Ford’s Voluntary Safety Report Emphasizes its Slow-and-Steady Approach to Self-Driving Vehicles
Ford doesn’t want to be the first company to offer self-driving cars to the public; it wants to be the brand most synonymous with the word “trust” and believes their overly cautious approach could help them win over consumers.
That’s what Ford says in its self-driving safety report, entitled "A Matter of Trust," which it delivered to the US Department of Transportation Thursday. The 44-page document outlines the technology and procedures Ford is using to safely deploy its fleet of autonomous test vehicles.
Read the article at The Verge.
Seven Simple Words to Ask Your Employee: ‘What’s your plan for solving this issue?’
When an employee presents a problem to the boss, what should the response be? While empowering the employee by asking “what’s your plan for solving this issue?” it also creates much greater trust between boss and employee, increasing the chances that the employee will continue to discuss problems.
When employees stop bringing problems, leaders tend to get fired.
There may be times when an employee truly has no response when you ask, “what’s your plan for solving this issue?” And if that’s the case, you can certainly provide some help and guidance. Be careful of so dominating the conversation that the employee doesn’t develop the kind of critical thinking, innovation, problem-solving and resilience skills that will enable them to solve future problems.
Read the article at Forbes.
Effects of the Changing Traffic Safety Culture
By Art Liggio, President and CEO, Driving Dynamics
Since 2008, the AAA Foundation has published a highly informative, eye-opening report titled: Traffic Safety Culture Index.
Included are annual survey results identifying drivers’ attitudes and behaviors related to traffic safety. Working with fleet safety professionals across the country, I have found that many are not aware of this report.
This report clearly indicates that our cultural attitude toward traffic safety is being compromised and the worsening crash statistics over the past few years bear this out.
Phase 2 of Europe’s New Auto Emission Regime Causing Massive Headaches and Uncertainty for Fleets and Car Makers
The second phase in the adoption of WLTP -- the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure for identifying auto emission levels for all new cars and trucks sold -- goes into effect September 1, and it's been causing near-chaos and the adoption of "Plan B" by fleets and OEMS as they struggle to cope with it.
The problems stem from the fact that the test is lengthier, more rigorous and is finding that vehicle emissions are considerably higher than the test it' is replacing, the New European Driving Cycle. As of next month, only auto models that have been WLTP-tested can be sold, more effective emission-control systems may have to be installed, raising car prices, and the higher emissions can mean higher taxes for drivers.
Ohio Senator Proposes $3500 Incentive to Buyers of American-Made Cars
A bill proposed this week in the U.S. Senate aims to give car buyers $3,500 to buy American-made cars, including models from Ford, General Motors, Honda, Toyota, and others, the latest thrust in escalating threats between lawmakers and the auto industry.
Democratic Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown proposed the legislation this week and said the measure was meant to protect jobs in America.
Read the article at The Car Connection.
