As New York City seeks to replace its entire fleet of yellow cabs, automakers will reserve 300 new hybrids each month. Nissan, GM and Ford say they'll help the city reach its goal of making all cabs greener by 2012.
New technology that helps prevent drivers running red lights at intersections was presented to journalists at the Ford proving grounds. The system involves a traffic computer, GPS capability and Wi-Fi coverage. Drivers will be warned if the vehicle doesn't slow down against yellow or red lights.
Fleets are reacting to higher fuel costs by considering different vehicles, using alternative fuels and changing their operating methods. Fleets have to rein in costs, lose profit or try to pass increased fuel costs to customers.
Daimler Trucks North America will open up its product line to include Cummins engines. The truck maker already offers its own Detroit Diesel and Mercedes-Benz engines in heavy- and medium-duty applications. The engine lineup gives customer a choice between exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and selective catalyst reduction (SCR) technologies to meet upcoming 2010 emissions regulations.