Consumer Alert: Ford, Mazda Issue “Do Not Drive” Warnings for More Than 457,000 Vehicles with Recalled Takata Air Bags
Ford Motor Co. and Mazda North American Operations today have issued urgent “Do Not Drive” warnings for more than 457,000 vehicles equipped with recalled, unrepaired Takata air bags.
If you have one of these vehicles, do not drive it until the repair is completed and the defective air bag is replaced.
This “Do Not Drive” warning covers all unrepaired, recalled Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles, as well as all Mazda vehicles, that are equipped with non-desiccated Takata air bags.
NHTSA is urging all vehicle owners to immediately check to see if their vehicle has an open Takata air bag recall. If it does, owners should contact their dealership to schedule a free repair as soon as possible and follow any warnings from the vehicle manufacturer. Ford and Mazda are offering free towing, mobile repair and, if necessary, loaner vehicles.
Evolving Fleet Landscapes
Today we feature The Evolving Landscape of EV Charging Stations: A Guide for Fleet Industry Managers. If you’re involved with installing charging stations, it’s a timely read. FMW and FleetWiki, the fleet industry’s foremost knowledge base of fleet-related technologies, prepared this — the first article — in a series of articles based on FleetWiki content. You can read the article and find out how to submit your own FleetWiki content HERE.
Transforming Auto Repair
We also have a feature today on how the automotive repair industry is experiencing a remarkable transformation as Millennials and Gen Z increasingly embrace blue-collar careers, breathing new life into the sector that has long grappled with technician shortages. Finally. You can read it HERE.
Professional Development
Did you know that there are some great opportunities for professional development ahead of this year’s NETS Fleet Safety Conference? Susan Hipp shares details in this VIDEO.
Ted Roberts
President
Boston’s Awful Traffic Might Soon Get Better Thanks to Google’s AI
The Massachusetts metropolis’ age and dense population make it one of the most miserable places to drive in the country, worse than Los Angeles in many areas. Boston consistently ranks among the worst cities in the U.S. for traffic.
Boston is attempting to address the problem through a new partnership with Google’s Project Green Light, which leans on artificial intelligence to alter traffic light patterns in hopes of reducing congestion. The tech should smooth stop -and-go traffic and cut emissions.
Kingbee Partnership to Deliver Work-Ready Van Rentals to Ranger Design Customers
Ranger Design, an industry-leading manufacturer of commercial van equipment, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Kingbee Vans, a leading provider of commercial cargo van rentals.
"We're thrilled to collaborate with Kingbee Vans, a like-minded business that prioritizes innovation and customer satisfaction," said Peter J. Young, Vice President of Business Development at Ranger Design.
"Ranger Design shares our commitment to solving the ever-changing needs of fleets," said Scott Haslam, CEO of Kingbee Vans. "Together we can offer a comprehensive rental solution that will better serve our customers..."
ChargePoint Eliminates EV Charging Connector Confusion with Omni Port Adaptable Charging Solution
ChargePoint announced ChargePoint Omni Port, an EV connector solution which ensures any EV can charge in any parking space, regardless of its connector type, and without an expensive additional cable.
Drivers can expect a frictionless charging experience when using Omni Port, simply needing to enter their vehicle’s make and model into the ChargePoint app, tapping to charge, and allowing the charging station to automatically release the correct connector type.
For those who do not use the ChargePoint app, a driver simply selects the correct connector on the charger screen. Omni Port eliminates the hassle of carrying adapters while forming a simpler, more convenient charging experience.
