EPA Restores California Authority to Set Car Emissions Rules
March 9, 2022 - The Biden administration is restoring California's authority to set its own tailpipe pollution standards for cars, reversing a Trump administration policy and likely ushering in stricter emissions standards for new passenger vehicles nationwide.
A waiver approved Wednesday by the Environmental Protection Agency allows California to set tough emissions rules for cars and SUVs imposes mandates for so-called zero-emission vehicles that do not contribute to global warming.
“Today we proudly reaffirm California’s longstanding authority to lead in addressing pollution from cars and trucks,” said EPA Administrator Michael Regan. “With today’s action, we reinstate an approach that for years has helped advance clean technologies and cut air pollution for people not just in California, but for the U.S. as a whole.”
We’re Going to Columbus!
This time next month we will be talking about the exciting time we had in Columbus at NAFA I&E. How do we know that? Because we always come away from I&E with a new sense of purpose. We meet old friends, we make new friends, we learn about our industry’s latest products and services, and we attend sessions that teach us how to adapt and manage in the midst of change. And we have fun!
As ever, FMW will conduct interviews with our fleet industry leaders. If you or someone in your organization would like to schedule a video interview with us, please get in touch. We are scheduling now. Contact either Ted Roberts – [email protected] or me. We make it easy!
We stand with Ukraine!
Janice Sutton
Editor in Chief
The Legal Case That Could Be a Nightmare for Automakers
March 8, 2022 - A 2015 accident in Arizona has caused a ruckus in the legal world. A 4-year-old passenger was killed when her mother’s vehicle was rear ended by a driver in a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
A lawsuit was filed against FCA because the Jeep was not equipped with the optional Automatic Emergency Braking system. That year, the AEB was available on the Jeep in question, but only as part of a larger option package the buyer of the Jeep declined to purchase. At the time, AEB was not required by the Federal government.
A jury COULD find FCA liable here for simply selling the Jeep without the AEB, regardless of its actual or marked up cost. And that is the specter the automakers fear. What other safety technologies were available at the time of sale on vehicles which were shipped and sold without them in Arizona.
EV Charging Solutions That Keep You on the Road
Blink prides itself on service after the sale of their charging solutions, which means you can keep your vehicles on the road.
Preventive Maintenance Tips for Trying Times
A chip shortage. Aging fleets. Delay in parts availability. Here are some good preventive maintenance tips for trying times.
