By Tod Trousdell, Fleet Marketing Consultant and Partner/RobertsTrousdell Communications

We spoke with Gary Mott, President of FLD Remarketing, the recipient last month of NVLA’s prestigious Samuel J. Lee Memorial Award, which recognizes his more than 30 years of service to the fleet and leasing industries.

What’s your take on the current state of fleet and any thoughts you have on the industry?
The fleet industry is at yet another crossroads. While in the past, the focus was primarily on technology and sustainability, we’re now seeing a shift toward issues like near-shoring, inflation, and tariffs.

What most excites you about the future of fleet?
From a technology perspective…the ability for AI to assist in assessing vehicle value, predicting market trends, and enhancing the buying experience will be game-changing.

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Kooner Fleet Management Solutions, a leading provider of comprehensive on site fleet management, mobile repair and preventative maintenance solutions, announced Russell Keys and Jim Ross are joining sales leadership as Senior Account Executives. 

Both Russell and Jim have nearly six decades of expertise in a highly competitive service industry. Their deep understanding of market strategies will be invaluable as Kooner grows its nationwide fleet management services.

“The additions of Russell and Jim will strengthen our relationships across the country and contribute to our aggressive growth plans,” said Michael Quimby, COO at Kooner FMS.

Kooner FMS’s focus on customer satisfaction, technological advancements, and sustainable practices will ensure its continued growth and leadership in the fleet management industry.

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Work Truck Solutions®, a leading commercial vehicle authority, has released its Q1 2025 Commercial Vehicle Market Analysis, highlighting ongoing market adjustments as new inventory stabilizes amid uncertainty surrounding emissions standards and international trade.

New commercial vehicle inventory remained largely stable, with the average number of trucks on-lot per dealer showing no change quarter over quarter, following a 24.1% year-over-year (YoY) increase.

The used work truck and van market continues to adjust, with inventory levels showing modest quarter-over-quarter growth (up 3.7%) while flat year-over-year.

“The commercial vehicle market continues to rebalance, with new commercial vehicle inventory holding steady over the last two quarters and pricing showing minor fluctuations,” said Aaron Johnson, CEO of Work Truck Solutions.

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In the weeks following the Trump administration’s tariff announcements, which sent global economies into turmoil, several amendments have been made to the policy, giving certain industries a much-needed break.

The biggest winner here is Mexico, which is by far the largest source of auto parts imports into the United States, followed by Canada.

Under the updated tariff system, parts that meet the requirements of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) are spared from the 25% duty slapped on most other components. This is a shift from Trump’s earlier suggestion that non-US parts would eventually face the same 25% tariff. Now, it’s confirmed that the current 0% duties on compliant parts will stay put – for now, at least.

via CarScoops

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is acknowledging Military Appreciation Month with a Truckers for Troops® campaign from May 12-18, 2025. This program focuses on supporting U.S. troops overseas and veterans back home.

The fundraising effort has been an OOIDA tradition since 2007, originally dedicated to sending care packages to service personnel stationed in combat zones.

Truckers for Troops has also helped a variety of veterans facilities, including those assisting or housing wounded, disabled or homeless service members.

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Rivian Automotive has quietly built itself a small cushion and kept production of both its R1T pickup and its R1S SUV in the short term, after stockpiling a reserve of electric-vehicle batteries ahead of last year’s U.S. election last November.

Rivian secured a supply of lithium iron phosphate cells for use in its EV batteries from China’s Gotion High-Tech Co. and also worked closely with Samsung SDI, to move large quantities of its battery inventory from South Korea to its facilities in the U.S.

These proactive moves have seemingly allowed Rivian, which relies on battery technology for every vehicle it currently produces in the U.S., to keep production of all-electric models running smoothly, at least for the time being.

via CarBuzz

U.S. House Republicans advanced a new $250 annual fee on electric cars but dropped a $20 federal yearly registration fee on all vehicles starting in 2031 to fund road repairs as part of a tax reform bill under consideration.

The suggested annual EV registration fee, which essentially operates as a tax, is based on a Federal Highway Administration estimation that the average American uses about 550 gallons of gas per year.

If the bill passes, EV owners would be paying an annual registration fee more than twice the average gas tax or the equivalent of the $0.184 tax on 1,389 gallons of gasoline. A proposed $20 annual fee for all drivers that was part of the bill was dropped.

via Autoblog

From IIHS

Families with newly licensed teens have a wide range of options this year when it comes to safe vehicles for their novice driver.

An updated list of suggested vehicles for teens from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR) includes 74 used vehicles priced at $10,000 or less.

“Given consumers’ economic anxiety and the uncertainty around future vehicle prices, the availability of a wide range of safe, affordable used options is welcome news,” said Jessica Jermakian, IIHS senior vice president for vehicle research. “Helping your kid achieve a milestone of independence shouldn’t require compromising on safety.”

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Fleet operators are currently navigating a landscape filled with challenges due to rising fuel prices, the implementation of stricter environmental regulations, and increasing competition.

It is imperative to recognize that fuel-saving technology is no longer optional but necessary.

This article firmly addresses recent breakthroughs in the field, such as cutting-edge telematics, AI-driven systems, enhancements in aerodynamics, and effective methods to influence driver behavior.

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Vehicle reimbursement programs for organizations with employees who drive often incur unexpected costs beyond initial calculations. The four main options – company-provided vehicles, car allowances, cents-per-mile reimbursement, and fixed and variable rate (FAVR) reimbursement – each present distinct advantages and hidden expenses.

Fleet programs average $12,816 per driver annually when accounting for fuel cards, maintenance, and liability risks. Car allowances create tax waste while potentially disadvantaging employees in high-cost regions.

Cents-per-mile programs face challenges with mileage fraud and audit exposure, particularly with high-mileage drivers. FAVR reimbursements offer the most comprehensive solution by tailoring payments to geographic costs, though they require more complex administration.

To download the full Motus Total Cost of Vehicle Programs report, click here.

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