Why GM Re-Entered the Commercial Truck Market
FMW recently talked with Ed Peper, General Motors’ U.S. vice president for fleet, about the company's re-entry into the high end of the medium-duty commercial truck market. Below is an edited transcript of his interview with Mark Boada, FMW’s executive editor
What are GM’s new commercial trucks?
This year we’ve launched the Silverado 4500, 5500, 6500 conventional medium-duty truck product. We’re really, really excited about this product and about getting back into a segment of the market we haven’t played in since 2009.
What made GM drop out of that market and why did you decide to get back in?
2018 Jeep Cherokee is ‘Most American’ Car
According to a new survey by Cars.com, the Jeep Cherokee is the "Most American" car, which is made at the company’s plant in Belivdere, Illinois.
The Cherokee, last year’s No. 2 car on the index, has a domestic parts content of 72% for the 2018 model year — and all engines and transmissions from the U.S., the Illinois-built Cherokee topped more than 100 vehicles to top the list.
"Being American made, or at least considered so, is important in today’s climate. Cars.com surveyed more than 1,000 licensed drivers, and 83% named assembly location as an important factor in determining economic impact."
Read the article at The Detroit Bureau.
Autonomous Cars May Mean More Miles Driven
According to a government report, if self-driving cars are successful, people might take more car trips, which could lead to Americans consuming more energy even if the new autonomous vehicles are electric or hybrids.
The benefits of hands-free driving could entice people to hit the road more often, and might discourage people from taking local public transportation or allow people without licenses to drive.
Researchers calculate that there would be a 14 percent increase in the number of driven miles in 2050, from 3.3 trillion miles to 3.8 trillion upping the energy demand by 4 percent.
Read the article at The Verge.
Strategies for Advancing Women in the Workplace
Although the majority of women aspire to hold top leadership and board roles, today only 5.2 percent of the CEOs of S&P 500 companies and slightly more than 21 percent of their board seats are held by women. How can that change?
It has to start at the top with identifying high-potential women and helping them get to the next level by encouraging mentors and sponsorships. Mentors can help employees think about their career growth, while sponsors can actually help make it happen.
Companies have to set goals, measure them and hold leaders accountable.
Read the article at Forbes.
What Bing Maps Has to Offer Fleet Management
Fleet management has always been a key industry for Bing Maps, and they’re upping their game with some new offerings, including truck routing services.
