Remembering Michael G. Sheldrick
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mike Sheldrick on March 14th. Mike was a talented, distinguished journalist, who we were lucky to have as FMW’s Senior Editor. Mike was also a good friend - charming, smart, funny and always a blast to be around. He was also the life partner of Janice Sutton (my good friend, and my business partner).
My thoughts at this time are with Mike’s daughter Michelle, his son Kenneth, and also with Janice. You can read more here about Mike’s distinguished career.
The Great British Fleet Event
Registration is now open for The Great British Fleet Event, happening April 17th at Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes. It’s a must-attend event for those involved in the British fleet world. A black-tie gala dinner in the evening will celebrate those at the forefront of the sector in the 2024 Fleet World Great British Fleet Awards. Register Here
Ted Roberts
President
Biden Admin Debuts Infrastructure Plan to Electrify Nation’s Trucks by 2040
The Biden Administration has released the first-ever strategy document detailing its plan to target specific freight corridors for infrastructure improvement, with the intent of helping to reach its goal of 100% zero-emission new truck sales by 2040. It’s the first attempt by the US government to propose a consistent strategy for electrifying freight transport nationwide.
Areas are targeted partially due to how much traffic they see, but also other important factors like areas that experience disproportionate air quality burdens, and with a particular interest in states with policies that enable zero-emission vehicle deployment (specifically, California’s Advanced Clean Trucks rule, which several other states have adopted).
Excitement Builds for NAFA I&E in San Antonio
From innovative Products and Solutions in the Exhibit Hall to 40+ Education Sessions to a new Ride & Drive Experience, NAFA I&E in San Antonio is shaping up to be a can’t-miss experience!
Inspiration Mobility Positions Itself as an EV-First Fleet Management Company
By Ed Pierce, Fleet Management Weekly’s Brand Acceleration
Inspiration Mobility is a one-stop shop that helps fleets manage their EV transition — no matter where they are in their electrification journey.
As a systems integrator, Inspiration brings all the varied pieces of electrification together to deliver a solid solution for fleets.
“Putting all the pieces together is a complex exercise for any one company or fleet manager to tackle by themselves,” says Josh Green, founder and CEO of Inspiration Mobility. “Our bundled solutions can help companies with as much or as little as they need to successfully electrify.”
Inspiration is optimistic about the path ahead and how technology – both in the EVs and in customer dashboards – continually improves drivers’ satisfaction and safety.
First Partial Driving Automation Safeguard Ratings Show Industry Has Work To Do
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is introducing a new ratings program to encourage automakers to incorporate more robust safeguards into their partial driving automation systems. Out of the first 14 systems tested, only one earns an acceptable rating. Two are rated marginal, and 11 are rated poor.
“We evaluated partial automation systems from BMW, Ford, General Motors, Genesis, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Tesla and Volvo,” IIHS President David Harkey said. “Most of them don’t include adequate measures to prevent misuse and keep drivers from losing focus on what’s happening on the road.”
