WEX Partners with Valero Energy
WEX today announced that it will begin managing the proprietary fleet fuel card program of Valero Energy Corp.
The agreement, which the parties anticipate will be fully implemented by April 1, 2020, will enhance the technology and service of the fleet fuel card program, including introducing the ability to make mobile payments, and will provide added benefits to Valero’s fleet customers.
“We’re excited for the addition of Valero to WEX’s commercial fuel card portfolio and look forward to deepening the brand’s value in its core markets,” said Brian Fournier, Senior Vice President of Global Fleet Partners at WEX..
Learn more at WEX.
US Automakers Were Leading Targets for Hackers in 2018: FBI
As automakers push for connected vehicles that retain customer data, a recent FBI report claims the U.S. auto industry was one of the leading targets for malicious hackers in 2018, making cybersecurity more important than ever.
Hackers have repeatedly and successfully compromised the computer systems using “brute force” attacks, gaining access to unsuspecting email lists and even initiating fraudulent wire transfers.
Wireless connectivity features aren't necessarily new to the automobile as they've been around in one way or another since the 1990s. But as cars now come with cellular network-based WiFi hotspots, satellite connections, and other wireless data infrastructure such as V2X communication, it also opens the door for malicious attacks.
Read the article at The Drive.
2020 CES – The Global Stage For Innovation
As screens have replaced gauges, electric motors have supplanted engines, and computers take over for drivers, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has become the world’s go-to showcase for cutting-edge automotive technology.
Your car may not drive itself yet, but that hasn’t stopped companies from fantasizing about how you’ll use all the extra time when they can.
From TVs on the ceiling to Audi’s in-car VR, you can fully expect a whole new batch of out-there ideas this year. Workout equipment built into cars? Meditation mode? Fully stocked backseat bar? Rest assured that by the time your car can drive itself, you’ll never be bored.
Read the article at Digital Trends.
Preparing Your Fleet for 2020
By Anthony Sasso, Head of TD Bank Equipment Finance
2019 was a year of disruption and change for fleets, which will set the tone for 2020.
According to FTR Associates' latest Trucking Update, the Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) spent most of the year in the negatives. This will set the tone for 2020, although the TCI is projected to be closer to neutral in 2020. FTR's loadings outlook for 2020 is weakening but still shows growth, with a forecasted growth of .6% down from .9% previously.
There are two catalysts driving change in the industry. The first is e-commerce, which was the source of industry disruption in 2019. The second one has loomed on the horizon for a while now: we continue to see signs of a slowing economy.
Are You A Victim – Or Perpetrator – Of Holiday Road Rage?
One study shows that road rage at this time of the year rises by 200 percent due to holiday-related stress and experts say the best way to respond is to not react at all.
Tailgating was found to make motorists the angriest at 44 percent, followed by distracted driving (42 percent), getting cut off (33 percent), driving too slow (30 percent), and not using turn signals (28 percent).
If you feel you’re in danger because of another driver’s actions, use a cell phone to call police or drive to a police station if there’s one within proximity to get law enforcement involved. Never exit your vehicle to confront the other person if you’re at a traffic signal or are otherwise stopped.
Read the article at Forbes.
