Merchants Fleet Management Expands on Newly Formed Southeast Region
Hooksett, N.H. October 17, 2018: Merchants Fleet Management is pleased to announce three sales executives; Steve Merkel, Jake Brunner, and Jessica Bruning have joined the newly formed Southeast region. This team will work under the direction of the three Regional Vice Presidents who joined Merchants last month, industry veterans Bill Stueber, Dusty Cummins, and Mike Combs. Merkel, Brunner, and Burning will cover the Southeast area, helping corporate fleets meet their business needs with the extensive suite of solutions offered by Merchants.
Ford Motor Co. and Volkswagen Engaged in Serious Discussions About a Potential Partnership
Ford and VW announced in June that the two companies had signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore several joint projects, including (but not limited to) joint development of a range of commercial vehicles to better serve global markets.
“Ford is already flirting with joint ventures with VW,” said Jon Gabrielsen, an independent market economist who advises automakers and suppliers. “So, the immediate question before Ford now is, does one do a difficult but orderly marriage now or wait to be forced to do a disorderly fire sale under duress later? I see millimeter steps at a time when they should be taking a massive leap."
Read the article at Detroit Free Press.
Lyft Subscription Plan Rolls Out With All-Access Service
Ride-hailing service Lyft has rolled out a subscription plan nationwide that gives heavy users a potential savings on rides.
“As more affordable and convenient commuting options become available, people will need their personal cars less and our relationship with transportation will change,” Lyft said in a statement. “Lyft believes in transportation as a service—much like you subscribe to Netflix or Amazon.”
Read the article at Fortune.
People-Driven Cars Should Share the Roads, Not Surrender Them to Robot Cars
The self-driving race is facing resistance as some people fear losing the freedom of personal car ownership and want to have control of their own mobility. They distrust autonomous technology and they worry about the loss of privacy.
McKeel Hagerty, CEO of a Traverse City-based company that bears his family name, launched a new mission called Save Driving, aimed at preserving human driving and keeping the car culture alive for future generations as the push toward self-driving cars accelerates.
Read the article at Detroit Free Press.
Holman Parts Distribution Earns NAFA Sustainable Fleet Accreditation
Holman Parts Distribution today announced the company has been recognized as an accredited NAFA Sustainable Fleet.
“Sustainability is integral to how we operate our business and this accreditation further validates the significance of our efforts to continue to reduce our carbon footprint,” said John Conte, Manager, Logistics and Operations, Holman Parts Distribution. “The transportation industry has the opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on a global scale and it is critical we understand the importance of committing to clean driving practices.”
