As a fleet operator, it is your job to ensure company drivers remain informed about new and common hazards faced on the roadways and provide those employees an opportunity to learn and practice corresponding safety measures to keep themselves protected.

Due to the ever-changing driving landscape, the unpredictable nature of other ‘untrained’ drivers with whom your drivers share the road, and heavier traffic patterns, the risk of a crash is higher than ever before. For example, more than 70 percent of individuals consider themselves to be an above average driver. This statistic is concerning considering most drivers haven’t participated in a proper safety training course since receiving their license.

While each fleet has its own unique set of challenges, understanding the risks drivers face on a daily basis is one of the most critical objectives for fleet and safety professionals. By obtaining this information and combining it with a company’s own risk-data, MVRs and telematics reports, fleet operators will have the insight needed to develop and implement appropriate safety plans, adjust communications accordingly and adopt effective training programs that address current safety concerns and result in reduced incident rates.

Are you ready to test yourself and how much you know? See how in-tune you are with the issues and challenges your drivers face every day and the advanced performance techniques used to handle and avoid risky situations.

Take the quiz!

ARI

Raise your hand if you’re ready for this year to be over.

We’re already into Q3; even “essential” personnel have barely seen many of our coworkers in person since Q1, and it feels like with every two steps forward, we’re taking one step back. But that still proves we’re making progress.

We’ve gone too many steps forward to hit “ctrl+Z” on 2020. Look at some of the improvements in our work lives we’ve gained because of the pandemic:

• Much warranted appreciation for workers whose jobs were taken for granted for so long. The people who selflessly continued to show up at work to serve others during the pandemic.
• More streamlined workflow and productivity thanks to technology such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Also less commuting and work travel gives us back more time for ourselves.
• Learning new skills and technologies, expanding our personal development and creating more brain power.
• Implementation of safety measures in facilities for employees who cannot work remotely.

See, you’re feeling better already.

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International Fleet World

Ford and ALD Automotive have signed a shareholder agreement to launch a new integrated fleet leasing and management solution in Europe, dubbed Ford Fleet Management.

ALD Automotive has been providing Ford Lease Services for more than 15 years in Europe – and will draw on their respective strengths; Ford’s product expertise and connected vehicle capability and ALD Automotive’s global scale and know-how in full-service leasing and fleet management.

“This new business marks a significant step in strengthening our position as Europe’s leading commercial vehicle brand by providing new opportunities for us to serve our customers through fleet management,” said Stuart Rowley, president, Ford of Europe.

Read the article at International Fleet World.

The Detroit News

In Europe, sales of battery-powered and hybrid cars have held up better than the overall market amid a deeply painful recession, mainly thanks to the action of governments.

The 27-country European Union is moving ahead with a major shift in transportation as part of the bloc’s efforts against climate change. Under regulatory pressure carmakers are rolling out a slew of new electric models so they can meet tougher limits on greenhouse gases that come into full force next year.

Battery-only models are becoming more affordable, especially as sales are supported by substantial government subsidies. As sales of internal combustion cars have fallen, demand for battery-only cars and hybrids that combine electric motors with conventional engines has been stable or even increased, recent statistics show. By contrast, electric car adoption is moving more slowly in the U.S. due to regulatory uncertainty.

Read the article at The Detroit News.

The Detroit Bureau

The auto industry is undergoing the most “significant transition” it has seen in a century, and General Motors doesn’t intend to be left behind, aggressively expanding its approach to clean technologies for vehicles and its factories.

The big truck plant in Arlington, Texas is already using 100% wind-generated power and GM recently signed up with the TVA to deliver 100 megawatts of solar energy by 2023. GM is also pushing ahead on construction of a new battery plant in Ohio that is part of its partnership with Korea’s LG Chem.

GM was an early proponent of hydrogen fuel-cell technology and two years ago launched a joint venture with Honda. The Japanese automaker is focusing on automotive applications for fuel cells. GM, on the other hand, is emphasizing stationary applications, such as back-up power for cellphone towers.

Read the article at The Detroit Bureau.

Car and Driver

Ford is no longer asking its customers what they want to drive. It’s asking them who they are, and then providing a range of choices based on the answer. 

Do you like sleek design, live in an urban center, and prioritize driving performance? Ford says get used to thinking of the Mustang as more than just a muscle car. Ford refers to Bronco as an “outdoor brand” and says that in addition to buying the Broncos themselves, customers will be able to buy off-road instruction and shop from an ever-growing list Bronco-brand accessories.

The offerings from both of these brand pillars will offer the over-the-air updates and data tracking that Ford says will improve the ownership experience

Read the article at Car and Driver.

TNW

Electric vehicle subsidies in Germany are now so good that some cars are as cheap as a mobile contract, in some cases they’re even free.

At the start of July, the German government doubled its subsidy contribution to new EV buyers. Along with manufacturer support it meant that buyers could get around €9,000 ($10,000) toward a new zero emission vehicle.

There is a caveat, though: getting an EV for free only applies to leased vehicles, not an outright purchase. Taking the subsidies into account, one vehicle dealership chain in Germany has been able to offer the new 80 kW Renault Zoe for free. Prior to the subsidy doubling, the Zoe was €125 per month for two years.

Read the article at TNW.

Fleet Logistics Newsletter

Fleet procurement in the ‘new normal’ business world will become more complex but will provide businesses with the opportunity to future-proof their fleets, rethink their supply strategies and increase flexibility and resilience in their supply chains.

That’s the view from Sue Branston, Country Head of Fleet Logistics UK, the UK and Ireland arm of Fleet Logistics International.

As the lockdown restrictions continue to be lifted and the UK Government attempts to kick-start the economy, businesses face a number of questions and challenges over the future composition of their fleets to make sure they are running at optimum efficiency.

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J.D. Power

If a vehicle owner is loyal to a specific brand, it’s becoming more difficult for another brand to woo them away when it’s time to buy a new vehicle, according to the J.D. Power 2020 U.S. Automotive Brand Loyalty Study.

“There are many factors that contribute to brand loyalty, ranging from the experience a customer has when purchasing the vehicle to how driving it makes them feel,” said Tyson Jominy, vice president of data & analytics at J.D. Power.

“Automakers are really focused on customer retention, as evidenced by the payment plans and incentives they’ve offered since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. Many have gone above and beyond to offer customers financial assistance during a period of economic uncertainty, which does a lot to bolster consumer confidence in their chosen brand and repurchase it in the future.”

Read the article at J.D. Power.

Fox Business

As the auto industry contemplates the impact of technology and Covid-19, designers are reinventing the interior of the automobile and how its passengers experience the ride, with an emphasis on cars as a safe place.

Covid-19 may reorder which advances come first. Smart surfaces, with materials that would replace the dials and buttons on the dashboard as input devices, could be self-cleaning. Such a function could be essential for car-sharing and ride-hailing vehicles used by many people.

Designs that completely transform the car’s interior into a working or relaxing space can only be realized once fully autonomous vehicles are on the road. Cars with retractable steering wheels, or seats that swivel so the driver can face the other passengers while the car’s robot drives are on the drawing board today.

Read the article at Fox Business.