GM EV Program Charging Ahead Despite Pandemic
The auto industry has taken a hard hit from the coronavirus pandemic, sales plunging to recession levels, production disrupted and as many as a third of the products originally scheduled to debut this year pushed back, some into 2021.
Despite the disruption, General Motors intends to stay on track with an aggressive program scheduled to bring 20 battery-electric vehicles to market by 2023, including not only the Cadillac Lyriq but also the GMC Hummer pickup and a broad range of SUVs.
“The company has made this program a key priority,” said GM’s battery chief Tim Grewe. “We have put safety procedures in place so we don’t experience delays” in the actual launch of upcoming BEVs. “I don’t see any reason why they should” fall behind schedule.
Read the article at The Detroit Bureau.
California Makes Zero-Emission Trucks And Vans Mandatory by 2045
California’s Air Resources Board (CARB) has passed a new rule that says all commercial trucks and vans sold in the state in 2045 must be zero-emission, in a bid to move the industry away from the dirty and harmful diesel engines that currently power most of these vehicles.
It’s a bold move that should help curb one of the worst-polluting sectors of the transportation industry. Despite only making up 7 percent of vehicles on the road in California, diesel trucks account for 70 percent of the state’s smog-causing pollution and 80 percent of diesel soot emitted, according to CARB.
California’s new rule could have much broader consequences, too, thanks to its role as a standard bearer for clean air regulations. To date, 14 other states have adopted its progressive ZEV program for passenger vehicles and seven more states and the District of Columbia may adopt the new zero-emission trucking rule.
Read the article at The Verge.
The Evolution of Fleet Into Total Transportation Management
The fleet industry is in the midst of an evolution to a whole new strategic model for the way people move about and gain delivery of their goods. You could call it a Total Transportation Management Strategy.
Fourth of July Safety: Travel Tips for Drivers & Families
Usually, at this time of year, AAA would be predicting a record-breaking number of travelers over the Independence Day holiday
This year, traffic volumes are expected to be much lower, due to the coronavirus pandemic. While shutdown restrictions may be easing, many people are still avoiding all but essential travel. However, there are still plenty of reasons to be cautious if you are planning to get on the road.
Whatever your travel plans, here are eDriving’s road safety tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe over the Independence Day holiday:
Driving the ‘New Normal’
Last month, we had some cautious indicators that the US was gaining on COVID-19, but now it appears that we are a long way from containing the spread of this frightful virus. So, we adapt as best we can, and we learn how to cope with the "new normal."
Fleet marketing guru Ed Pierce talks about how the customer journey map needs a serious makeover in the B2C world, and e-Driving founder and CEO Ed Dubens guides us on vital precautions fleets need to take to protect their drivers. Verizon offers an important webinar to discuss the role technology can play to help fleets prevent the spread of the virus and keep fleets afloat during the emergency. And, a sign of the times, AFLA, NAFA and NETS have all announced virtual conferences this fall.
We thank fleet industry pioneer Chuck Parker, founder of Automotive Information Network, for giving us his thoughts – via a Zoom interview -- on the evolution of our industry. Chuck holds a special place in our hearts – Ted Roberts and I acquired Fleet Management Weekly from AIN over six happy years ago!
Drive Safety and Stay Well!
Janice Sutton
Editor in Chief
