Fleet Telematics: A Score for Safety
This innovative new clearinghouse facilitates the transfer of data from an insured fleet using telematics to an insurance company -- with the benefit that fleets can learn how insurance companies will perceive their information before they agree to share it.
New Camera Technology Helps Drivers See Around Corners; Next Super Duty to Offer Ford’s Most Advanced Cameras Yet
Ford is introducing new vehicle camera technology that can help see around corners even when drivers cannot, aiding in reducing driver stress and potentially averting accidents.
The new available split-view camera feature helps drivers see traffic and obstacles that enter the vehicle’s path from the side by displaying a 180-degree view of the area in front of or behind a vehicle. It is the latest example of how Ford is using camera technology to help make driving easier.
A Seismic Shift
There was a seismic shift in the fleet leasing landscape this week with Element Financial Corporation's announcement that it was buying GE Capital Fleet Services' US, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand operations for $6.9 billion. Further, Element’s European partner, Arval, is poised to buy GE Capital’s European fleet operations.
Mike Sheldrick has penned an article: Element CEO: 'Growth at Element is Not Over!' to shed some light on this landmark deal that will give Element some 40% market share of the U.S. fleet leasing industry.
Also this week, we feature an interview with Jeff Schlesinger, Managing Director, Global, for GE Fleet Services. In 'A Global Perspective: Q&A with GE Capital's Jeff Schlesinger.' An expert in this arena, Jeff gives us his thoughts on what fleets are seeking from a global fleet provider.
Be sure and check in with FleetManagementWeekly.com for daily updates.
Have a sparkling and safe Fourth of July holiday!
Janice Sutton
Executive Editor
Surprise: 2015 J.D. Power Study Says Japanese Cars Now Lag Industry On Quality
For the first time in nearly three decades, Japanese brand vehicles fell below industry average on initial quality, according to a consumer survey by J.D. Power & Associates.
The surprising result is less a measure of faltering by the Japanese and more a reflection of how must faster other brands are improving. The Japanese brands improved marginally, but failed to keep up with the rest of the industry.
J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study, which measures problems experienced by vehicle owners during the first 90 days of ownership, was released today at a meeting of the Automotive Press Association.
Samsung Creates “Transparent” Truck
When driving behind big semi-trailers, people regularly take risks overtaking them because they often have to first move out from behind the truck to see if the road ahead is clear before passing. This is particularly dangerous on single-lane highways because such a maneuver can mean driving into the path of oncoming traffic.
Now Samsung Electronics has come up with a way to help reduce this problem by mounting cameras on the front of a truck and large screens on the rear to display to following drivers a clear view of the road ahead.
