By RoadFlex

The RoadFlex platform enables an intelligent connected-vehicle ecosystem for fleet operators, granting them real-time 360 degree-view of their fuel spend per vehicle and driver.

The solution allows fleet operators to modernize their fleets and allow them to be data-connected through seamless integrations with fleet management software, accounting tools, TMS solutions and telematics data.

RoadFlex’s AI-powered Proactive Fuel Risk Management Platform delivers comprehensive fuel risk management and fuel tracking capabilities, saving fleet operators an average of 11% in fuel spend annually.

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By April Durrett, Global Head of Experience, Verizon Connect

AI is everywhere. It’s in the media. It’s pop culture. And now, executives are clamoring for it. Sales wants it, as does the C-suite.

I’m going to let you in on a little secret, though: AI is not a silver bullet.

The combination of dashboard cameras, vehicular sensors, computer vision, and AI can generate a driver profile that identifies areas for improvement. Having this context allows fleet managers not only to develop profiles for drivers but also to identify coaching opportunities based on specific events.

Video coaching is an excellent example of how disparate tools can come together to achieve synergy. Even with all of these tools working in tandem, a human must still engage with the data and the driver for everything to work.

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By Tod Trousdell, Fleet Marketing Consultant and Owner, RobertsTrousdell Communications

This week’s fleet professional profile features transportation industry veteran Mike Hooten from Gaylor Electric, where he’s well into his second decade as a busy Fleet Manager.

Mike shares his thoughts and concerns about the current state of the industry, as well as what’s on the horizon. We also get a glimpse into what’s meaningful to him outside of work.

What keeps you up at night – both good and bad?
I am currently installing cameras in our fleet which I believe will help us tremendously with determining who the good drivers are and then being able to coach the bad drivers and help make us a safer company.

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The Massachusetts metropolis’ age and dense population make it one of the most miserable places to drive in the country, worse than Los Angeles in many areas. Boston consistently ranks among the worst cities in the U.S. for traffic.

Boston is attempting to address the problem through a new partnership with Google’s Project Green Light, which leans on artificial intelligence to alter traffic light patterns in hopes of reducing congestion. The tech should smooth stop -and-go traffic and cut emissions.

via Autoblog

ChargePoint announced ChargePoint Omni Port, an EV connector solution which ensures any EV can charge in any parking space, regardless of its connector type, and without an expensive additional cable.

Drivers can expect a frictionless charging experience when using Omni Port, simply needing to enter their vehicle’s make and model into the ChargePoint app, tapping to charge, and allowing the charging station to automatically release the correct connector type.

For those who do not use the ChargePoint app, a driver simply selects the correct connector on the charger screen. Omni Port eliminates the hassle of carrying adapters while forming a simpler, more convenient charging experience.

via ChargePoint

Ford Motor Company and TXU Energy have teamed up to create a first-of-its-kind retail energy offering for Ford electric SUV and truck customers in Texas.

Ford EV customers will get a credit on their TXU Energy bill for all home energy used for vehicle charging during the free charging hours, which are between 7 p.m. and 1 p.m. the next day, all year long.

Through the TXU Free EV Miles program, Ford aims to educate Texans about the perks of driving electric while incentivizing consumers to charge when demand on the grid is at its lowest.

via Ford Media Center

Half of all vehicles sold in China in July were either new pure electric vehicles (EV) or plug-in hybrids, industry data showed, a milestone that underscores how far the world’s biggest auto market has leapt ahead of Western counterparts in EV adoption.

Sales of so-called new energy vehicles (NEVs) jumped 37% last month from the same period a year earlier, accounting for a record 50.7% of car sales, data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) showed.

By contrast, the share of electric and hybrid vehicle sales in the United States amounted to 18% in the first quarter of this year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, a research firm.

via Reuters

By Sarah Bechtold, eDriving

Managing a fleet in today’s dynamic business landscape is no small task, especially for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Fleet Managers face a myriad of challenges, from ensuring driver safety and compliance to controlling costs and improving efficiency. These pain points can significantly impact an organization’s bottom line and operational efficiency.

However, with the right tools and strategies, these challenges can be effectively addressed. Enter Mentor by eDriving—a comprehensive, app-based solution designed to meet the diverse needs of Fleet Managers.

Mentor by eDriving offers a comprehensive, turnkey solution tailored to the needs of SMB Fleet Managers. Ready to transform your fleet management strategy? Discover how Mentor by eDriving can help you achieve your safety and efficiency goals.

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By Ed Pierce, Fleet Management Weekly’s Brand Acceleration 

This article focuses on the latest marketing innovations adopted by fleet providers to enhance branding and create sales opportunities, supporting a customer-centric business strategy that leads to B2B marketing success. 

Understanding customer behavior and preferences is essential for customer-centric marketing. Businesses now use big data to gain deeper insights into customer behavior, preferences, and trends. This allows for more targeted and personalized marketing strategies and improves decision-making processes.

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Ford Motor Co. and Mazda North American Operations have issued urgent “Do Not Drive” warnings for more than 457,000 vehicles equipped with recalled, unrepaired Takata air bags.

NHTSA is urging all vehicle owners to immediately check to see if their vehicle has an open Takata air bag recall. If it does, owners should contact their dealership to schedule a free repair as soon as possible and follow any warnings from the vehicle manufacturer. Ford and Mazda are offering free towing, mobile repair and, if necessary, loaner vehicles.

For more specific details, visit the NHTSA website.