The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is issuing a request for public comment on new pedestrian crashworthiness tests. The New Car Assessment Program, or NCAP, measures how well vehicles protect those outside the vehicle, which can reduce pedestrian fatalities.
“Ensuring the safety of pedestrians is a top priority at DOT, and these proposed updates to NCAP are an important step in addressing the crisis of roadway deaths in America,” said NHTSA Chief Counsel Ann Carlson. “Vehicles must be designed to protect their occupants while increasing safety for those outside the vehicle, too.”
Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc., distributor of low-cab-forward trucks, announced that Matthew A. Mesick has been appointed as the company’s first Director, EV Strategies.
The creation of the position comes just two months after the company announced that its first all-electric truck for the U.S. and Canadian markets will begin production late in the first quarter of 2024.
“As electric vehicles will play an ever-increasing role in our future, having resources focused 100 percent in this area is necessary for our organization to support everyone’s efforts properly,” said Shaun C. Skinner, president of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America and Isuzu Commercial Truck of Canada.
By Ed Pierce, Contributing Editor, Fleet Management Weekly
Leaseplan Canada's Central Regional Director of Sales and Client Services Jennifer Chapman has been a member of the Canadian fleet management community for over 20 years. In that time, she has earned both CAFM and ASE certifications and has demonstrated the ability to manage and collaborate with teams and implement processes that deliver the best solutions for her clients.
Here, she took the time to answer questions about her background and perspective about the fleet industry.
How did you land in the fleet industry? Like most people in Fleet, I kind of fell into the industry. When I went to college, there was no “automotive fleet” class or program like there is today. But once I was in the industry, I fell in love with it.
The city of Westland bought 20 Ford Police Interceptors using funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. They were phased in on Tuesday, May 16.
These new next-generation hybrid vehicles have 3.3-liter HEV engines with 318 combined horsepower, and Ford says these vehicles are the "first-ever pursuit-rated hybrid police SUV."
They will feature new technology so that officers can access as much information as possible while they are patrolling. In addition, these vehicles are 25% more fuel efficient than the Ford Explorers the department previously used.
NAFA announces its first-ever Fleet Safety Symposium taking place June 22-23 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Spanning two days, the event will focus on the most critical aspects of fleet safety programs, including technology, policies, driver training, emerging legislation, and trends.
Ensuring a safe work environment for employees is vital, and the need for effective fleet safety programs could not be more urgent. NAFA’s Fleet Safety Symposium offers attendees critical insights from expert speakers and fleet management professionals.
“We are thrilled to present our first-ever Fleet Safety Symposium to the fleet community,” said Bill Schankel, CAE, CEO of NAFA. “Safety is a top priority for fleet managers, and this event will be an excellent opportunity for professionals to learn from each other and stay current on the latest trends and best practices for effective fleet safety programs.”