J.D. Power Acquires UK-based We Predict
J.D. Power, a global leader in data analytics and customer intelligence, announced that it has acquired the data and predictive analytics business of We Predict, the UK-based provider of global automobile service and warranty analytics.
We Predict’s software, which is used by auto manufacturers and suppliers to project future component failures and future warranty claims and costs, will be leveraged by J.D. Power to enhance its vehicle quality and dependability analytics, expand repair cost forecasting and provide critical valuation data.
Fleet Buyers are Hot for the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 EV
June 5, 2022 - GM's fleet team says it has taken 85,000 reservations for the new Silverado EV truck, with interest coming from almost 370 companies. Part of the increase in interest relates to the facts that fleet buyers just need to keep new vehicles coming.
General Motors' fleet volume saw declines as the pandemic and microchip shortage took their toll, but the automaker reported a 7% increase in fleet penetration in the first quarter of this year over the same period last year.
The Silverado EV RST, a range-topping luxurious variant, sold out in just 12 minutes and there are well over 140,000 reservations for the truck to date. That demand, coupled with Chevy's innovative features for the new trucks, should ensure sustained interest from fleet and retail buyers alike.
Fleets Use Telematics Data to Help Transition to Electric Vehicles
June 3, 2022 - When managers of commercial fleets are considering transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs), they need to analyze their current vehicles, the jobs they do and whether electric vehicles could do the same.
In April, Verizon Connect announced a partnership with Sawatch Labs in which the two companies will perform this kind of analysis for fleets that have more than 10 vehicles. Verizon Connect will use the data that it collects from the customer’s vehicles through an added piece of hardware as part of its Reveal fleet management solution
Data can be gathered by means of telematics. This includes the amount of time the vehicle is in operation each day, the number of miles it is driven, the kinds of roads on which it is used and the weight of the loads it carries. This data will help determine whether an EV could perform the same work and how often it would need to be recharged.
What’s Happening with Wireless Charging?
June 5, 2022 - EV owners clearly want the option of wireless charging. Some startups are now trying to do what manufacturers won't. A leading example is WAVE (Wireless Advanced Vehicle Electrification). WAVE has already demonstrated the potential of wireless charging, using its demo chargers on electric buses.
Another firm making serious strides in the area is WiTricity. WiTricity recently conducted a survey to demonstrate just how eager consumers are for wireless tech. According to the survey 96% of those who responded wanted to at least have the option of wireless charging. Meanwhile 71% find the prospect of wireless charging to be "extremely appealing". The startup recently started working with Hyundai.
Lean into Change
By Laura Jozwiak
Ch-ch-changes! If you are around my age, you will instantly hear David Bowie’s voice sing out this phrase inside your head. He was right in 1971, and the message still resonates today.
The lyrics say, “Turn and face the strange changes.”
Our new world is based on change. Some changes may be strange and challenging, like supply chain volatility, rising costs, immerging technologies, disruptive innovations, hybrid work, and the “Great Resignation.” These topics, and many more, cause uncertainty and impact the world around us.
As a result, our nights are less restful, and our days are challenging as we work through what these changes mean and how we need to incorporate the trends and even pivot our plans.
But is it really a new world? Or is it just a faster-paced world?
