Deaths from Distracted Driving are 100% Preventable
What can we, as individuals, do to help save the lives of people involved in crashes caused by distracted driving? For starters, you do not need to pick up that phone, text or message when you are behind the wheel.
Ford Wants to Cut Costs by Telling Dealers to Make Less on EV Sales
September 9, 2022 - Ford CEO Jim Farley is meeting with dealers next week and is going to try to get dealers to simultaneously cut up to $2,000 from the cost of every single EV delivery, while asking dealers to make large investments into the company’s retail EV infrastructure.
That means cutting the cost of EV delivery by $2,000 per vehicle, which Ford plans to do by setting fixed prices and fees, which dealers can’t change arbitrarily, and by establishing a “low inventory model.” Under this model, customers order from Ford itself, and Ford delivers their electric car or truck.
Dealers will have to install an undisclosed minimum of EV chargers and other equipment needed to service EVs. Farley says this model stops excess inventory from languishing on dealer lots for weeks or months on end and would save the company from $600 to $700 per vehicle.
Kirk Guilan Promoted to Director of EV Mobility for Dobbs Truck Group
Dobbs Truck Group is pleased to announce the promotion of Kirk Gulian to the position of Director of EV Mobility.
In his new role, Kirk has responsibility for developing, implementing, and leading Dobbs Truck Group short and long range business plans related to Electric Vehicle Truck Sales, Infrastructure Planning, as well as identifying funding and grant sources. Mr. Gulian has worked for Dobbs Truck Group for over 15 years and has extensive Feet sales, truck specification and transportation industry knowledge.
“We are pleased to have Kirk helping us lead the charge in the growing Battery Electric Vehicle Segment. We are also excited to bring Kirk’s leadership and industry experience to bear as our valued customers seek solutions for BEV commercial trucks, charging infrastructure and funding solutions” said Olen Hunter, Dobbs Truck Group Executive Vice President.
Traffic Safety Agency Issues Final Guidelines for Vehicle Cybersecurity
September 8, 2022 - The final version of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s cybersecurity practices will be published in the Federal Register on Friday, focusing on cryptographic techniques to mitigate hacking risks as vehicles become more technologically integrated.
In the Cybersecurity Best Practices for the Safety of Modern Vehicles final draft, NHTSA officials took advice from the public during the draft publication’s open comment period and added more detail on key systems and cryptographic elements, as well as how attackers may use software updates to infiltrate a vehicle’s network.
“The recommendations contained within the best practices are intended to be applicable to all individuals and organizations involved in the design, development, manufacture and assembly of a motor vehicle and its electronic systems and software,” the Federal Register notice reads.
Inflation Proof Your Business
We look to Ed Pierce to help us understand the latest trends in B2B sales and marketing. In The Indirect Buying Cycle Is Here and Suppliers Must Adapt, Pierce writes: “Above all, understanding this new generation of purchase decision-makers and their buyer journey using advanced technology is the starting line for every business.”
The USA is not unique; virtually every country is grappling with the effects of inflation. Brian Calhoun, Director of Commercial Sales at Motus, offers some helpful tips to manage the pain in: SMB: Inflation-Proofing Your Business and Maximizing the Value of Your Vehicle Program!
There is still time to register for NETS 2022 Annual Strength IN Numbers® Fleet Safety Benchmark Conference!
Drive Safety!
Janice Sutton
Editor in Chief
