By FMW Editorial Staff

A new company has recently joined the US market intending to disrupt the industry with a simpler solution that brings a new level of value to fleets. The well-established, European-based company, Edenred, brought its fleet and mobility solutions program to the United States via its Edenred Essentials Visa Fleet card.

While this card allows users to purchase fuel, charge electric vehicles, and pay any and all vehicle-related expenses, it also simplifies the fuel card management chores for fleet managers.

“Our intention is to be different from the market leaders in the US,” says Arnaud Regent, Managing Director for Fleet & Mobility at Edenred. “So, we have developed a unique product that features on-the-go controls, advance reporting, and easy setup of card usage. You can set up to pay at the pump or in the store, choose your type of fuel, and so on. Our mission is to simplify the managers’ and drivers’ experiences.”

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By Paul Atchley, eDriving’s Brain Scientist/Advisor

In 2019, I authored an article in this publication titled “Fleet Safety: It is You versus Silicon Valley.” In that article, I discussed how phones and apps are designed to promote user engagement and how that poses a risk to fleet safety.

That story has not changed, except, perhaps, for the worse. Crash data from the period of the pandemic shocked everyone. As the National Safety Council (NSC) reported in 2021, ‘a 24% spike in roadway death rates is the highest in 96 years’, despite decreases in miles driven. The data show we are still going in the wrong direction.

Science also tells us that the most powerful tool for behavior change is observing and recording the behavior and pairing those measurements with some outcome. Driver risk management provider eDriving has some excellent data showing how this works in practice. eDriving has a phone-based telematics solution, Mentor, which provides data on driving performance for each employee.

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By Ed Pierce, FMW Brand Acceleration

Digital marketing has undergone tremendous changes in the past few years due to the impact of technology, privacy, and changing customer behavior. These factors have disrupted the traditional marketing landscape and have forced marketers to adapt to new trends and strategies.

With the advent of new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and big data, marketers have been able to gather, analyze, and use customer data in ways that were not possible before.

Privacy has become a major concern for customers, particularly in the wake of high-profile data breaches and scandals involving tech companies. And customers are also changing the way they interact with brands and consume content. With the rise of mobile devices, customers are accessing content on-the-go and on a variety of devices.

The disruption caused by technology, privacy, and changing customer behavior has had a significant impact on how marketers work.

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Distracted driving has become a deadly epidemic on our roads. Cell phone use — specifically, texting, talking, and social media use — has become the most common distraction. Other risky actions include adjusting the radio or GPS, applying makeup, eating and drinking. By driving distracted, you’re robbing yourself of seconds that you may need to avoid a close call or deadly crash.

During a portion of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, from April 3 through 10, you may see increased law enforcement on the roadways as part of the national paid media campaign U Drive. U Text. U Pay. This campaign reminds drivers of the deadly dangers and the legal consequences – including fines – of texting behind the wheel.

via NHTSA

If you live in Mississippi and are thinking about an electric vehicle, it may be time to reconsider. Unfortunately, your state is one of the worst for EV ownership. With a ratio of 9,275 residents per charger, finding a place to plug in can be difficult. In the entire state, there are just 317 total EV chargers as of 2023.

Another southeastern entity ranks just behind them in third. Kentucky may have one of the best driving roads in America, but it’s not big on EVs. With just 614 charging stations for electric vehicles, the third-worst state has over 7,300 residents per charging station.

via MotorBiscuit

Last week, General Motors announced that it would be restricting access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its future lineup of electric vehicles. And so far, it appears to be alone in that decision. CarPlay and Android Auto are wildly popular.

“We continue to offer Apple Carplay and Android Auto because customers love the capability that enables easy access and control of their smartphone apps — especially our EV customers because some EVs currently do not offer the features,” said Alan Hall, a spokesperson for Ford.

via The Verge

Hyundai has joined sister company Kia in offering free steering wheel locks to owners of some cars concerned about a spike in thefts. The company will reimburse owners who have paid for a lock out of their own pocket.

The move comes even though both companies began rolling out software in February that closes a critical security loophole in the frequently stolen cars. Certain older Hyundai and Kia vehicles became common targets for thieves after social media videos in late 2021 taught viewers how to steal them with a screwdriver and a USB cable. Both companies have begun installing software updates in millions of cars that, the companies say, should solve the problem.

via Kelley Blue Book

WyoTech, a leading automotive, diesel, and collision trade school, can’t keep up with the need for auto technicians, as demand has never been higher.

“We don’t have an abundance of new trucks that our fleets can purchase and just get rid of their old equipment,” John Alexopoulos of W.W. Williams said. “The old ones need to be fixed. So, the need for diesel technicians that are trained and able to jump right in is at its all-time high, and I only see it getting higher.”

“More people are beginning to attend trade schools than ever before. It is really gratifying to see our graduates go through our nine months training program and then get hired by companies that need technicians,” WyoTech CEO and President Jim Mathis said.

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By Brian Holland, President and CEO of Fleet Advantage

Even though 2023 started a few months ago, the transportation fleet sector continues to face numerous industry, economic and environmental challenges that are certain to create operational turbulence.

Everything from fuel and equipment prices due to interest rates, ongoing driver and technician shortages, and a possible economic recession have many in the industry on edge as they navigate through the early parts of this year.

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By Dave Bean, FMW Associate Editor

Both fleet managers and drivers of EVs in Europe may have just had their lives on the road made easier after ALD Automotive and ChargePoint announced they are taking their existing business relationship even further by offering a singular electric Mobility Service Provider (eMSP) to simplify the charging process.

With one dedicated app and an accompanying charge card, fleet drivers will not only be able to access an expansive charging network, but critical and necessary reports, such as payments and reimbursements, can also be administered and submitted for processing.

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