PHH Arval Introduces Short-Term Equipment Rental Services
PHH Arval has introduced its Equipment Rental Management Services for fleets that rent equipment for short-term projects. The service is designed for fleets needing assistance in securing and/or managing storage trailers, construction trailers, forklifts, lift trucks, aerial lifts or other material handling equipment for projects throughout the U.S. Clients may use their existing suppliers or PHH's extensive network of equipment rental suppliers. PHH rental specialists manage all aspects from equipment delivery to pick up at the end of the project. The Center for Transportation Safety, a PHH Arval company, provides operator training to ensure the safe and efficient use of the equipment.
ADESA Will Acquire OPENLANE
KAR Auction Services' ADESA subsidiary has agreed to acquire OPENLANE's equity for $210 million in cash. OPENLANE CEO Peter Kelly will remain and will report to Jim Hallett, KAR's CEO. OPENLANE is expected to sell over 300,000 vehicles this year while bringing in revenue of approximately $100 million.
Car Talk Calculates Distracted Driving Costs
Car Talk's Paul Atchley calculated the cost of distracted driving to the state of Kansas. Using the National Safety Council's current estimates that 28% of fatalities are caused by distracted driving, that translates into 97 Kansas fatalities. Almost 5,000 people are injured and 12,000 incidents of property damage are caused by distracted driving in the state. Translating those deaths, injuries and property damage into a dollar amount, it cost the Kansas economy $500 million in 2009. It's impossible to tangibly express the emotional and physical toll an auto accident has on the victim, friends and family.
Goodyear’s AMT Tires Will Eliminate Need for Spares
Goodyear is developing a new concept it calls Air Maintenance Technology that could all but eliminate the need for spare tires on any vehicle. AMT uses a miniaturized pump contained within the tire itself to maintain the optimal pressure. The system would effectively overcome all but a major leak or blow-out. Drivers using run-flat tires must eventually find a garage or other source for a repair or replacement tire. That need would be eliminated almost entirely with Goodyear's AMT. Tires could stay inflated under normal conditions, making it unnecessary for motorists to check their tires.
CNW Study Finds Buyers Losing Interest in Chevy Volt
Since its introduction last December, Chevrolet has sold about 3,200 Volt plug-in hybrids through the end of July. A new CNW marketing study suggests that potential Volt buyers are rapidly losing interest. CNW's data indicates Volt's $41,000 sticker price is the big problem although it qualifies for $7500 tax credit. The 2012 price for Volt will drop to $39,995. GM officials remain convinced Volt will meet their sales expectations which are projected to grow to 40,000 in 2012.
