Consumer Reports Blasts Honda Accord Hybrid MPG Claim
The 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid is the latest among a growing list of gas-electric models to take hits for what critics contend are overly optimistic and misleading mileage claims.
It’s not the first time Honda has been faulted for its hybrid mileage ratings – an estimated 47 mpg on the 2014 Accord version – but it’s far from alone, Ford last year lowering its own numbers for the Fusion C-Max that initially also had a 47 mpg rating.
More Cars Earn Top Ratings in Avoiding Crashes with Autobrake
New ratings for systems that help drivers avoid front-to-rear crashes were released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Auto manufacturers are making strides in adopting the most beneficial systems with automatic braking capabilities and are offering the features on a wider variety of models. Twenty-one of 24 cars and SUVs, all 2014 models unless noted, earn an advanced or higher rating in the latest round of IIHS evaluations.
"We are already seeing improvements from automakers since the initial launch of our ratings last September," says David Zuby, IIHS executive vice president and chief research officer. "BMW and Lexus, for example, have added more braking capability to their systems, which has paid off in higher ratings."
READ MORE to find out which vehicles have perfect scores.
NAFA’s 2014 Conference Reports Largest Fleet Manager Attendance In Fleet Industry
With the final attendance numbers in hand, NAFA proudly announces the 2014 Institute & Expo remains the industry’s largest learning and networking event by bringing together the most fleet management professionals year after year.
“The I&E just keeps reaffirming its dominant position in the world of fleet. Fleet managers from all over North America make it a ‘must-see, must-do’ conference, and they are spreading the word,” said NAFA Chief Executive Officer Phillip E. Russo, CAE. “It is tremendous news — to know that, as the I&E keeps scaling up in size, the demand is right at pace.”
GPS Tracking Landmarks Now Include Attributes
Landmarks are essential to making location-based information significant within a GPS tracking solution. You can create landmarks around any area on a map that has meaning to your fleet – customer locations, employee homes, your warehouses, or any other location frequently visited by your drivers. GPS Insight has taken this technology to the next level by adding attributes to this important software feature.
Auto Business Isn’t Sustainable in Current Form, Warns GM Report
The automobile industry is unsustainable in its current form, according to the latest version of General Motors’ corporate environmental and sustainability report.
GM -- and its competitors -- will need to make significant changes in the coming years to just about every aspect of the business, from the technology used to power vehicles to the high-tech gear that will keep motors connected. But even the basic manufacturing process will have to be transformed, the report stressed, with environmental issues at the forefront.
