Ford Pro’s Tech Upgrades Aim to Improve Fleet Management Capabilities
By Dave Bean, Content Editor, FMW
Ford’s commercial division, Ford Pro, is unveiling both new and enhanced tech components designed to improve vehicle data utilized by fleet managers. The enhancements should provide more specific information about what transpires during vehicle operation and the associated risk being posed to the fleet.
To accomplish this, Ford Pro is combining what were several separate hardware and software elements into Ford Pro Intelligence, a single integrated platform.
“Ford Pro Intelligence, now with video telematics, gives fleet managers more visibility and control over what’s happening inside the cabin and on the road. It’s like having a coach in the passenger seat,” said Dave Prusinski, general manager of Ford Pro Integrated Services.
Grocery Giant Loblaw Doubles Electric Semi Fleet, Has 25 Tesla Semis on Order
Canadian grocery chain Loblaw announced that it has doubled the size of its fleet of zero-emission semi trucks by deploying 10 new, battery-electric Freightliner eCascadia Class 8 trucks in Vancouver.
The company says it has an additional 25 Tesla Semi trucks on order. Those Teslas, along with future eCascadia orders, will help the grocer reach its stated goal of transitioning to a fully zero-emission transport fleet by 2030.
The company’s four electric trucks have been making short-haul deliveries from a distribution center to more than 200 Loblaw stores, traveling approximately 370 km (about 230 miles) per charge while hauling up to 32,000 kg (70,500 lbs.). At night, they charge at one of five 180 kW ABB chargers located roughly 10 km outside of Coquitlam.
Your In-Car Entertainment System and EV Charger Likely Have Big Security Flaws, Hackers Find
Thanks to the Pwn2Own Automotive hacking competition, dozens of vulnerabilities have been discovered in vehicle charging systems, in-car entertainment technology and modem subsystems from some of the world’s biggest automotive suppliers.
Plug an EV into a public charging station and the vehicle, RFID card and/or smartphone app used during the transaction hands over a bundle of owner information, including names, email addresses and even location, browsing history and online behavioral patterns.
Vulnerabilities in infotainment systems have allowed some security researchers to gain access to restricted vehicle features, such as those premium paid-for features found in Tesla and BMW cars, for example.
Leveraging Data for Enhanced Driver Safety in Fleet Management
By effectively utilizing the data at their disposal, businesses can not only enhance the safety of their fleets but also mitigate risks and improve their overall operations.
The need for real-time data has become apparent, considering the rising costs of vehicle crashes to employers and the increasing trend of nuclear verdicts in liability cases.
The SuperVision Comprehensive Platform offers a holistic solution for fleet managers, including continuous license monitoring, daily FMCSA inspection notifications, critical event analysis, risk scoring, and driver document storage.
AI Will Soon Be Used to Monitor Elderly Drivers; Who’s Next?
Japanese-based tech firm NTT Data is in the process of developing an AI system to identify drivers who may be suffering from some form of mental decline.
They’re partnering with a Tokyo-based taxi company, Kokusai Motorcars, to develop the software, with data being collected from cab drivers who are 65 years or older.
The AI system will take into account several factors. Part of the AI’s role will be to determine the ability of drivers to make quick decisions and pay attention to the road.
