Fleet Financials

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

$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.

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.

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.

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.

Man Pleads Guilty to DWI in Motorized La-Z-Boy

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:40:21 PST

DULUTH, MN - A 62-year old Minnesota man plead guilty to driving his motorized La-Z-Boy chair while drunk, according to the Duluth News Tribune.

2nd Annual Green Fleet Conference Examines Budget-Conscious Environmental Initiatives

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:35:59 PST

CHICAGO - More than 350 fleet industry professionals attended the conference, which offered solutions and resources to help fleet managers continue environmental initiatives in budget-challenged times.

IIHS Studies Impact of Cell Phone Laws

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:23:18 PST

ARLINGTON, VA - The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) recently sought out the impact of cell phone laws in changing patterns of driver cell phone use in New York, Connecticut, and the District of Columbia.

Hewlett-Packard Tops Green U.S. Companies for 2009

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:09:44 PST

PALO ALTO, CA - Newsweek ranked the largest U.S. companies based on their actual environmental performance, policies, and reputation in the annual Green Rankings for 2009.

Fleets Cut Maintenance Costs Utilizing microGreen Extended Performance Oil Filter

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:53:47 PST

VALHALLA, NY - Since launching its "Fleet Adoption Program" in April, SOMS Technologies, LLC, developer and manufacturer of the microGreen Extended Performance Oil Filter, has announced that over 100 fleets have joined the program.

PHH Arval Wins 2009 TechForum Award for Technology Innovation

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:48:13 PST

SPARKS, MD - PHH won first place in the Technology Innovation category for its advanced Driver Level Ordering online tool and North American vehicle ordering platform.

Collins Promoted to U.S. Fleet Director for GlaxoSmith-Kline

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:38:02 PST

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC - Shirley Collins, CAFM, was promoted to director, U.S. fleet for GlaxoSmith-Kline. Previously, she was manager of the U.S. Fleet.

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.

Infiniti Confirms M35 Hybrid Production

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 9:45:25 PST

FRANKLIN, TN - Infiniti confirmed its first production hybrid vehicle will be part of the recently announced line of 2011 Infiniti M luxury performance sedans, scheduled to go on sale in spring 2010 at Infiniti dealers nationwide.

Lincoln Showroom Events Highlight All-New MKT Portfolio & Benefit Breast Cancer Research

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 9:42:41 PST

DEARBORN, MI - Lincoln dealerships across the country celebrated the brand's all-new lineup of cars and crossover vehicles as part of an evening event designed to give customers an up-close look at the new 2010 models.

Volkswagen of America Launches Mobile Site

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 9:30:10 PST

HERNDON, VA - Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced the launch of its smart phone-optimized mobile Web site, m.vw.com. The mobile Web site is compatible with all web-enabled cell phones and mobile devices.

Intelligent Interaction - Restraint Systems from Audi

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 9:28:59 PST

HERNDON, VA - Audi engineers in Ingolstadt have focused particular attention on safety belts, airbags, and seats/headrests. These components interact intelligently in model lines such as the A4, A5, and Q5 to provide maximum protection for the occupants during an accident.

Volvo Cars Tests New, Unique Safety Technology - In Disguised S60 Prototype

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 9:27:02 PST

GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN - Recently, citizens in Copenhagen had the opportunity for a sneak preview of the upcoming, sporty Volvo S60 - which won't be introduced to the world until next year.

Audi is Worldwide AWD Leader in Premium Segment

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 9:25:51 PST

HERNDON, VA - No premium manufacturer builds and sells more all-wheel-drive cars worldwide than Audi, according to the manufacturer, proven by figures from the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA).

ComEd Awarded $4M to Expand Green Efforts

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:47:23 PST

CHICAGO - The company has been awarded a total of $4 million in federal economic stimulus funding to expand its alternative-fuel fleet.

ARI’s Mack Available for CARB Emissions Compliance Questions at Green Fleet Conference

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:17:31 PST

MT. LAUREL, NJ - ARI Manager Environmental & Fuel Strategies, John Mack, will be present in booth #37 of the expo to talk with fleets about their diesel emissions compliance needs.

Best Practices in IT Management Recognized

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:07:08 PST

NEW YORK - The winners of the Technology Managers Forum 15th annual Best Practice Awards program were announced at the annual conference "Securing the Virtual Enterprise," Oct. 8.

Multiband Corporation Selects CEI for Fleet Accident Management Services

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 9:53:32 PST

TREVOSE, PA - Multiband Corporation has selected the CEI Group, Inc. (CEI) for vehicle fleet accident management services, including auto body and glass repair, subrogation, and temporary vehicle replacement.

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.

BOLT Series of Locks

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:02:51 PST

The new BOLT (Breakthrough One-key Lock Technology) Series of locks incorporate a patented, automotive-style cylinder that enables users to insert their car or truck key, turn once, and program the lock to that key.

Kerry Group Rolls Out New Shell ROTELLA Road Show Mobile Display

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:51:33 PST

ST. LOUIS - The Kerry Group is now rolling out the new Shell ROTELLA Road Show mobile display that premiered at a September 23rd campaign launch event at Richard Childress Racing in Welcome, N.C.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Uses Harris Corporation Technology During G-20 Summit

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:46:10 PST

BOSTON - Built with proven Harris technology, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's STARNet system allowed federal agencies and state and local police to work together using a single communications tool.

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.

Lexus Announces Prices for 2010 LS 460 and GS Models

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:48:26 PST

TORRANCE, CA - Lexus announced Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for the 2010 LS 460 and LS 460 L premium luxury sedans, GS 350 and GS 460 mid-size luxury sport sedans, and GS 450h mid-size luxury sport hybrid sedan.

Audi to Build E-tron Electric Sports Car from Frankfurt Show

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:47:29 PST

HERNDON, VA - Audi of America's president says the company will build the E-tron all-electric sports-car concept that debuted last month at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show.

Volvo's Acoustic Design Develops in a New Lab

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:44:23 PST

GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN - Acoustic design for cars is becoming increasingly important. With a brand-new acoustic laboratory, Volvo Cars' sound experts can make further progress in the area of engine noise.

EcoBoost Contributes 125 New U.S. Patents

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:43:31 PST

DEARBORN, MI - Ford's new high-performance, fuel-saving EcoBoost technology is making waves in the engineering community, with the 3.5L version of the engine contributing 125 new patents and patent applications.

Audi Wins Automotive Lean Production Award

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 9:49:23 PST

HERNDON, VA - Audi is to receive the Automotive Lean Production Award, jointly presented by the trade journal Automobil Produktion and the management consultancy Agamus Consult

Volvo Car's Environmental Vision: 'DRIVe Towards Zero'

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 9:48:07 PST

GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN - "DRIVe Towards Zero" is Volvo Cars' vision for developing cars entirely free from harmful exhaust emissions and environment-impacting carbon dioxide.

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.

Volvo Cars Takes on Safety Challenges Involving Electric Cars

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 9:13:14 PST

GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN - Volvo is conducting extremely wide-ranging and thorough analysis of a variety of safety scenarios for cars with electric power.

BMW Reveals Plans for ‘Green’ Supercar

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 9:11:01 PST

MUNICH, GERMANY - BMW is trying to reinvent its performance image with a new 'green' supercar, combining the best elements of 2008's M1 Homage and the latest Vision EfficientDynamics concept cars.

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.

Audi Reveals the Purely Electric e-tron

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:20:39 PST

NGOLSTADT/FRANKFURT, GERMANY - Audi presented the e-tron, a high-performance sports car with a purely electric drive system at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show.

All-Electric Volvo C30 Project Presented for the First Time

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:18:09 PST

GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN - The electric Volvo C30 features the same safety, comfort, and space as the standard car, but is powered solely by electricity, entirely without exhaust emissions, with a range of up to 150 kilometers.

Audi TDI clean diesel featured on 'How It's Made'

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:16:00 PST

HERNDON, VA - Audi's TDI clean diesel technology was a featured segment on the Discovery Communications program, "How It's Made," Sept. 18, with an encore broadcast on the Discovery Channel Thursday, Sept. 24.

Technology Test Drive: BMW 750i Puts Information Superhighway on the Highway

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:14:54 PST

EL SEGUNDO, CA - iSuppli Corp.'s Automotive Infotainment Usability Test Drive of the model-year 2009 BMW 750i revealed the vehicles improved ease of use, making its industry-leading set of technology features more accessible to motorists.

Technology Test Drive: BMW 750i Puts Information Superhighway on the Highway

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:14:15 PST

Audi May Sell Next Version of A1 Car in U.S.

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:12:41 PST

HERNDON, VA - Audi may sell the next version of its new A1 compact car in the U.S. to challenge BMW's Mini.

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.

Audi, Jaguar & Land Rover Gear Up for Luxury & Sustainability

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:20:46 PST

HERNDON, VA - Calling sustainability the new luxury, the president of Audi America said that Audi hopes to be the top luxury carmaker in the world by 2015, based on adoption of sustainability as a core focus.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: The New 'Gullwing' from Mercedes-Benz

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:18:48 PST

STUTTGART, GERMANY - The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, about to celebrate its world premiere on Sept. 15 at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, embodies a blend of consummate automotive fascination and high tech.

Passion is Key in Volvo's New Global Communication Platform

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:17:38 PST

GÖTEBORG, SWEDEN - For the first time ever, Volvo Cars is launching a global communication platform. The theme is "There's more to life than a Volvo. That's why you drive one."

Plant Tuscaloosa Builds 1 Millionth Mercedes-Benz M-Class Sport Utility Vehicle

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:32:06 PST

TUSCALOOSA, AL - The only Mercedes-Benz plant in North America celebrated a significant milestone - the production of the plant's 1 millionth M-Class.

Lincoln MKT Earns 'Top Safety Pick' & Pushes New Frontier of Crash-Avoidance Technologies

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:29:36 PST

DETROIT - The all-new 2010 Lincoln MKT three-row luxury crossover received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Lexus Introduces Drivers to its new HS and 'Hello Someday'

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:28:37 PST

EL SEGUNDO, CA - In September, Lexus raises the bar once again with the arrival of the most fuel-efficient luxury vehicle in the U.S. The 2010 Lexus HS250h hybrid sedan offers an unprecedented blend of advanced technology, luxury, and sustainable materials.

The New Volvo C30: Sportier with More Options

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:27:11 PST

GÖTEBORG, SWEDEN - The new Volvo C30 appeals to customers who spend most of their time in the city environment and who impose considerable demands on the car's design, driving properties, and personality.

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.

Audi Sets Pricing for 2010 MY A3 TDI Clean Diesel

Fri, 4 Sep 2009 14:06:10 PST

HERNDON, VA - Audi announced pricing for the 2010 A3 TDI, its second U.S. clean diesel offering launched this year. Expected to begin arriving at U.S. dealers in late November 2009, the 50-state certified A3 TDI delivers the highest highway fuel economy in the luxury car category - 42 mpg.

Mercedes to Lease Fuel-Cell Cars in 2010

Fri, 4 Sep 2009 14:04:28 PST

MONTVALE, NJ - While other automakers plunge headlong into the electric car race, Mercedes-Benz is betting on hydrogen. The company plans to begin a small-scale program leasing compact luxury cars that operate off of hydrogen fuel-cells in the United States as early as next year.

Volvo Drives Straight into Mobile Phones

Fri, 4 Sep 2009 14:03:21 PST

GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN - Volvo Cars is now driving straight into mobile phones all over the world. Following the launch of the international mobile site in March, the Swedish car maker will soon be making it into 20 markets.

Dynamics and Efficiency: Three New Models at the Frankfurt Auto Show

Fri, 4 Sep 2009 14:01:42 PST

HERNDON, VA - Audi will unveil three new vehicles at Frankfurt's International Motor Show (IAA): the S5 Sportback, the A4 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro, and the A3 1.2 TFSI.

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.

Audi sets 2010 MY Availability and Pricing for its Redesigned Q7 Models

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:06:38 PST

HERNDON, VA - Audi announced the U.S. manufacturer's suggested retail prices for its redesigned 2010 Q7 models, scheduled to arrive at U.S. Audi dealers in September 2009.

Toyo Proxes A20 Selected as the OE Upgrade for 2010 Lexus HS 250h

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:05:17 PST

CYPRESS, CA - The Toyo Proxes A20 all-season tire has been selected as the 18-inch OE upgrade for the 2010 Lexus HS 250h.

Volkswagen Group of America Announces Customer Service Program

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:04:14 PST

HERNDON, VA - Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. announced it would initiate a new customer service program to address concerns raised by its customers with certain Direct Shift Gearboxes (DSG) in Volkswagen and Audi models.

Audi Makes Subtle Changes to its Four-Ringed Emblem

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:02:49 PST

HERNDON, VA - Audi's four-ringed logo has been in use since the Auto Union days back in the 1930s, and has been refreshed to mark the occasion of the company's centenary

BMW to Show 155-mph Vision Plug-In Hybrid Concept

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:00:01 PST

MUNICH, GERMANY - BMW is starting to show off the Vision concept with a plug-in hybrid with electric motors and three-cylinder turbo-diesel engine.

Puzzling Thoughts On Compensation vs. Education

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:30:11 PST

While I'm a distance from being called an academic, I've always felt that education is the road to professionalism; and that professionalism leads to increased compensation. There are many variables, but my recent re-review of the salary surveys that we conduct raises some interesting questions.

Volkswagen of America Announces Voluntary Recall

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 8:59:55 PST

HERNDON, VA - Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced a voluntary recall involving 13,500 vehicles equipped with its DSG transmission. Models affected by the recall include the Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, GTI, and Eos built between September 2008 and August 2009.

Lexus Announces Prices for Select 2010 Models

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 8:58:17 PST

TORRANCE, CA - Lexus announced Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for various models including the 2010 IS 250 and IS 350 luxury sport sedans, IS 250 C and IS 350C luxury hard-top convertibles, and IS F high performance sedan.

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.

Comparing the CFO With the Fleet Manager

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:25:59 PST

Most of my life, and until quite recently, I have always unconsciously felt like there were many levels that separated the two positions within a company. A few weeks ago, I altered my reasoning and actually found a number of similarities between the two responsibilities.

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.

Audi Announces 2010-MY Pricing for All-New S4 Performance Sedan & A5/S5 Cabriolet

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 9:44:56 PST

HERNDON, VA - Audi announced the U.S. manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the 2010 Audi S4 sedan and A5/S5 Cabriolet models.