Subaru’s Tom Doll: ‘I’d Rather be Last in, and Get it Right’
Subaru is among a small group of automakers setting a casual pace in the global race for electric vehicles, and seem to be satisfied to let other R&D departments perfect the technology while consumer demand slowly merges with accelerating emissions mandates.
Later this year, the company plans to introduce a plug-in hybrid version of its Crosstrek SUV, combining gas engines with electric motors. Currently, Subarus all run exclusively on internal combustion engines, and a fully electric car is still years away.
"If we put one out now, we’re goig to be competing in the teeth of the market with everybody else,” Subaru Corp. U.S. Chief Executive Officer Tom Doll explained in an interview. “This way, we can let them kind of sort it out, then we can come in. I’d rather be last in and get it right,than be first in and destroy my brand image and reputation.”
Read the article at Bloomberg.
WEX Continues to Become More Global
Globalization can take on different meanings - but most people want one organization that can be responsible for handling all of their global needs.
Remote Control Roadside Assistance
When Level 4 autonomous vehicles - those with the ability to drive without human control - get into a jam because road conditions have suddenly changed due to construction, accidents or other complexities, that's when Phantom Auto's remote control "teleoperation" system helps out.
A remote technician seated at a multiscreen Phantom console, with a steering wheel, brake and accelerator pedals, assesses the situation via the car’s cameras over a cellular network connection and drives it out of the situation.
“The biggest barrier to deployment of AVs right now is public acceptance,” cofounder and chief strategy officer Elliot Katz said. “For a century we’ve only thought that humans drive cars. Now we’re doing a complete 180, but most people aren’t ready to completely accept the fact that their lives are in the hands of a machine.”
Read the article at Forbes.
Manage Your Fleet by Connecting to Better Data with Ford Commercial Solutions
- Ford Commercial Solutions is introducing two new connected vehicle products designed to provide fleets with key insights about their own performance and solutions to help improve their business
- The new Data Services product gives fleet managers and telematics service providers direct access to valuable OEM-grade vehicle data, allowing them to better manage their fleets
- A second product designed for police fleets takes data collected through the Data Services product and distills it into information that can help improve fleet efficiency and driver behavior
- Ford Commercial Solutions has entered into new service agreements with Geotab and Spireon, while continuing to work with Verizon Connect to ensure fleet operators have choice in telematics service providers
2018’s Best Family Cars
Honda and Chevrolet vehicles dominate the list of top family cars for 2018 as ranked by Parents magazine and Edmunds.
The 2018 Honda Odyssey minivan, 2018 Honda Accord sedan, Chevrolet Traverse large SUV and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu sedan are four of the top 10 on the list.
"We’re not playing favorites in terms of why there are two Hondas and two Chevrolets. The vehicle had to have a top safety score from NHTSA and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety to be considered," said Brent Romans, senior analyst at Edmunds in Santa Monica. "That narrowed down the list."
Read the article at Detroit Free Press.
