeting: Commercial Fleet Managers Give Thumbs Up

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 9:27:29 PST

Under the theme "Working Successfully as Business Partners," the Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association (AFLA) had a successful turnout to its annual conference, Sept. 13-15, in Rancho Mirage, Calif.

Kraft Foods Cuts More Than 50 Million Truck Miles

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 9:20:30 PST

NORTHFIELD, IL - Since 2005, Kraft Foods' sustainability projects have saved the company more than 50 million miles in its global transportation and distribution network.

Spartan Motors to Acquire Utilimaster Corp.

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 8:59:37 PST

CHARLOTTE, MI - Spartan said the acquisition of Utilimaster is expected to add approximately $105 million in annualized revenues and be slightly dilutive to earnings in the first full year and accretive by year two.

Ford Fusion Named MOTOR TREND Car of the Year

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 8:48:37 PST

DEARBORN, MI - To win the award, the Fusion outperformed the competition in six new categories: design achievement, engineering excellence, intended function, efficiency, safety, and value.

Former Fleet Manager & Wife Charged in Rite-Aid Scam

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:26:40 PST

WILSONVILLE, OR - Ricky Alan Dralle, former fleet manager at Rite-Aid's regional distribution center in Wilsonville, Ore., and his wife Deborah Radcliff-Dralle, were sentenced to prison Nov. 13 after scamming the company out of more than $400,000 over the course of 9 years.

Fleets to Purchase Nearly 4 Million Hybrids by 2015

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:48:03 PST

BOULDER, CO - Cumulative sales of hybrid vehicles in the fleet sector will total nearly 4 million worldwide between 2009 and 2015, according to a recent report from Pike Research.

‘MythBusters’ Sets Out to Bust Fuel Efficiency Myths

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:34:14 PST

SAN FRANCISCO - The Discovery Channel's television show "MythBusters" recently conducted several experiments to answer questions on fuel efficiency.

Chevrolet Cruze to Debut at LA Auto Show

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:23:57 PST

LOS ANGELES - Chevrolet will debut the U.S. production version of the Cruze sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Dec. 2. The vehicle is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2010.

Ford to Develop All-New Police Interceptor

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:12:33 PST

DEARBORN, MI - Ford will produce an all-new, purpose-built Police Interceptor specially designed and engineered to replace the Ford Crown Victoria law enforcement vehicle lineup in 2011.

Auto Driveaway and Grace/Mayer Insurance Introduce Online Driver Safety Training

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 9:46:39 PST

CHICAGO - Auto Driveaway has introduced online safety training for all Auto Driveaway drivers.

Deferring Vehicle Replacements is Counter-Productive to the Intended Goal

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:26:31 PST

During economic uncertainty, senior management demands expense reductions and limits capital expenditures. Since fleet is usually among the top 10 corporate capital expenditures, there is pressure to defer vehicle replacements. However, this cost-containment strategy misses the point that all fleet-related expenses, both fixed and operating, are influenced by when a vehicle is replaced. Cost reductions in acquisitions are often offset by rising costs elsewhere.

First Pictures of All-New Volvo S60 Released

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 9:58:17 PST

GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN - Here are the first official pictures of the all-new Volvo S60 - sportier and more dynamic than any previous Volvo model.

Mercedes 'Mbraces' Telematics

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 9:56:10 PST

MONTVALE, NJ - Mercedes-Benz is launching a voice-controlled telematics system that all but puts a personal assistant in the car to find most any location, answer most any question, and cater to most any whim.

Audi Turns to Social Media for Inspiration During 2009 L.A. Design Challenge

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 9:55:04 PST

HERNDON, VA - Audi released the final social media video installment documenting behind-the-scenes considerations that shaped its entries in this year's Los Angeles Design Challenge, a competition associated with the upcoming L.A. Auto Show involving Southern California automotive studios.

Infiniti Celebrates 20 Years

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 9:53:12 PST

FRANKLIN, TN - "Since its inception, Infiniti's goal has been to establish a new concept of automotive luxury, where a personal and rewarding driving experience is more important than the car alone."

Mobil 1 Selected as Endorsed Motor Oil for Cadillac Escalade Hybrid SUV

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 9:51:40 PST

FAIRFAX, VA - ExxonMobil announced that Mobil 1, a leading fully synthetic motor oil brand, has been selected as the factory- and service-fill endorsed motor oil for the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, the first-ever, full-size luxury SUV to feature hybrid powertrain technology.

Mercedes-Benz US CEO Sees Better Sales Ahead

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 9:49:36 PST

SAN FRANCISCO - Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz premium auto division expects year-on-year U.S. sales growth in the next few months and the potential to increase its U.S. market share next year.

KBB.com Reports: New-Car Shoppers Show Increased Interest in Audi, Ford & Hyundai

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 9:47:24 PST

IRVINE, CA - According to the latest Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com Market Intelligence Brand Watch study and Market Watch report, over the past year in-market new-car shoppers have shown increased interest in the Audi, Ford and Hyundai brands.

Doctor Convicted in L.A. Bicycle Crash Case

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 2:51:40 PST

LOS ANGELES --- A Los Angeles physician accused of deliberately injuring two bicyclists by slamming on his car's brakes was convicted of mayhem, assault with a deadly weapon and other criminal charges on Nov. 2.

National Safety Council Honors UPS

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 1:06:35 PST

ORLANDO, FL --- The National Safety Council recently announced that United Parcel Service (UPS) has been awarded its 2009 President's Award during a banquet at the annual Congress & Expo.

Driver Tips for Sharing the Road With Truckers

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:29:07 PST

You may want to pass this list along to your fleet drivers as a reminder of what special precautions they can take to avoid collisions with trucks.

More Than 13,500 Sprinter Vans Recalled

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:29:12 PST

WASHINGTON, D.C. --- Sprinter is recalling more than 13,500 MY 2002-2003 Dodge Sprinter 2500 and Dodge Sprinter 3500 vans sold as Dodge and Freightliner vehicles.

Ford Expands Collision Parts Program Offerings

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:01:30 PST

DEARBORN, MI --- Ford Customer Service Division (FCSD) recently added 34 new parts to its Collision Parts Truckload Program, ABRN (Automotive Body Repair News) reported.

National Tire Safety Week Set for June

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:24:09 PST

WASHINGTON, D.C. --- The Rubber Manufacturers Association announced the ninth annual National Tire Safety Week will be held June 6-12, 2010.

Farm Safety Program Hits the Road in Toyota Tundra

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:50:04 PST

BIRMINGHAM, AL --- Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. has donated a 2010 Toyota Tundra to the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day Program.

Hero BX to Bolster Biodiesel Production

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:35:46 PST

ERIE, PA --- Hero BX, a biofuel producer formerly known as Lake Erie Biofuels, said it has won a $1.64 million grant to expand its biodiesel production by 10 million gallons a year, American Agriculturalist reported.

Cadillac Converj EV Reportedly in GM's Plans

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:41:27 PST

DETROIT --- General Motors Co. has plans to produce the Cadillac Converj, an extended-range electric-powered coupe using the same technology as the Chevrolet Volt, the Detroit News reported.

N.J.'s Hamilton Park Hotel Adds EV Charge Stations

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:03:43 PST

MORRISTOWN, NJ --- The New Jersey-based Hamilton Park Hotel & Conference Center recently installed electric vehicle charging stations.

Nissan Leaf EV Goes on Tour

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:50:29 PST

LOS ANGELES --- Nissan Motor Co. kicked off the U.S. tour of its Leaf electric car prototype on Friday, Nov. 13, with a press event in the parking lot of Dodger Stadium.

Truckers Protest Clean Truck Program in L.A.

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:22:37 PST

LOS ANGELES --- Hundreds of truck drivers converged on Los Angeles City Hall on Friday, Nov. 13, to protest new restrictions set forth in the year-old Clean Truck Program aimed at reducing diesel truck emissions at the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach.

Calif. Company Fined for Emission Inspection Violations

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:23:24 PST

SACRAMENTO, CA --- The California Air Resources Board last month fined a Santa Maria, Calif.-based company $21,675 for failing to inspect its diesel trucks at a Salinas fleet center.

EV Charging Station Network Coming to Houston

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:05:30 PST

HOUSTON --- Positive Energy Resources, a Houston-based provider of renewable energy products, said it has signed a sales and installation agreement with Verdek, a Georgia-based distributor of Coulomb ChargePoint EV charging systems.

Portable Waterless Car Wash System Introduced

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:44:25 PST

PORTSMOUTH, NH --- Eco Touch has introduced the Portable Waterless Car Wash System, consisting of Eco Touch Waterless Car Wash Concentrate and a portable sprayer.

Eco-Regulation: the Good, Bad & Ugly

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:23:54 PST

Environment and energy attorney Kipp Coddington assesses current and potential status of state and federal legislation and its implications for the fleet industry.

Duenke Promoted to Monsanto Global Travel & Expense Lead, Nicholson Assumes Fleet Management

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 9:33:48 PST

ST. LOUIS - Kellie Duenke, fleet manager for Monsanto, has been promoted to global travel & expense lead, effective Sept. 1. Assuming responsibilities for the management of the Monsanto fleet is Peg Nicholson, CAFM, global fleet manager.

Past NAAA President Dies
In Memoriam: Jim Wheatley, 1934-2009

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:14:22 PST

HARRISONBURG, VA - Wheatley served as NAAA president from 1987-1988 and was named to the NAAA Hall of Fame in 1994. He passed away from cancer Oct. 18 at the age of 75.

Brookshire Grocery Implements New Fleet Mgmt. Software

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:09:58 PST

MINNEAPOLIS - Brookshire Grocery Company will implement XATANET software to monitor and manage the performance of its fleets, including delivery details and driver behavior.

PHH Arval Launches New Corporate Web Site

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:38:29 PST

SPARKS, MD - New features include sharing capabilities, news update subscription service (RSS feed), resource center, and blog section.

Tire Shipments to Drop 13% Due to Decline in OE Demand

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:32:32 PST

WASHINGTON - The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) projects an approximate 13-percent drop in tire shipments in 2009 primarily due to sharp decreases in demand for original equipment passenger and commercial truck tires, according to Modern Tire Dealer.

Biodiesel Fuels U.S. Foodservice-Atlanta Delivery Fleet

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:17:49 PST

FAIRBURN, GA - U.S. Foodservice-Atlanta has become the first major foodservice distributor in Georgia to run its entire delivery fleet on biodiesel fuel.

GM Expands Fleet & Commercial Operations

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 6:20:00 PST

DETROIT - General Motors Fleet and Commercial Operations appointed 24 fleet professionals in the field to focus on helping state, city, and municipal customers meet their fleet needs with Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac vehicles.

Report Sheds New Light on Fatal Lexus Crash

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:36:54 PST

WASHINGTON, D.C. --- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has released some new details about the fatal car crash that triggered Toyota's recall of 3.8 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles.

Ford's Rouhana a Pioneer in Safety Research

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:14:58 PST

DEARBORN, MI --- Dr. Steve Rouhana, senior technical leader for passive safety in Ford Motor Co.'s research and advanced engineering and group leader for biomechanics and occupant protection, likes to joke that he works with a lot of dummies -- crash test dummies. But when it comes to protecting vehicle occupants -- particularly children -- this father of three boys takes his work seriously.

Lerado Recalls 5,540 Infant & Child Seats, Bases

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:58:09 PST

WASHINGTON, D.C. --- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is alerting consumers to immediately stop using Mia Moda Viva and Viva Supreme infant and child restraint systems due to safety defects.

Traffic Fatalities Down 7% in First Half of 2009

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:37:04 PST

WASHINGTON, D.C. --- A statistical projection of traffic fatalities for the first half of 2009 shows that an estimated 16,626 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported.

Pa. House Transportation Committee OK's Texting Ban

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:17:42 PST

HARRISBURG, PA --- The Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee on Tuesday, Nov. 10, unanimously approved state legislation that would ban texting behind the wheel.

Texting While Driving Now Illegal in Rhode Island

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:02:09 PST

PROVIDENCE, RI --- Rhode Island Gov. Donald L. Carcieri has signed into law a bill banning texting while driving, making the state the 19th to implement such a ban.

Drowsy Driving Major Threat to Road Safety

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:12:51 PST

WASHINGTON, D.C. --- The National Sleep Foundation's 2009 Sleep in America poll shows that 1 percent, or as many as 1.9 million drivers, have had a car crash or a near miss due to drowsiness in the past year.

Calif. Autobody Assn. Works to Reduce Industry Emissions

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:06:00 PST

SACRAMENTO, CA --- The California Autobody Association (CAA) announced plans to partner with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to promote efforts to reduce toxic exposures arising from collision repair operations.

Report Explores Future of Low-Carbon Fuels

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:08:22 PST

NEW YORK --- A new report from Accenture has identified the technologies that it predicts are most likely to transform the demand and supply of transport fuels and cut emissions within the next five years.

Natural Gas Vehicle Tour Set for Florida

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:31:25 PST

TAMPA, FL --- TECO Peoples Gas and Wise Gas Inc. are partnering to promote the use of natural gas vehicles (NGVs) in Florida with an eight-city tour that starts Tuesday, Nov. 10, in Jacksonville and ends Friday, Nov. 20, in Tallahassee.

Toyota Develops Surfrider Camry Hybrid CNG

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:00:49 PST

TORRANCE, CA --- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A. Inc. has partnered with the Surfrider Foundation to create a specially modified Camry Hybrid fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG).

Quantum Ships Diesel Hybrid Vehicles to Army

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:12:25 PST

IRVINE, CA --- Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide Inc. said it is developing and shipping diesel hybrid vehicles to the U.S. Army's Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center's national automotive center.

Transport Solutions of America Relocates Office

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:09:50 PST

WOODSTOCK, GA - The relocation of the office was finalized in the fall of 2009. The building purchase was spearheaded by company president, Tim Williamson, in an effort to reduce overall costs while providing an ideal working environment for the employees.

Central Hudson to Buy 8 Hybrid Trucks

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:43:31 PST

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY - Central Hudson has been awarded a $700,000 stimulus grant to defray the incremental costs of four hybrid and four plug-in electric hybrid line trucks for use in daily utility operations.

Chrysler Reworks EV Program

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:40:45 PST

DETROIT --- Chrysler Group LLC is in the process of restructuring its program to produce electric vehicles, the Detroit News reported Nov. 9.

Third-Gen Toyota Sienna to Debut at LA Auto Show

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:34:11 PST

TORRANCE, CA - Toyota will stage the world premiere of the all-new 2011 Sienna minivan at a press conference at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show on Dec. 2.

UPS to Manage Manheim’s Vehicle Transport

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:20:32 PST

ATLANTA - UPS Automotive Industry Solutions Group will work on behalf of Manheim's customers to arrange pick-up and drop-off of vehicles bound for the auction company's 77 operating locations in the U.S.

Electric Vehicles International Moves to Calif.

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:09:03 PST

STOCKTON, CA --- Electric Vehicles International (EVI) has moved its U.S. production operations from Austin, Texas, to Stockton, Calif.

GPS in Company Car Used to Fight Speeding Ticket

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:56:51 PST

ROCHESTER, PA - A Pennsylvania man says the GPS in his company vehicle will prove he was going 57 mph in the 50 mph zone -- not exceeding the speed limit required for a ticket.

Transit Connect Becomes ‘Bike-Friendly’

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:41:46 PST

DEARBORN, MI - Ford Motor Company and Serotta Competition Bicycles have developed a high-tech mobile bicycle "fitting room" for the 2010 Ford Transit Connect, which will be toured across the country starting in early 2010.

FedEx’s Green Fleet Continues to Grow

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:09:11 PST

MEMPHIS, TN - FedEx Express is adding 51 gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles to its fleet, scheduled for delivery by the end of this year.

Lexus to Debut LFA Supercar at Auto Shows

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 10:45:16 PST

TORRANCE, CA - The highly anticipated LFA supercar, which made its global debut at the Tokyo Motor Show, will be on display for the first time in North America at two back-to-back premier venues.

Volvo Sales Up 19% In October

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 10:42:53 PST

ROCKLEIGH, NJ - Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, (VCNA) October sales were up 19.4 percent in the U.S., marking the fifth straight month of a year-over-year increase.

Ford Confirms Geely as its Preferred Bidder for Volvo Cars

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 10:41:52 PST

DEARBORN, MI - Ford Motor Company announced a consortium led by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. Ltd. is its preferred bidder in the ongoing discussions concerning the possible sale of Volvo Car Corporation.

Brigher Future Ahead for Domestic OEMs

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 15:13:25 PST

Automotive industry analyst John McElroy is “bullish” about the future of the Detroit 3, forecasting a “perfectly aligned” market for Ford, GM, and Chrysler and record profits in 2013-2015, if industry-wide sales increase again to 14 million units.

OEMs Showcase 'Greener' Models for 2010

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 15:07:22 PST

For 2010, automakers offer more hybrid models than ever for fleets to add to their selectors.

2009 AFLA Conference Cited as Best-Ever

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 12:25:23 PST

The annual Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association (AFLA) conference provided not only strategic fleet management presentations, but also ample opportunities for the 350-plus attendees to network and share best practices.

Global Economic Recession Cuts Fleet Operating Costs

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 12:16:23 PST

Fuel costs, the largest fleet operating expense, declined dramatically in the 2009 calendar-year due to a sharp decline in worldwide consumption. Also, many fleets have downsized, which contributed to a lower overall fuel spend.

Chrysler Reveals 5-Year Plan Business Plan

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 11:10:17 PST

AUBURN HILLS, MI - Chrysler revealed its five-year business plan on Nov. 4, which included plans to introduce a test fleet of plug-in hybrid minivans and trucks in 2011 and possibly an all-electric vehicle in 2012.

AstraZeneca Adding Jettas to Fleet

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 10:28:52 PST

WILMINGTON, DE - AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals will be adding Volkswagen Jetta sedan and Sportwagen models to its fleet by the end of the year, adding to the automaker's growing list of commercial fleet customers.

New Ford Fleet Powertrain Rebate Available

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 10:16:58 PST

DETROIT - For a limited time only, Ford is offering up to $300 in rebates for fleets that replace powertrain assemblies in-house.

First Inflatable Seat Belts to Debut on Ford Explorer

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 10:03:40 PST

DEARBORN, MI - Ford will introduce inflatable rear seat belts on the next-generation Ford Explorer, which goes into production next year for the North American market. Over time, Ford plans to offer the technology in vehicles globally.

Goodyear to Drop Republic Brand, Boost Kelly

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 9:42:55 PST

AKRON, OHIO - Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. is consolidating its brand offerings by dropping its Republic associate tire brand as of Jan. 1, 2010.

Volkswagen Expands Fleet Team

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 9:25:28 PST

HERNDON, VA - In an effort to provide a higher level of service to its commercial account customers, Volkswagen Group of America has appointed three new fleet account managers to join its fleet team.

Greening the Bottom Line

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 9:18:47 PST

Eco-conscious initiatives make good sense for the planet and for business, Chicago's Mayor Daley told Green Fleet Conference attendees last month. One U.S. company's Corporate Citizenship Report reveals a commitment to the notion that greening operations can also green the bottom line.

2010 NAPA/ASE Parts Specialist of the Year Announced

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 11:40:14 PST

ATLANTA - NAPA AUTO PARTS and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) have named Bill Steele the 2010 NAPA/ASE Parts Specialist of the Year.

2010 NAPA/ASE Technician of the Year Announced

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 11:38:14 PST

ATLANTA - NAPA AUTO PARTS and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) have named Paul Marquardt the 2010 NAPA/ASE Technician of the Year.

Hybrid SUVS Added to Cincinnati Police Fleet

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 10:05:15 PST

CINCINNATI - The Cincinnati Police Department is adding Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUVs to its fleet, which will be converted into K-9 units, supporting bomb-sniffing dogs and counter-terrorism specialists.