Our Dynamic Fleet Community
One of the most anticipated events at the annual NAFA I&E is the FMC panel. In Louisville, Kentucky last week, CEOs from the five leading US fleet management companies offered sage advice to fleet managers who wish to elevate the influence they have within their companies.
That counsel and other highlights from the conference are presented in At NAFA I&E 2019: Making a Strategic Business Value Case is the Most Critical Skill Fleet Managers Need to Cultivate.
One of the initiatives that created a great deal of buzz at I&E is the launch of NAFA Communities. NAFA CEO Phil Russo tells us about it in this video clip
A heartfelt thank-you to the 40+ industry leaders the FMW team interviewed at the conference. We remain inspired by the collegiality and talent within our fleet industry.
Janice Sutton
Editor in Chief
Survey: Majority Believes EVs Best Used as Commuter and City Cars
According to a survey by Mini USA, nearly two out of three American consumers believe the best use for a battery vehicle was for commuting, or as a city car, with a daily range of 75 miles being sufficient.
Analysts point out that demand for battery vehicles, especially all-electric models, has only taken off with the appearance of products that can get 200 miles or more between charges.
The Mini survey could help manufacturers justify the need to continue offering federal tax credits as the Trump Administration is proposing the incentives of up to $7,500 be eliminated in the coming year. Mini is preparing to enter the electric vehicle market.
Read the article at The Detroit Bureau.
Donlen Announces Ford Data Services Integration with Proprietary DriverPoint Telematics
Donlen has entered into an agreement with Ford Commercial Solutions to deliver fleet vehicle data through Ford’s open-platform Transportation Mobility Cloud (TMC).
The integration gathers current vehicle data using Ford built-in modems, without the need of a physical device and integrates within Donlen’s DriverPoint® Telematics platform. By eliminating hardware installation, customers are now able to access more data faster than ever.
NHTSA Takes the Low Road After Rosekind’s Departure
Safety, Research & Strategies, Inc.(SRS)
Mark Rosekind predicted that the NHTSA's aggressive enforcement stance would continue after his departure, because “the agency has taken steps to keep its momentum on issues such as autonomous vehicles and cementing a “proactive” safety culture in the new presidential administration.”
An examination of NHTSA rulemaking, investigations, and civil penalties in the last two years shows that the momentum has died.
The contrast with the activity under Rosekind’s two-year reign is stark. In 2008, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigations decreased to 123, and in 2018, the number is down to 34. In the first three months of 2019, the agency has opened a grand total of one investigation.
Read the article at Safety, Research & Strategies, Inc. (SRS)
From an Ad in the Paper to a Successful Career in Fleet
Tips on growing in your fleet career from an industry expert - including having good mentors and a great network, being persistent, and never being afraid to ask for assistance.
