The Auto Industry Said Goodbye to a Lot of Cars in 2018
In 2018, the U.S. automotive industry began to say goodbye to one of its longest-enduring products: the car. Both Ford Motor Co. and General Motors said they were going to nearly eliminate their production of sedans and coupes to concentrate on the much-more profitable production of sport utility vehicles and trucks.
"Given declining consumer demand and product profitability, the company will not invest in next generations of traditional Ford sedans for North America. Over the next few years, the Ford car portfolio in North America will transition to two vehicles — the best-selling Mustang and the all-new Focus Active crossover coming out next year," Ford said in an April earnings report.
Read the article at New York Business Journal.
Cornerstones of Fleet
The NAFA Foundation is inviting members of the fleet community to consider donating to its Cornerstones of Fleet Campaign. Full disclosure: I am a member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. I am so excited about the work the Foundation is doing to advance the fleet profession.
Ed Dubens, CEO & Founder of eDriving, opens Making ‘Safety’ Part of Your DNA in 2019 with this provocative question: “What would you do if a customer phoned you from their cell phone when driving?”
The FMW team wishes our readers a very happy 2019. We like this a lot: "Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Janice Sutton
Editor in Chief
Why Electric Vehicles Are Gathering Speed in Latin America
In November, 100 brand-new electric buses rolled off a cargo ship from China at the port of San Antonio on the Chilean coast. They will be incorporated into the city’s public fleet as Chile heads towards 100 percent electrification by 2050.
The new fleet followed a 2016 deal between Italian energy company Enel and Chinese manufacturer BYD to test two pilot buses which proved to considerably cut costs in comparison with diesel vehicles. They have also been a hit with passengers, with low noise levels and cleaner air inside the vehicles.
Read the article at The New York Times.
Canada’s New Impaired Driving Laws go into Effect
The new laws went into effect on December 18th and make Canada’s laws some of the strictest in the world in regards to impaired driving.
The new laws not only include harsher monetary penalties, but they also provide law enforcement with new powers when it comes to interacting with drivers. Officers no longer need reasonable suspicion to demand a breathalyzer, they can demand a test from any driver they pull over. Refusing to complete the test can result in a charge.
These 30 Vehicles are the Safest 2019 Models, Car-Safety Group IIHS Says
Strong crash-test performance, collision avoidance systems and high-quality headlights enabled 30 vehicles to qualify for the top honors in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's initial 2019 model-year rankings.
Those vehicles received IIHS Top Safety Pick+ honors, which reflect the best of the best. Last year, only 12 vehicles initially qualified for the top category. Another 27 vehicles qualified as IIHS Top Safety Pick winners, which reflect the best of the rest. (See the full lists below.)
Read the article at USA Today.
