Automotive Fleet

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.

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.

Driver Tips for Improving Visibility at Night

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 14:42:43 PST

Since the end of daylight savings time generally means more night-time hours behind the wheel, we thought this was a good time to revisit some driver tips on improving visibility after the sun goes down.

Safety Board Studies '08 Motorcoach Crash

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 14:00:50 PST

WASHINGTON, D.C. --- The National Transportation Safety Board on Oct. 27 determined that the probable cause of a fatal motorcoach accident in Sherman, Texas, was the failure of the right steer axle tire. The crash killed 17 people.

2010 Jaguar XF Cars Recalled

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 13:01:06 PST

WASHINGTON, D.C. --- Jaguar is recalling more than 2,000 MY 2010 Jaguar XF vehicles because the fuel transfer pipe in the fuel tank may be kinked.

Daimler Recalls Trucks With Detroit Diesel Engines

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 12:45:37 PST

WASHINGTON, D.C. --- Daimler Trucks North America is recalling more than 1,600 MY 2009-2010 Freightliner and Sterling trucks equipped with Detroit Diesel DD13 EPA07 engines manufactured with grid heaters.

Risk of Brake Fluid Leak Prompts Nissan Sentra Recall

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 12:04:48 PST

WASHINGTON, D.C. --- Nissan North America is recalling more than 10,500 MY 2009 Sentra passenger vehicles equipped with Bosch master cylinders because of the risk of brake fluid leaking from the master cylinders.

Motor Coach Industries Recalls Transit Buses

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 11:48:52 PST

WASHINGTON, D.C. --- Motor Coach Industries Inc. is recalling about 700 MY 2002-2009 transit buses equipped with Luminator Horizon LED side destination signs.

Survey: Canadians Split on Extending Cell Phone Ban

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 11:30:49 PST

TORONTO --- Last week, as Ontario became Canada's latest province to ban drivers from using hand-held cell phones while at the wheel, a TNS Canadian Facts survey suggests that consumers are divided about whether the ban should be extended to include hands-free devices.

Illume to Introduce Software to Prevent Distracted Driving

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 11:07:50 PST

CONCORD, MA --- Illume Software is readying the launch of iZUP, a new mobile solution designed to reduce cell phone-related distracted driving.

Manitoba Mandates Biodiesel Blend

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 14:50:15 PST

MANITOBA, CANADA --- Manitoba became the first province in Canada to mandate the use of biodiesel, a result of new legislation that took effect over the weekend.

Zenergy to Acquire Greenlight Biofuels

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 14:38:41 PST

CHICAGO --- Zenergy International, a global biofuels provider, announced the acquisition of Texas-based biodiesel company Greenlight Biofuels.

Indiana City Resolves Biodiesel Fleet Issues

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 14:22:28 PST

KOKOMO, IN --- After months of working out problems, the City of Kokomo in Indiana is finally confident in its efforts to run some city trucks on biodiesel.

Aptera Motors' 3-Wheel EV Draws Advanced Orders

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 13:51:22 PST

SAN DIEGO --- Aptera Motors, based in Vista, Calif., plans to begin producing the Aptera 2e -- a three-wheeled, all-electric vehicle -- next year, 10News reported.

EV Maker Reva Plans Factory Near Syracuse, NY

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 12:51:51 PST

SYRACUSE, NY --- The Reva Electric Car Co., an Indian automaker, has chosen upstate New York to locate its future electric vehicle factory, the Associated Press reported.

ZeaChem Advances Cellulosic Ethanol Plant Plans

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 11:45:35 PST

BOARDMAN, OR --- ZeaChem Inc. plans to begin construction on its cellulosic ethanol demonstration plant in Oregon before the year's end, the East Oregonian reported.

Choice Environmental Converts to CNG

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 11:44:37 PST

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - Choice Environmental Services debuted its new compressed natural gas (CNG) refuse truck fueling station and fleet of natural gas trucks.

inthinc Delivers tiwi Driving Safety and Fleet Management Solution

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 11:28:10 PST

SALT LAKE CITY - inthinc Technology Solutions offers a comprehensive system that changes driving behavior in real time to improve safety and fleet efficiency.

Frito-Lay Collisions Down 70%

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 11:08:20 PST

PLANO, TEXAS - PepsiCo's Frito-Lay North America has seen a 70-percent decline in collisions since 1999 through the Million Milers program and its extensive safety efforts.

Walmart Drivers Help Earn Money for High School

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 10:58:08 PST

RED BLUFF, CA - The Walmart Foundation made a financial contribution to local schools for every accident-free mile its private fleet truck drivers drove during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.

Volvo to Honor American Climate-Change Researcher

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 10:49:12 PST

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN --- Dr. Susan Solomon, a leading atmospheric chemist based in the U.S., has arrived in Sweden to receive this year's Volvo Environment Prize on Nov. 5 in Stockholm.

Transit Connect Helps ‘Green’ Ambius Fleet

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 10:48:10 PST

BUFFALO GROVE, IL - Seeking a smaller overall vehicle package with the capacity and payload necessary to transport all sizes and scope of greenery, the interior landscape company recently bought a fleet of 70 Ford Transit Connect vans.

Honda to Launch New 2010 Accord Crossover

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 10:33:06 PST

TORRANCE, CA - The all-new 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour crossover utility vehicle, set to debut Nov. 20, combines features of the Accord V-6 Sedan with increased cargo space and functionality.

NAFA PSW Chapter to Meet at LA Auto Show

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 10:19:44 PST

LOS ANGELES - The NAFA Pacific Southwest (PSW) Chapter will hold its annual Los Angeles Auto Show meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 8. Attendees will be free to tour the auto show after the meeting.

PHH Arval Enhances Proactive Preventive Maintenance Program

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 17:32:26 PST

SPARKS, MD - PHH Arval announced major enhancements to its unique Preventive Maintenance (PM) program, which proactively sends automated email notifications to fleet drivers when it's time to get work done on their company-provided vehicles.

Wheels Inc. Announces Latest Technology Enhancement to Title & Registration Program

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 17:28:19 PST

DES PLAINES, IL -The new technology manages rules for jurisdictions and vehicle-specific attributes providing a foundation for processing tens of thousands of title and registration transactions resulting in clear, efficient instructions to drivers.

Electric Ford Transit Connect Due in 2010

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 10:50:57 PST

DEARBORN, MI --- Ford Motor Co. announced it is collaborating with Azure Dynamics Corp. to deliver a pure battery electric Ford Transit Connect van for the United States and Canadian markets in 2010.

NAFA Seeks Tax Credits for Green Fleets

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 10:07:33 PST

PRINCETON, NJ - NAFA recently sent a proposal to the U.S. Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee to help state and local government fleets get federal tax credits for using clean fuel or low-emission vehicles.

Volkswagen Appoints Deutsch LA as Advertising Agency of Record In U.S.

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 9:18:35 PST

HERNDON, VA - Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced it selected Deutsch LA as its new advertising agency of record for the U.S. In this capacity, Deutsch LA will have full advertising responsibility for the Volkswagen brand and its family of products.

The Robotic Audi TTS on Video

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 9:16:55 PST

HERNDON, VA - What happens when an Audi TT S is given it's own mind? An Audi vehicle was programmed by Stanford University students and will race itself to the top of Pikes Peak in 2010.

German 'Design Oscar' for Audi A5 Coupé

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 9:15:29 PST

HERNDON, VA - The German Design Council will honor the Audi A5 Coupé with a 2010 Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Lexus Debuts Revised LS 600h L Hybrid With New Telematics Systems for 2010

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 9:11:54 PST

TORRANCE, CA - The Lexus LS 600h L sedan, the first vehicle to bring fuel-efficient gasoline-electric hybrid technology to the prestige luxury segment, debuts revised styling, and new telematics systems for 2010.

Mercedes-Benz to Open Redford Township R&D Center

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 9:08:53 PST

MONTVALE, NJ - Mercedes-Benz will open a research and development center for hybrid and other alternative powertrain technology on the Redford Township campus of its sister Detroit Diesel business after township trustees approved a tax exemption.

Shareholder Pressure for Carbon Disclosure Puts Corporate Fleets in the Cross Hairs

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:42:16 PST

A record number of resolutions were filed during the 2009 proxy season by investor groups to get companies to voluntarily disclose data about their "carbon footprints," which includes the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused directly and indirectly by their operations. These investors argue companies that disclose and mitigate GHG emissions will be rewarded with higher valuations and a lower cost of capital. At many companies, fleet represents a sizeable percent of their carbon footprint.

Telematics to Boost Truck Fleet Efficiency & Safety

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 9:53:19 PST

ATLANTA - According to a global study unveiled at the HTUF Conference this week, 71-percent of respondents believe technology will be one of the most important external forces impacting the industry in 2020.

NewWave Communications Improves Efficiency Using GPS

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 9:31:26 PST

SIKESTON, MO - In addition cutting down on fuel use, GPS has helped NewWave Communications guarantee customers a two-hour appointment block instead of the typical four hours cable companies are notorious for.

Progress Energy Gets Help with Electric Efforts

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:22:07 PST

RALEIGH, NC - Federal funds would also allow Progress Energy to invest in some additional public infrastructure for plug-in electric vehicles to encourage faster adoption in service territories.

FLD, Inc. Names New CEO

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:07:01 PST

DELRAY BEACH, FL - Ron Sanders, newly appointed CEO for FLD Inc., has been employed with the company since 1980, most recently serving as president of acquisitions.

TruGreen to Cut Maintenance Costs by 65%

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:03:13 PST

MEMPHIS, TN - The national lawn care services provider is testing microGreen Extended Performance Oil Filter on vehicles in efforts to reduce maintenance costs and emissions.

$5K Fleet Manager Scholarship Awarded to Ferris State

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:00:29 PST

BIG RAPIDS, MI - Christy Coyte, global fleet manager for Johnson Controls Inc. and 2009 Professional Fleet Manager of the Year, recently presented a $5,000 scholarship to Ferris State University.

The Toro Company Acquires Assets of TY-CROP Manufacturing

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 9:10:37 PST

BLOOMINGTON, MN - TY-CROP products will be marketed under the Toro brand and sold through Toro's distribution channel in the United States and international markets.

Researchers to Study Motorcycle Crash Causes

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:14:09 PST

STILLWATER, OK --- Oklahoma State University will be leading an ambitious new study with the Federal Highway Administration to better understand and prevent motorcycle crashes.

FMCSA Conducts Drug & Alcohol Strike Force

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:58:22 PST

WASHINGTON, D.C. --- The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) said on Friday, Oct. 23, that 77 commercial bus and truck drivers are off the road and over 80 carriers face enforcement action as a result of FMCSA's first national drug and alcohol strike force.

Coachmen Recalls 82 Transit Buses

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:28:35 PST

WASHINGTON, D.C. --- Coachmen Industries Inc. is recalling 82 MY 2008-2009 transit buses equipped with Trans/Air air conditioning systems.

Nissan Rogues Recalled

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:05:13 PST

WASHINGTON, D.C. --- Nissan North America Inc. is recalling more than 163,000 MY 2008-2009 Rogue vehicles because of a potential steering problem.

LED Sign Problem Prompts Orion Bus Recall

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:40:55 PST

WASHINGTON, D.C. --- Daimler Buses of North America is recalling 368 MY 2002-2009 Orion transit buses equipped with Luminator Horizon LED side destination signs.

NTSB Pushes for Sleep Apnea Screening

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:21:49 PST

WASHINGTON, D.C. --- The National Transportation Safety Board said on Tuesday, Oct. 20, that commercial truck and bus drivers should be screened for sleep apnea -- a disorder that's contributing to driver fatigue.

Trucker Expanded-Hours Rule to be Reconsidered

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:12:35 PST

WASHINGTON, D.C. --- At the request of safety and labor groups, the Obama administration has agreed to reconsider the expanded hours-of-service rule that permits long-haul truckers to drive up to 11 straight hours.

Green Energy Projects Win $151 Million in Funding

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:33:10 PST

SAN FRANCISCO, CA --- The U.S. Department of Energy on Oct. 26 announced $151 million in funding for 37 ambitious research projects -- some of which have long-term potential for greening fleets.

Clean Energy Corp. to Run CNG Station at Ontario Airport

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:18:20 PST

SEAL BEACH, CA --- The city of Los Angeles has awarded a 10-year contract to Clean Energy Fuels Corp. to design, build, and operate a new CNG fueling station at Ontario International Airport (ONT) in San Bernardino County.

California Waste Hauler Fined $500,000 for Violations

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:52:29 PST

SACRAMENTO, CA --- The California Air Resources Board last month fined Montebello-based waste hauler Key Disposal Inc. $500,000 for failing to adequately inspect its fleet and retrofit some of its vehicles with diesel filters as required by state law.

New York's NFTA to Buy 91 Energy-Efficient Buses

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:17:00 PST

BUFFALO, NY --- Representatives from the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) announced the forthcoming addition of 91 new energy-efficient buses, which will hit the streets of Western New York over the next 15 months -- thanks to $39,711,371 in federal funding.

Overall Resale Market Continues to ‘Soften’

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:01:50 PST

GAINESVILLE, GA - Black Book reported overall car and truck segments continued to dip last week, with "buyers less willing to pay asking price."

Fisker to Acquire Former GM Plant to Make Plug-in Hybrids

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:46:30 PST

DETROIT --- Fisker Automotive plans to build plug-in hybrid electric cars at a former General Motors plant in Delaware.

GM Awarded $2.6M Grant to Convert Engine Heat

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:37:09 PST

WARREN, MI - General Motors has received more than $2.6 million in federal funding to develop technology that will let the automaker convert waste heat from car engines into electricity and boost vehicle efficiency.

Fire Em Up Inc. to Hold Annual Alternative Fuels Event

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:28:55 PST

WAUKEGAN, IL - Fire Em Up Incorporated will hold its Annual Alternative Fuels Event on Friday, Oct. 30 from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m.

Driver’s Alert Co-Sponsors North Carolina Fleet Forum; Hosts Georgia’s State Auto Insurance Program Officer

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:16:55 PST

LIGHTHOUSE POINT, FL - Driver's Alert is co-sponsoring the North Carolina Fleet Forum Nov. 20 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. ET at the City of Durham, N.C. Fleet Facility.

Schwarzenegger Helps Unveil Zero-Emission Tyrano

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:08:43 PST

SACRAMENTO, CA --- Vision Industries Corp., producers of the zero-emission, plug-in electric/hydrogen fuel cell hybrid Tyrano semi truck, drew a little promotional help from California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Oct. 20.

Pricing for All-New 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy-Duty Announced

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:02:09 PST

AUBURN HILLS, MI - Chrysler Group LLC announced pricing for the all-new 2010 Ram 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty trucks, scheduled to arrive in dealerships at the end of the 2009 calendar-year.

UPS Testing New Hydraulic Hybrid Trucks

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:21:09 PST

ATLANTA - The trucks use a Freightliner custom chassis and hydraulic hybrid system from Parker Hannifin Corp., and are being financed by the Department of Energy's Clean Cities program.

Entergy Arkansas Adds Hybrid Trucks to Fleet

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:07:25 PST

LITTLE ROCK, AR - The new models have a long green stripe stretched across the sides to identify them as hybrids and are expected to save the company fuel, reduce emissions, and provide added safety at the work site.

PHH Corp. Names New President & CEO

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 9:35:00 PST

MT. LAUREL, NJ - Jerome Selitto has been named president and CEO of PHH Corp. George Kilroy, who has served as acting president and CEO since June, will continue to lead the company's fleet management business and serve as a member of the company's Board of Directors.

Driving Fleet Emissions Down

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:20:50 PST

Drivers trained and motivated to adopt fuel-efficient driving habits can improve a fleet’s fuel economy by as much as 20 percent. Even small individual gains can total significant savings.

Industry Legends Join Fleet Hall of Fame

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:16:09 PST

Nine new honorees were inducted into the Fleet Hall of Fame at the recent Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association annual conference. Collectively, their fleet experience totals more than 310 years.

Who's Your All-Time Favorite Factory Fleet Director?

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:10:19 PST

A new Automotive Fleet survey reveals the OEM fleet directors and their second-in-command execs who make OEM-customer relationships excel.

How Do Fleets Determine Driver Eligibility?

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:08:15 PST

Company vehicle driving privileges are not based simply on an employee’s job title. Several fleet managers discuss their company’s vehicle eligibility requirements.

2009 Order-to-Delivery Times Battered on Multiple Fronts

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:00:59 PST

OTD was affected by plant closures due to Chapter 11 reorganizations by GM and Chrysler, an economic downturn that decreased fleet and retail sales, and shipping delays caused by less-than-full loads for railcars and transporters.

Strange but True

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:53:27 PST

Need a Laugh? These “Strange, but True” stories were sent to Automotive Fleet by fleet managers, drivers, and fleet management companies. Have a strange, but true story? Something so incredible it couldn’t have been made up? Share your stories with Automotive Fleet. E-mail: Lauren.Fletcher@bobit.com.

Texting While Driving: A Deadly Combination

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:37:02 PST

U.S. drivers are witnessing the gruesome results that can occur as a result of texting while driving, and fleet drivers are no exception. Fleet managers can avoid a potential tragedy by immediately banning texting while driving.

Ensuring the Safety of a Mobile Sales Force

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:31:06 PST

At Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, driver safety is a partnership between the company and its employees. The three-year old fleet safety program has significantly reduced the number of claims and preventable crashes.

Study Explores Distracted Driving Rates

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:25:37 PST

Research reveals commercial fleet drivers are distracted an average 8 percent of time behind the wheel. The research also indicates safe driving policies and programs can reduce risky driver behavior.

Sealed Air Reduces Accident Rate by 14% Since 2008

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:21:09 PST

Sealed Air’s risk management program offers defensive driver training modules through Fleet Response, as well as increased vehicle safety through in-vehicle equipment modifications.

Drunk Driving: A Growing Problem Among Women

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:17:20 PST

While the incidence of drunk driving among men overall is higher, according to 2008 statistics, at least 10 states have seen a recent rise in the number of female drunk drivers involved in a fatal accident.

RailCrew Commits to Multifaceted Safety Program

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:13:14 PST

The RailCrew Xpress transports railroad crews to and from jobsites The company’s safety program maintains the well-being of employees and clients.

Putting a Price Tag on Accidents that Don't Happen

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:09:04 PST

Once the total, fully loaded costs of collisions, beyond the direct and most obvious costs, have been identified, fleets must shape a clear message about the impact of such expenses on the company.

Protection One Reduces Accidents and Lowers Preventable Accident Claim Costs

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:05:17 PST

Thanks to a renewed risk management program, Protection One cut the average cost of a preventable accident claim in 2009 by about 50 percent compared to 2008. A critical tenet of company leadership ensures vehicle and driver safety at every level.

NETS Stages Drive Safely Work Week Campaign

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:01:43 PST

The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) launches its annual interactive, Web-based Drive Safely Work Week tool kit to combat distracted driving in the workplace and promote eco-friendly driving practices.

3M Center Reinforces Good Driving

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:54:54 PST

Performing an annual motor vehicle record check and assigning a point system for driving infractions has helped 3M reduce accidents by 14 percent.

Biofuel Producer Announces Truck Stop Plans

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:13:21 PST

DALLAS --- Evolution Fuels said it is actively pursuing the acquisition of existing truck stop operations in Texas and Oklahoma in hopes of establishing five Legends Travel Center-branded facilities to sell a B20 biodiesel fuel blend.

Cars that Drive Themselves can Become Reality in 10 Years

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 9:15:01 PST

GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN - A new EU project, SARTRE, is being launched to develop and test technology for vehicles that can drive themselves in long road trains on motorways.

Audi Intelligent Interaction - Restraint Systems

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 9:13:08 PST

HERNDON, VA - Audi is using innovative thinking to further advance development in this field. The engineers in Ingolstadt have focused particular attention on safety belts, airbags, and seats/headrests.

Go to the Dark Side with BMW Night Vision

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 9:10:58 PST

MUNICH, GERMANY - BMW packed the new 7-Series sedan with optional gadgets ranging from radar-assisted cruise control to blind spot detection.

Lexus LFA Supercar to Make North American Debut at 2009 SEMA and Los Angeles International Auto Shows

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 9:08:36 PST

TORRANCE, CA - The LFA supercar will be on display for the first time in North America at the 2009 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show in Las Vegas this November and the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show in December.

Forecast of Order-to-Delivery Times for 2010-MY Fleet Orders

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:02:32 PST

With the 2009 model-year behind us and 2010 model-year ordering in progress, how will 2010-MY order-to-delivery times (OTD) fare? Some foresee the 2010 model-year being a challenging one for OTD (not as challenging as 2009-MY, however), but one that could result in longer than normal delivery times.

ARI Canada Opens New Technical Contact Center

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:39:49 PST

MISSISSAUGA, ON - Automotive Resources International (ARI) announced the opening of a new Technical Contact Center at its Canadian headquarters in Mississauga.

Fleet Response Expands Office

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:20:10 PST

CLEVELAND - Fleet Response hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for their office expansion on Oct. 7. The expansion will allow for the increase of existing operations and provide expanded workstations for their employees.

PHH Arval Wins 2009 Global Six Sigma & Business Improvement Award

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:15:32 PST

SPARKS, MD - PHH Arval has won a 2009 Global Six Sigma & Business Improvement Award for improvements made to the vehicle ordering process through Rally to Results, PHH's process improvement program.

Energy Fleets Discuss Trends in the Industry

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:08:15 PST

HOUSTON - Fleet representatives from approximately 40 Houston area energy companies met at PHH Arval's annual Energy Conference Oct. 22 in Houston.

Awards Recognize Green Fleet Leaders

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:03:15 PST

TORRANCE, CA - Automotive Fleet magazine honored fleet managers with its first annual "Fleet Environmental Leadership" Awards.