10 Summer Driving Mistakes
The official start of summer was this past Saturday, June 21, when most everyone hits the road for vacations and other sun-filled trips. But before you pack up the car and take to the highway, make sure you don’t make these mistakes that could either be dangerous or cost you time and money.
- Not having a plan. Before you head out, have a route in mind and be aware of obstacles such as heavy traffic or summer construction. Plan in some well-thought-out detours so you don’t go through major cities during rush hour and avoid wasting time. Have a GPS or cell phone map app available, but remember to program them while you’re not driving to avoid distractions.
READ MORE for the remaining tips.
Global Fleet Services Launches Revamped Website
Global Fleet Services (GFS) introduced a completely remodeled website which represents the organization’s vision for the future of global fleet management. The redesigned website serves as a greater resource for fleet managers, delivering improved functionality and serving as a resource for a wide-range of industry information.
“Our new website supports our strategic focus and allows us to solidify our global presence and better serve the needs of our clients who continue to grow internationally,” said Jim Creighton, chairman of the board for Global Fleet Services and vice president, global strategy and alliances at ARI.
All-new Knee Airbag Design for 2015 Ford Mustang
Ford is introducing an all-new inflatable airbag restraint design that provides the front seat passenger with knee airbag protection while significantly reducing system size and weight.
It's the first passenger knee airbag packaged inside the glove box door. The resulting design is 65% lighter with an inflator that is approximately 75% smaller than a conventional knee airbag inflator.
Since the glove box-integrated airbag extends straight out from the instrument panel, it doesn’t have to travel as far as a conventional airbag, which deploys toward the floor before curving upward.
The new airbag will be introduced later this year as part of a standard comprehensive safety system that includes a more robust package of sensors, safety belt anchor pretensioners, improved exterior lighting and double the total number of airbags on the all-new 2015 Ford Mustang.
READ MORE to learn about another Ford offering.
How to Save Fuel in Hot Weather
Hot weather actually can reduce your fuel consumption – at least if you follow some basic tips.
“Under very hot conditions, AC can reduce a conventional vehicle’s fuel economy by more than 25%,” notes new guidelines posted on Fueleconomy.gov. The impact of running your air conditioning in a hybrid, plug-in or battery-electric vehicle “can be even larger on a percentage basis,” it notes.
In the days before AC , you’d likely keep your windows open while driving on a hot day. Today’s vehicles are designed to maximize aerodynamics and the added drag of leaving your window open is likely to use more fuel than running your AC.
READ MORE to get the tips.
NCSFA Announces Three Upcoming Educational and Networking Opportunities!
♦ NCSFA Webinar
July 15, 2014 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. CST
Effective Work Truck Specifications, The First Step Toward Controlling Your Fleet Costs
Join Bob Johnson, Director of Fleet Relations of the NTEA, National Truck Equipment Association. Learn how proper design and specifications can impact your fleet's life cycle costs. This webinar will provide an overview of the overall design process, point out common pitfalls, and review effective specifications writing practices. It will also identify resources available to the new truck designer to assist them in designing and spec'ing an effective work truck.
♦ NCSFA Roundtable Discussion
August 13, 2014, 2:00 - 3:00 CST
You pick the topics! Submit your advance questions on the registration form and gain insight from fellow fleet managers are your most pressing issues.
♦ NCSFA State Fleet Manager's Workshop
October 7 - 9th
Burlington, Vermont
