Transfer of Smart USA from Penske to Mercedes-Benz USA has killed plans for a Nissan-developed Smart 4-door, but isn't likely to upset the battery-electric version of the 2-seater. Commercial fleets are expected to buy most of the 250 Smart Fortwo EDs as they become available.
The Department of Transportation and the National Highway Transportation Administration are considering the installation of data recorders or "black boxes" on all passenger vehicles. Data from "event data recorders" on Toyotas permitted the DOT and NHTSA to determine the unintended acceleration on Toyotas was not caused by faulty electronics. Privacy advocates argue that vehicle tracking by GPS and the data these recorders produce must be protected and not available without release by the vehicle owner or by court order.
The use of technology to measure a driver's behavior behind the steering wheel is being used by insurance companies in the fleet industry to not only measure usage and harsh driving but also to measure safety and driver behavior. This permits insurance companies to better manage risk. Insurance companies are embracing a proactive approach in partnering with telematics companies and offer these services to their fleet customers.
Laptops and tablets are growing in popularity for recording and ordering fleet service and maintenance. Fleets must select both maintenance software and hardware to integrate electronic processing of service repairs.
General Motors will debut a new infotainment package this year on the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox and Volt. It allows drivers to access music and initiate calls using voice commands or buttons on a full-color touch screen. The new in-car technology, called Chevy MyLink, will offer many features now available on rival Ford's popular Sync system.