Businesses that grow comfortable with their own solutions are often blind-sided by new solutions they never imagined, which were hidden in plain sight

By John Wysseier, CEO and President, The CEI Group

Last month, I wrote that for an organization to embrace disruptive innovation for long-term survival, it takes leadership — not just from the CEO, but from the entire C-suite of senior executives. Today, I want to consider another essential ingredient: a Chief Disruption Officer or CDO.

I want to start by pointing out that there is some ambiguity about this title.  For some, CDO stands for Chief Digital Officer, more of a
technology-focused position, while for others, the Chief Disruption Officer is a position that combines equal measures of expertise in sales, marketing, operations and strategy in addition to a grasp of digital technology.  Yet, others bridge this divide by adding another D, and calling the position Chief Digital and Disruption Officer, or CDDO.

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By Andrew Boada, Editor at Large

In the battle to avert climate change, vehicles powered only by electricity — EVs — are being heralded around the world as the ultimate transportation solution for a“zero emissions” future.

While it’s true that EVs generate no CO₂ at the tailpipe, a closer look that includes embedded emissions suggests that, at
least in the near term, hybrids – vehicles that combine a fossil fuel powertrain with one powered by electricity – may, in fact, be the better alternative. 

Why? In a nutshell, because in the US EVs offer, at best, a small extra environmental benefit beyond that offered by hybrids, and getting that marginal extra environmental benefit comes at a significantly higher acquisition cost.

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Identify inefficiencies, set performance standards and measure success

By Lynne White, Chevin Fleet

On a regular basis, fleet managers need to address a range of responsibilities such as vehicles and equipment, maintenance operations, drivers, fuel, and safety.

The ability to collate and analyze quality, relevant data can lead to better asset and operations management. Such data can also help drive an informed approach to identifying inefficiencies and create opportunities to set performance standards and accurately measure success.

What data do I need?
The key to efficiently and effectively utilizing data begins with two key steps:

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Money Talks News

Fatalities are almost twice as likely to occur in car crashes if you are traveling in a subcompact or sports car.

Data analyzed from the U.S. Fatality Analysis Reporting System and iSeeCar’s.com’s data for cars from the model years 2013-2017, found that fourteen models were found to be at least twice as likely as the average car to be involved in a fatal accident. Mitsubishi Mirage topped the list.

Read the article at Money Talks News.

USA Today

While cars have been getting safer for occupants, they remain potentially deadly for those outside the vehicle.

The number of bicyclists killed last year shot up 10% and pedestrian deaths rose 4%.

Experts have pointed to distracted driving and the growing popularity of SUVs, which can be more deadly than cars because they smash directly into victims, instead of pushing them up onto the hood or windshield.

A few automakers rolled out pedestrian and bicycle detection as part of their automatic braking systems, but most haven’t.

Read the article at USA Today.

The Verge

Toyota will start testing a new solar roof for the Prius that it says can add as much as 44.5 km of range to the plug-in hybrid a day.

The solar cells, which are being manufactured by Sharp, are just 0.03mm thick, but deliver around 860 watts of power, and can even charge the car while it’s being driven.

Testing is due to start on public roads later this month, but there’s no word on when it might make it into a commercial vehicle.

Read the article at The Verge.

The Drive

Volkswagen and Ford may be teaming up to trade electric vehicle and autonomous driving tech.

VW can share its modular MEB platform, while Ford can offer some of its driverless vehicle findings.

Currently, Volkswagen’s I.D. Crozz Concept-based electric crossover and Ford’s first electric product, the “Mustang-inspired” Mach E performance crossover are poised to launch late 2020.

Read the article at The Drive.

International Fleet World

Interest in mobility solutions is increasing but few businesses would be willing to give up their company cars and use a mobility solution instead.

That’s according to new research from Arval that finds the company car looks set to remain the core transport method for the foreseeable future.

The research, part of the 2019 edition of Arval Mobility Observatory which saw some 3,930 fleets surveyed, saw fleets asked whether they would fully or in part give up their vehicle for a range of alternatives; just 7% of fleets said they would probably or certainly opt instead for car sharing, 9% for ride sharing, 8% for a mobility budget, 11% for a private lease vehicle and 7% for mid-term rental.

Read the article at International Fleet World

BBC News

The Centre for Research into Energy Demand Solutions (CREDS), an academic consortium of more than 80 academics across the UK, issued a report calling on the government to devise a strategy allowing people to have a good standard of living without needing a car.

The report warns that electrifying cars will not address traffic jams, urban sprawl and wasted space for parking. Walking, cycling, public transport and vehicle-sharing should be made available wherever possible.

Read the article at BBC News.

By Ed Pierce, Fleet Industry Marketer

With the significant amount of inbound and outbound tactics available to marketers today and the rapidly evolving state of marketing best practices, you fully understand your business’ need for ROI-driven solutions to implement a successful Inbound marketing program.

Your website, content development and marketing, social-media efforts, and email-marketing campaigns — all of your digital presence — work together to become an effective lead generation and qualification source.

To develop the best inbound marketing program effectively, consider taking the following three-phased approach:

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