Business Fleet

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Forecast of Fleet Operating Costs for 2010 Calendar-Year

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:09:37 PST

Fuel costs, the largest fleet operating expense, declined dramatically in the 2009 calendar-year due to a sharp decline in worldwide fuel consumption. Also, many fleets downsized, due to widespread corporate layoffs, which lowered overall fuel spend. However, maintenance and repair costs increased in 2009, primarily due to vehicles kept in service for longer periods as a result of corporations slashing capital expenditures. Open the blog for a forecast of 2010 operating cost trends.

Subaru Outback Named 2010 Sport/Utility of the Year

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 9:50:50 PST

CHERRY HILL, NJ - The Subaru Outback has been named 2010 Sport/Utility of the Year by Motor Trend magazine.

2010 Annual Fuel Economy Guide Now Available

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 9:20:47 PST

WASHINGTON - For 2010, the Toyota Prius tops the list as the most fuel-efficient model at 51 mpg city/48 highway.

Jim Cramer Gets It Wrong Again

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:08:21 PST

Cramer blesses Hertz and damns other car rental stocks for the wrong reasons.

Ban Texting While Driving, But Beware of Inadvertent Consequences

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:48:04 PST

The popularity of texting has skyrocketed over the past four years. All agree that texting and driving are incompatible. However, a texting ban could have unintended consequences of interfering with productivity devices business drivers and truckers rely on. There are numerous ramifications to overzealous prohibitions on the use of on-board electronic communications that potentially may be counter-productive to driver safety. Let's target unsafe driving behavior, not on-board productivity tools.

Empty Dealer Lots Disrupt Fleet Purchasing

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 9:50:06 PST

Inventories at all-time lows make this a good time for small fleets to plan ahead and factory order.

Hertz Bankruptcy! Do I Have Your Attention?

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 8:47:15 PST

Hertz is suing a research firm that lists it as one 20 companies with the highest probability of declaring bankruptcy. Who made the claim, on what basis and how is the market reacting?

2009 Order-to-Delivery Times Battered on Multiple Fronts

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 8:38:55 PST

The multitude of factors buffeting order-to-delivery (OTD) times for commercial fleets during the 2009 model-year were breathtaking and historic. To say the 2009 model-year was a difficult year for new-vehicle deliveries would be an extreme understatement.

The Hidden Cost of Personal Use

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:12:45 PST

Many companies are wondering whether they are charging enough for personal use. At some companies, this discussion is long overdue. When re-evaluating personal use charges, a common mistake is to focus solely on the cost of fuel. However, doing so ignores the other “hidden” costs of personal use, which have also risen.

What’s it Like to Drive a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle?

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:39:01 PST

Burbank, Calif. resident Ben Lee shares his firsthand experience in a Chevrolet Equinox hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle as part of General Motor’s Project Driveway.

How to Be Your Lender’s Best Customer

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:40:21 PST

In this new economy, banks and lessors want more assurances than ever that your business is healthy. Having an answer to these questions will help keep your credit lines safe.

Did “Cash for Clunkers” Fulfill Its Objectives?

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:05:52 PST

Bob Barton, president of the American Car Rental Association, provides a post-mortem analysis of “Cash for Clunkers” on the Auto Focus blog.

The ‘Gray Areas’ of Fleet Management

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 10:01:09 PST

Let's face it, some companies don't take fleet as seriously as they say they do. For them, fleet is not core to their business. The refrain is: We're in the "widget" business, not the car business. Internal corporate politics introduces many gray areas to fleet management such as making fleet decisions based on favoritism, giving lip service to safety, greenwashing, and pressuring suppliers for favors.

2009 AFLA Conference Delivers ROI to Commercial Fleet Professionals

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:38:42 PST

This is an exciting time for the Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association (AFLA) as it gains widespread recognition as a strong voice for the commercial fleet management industry. For the past five years, AFLA has experienced year-over-year growth in membership and conference attendance. As its president, I'm especially proud of AFLA's growing stature and believe its best years are still ahead of it. The upcoming 2009 conference epitomizes the ROI that AFLA offers commercial fleet managers.

Worst Clean Up Jobs of a Rental Car

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:15:51 PST

You wouldn’t believe what people do to (and in) rental cars. Or maybe you would.

What Price Safety?

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:57:43 PST

The Enterprise Rent A Car decision to buy Impalas without standard side-impact airbags brings up many questions about disclosure in the process of buying and selling cars with deleted safety items.

City of Naperville Purchases New 700/800 MHz OpenSky Digital Radio System

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:18:30 PST

NAPERVILLE, IL - Naperville is partnering with the City of Aurora, Illinois, in the purchase of the system, which will provide enhanced in-building and outdoor coverage to provide reliable, interoperable communications between first responders and front-line emergency personnel.

PHH Arval Unveils Fleet Management Mobile Application

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 8:45:01 PST

SPARKS, MD - PHH Arval has announced the launch of a new mobile application designed to increase the productivity and satisfaction of its clients' fleet drivers.

Riverside County to Use GPS

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:33:01 PST

RIVERSIDE, CA - Criticized in a recent audit for lax oversight of take-home cars and other inefficiencies, Riverside County is seeking funds to outfit its vehicles with GPS tracking devices.

Tax Outrage in Rhode Island

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 11:08:13 PST

If your car is damaged and another party is at fault, can you imagine getting taxed on the repair reimbursement?

Xora & Gearworks Merge for Location-Based Mobile Business Applications

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:25:39 PST

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA - The combined company will retain the Xora name.

Is Cash for Clunkers Really "Cash Out of the Economy?"

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 9:36:41 PST

Bob Barton, the president of the American Car Rental Association (ACRA) asks why vehicles built overseas qualify for the Cash for Clunkers program.

Last Chance to Nominate 'Green Fleet Leaders'

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:04:50 PST

TORRANCE, CA - Automotive Fleet and Government Fleet magazine want to honor fleet managers with the first annual "Fleet Environmental Leadership" Awards. August 17 is the last day to submit nominations.

What Fleet Managers Find Rewarding About Their Jobs

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 11:07:33 PST

In these challenging times, you might think the rewards of being a fleet manager are few and far between. However, this is not so with many fleet managers. There are six common themes to what fleet managers find fulfilling about their jobs.

Why Did Enterprise Change Its Name?

Tue, 4 Aug 2009 9:59:53 PST

On August 3, the Taylor family announced it had changed the name of its corporate parent company to Enterprise Holdings. Is this a move to position itself to go public? Enterprise responds.

Dollar Thrifty’s Scott Thompson Talks Refranchising, Remarketing and Recovery

Mon, 3 Aug 2009 11:13:56 PST

News flash: Dollar Thrifty is refranchising some corporate stores. In an exclusive interview, Scott Thompson and Jeff Cerefice of Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group talk about the refranchising initiative and other burning issues: debt restructuring, fleet financing, car sales and 45,000-mile rentals.

Are Fleet Managers Still Having Fun?

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:25:08 PST

Any long-time fleet manager knows change is the norm in the fleet management profession. However, in the past 12 months, fleet managers have had to deal with unprecedented challenges. In the wake of tumultuous events buffeting the auto industry and ongoing market uncertainty, do fleet managers still think their jobs are fun? Here are their confidential responses.

Study: Texting Raises Crash Risk 23.2 Times

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 18:28:08 PST

BLACKSBURG, VA - Truck and heavy-vehicle drivers who text-message while driving are 23.2 times more likely to be involved in a crash or near-crash as non-distracted motorists, according to new research conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.

Ford Transit Connect Gets Fleet Action in Beverly Hills

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:53:54 PST

The 2010 Ford Transit Connect light-duty utility van is ready to deliver the goods. (Photos and videos included.)

More Diverse Vehicle Selectors:
Will the U.S. Mirror Europe’s Fleet Market?

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:19:29 PST

Diverse vehicle selectors offering multiple makes and models are relatively common among European corporate fleets. One of the many reasons is the fragmented fleet market shares of each OEM. In Europe, a large number of nameplates compete for the same commercial fleet business. Could the same future unfold for the U.S. fleet market over the next decade?

How Will New CAFE Standards Affect Fleets?

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:37:02 PST

Getting to 35.5 mpg combined corporate average fuel economy will cost money, power and space. But how much?

Top 6 Fleet Trends in the Medium-Duty Truck Market

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 8:43:01 PST

Six key trends will determine Class 3-7 medium-duty truck lifecycle costs in the 2010 calendar-year. They are diesel prices, acquisition costs, resale, maintenance costs, replacement tire expense, and environmental regulatory requirements. Here is a forecast of what to expect.

10 Recommendations:
What Drivers Should Do After a Fleet Accident

Tue, 7 Jul 2009 11:08:23 PST

Drivers must collect as much information as possible when involved in an accident while driving a company-provided vehicle. Failure to do so can lengthen the accident management process and, in a worst case scenario, create unnecessary liability exposure for the company. What information should be collected? What shouldn't be said? Here are 10 do's and don'ts for fleet managers and drivers to follow.

Embracing the 60,000 Mile Rental Car

Tue, 7 Jul 2009 8:14:18 PST

There are signs of a philosophy shift toward higher-mileage rental cars. Are you ready?

Smart Car Impressions - Mine and Theirs

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:17:48 PST

Whether you love it or hate it or you could frankly care less, the smart fortwo turns heads. Can that image be exploited in fleet?

Migration to 4-Cylinder Engines Continues with 2010-MY Ordering

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:48:32 PST

The ongoing volatility of gasoline prices has prompted a growing number of fleets to transition to four-cylinder engines. This transition started in the 2008-MY and accelerated with 2009-MY ordering, when gas prices surpassed $4 per gallon in the summer of 2008. Early indications are that the migration to four-cylinder engines will continue with 2010-MY ordering. We have already seen glimpses of this trend in the 2010 RFPs submitted to major OEMs.

Actual Car Quality versus Perceived Quality

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:01:01 PST

Perception is reality. This statement is none truer than when it comes to attitudes about cars.

Does LIBOR Still Correlate to Corporate Borrowing?

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:17:41 PST

LIBOR was developed in 1984 as a measure of the real rate at which banks lend money to each other. Since the early 1990s, LIBOR has been used as a funding index for fleet leases. However, when the recent turmoil in the financial markets prompted governments to "backstop" bank borrowing, the cost of lending money began to represent a government-guaranteed rate, which no longer correlated to fleet lessor costs.

Commercial Fleets Reveal 2010-MY Buying Intentions

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:05:43 PST

Fleet ordering for the 2010 model-year is shaping up to be higher than 2009-MY, but that's not saying much since 2009 was such an abysmal year. Many commercial fleets deferred 2009-model ordering. Some fleets purchased no replacement vehicles and skipped the 2009 ordering cycle altogether. A large number of commercial fleets decreased the volume of their 2009 ordering and are now playing catch-up with the 2010 model-year.

How Enterprise Funds Its Fleets

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:08:28 PST

Enterprise CFO Bill Snyder spoke recently with Auto Rental News on how Enterprise funds its fleets (Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car), and on the company’s outlook on the current financial market.

Nissan 2010-MY Fleet Incentives Available

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:26:21 PST

TORRANCE, CA – Nissan is offering fleet incentives on several 2010-MY vehicles now through September 30, 2010, ranging from $500 to $1,000.

Sluggish Economy Continues to Dampen Resale Values for Medium-Duty Trucks

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 11:05:33 PST

Resale values have significantly declined across the board on all medium-duty trucks, with five-year old medium-duty trucks decreasing, on average, between 18-23 percent in the past 12 months. Trucks older than 10 years have been more difficult to sell due to higher fuel and maintenance costs. The ongoing sluggish business environment is the key reason for the soft resale market. Here's a forecast of what's to come.

Beware of the Rental Car Rally

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 10:46:55 PST

San Francisco to Yuma in 10 hours this Friday. Is your Camry ready?

GM to Honor Commitments to Fleet Customers as Medium-Duty Truck Production Ceases

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 9:25:52 PST

DETROIT – Jim Campbell, general manager, GM Fleet and Commercial Operations, reassured fleet customers sold orders for the Chevrolet Kodiak and GMC TopKick would be filled through the end of July.

Money-Saving Tip to Remove Vinyl Signage

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 14:33:03 PST

It really works!

GM & Penske Outline Proposed Purchase of Saturn Brand

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 8:55:59 PST

DETROIT – Penske would obtain the rights to the brand as well as certain other Saturn assets, while General Motors would continue production, on a contract basis, of the Saturn Aura, Vue, and Outlook.

Jim Cramer Is a Blowhard

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 12:12:29 PST

Cramer’s rant on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” regarding General Motors crossed the line.

A New Way to Finance Rental Fleets?

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 12:06:54 PST

With the cost of capital at a staggering 12-15 percent today, two rental car company announcements to lease fleet vehicles provide an indication as to how deals will get done moving forward.

Fleets Stand Behind GM in Chapter 11, But Questions Linger

Tue, 2 Jun 2009 14:08:11 PST

Automotive Fleet magazine conducted a survey of General Motors' largest commercial fleet customers, immediately following its June 1 announcement that it filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Here's what these commercial fleet managers had to say.

GM Remains 'Committed to Fleet and Commercial Customers'

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 12:58:39 PST

DETROIT – General Motors promised "strong commitment" to fleet and commercial customers "remains unchanged," according to Jim Campbell, GM general manager fleet and commercial operations, in a statement addressing the automaker's June 1 bankruptcy.

Ford 911 Assist Helps in Emergencies

Fri, 29 May 2009 9:59:53 PST

DEARBORN, MI – In such a situation that an occupant cannot respond, SYNC speaks to the 911 service and alerts an operator that a crash has occurred.

July is Be Nice to Your Dealer Month

Thu, 28 May 2009 14:13:10 PST

Taking your fleet-minded dealer for granted during these trying times is not an option.

5 Common Mistakes in Negotiating a Fleet Lease Agreement

Thu, 28 May 2009 14:08:10 PST

Fleet managers are wise to read the entire lease agreement and familiarize themselves with the terms and conditions under which they will be doing business. For it is the business side that impacts the fleet manager most.

Get in the Van

Thu, 28 May 2009 13:45:40 PST

Hi, welcome to Auto Focus. We’re about to leave, so jump in, grab a seat, buckle up and hold on. I’m Chris Brown, your driver.

Short-Sighted Management: What Not to Do in a Recession

Tue, 26 May 2009 10:59:53 PST

I am dismayed at the number of fleet managers who have lost their jobs due to corporate cutbacks. Similarly, I am amazed at the short-sightedness of today's senior management making these decisions without regard to the implications of lesser-qualified individuals managing one of their largest asset classes. I predict that companies that downgrade the expertise of their in-house management will be on the wrong side of history and will be the poster children of what not to do in a recession.

Managing Your Off-Road Fleet from a Desktop

Thu, 21 May 2009 14:57:28 PST

Caterpillar uses telematics to put fleet managers on the jobsite without ever leaving their workstations.

OEM Parts Prices Increase as Parts Availability Decreases

Tue, 19 May 2009 7:25:43 PST

Slow retail sales have prompted not only closure of assembly plants, but also component factories, which is delaying parts deliveries. OEMs are also hiking parts prices, with some experiencing double-digit percentage increases. The dramatic slowdown of automotive sales has also created a "financial crunch" for many parts manufacturers, with many second-tier suppliers going out of business. This portends a difficult environment for fleets to manage accident repair costs.

Pepsi Bottling Group Acquires Hydrogen-Injected Trucks

Mon, 18 May 2009 15:21:06 PST

WYTHEVILLE, VA – The Pepsi Bottling Group's truck fleet in the New River Valley region of Virginia has added 21 hydrogen-injected trucks in an effort to boost fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

Volvo Announces 2010-MY Incentives

Thu, 14 May 2009 17:09:21 PST

ROCKLEIGH, NJ – Volvo Cars of North America is offering 2010 Volvo National Street Incentives from $500-$2,500 on several vehicle models.

The Dangers of Extending Replacement Cycles

Tue, 12 May 2009 9:59:01 PST

Vehicle replacement policy is one of the most critical aspects of fleet management. Nearly all fleet-related expenses, both fixed and operating, are influenced by when a vehicle is replaced. In a recessionary economy, senior management demands expense reductions and there is pressure to defer vehicle replacements. However, such a policy change could actually prove to be counterproductive to the intended goal.

2010 Toyota Sienna Prices Same as 2009-MY

Tue, 12 May 2009 8:58:48 PST

TORRANCE, CA – Toyota Motor Sales announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices for the 2010 Sienna van will remain unchanged from 2009 model-year prices.

Free Ford Work Solutions Web Seminar May 14

Thu, 7 May 2009 10:27:46 PST

TORRANCE, CA – Learn about the Ford Work Solutions In-Dash Computer and 'Crew Chief,' the industry's only OEM telematics solution in a free Web seminar May 14.

9 Mistakes to Avoid When Playing 'Musical Cars'

Mon, 4 May 2009 16:17:08 PST

Many of those millions laid off during this recession’s corporate downsizings drove company cars. The process of reassigning vehicles retrieved from terminated employees can lead to errors. Here’s how to avoid them.

Bright Ideas Energize Fleet Management

Mon, 4 May 2009 16:05:16 PST

From acquisition to remarketing, a compilation of best ideas in managing successful, cost-effective, and efficient fleets is presented.

Put Your Fleet on a Diet

Mon, 4 May 2009 10:22:38 PST

Vehicles get better fuel mileage when not loaded with unnecessary weight. An extra 100 lbs. in a vehicle could reduce mpg up to 2 percent. Typically, the chief culprit responsible for accumulating unnecessary weight is drivers. Over the course of a vehicle assignment, drivers accumulate a "cargo" of dated sales materials, point of sale demos, and seldom-used tools carried in trunks, storage bins, and back seats. You'd be surprised how quickly lbs. add up.

Philadelphia Bans Cell Phone Use While Driving

Fri, 1 May 2009 10:16:16 PST

PHILADELPHIA – First-time offenders would be charged a $150 fine and $300 for second offenses, according to the Philadelphia Business Journal.

Hino Trucks Launches New Web site

Fri, 1 May 2009 9:35:05 PST

NOVI, MI – Hino Trucks has launched an updated Web site (www.hino.com) that provides insight into the expanding vocational breadth of Hino truck applications and enhanced resources for new and returning customers.

10 Traits of Successful Commercial Fleet Managers

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:14:11 PST

Show me a well-run fleet and I will show you a top-notch fleet manager. A fleet manager validates his or her importance by cost-effectively managing corporate assets and controlling the expenses associated with operating these assets. Although each fleet is unique, there are common traits found among successful commercial fleet managers. Here are 10 management traits that ensure a fleet is operating at the optimum level.

Medium-Duty Operating Costs Increase in 2008-CY

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:35:29 PST

Key factors that influenced medium-duty truck operating costs in 2008 were the price of diesel, increased repair costs related to new truck technologies, higher labor rates, and decreased utilization. However, fuel was the primary driver behind higher operating costs in the 2008 calendar-year.

Calif. Woman Sentenced to 6 Years for Fatal Texting Crash

Mon, 6 Apr 2009 16:17:05 PST

REDDING, CA – Shasta County prosecutor Stephanie Bridgett said the 49-year-old woman had paid several bills by cell phone in the moments before the crash, according to the New York Times.

Dual Sourcing Re-examined as Supplier Reliability Comes into Question

Mon, 6 Apr 2009 10:34:55 PST

The jaw-dropping events of the past six months have made an indelible impression on many fleet managers. The very real possibility that two of the Detroit 3 could quickly (and unexpectedly) enter into Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, along with some fleet management companies not accepting new-vehicle orders, has caused some corporations (especially those sole sourcing) to reassess sourcing strategies.

NHTSA Proposal to Reduce Braking Distances Will Not Require Retrofitting Existing Units

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 9:04:10 PST

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is proposing to amend its air brake standard to improve the stopping distance performance of commercial trucks. Based on current safety trend data and brake system technologies, NHTSA is proposing to reduce the required stopping distance for truck tractors by 20 to 30 percent. The proposed rule would cover all truck tractors equipped with air brakes. The proposed rule does not include single unit trucks, buses, or trailers.

Resale Values Up, But Market Remains Fragile

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 16:13:17 PST

Wholesale used-vehicle prices during fourth quarter 2008 were the worst on record. Since then, wholesale prices rose significantly in January through March. The improvement in pricing in 1Q 2009 reflects better-than-expected retail sales of used vehicles. Resale values for mid-size sedans are substantially higher than in 2008, as are prices for light-duty trucks and SUVs. However, consumer confidence and credit availability remain two wildcards to the market's ongoing vitality.

Commercial Leases are Now Eligible Collateral to be Funded by TALF Program

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:07:32 PST

The credit gridlock gripping the nation's economy has made it more difficult (and expensive) to fund fleet vehicles using asset-backed securities. Last February, the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Treasury launched a joint program called the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility (TALF) to improve credit conditions in the securitization markets. On March 3, the Federal Reserve expanded the definition of eligible collateral under TALF to include commercial leases. Here's how the program works.

9 Mistakes to Avoid When Playing "Musical Cars"

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 10:31:06 PST

Since the recession's start at the beginning of 2008, 4.4 million jobs have been lost due to corporate downsizings and layoffs. Many terminated employees were assigned company vehicles. In today's politically correct HR environment, the term "reverse expansion" is being used to describe the retrieval and reassignment of company-provided vehicles from terminated employees. A fleet manager suddenly thrust into a reverse expansion will find it very easy to make mistakes.

Before You Call the Police, Think of the Impact on Resale Value

Mon, 2 Mar 2009 15:43:59 PST

Massive layoffs are occurring throughout the economy, and many companies find that terminated employees are not returning their assigned company vehicles. Sometimes, the company-provided vehicle is held "hostage" until the employer meets a grievance by the terminated employee. Unfortunately, many HR and legal departments take the "easy way" and are too quick to involve the police to expedite resolution.

Obama’s Stimulus Package Offers Funds for Fleet

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 10:50:48 PST

On Feb. 17, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The $789 billion economic stimulus legislation is comprised of $507 billion in spending programs and $282 billion in tax relief. The legislation includes significant new funding for fleets, such as $300 million for diesel emission retrofit grants; $300 million to establish a grant program through the DOE's Clean Cities Program; and $300 million for acquisition of energy-efficient vehicles by the federal fleet

NHTSA Crash Standards to Change in 2011-MY

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:17:29 PST

NHTSA's testing and safety criteria for front- and side-impact crashes and rollover resistance have not been substantially revised since the agency started crash testing new models 30 years ago. Recognizing that nine out of 10 vehicles routinely score either four or five stars, NHTSA wants to increase the standards for front- and side-impacts, along with more stringent rollover testing. NHTSA is poised to implement a revised five-star safety rating program starting with 2011 model-year vehicles.

How Can Telematics Help Your Fleet?

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 10:53:46 PST

Telematics has proven useful to fleets in reducing fuel consumption, idling, and emissions, and keeping track of company vehicles.

Fleet Car Maintenance Costs Increase 5% in 2008-CY

Sun, 8 Feb 2009 19:22:32 PST

Overall fleet car maintenance costs rose 5 percent for the 2008-calendar year compared to 2007, primarily due to increased prices for replacement tires and higher labor rates. Partially mitigating these increases were flat PM expenses and increased vehicle quality, resulting in fewer warranty claims and vehicle recalls. These findings are based on a survey of actual maintenance expenses of 70,374 passenger cars conducted by GE Capital Solutions Fleet Services.

Reducing Risk with Driver Assessment Programs

Tue, 3 Feb 2009 13:00:39 PST

Fleet drivers pose potential financial, safety, and liability risks. Managing those risks begins before an employee driver is hired and involves all stakeholders in the development of a driver assessment program.

Hybrid Large Trucks: the Road to Viability

Tue, 3 Feb 2009 12:58:26 PST

Through the support of WestStart-CALSTART’s Hybrid Truck Users Forum, 13 utility fleets became early adopters of medium- and heavy-duty hybrid truck technology. Fleet managers report substantial fuel savings and few maintenance issues, though greater production is needed to drive premiums down.

Ford Warranty Repairs Decline in 2008

Tue, 3 Feb 2009 9:35:51 PST

DEARBORN, MI – In the past two years alone, Ford has reduced its warranty repairs costs by $1.2 billion, according to the latest company figures.

EPA Names Idle-Reduction Systems Eligible for Federal Excise Tax Exemptions

Mon, 2 Feb 2009 11:27:51 PST

Last year, the U.S. Congress granted an exemption from the 12-percent federal excise tax for truck idle reduction systems. Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a list of approved idle reduction systems eligible for the federal excise tax exemption. The exemption applies to sales and installation of these systems since Oct. 4, 2008.

Odometer Rollbacks Increase 57 Percent from 2004-2008

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 11:40:35 PST

Digital odometer fraud is growing at an alarming rate, according to new research from Carfax. The research data reveals the number of vehicles with rolled-back odometers has increased 57 percent nationwide over the past four years. According to NHTSA, more than 450,000 cases of odometer rollbacks are reported annually. However, the total number of odometer tampering incidents (including those not caught) is estimated to be substantially higher.

Trucks are Earning Assets: How to Make Them More Productive

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 9:50:21 PST

Fleet managers need to view work trucks as earning assets. To maximize truck productivity, it is necessary to optimize specifications, operating procedures, and replacement strategies. When spec’ing vehicles, past history is important, but one outcome to using last model-year specs is repeating past inefficiencies. Fleet managers need to adopt a “clean sheet” approach to how they manage their truck fleets.

Fiat to Acquire 35-percent Stake in Chrysler

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 9:09:31 PST

TURIN, ITALY – In a joint statement, Fiat, Chrysler, and Chrysler's majority shareholder Cerberus Capital Management L.P, said they have signed "a non-binding term sheet to establish a global strategic alliance."

Texting While Driving: A Major No-No!

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 13:20:10 PST

Texting while driving, one of the latest forms of driver distraction, poses significant accident risks and has gained the attention of lawmakers developing anti-texting laws.

How Long Will the Slump in Used-Vehicle Values Last?

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 9:41:35 PST

We are currently in the midst of the worst used-vehicle market in the past 25 years. Year-over-year prices declined every month in 2008; however, wholesale prices did improve the first 10 days of January. Despite this, many fleets now find that the depreciation rates established 24-36 months ago are insufficient for today's resale market. In many cases, resale values of fleet vehicles are significantly below the remaining book value. Here's a forecast for what lies ahead in the wholesale market.

Wirelessly Keeping New York City Streets Clean

Fri, 9 Jan 2009 16:47:33 PST

With on-the-street inspectors and a wireless reporting system, New York City is making a big dent in street maintenance.

Predictions for Fleet in 2009

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 10:45:07 PST

When looking ahead to the next 12 months, I foresee reduced operating costs for fleets offset by increased depreciation expense caused by anemic resale values and decreased incentive monies. Here’s why I believe this will be the case, along with other predictions for 2009.

Ryder to Acquire Edart Leasing in Northeast U.S.

Mon, 5 Jan 2009 16:20:29 PST

MIAMI – Ryder System, Inc. has reached an agreement to acquire substantially all the assets of the full service truck leasing, commercial truck rental, and contract maintenance businesses of Edart Leasing Company.

2008: One of the Worst Years in Fleet History

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 9:12:56 PST

I can’t recall a year as tumultuous as 2008. The year started with the Jan. 1 termination of the $1.8 billion merger between GE and PHH and ended with the near bankruptcy of GM and Chrysler. In between, we witnessed record fuel prices, then a spectacular freefall in fuel prices, a dismal used-vehicle market, unprecedented credit gridlock, the inability of some fleets to order new-vehicles, and fleet delivery disruptions due to a UAW strike and an epic Midwest flood that submerged rail lines.

Fleets Scramble to Cope With Extended Plant Shutdowns

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 10:46:57 PST

The dramatic decrease in sales has prompted automakers to make significant adjustments to production schedules. A number of fleets are affected by the unanticipated, longer-than-normal, plant shutdowns. These fleet managers expect order-and-delivery (OTD) times to increase in 2009 due to revised production schedules. These fleet managers say the extended plant shutdown schedules, for all intents and purposes, shortens the 2009 model-year, which early-order cut-off dates will only aggravate.

BREAKING NEWS: White House Throws GM & Chrysler $17.4 Billion Financial Lifeline

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 7:57:45 PST

WASHINGTON – In an early morning televised announcement, President Bush announced a plan to offer the struggling automakers $17.4 billion in short-term financing, $13.4 immediately available and another $4 billion likely available in February. But the plan comes with strict conditions.