Hybrid Vehicles Aren’t Just an EV Bridge, Ford CEO Farley Says
Ford CEO Jim Farley wants the industry to stop viewing hybrid vehicles as only an interim solution to be used until drivers are comfortable going fully electric.
"We should stop talking about it as transitional technology," Farley said of hybrids at a Bernstein analyst conference on Thursday.
Plug-in hybrids, which include a small battery that can be used for shorter distances, may not be relevant in a few years, Farley said. However, extended-range hybrids are an important technology for the industry's future, he said. Presumably, he was referring to vehicles similar to the Ram 1500 Ramcharger, which has a rather large battery pack, but also a gas engine generator to provide electricity when the battery has drained.
4-Way Stop Signs Have an Often Forgotten ‘Rule of Thumb’
Navigating a four-way stop can be straightforward when one or two cars arrive at a time, but confusion often results when multiple vehicles reach the intersection simultaneously. There’s actually a rule of thumb we should all follow to avoid the herky-jerky “starts and stops”.
At a four-way stop, the primary rule is that the first vehicle to arrive has the right of way. However, complications occur when two or more vehicles arrive at the same time. In such scenarios, the vehicle on the left must yield to the car on the right. This means that if you find yourself at a four-way stop with another car directly to your right, you should allow them to go first. This right-hand rule of thumb helps prevent deadlock and ensures a predictable pattern of movement through the intersection.
Excitement Builds for This Year’s AFLA Conference
Excitement is building for this year’s AFLA Conference in San Antonio, as well as for next February’s AFLA Canada Summit near Toronto.
Summer Safety Pledge
“Summer is a time for adventure, relaxation, and exploration. With the sun shining and the roads calling, it’s also a season when driving risks can increase,” writes Sarah Bechtold in today’s Crash-Free Culture column. Sarah embraces the Summer Safety Pledge, and we couldn’t possibly embrace this pledge more. Read about it HERE.
FleetNet America
Did you know that FleetNet America by Cox Automotive wields a network of over 65,000 carefully vetted service providers throughout the United States? Canada, and Puerto Rico. In fact, “FleetNet America is a digital-first fleet solutions marketplace,” says Arnie Braun, Senior Director of Vehicle Operations. You can read more HERE.
Enjoy the issue and please check in with Fleet Management Weekly for daily updates.
Ted Roberts
President
6 Ways to Reduce Boring Commute Time Without Speeding
Let’s face it: driving can be boring. Here are six ways you can try to reduce boring commute time without speeding.
Utilize apps like Google Maps, Waze, or Apple Maps to get real-time traffic updates. These apps can alert you to accidents, construction, or other delays and often suggest quicker alternative routes. By staying informed, you can avoid unexpected slowdowns and keep your commute time to a minimum.
Adjusting your departure time can make a big difference. If your schedule allows, leave earlier in the morning or later in the evening to avoid peak traffic hours. Commuting during off-peak times means less congestion and a smoother drive, reducing the overall time you spend on the road.
