Feds Buying 17,600 Green Vehicles From Big-3
The Obama administration will be purchasing 17,600 fuel-efficient federal fleet vehicles from the Big Three Detroit automakers, using $285 million from the $787 billion stimulus bill. The government will order 2,500 hybrid sedans by April 15 as part of the purchase. This is part of the government's automaker support efforts, and comes not long after a $17.4 billion loan to GM and Chrysler.
Commercial, Government New and Used Fleet Vehicle Purchases Down Drastically
Commercial and government fleet sales of new vehicles are down significantly in March 2009 compared with March 2008. Results by fleet type are: small businesses (-41.4%), medium businesses (-57.1%), large businesses (-68.7%) and government (-72.8%). Sales of used vehicles are down over 90% by both commercial and government fleets.
New GM Hybrid Pickups Get MPG Boost at All Speeds for $4K Extra
New Silverado/Sierra hybrid pickups employ two-mode electric drivetrain, auto engine shut-off at stop, and 4-cylinder shut-off of V8 at highway speeds to get RWD 21 mpg city/22 highway and 4WD 20/20. Average annual fuel savings of 181 gallons offsets the $4K incremental cost.
Ford Turning up Interest in Ecoboost
Ford's new Ecoboost engine strategy will debut with four products later this year. The engine is designed to provide high horsepower while improving fuel economy. Ford wants to offer Ecoboost in 90% of its line by 2013, including pickup trucks.
Affordable Distracted Driver Kit Gives Fleets Tools to Solve Serious Safety Problem
Motorists using messaging devices and cell phones, even hands free, while driving represent a serious safety risk to everyone on and near the road. The National Safety Council is offering a Distracted Driver Kit on CD with everything needed to train drivers, develop and implement a policy and promote following a ban on unsafe use of this technology while driving.
