New Zurich Program Uses Telematics to Reduce Fleet Costs, Improve Safety

To help fleet managers minimize their fleet's operating costs and reduce crashes while keeping their vehicles up-and-running and their drivers safe, Zurich, one of the largest fleet insurers in North America and globally, has created Zurich Fleet Intelligence (ZFI). This new, unique program in the U.S. combines Zurich's in-depth understanding of fleet insurance, operations and risk engineering.

 

Fight Erupting Over Distracted Drivers

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood regularly refers to distracted driving as an "epidemic." Toyota said last week it will spend $50 million on research into issues including distracted driving, a "growing cause of accidents." And state legislators are racing to enact laws banning what they see as the culprit: text messaging and handheld cellphones.

 

Ford Selling CNG-Powered Transit Connects to Chicago Cabbies

A Chicago taxi company has purchased 12 Transit Connect taxis that run on compressed natural gas. Operation should start in March and is part of the company's goal to reduce emissions 25%.

 

Ecotality, Sprint Expand Cellular Carrier Move into Smart Grid

Electric car charging station supplier Ecotality is working with Sprint to expand EV charging services including GPS searchable stations, billing services, and ability to track data on charging habits. It's one of many examples in recent months of cellular carriers moving into the smart grid with increasing vigor.

 

DealerTrack’s Doug Hadden to Host NADA Workshops

A regular panelist for the Pre-Owned Automobile Dealers Alliance's Webinars plans to hold three workshops during next month's National Automobile Dealers Association Convention. Doug Hadden, senior manager at DealerTrack, is scheduled to be in San Francisco for NADA's annual event as a featured speaker. Hadden's agenda includes several workshops on driving sustainable profits in the used-vehicle market leveraging easy-to-use technology and proven techniques to develop a winning inventory management strategy.