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ISSUES December 2011 / January 2012 December 2011 / January 2012 UPDATED Fact Book 2011	Fleet News Click here to subscribe to our RSS FEED Get news as it is published! November 26, 2009 PHH ARVAL INTRODUCES CARDLOCK FUEL PROGRAM PHH Arval unveiled a national cardlock fuel program in partnership with Petro Canada. The program allows fleet customers to combine retail and cardlock fuel costs. PHH clients can find reports on PHH InterActive for fleet vehicles. “This comprehensive, nationwide commercial fuel program is a big leap forward in helping our clients more effectively manage their overall fuel costs, while delivering efficient administrating of an important fleet function,” said Jim Halliday, president, PHH Canada. November 20, 2009 FOSS TO INCORPORATE DRIVER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER TECHNOLOGY WITH NEW FLEET MANAGEMENT CARD Foss National Leasing successfully tested driver identification number technology on its Foss fleet management platform. According to president Jeff Hartley, they are the first fleet management company in Canada to do so. Secondary tests are commencing with internal fleet cards over a broad range of locations nationally. "This new enhancement for our fleet management system provides a card that is harder to clone and reuse. It also paves the way for pay at the pump capability with improved security and enhanced driver convenience in the future." said Hartley. In addition, the new card features an improved high coercivity stripe, making it more durable and resistant to magnetic interference significantly reducing card failure in the field. November 20, 2009 JP POWER NAMES TOP DAILY RENTAL COMPANIES Enterprise Rent-A-Car ranked highest in J.D. Power’s 2009 Rental Car Satisfaction Study, followed by National, Hertz and Alamo. Study criteria included levels of service involving reservation processes, pick-up procedures, shuttle service, return processes and costs. Enterprise, National and Alamo are owned by Enterprise Holdings, “we will never be 100 per cent satisfied until Enterprise, National and Alamo hold all three of the top spots in the annual study,” said Andrew Taylor, chairman and CEO, Enterprise Holdings. November 20, 2009 FORD'S NEW POLICE INTERCEPTOR The new Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor will arrive in 2011. Details of the purpose-built Police Interceptor will be announced early in 2010. November 13, 2009 FORD’S FLEX WILL INTRODUCE WHEAT STRAW PLASTIC Ford Motor Company’s use of wheat straw reinforced plastic in the 2010 Flex is a first. The plastic will be used on 2010 Flex in third-row storage bins. Its use is expected to cut fuel use as well as CO2 emissions. “Ford continues to explore and open doors for greener materials that positively impact the environment and work well for customers,” said Patrick Berryman, Ford engineering manager. The Ontario “BioCar” Initiative, an Ontario government-funded project involving the Universities of Waterloo, Guelph, Toronto and Windsor, joined to develop the wheat-straw plastic. November 13, 2009 PROMOTING ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLES IN BRITISH COLUMBIA British Columbia, the City of Vancouver, and BC Hydro signed a memorandum of understanding with Renault-Nissan Alliance, becoming the initial launch for Nissan’s Canadian zero-emission transportation program. “Agreements like this one with the Renault-Nissan Alliance are an important step in making climate-friendly transportation a lifestyle choice for all British Columbians,” said the B.C. minister of energy, mines and petroleum resources. British Columbia will be first Canadian province to get Nissan’s Leaf all-electric vehicle in 2011. Building a charging infrastructure in Vancouver and creating promotional opportunities to support zero-emission vehicles in B.C. are itemized in the memorandum. November 13, 2009 ELECTRICAL ROADMAP RELEASED Hybrid and electrical vehicle conference releases Electrical Vehicle Technology Roadmap. Click here to download PDF. November 12, 2009 HINO EXPANDS PARTNERSHIP Hino Trucks will initiate a dedicated modification centre operated by the Fontaine Modification Company to support its own West Virginia truck assembly plant. “Having Fontaine as an extension of our assembly plant in West Virginia affords us the ability to offer many more options seamlessly to our dealers and customers,” said Bob Petz, vice-president, logistics operations for Hino. The work will include: paint options, bus, RV and fire rescue chassis packages. November 10, 2009 NEXT GENERATION INFLATABLE SEAT BELTS Ford will introduce inflatable seat belts for rear passengers, The belts help to spread crash force to more areas of the body reducing force on the chest. Inflatable seat belts will be in next generation Ford Explorers which go into production in 2010. Inflatable belts operate much as conventional seat belts; upon impact, a tubular airbag deploys. “Ford is pioneering inflatable seat belt technology to help enhance crash safety protection, while encouraging more people to buckle up with a more comfortable belt,” said Paul Mascarenas, Ford vice-president, engineering global product development. November 10, 2009 TOYOTA’S SCION IN CANADA Toyota’s Scion brand will appear at 45 Canadian dealers in September 2010. Dealers in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver will sell tC, xD and xB Scion models. “As the auto industry emerges from recession, one of the largest and youngest demographics will be entering the marketplace,” said Larry Hutchinson, director Scion Canada. “Young buyers will be looking to the ever-growing small car market.” More information: www.scionnation.ca. November 10, 2009 MAZDA LAUNCHES FLEET WEB SITE Mazda Canada launched a new fleet web site ( http://www.fleet.mazda.ca ). The site provides information on Mazda products :specifications, photos, FAQs, dealer and contact information. “The launch of this important site further solidifies Mazda Canada’s commitment to service the vehicle needs of the fleet community in Canada,” says Tony Harold, national manager of network development and fleet operations, Mazda Canada. “As we continue to grow our business in the Canadian marketplace, fleet is an important component of our growth strategy.” November 10, 2009 CARFAX TO PROTECT AGAINST CASH FOR CLUNKERS SCAMS Vehicle identification numbers for 700,000 used cars traded-in under “Cash for Clunkers” are now identified in CarFax’s database. Selling these vehicles is illegal. “With partners like National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), we’re making sure these cars that should be in scrap yards don’t wind up in someone’s driveway,” said Larry Gamache, communications director, Carfax. November 10, 2009 INGERSOLL’S CAMI PLANT GETS A $90 MILLION FACELIFT CAMI Automotive (jointly Suzuki Motor Corporation and General Motors of Canada Ltd.) is investing $90 million to retool, effective immediately. Increased production of GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Equinox, creates 40,000 more vehicles annually. “As a result of the high demand for the Equinox and Terrain, approximately 450 workers have returned to or will start new jobs at the plant,” said Canada’s minister of industry. October 30, 2009 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN MOST DEPENDABLE: JD POWER Chrysler Canada announced J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study named Dodge Grand Caravan as Most Dependable. Grand Caravan recorded least problems per 100 vehicles, it’s Canada’s top selling mini-van. October 30, 2009 E3 FLEET RATINGS PROGRAM CREATED The Fraser Basin Council (FBC) based in Vancouver B.C. has developed a points based system to assess and record fleet performance in the broad areas of fleet management, and energy/emissions performance. Based on recorded performance, fleets can be assigned Bronze, Silver or Gold standings. October 30, 2009 COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY EXPLAINED IN NAFA GUIDE Fleet managers can improve a sometimes data-rich, information-poor work environment with the National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA) Information Technology Guide. In some 130 pages, it breaks down technological terminology explaining sometimes complex notions such as information infrastructure, computer software, Internet research, security, telematics, backup, recovers, and ergonomic computing. “It provides an excellent overview of the technology that we all have to interface with everyday,” said Doug Weichman, Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM), director, fleet management, Palm Beech County, Florida USA. October 30, 2009 FIRST E3 FLEET GOLD RATINGS AWARDED Two municipal fleets are the first to be assigned E3 Fleet Gold Ratings. The program applies criteria, which include: fleet action plan, staff training, idling reduction and vehicle purchasing practices, fuel data management, fleet operations and maintenance, trip and route planning, fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas performance. “By securing Canada’s first Gold E3 fleet rating, the city of Vancouver and corporation of Delta have achieved a major milestone in reducing transportation emissions as they move towards being carbon-neutral cities,” said B.C Minister of State for Climate Action. October 26, 2009 TOYO TIRES TOPS STUDY Toyo Tires is rated top overall brand for consumer and commercial tires according to Tire Review magazine Tire Brand Study of North American Tire Dealers. Toyo is highest in product quality, line coverage, fill rate and adjustment policy. Study results were achieved by a survey of independent tire dealers. October 26, 2009 ARCTIC SNOWPLOWS INTRODUCES FINANCING OPTIONS Arctic Snowplows introduced Yard Card Canada and National Leasing financing programs. Yard Card Canada credit program works like line of credit, to be used by dealer or customer to purchase equipment outright. Monthly payment plans and no interest or payment for six or 12 months are available. National Leasing program, allows dealers to work with National Leasing to set up leasing agreement. Plans of 30-, 60- or 90-day delay payment are available. October 26, 2009 OAKVILLE CHEVROLET BECOMES ALL LINE DEALER Oakville Chevrolet announced they will carry Cadillac, GMC and Buick, in addition to Chevrolet beginning January 1, 2010, to become an all line General Motors dealer. October 26, 2009 ARCTIC SNOWPLOWS PLANS FOR GROWTH Arctic Snowplows with Head office and manufacturing in London Ontario, has opened a regional office and warehouse in Pointe-Claire, Quebec. Jeff Bones is Regional Sales Manager for Quebec and Maritimes. Dan Armstrong, the company President, added “Through the new office, we’ll be better able to serve our rapidly growing network of new dealers throughout the region,” October 14, 2009 COCA-COLA ADDS MORE HYBRID TRUCKS Coca-Cola has introduced 15 hybrid single axle tractors to its fleet. These trucks produce 30 per cent less fuel and emissions. “The expansion of our hybrid truck fleet across North America is a critical component of our commitment to reduce our overall carbon footprint by 15 per cent by he year 2020,” said John Brock, chairman and CEO, CCEI. Hybrid trucks will be used in Vancouver, Toronto, London, Ottawa and Montreal. Coca-Cola has 20 hybrid trucks in service at the moment. October 2, 2009 ONTARIO BANS HAND HELD DEVICES WHILE DRIVING Ontario’s hand-held device ban comes into effect October 26, 2009. Tickets and fines will begin February 1, 2010, following a three-month education period. Police, paramedics and firefighters are exempt, as are 911 calls. “It is not safe to be texting, e-mailing or dialing a phone when you are driving a vehicle. Now it is also illegal,” said Ontario Transportation Minister. Hands-free devices are allowed. Fines of $500 will be imposed. For older news, click here to view our more of our News Archive.

Click here to subscribe to our RSS FEED
Get news as it is published!

November 26, 2009
PHH ARVAL INTRODUCES CARDLOCK FUEL PROGRAM
PHH Arval unveiled a national cardlock fuel program in partnership with Petro Canada. The program allows fleet customers to combine retail and cardlock fuel costs. PHH clients can find reports on PHH InterActive for fleet vehicles. “This comprehensive, nationwide commercial fuel program is a big leap forward in helping our clients more effectively manage their overall fuel costs, while delivering efficient administrating of an important fleet function,” said Jim Halliday, president, PHH Canada.

November 20, 2009
FOSS TO INCORPORATE DRIVER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER TECHNOLOGY WITH NEW FLEET MANAGEMENT CARD
Foss National Leasing successfully tested driver identification number technology on its Foss fleet management platform. According to president Jeff Hartley, they are the first fleet management company in Canada to do so. Secondary tests are commencing with internal fleet cards over a broad range of locations nationally. "This new enhancement for our fleet management system provides a card that is harder to clone and reuse. It also paves the way for pay at the pump capability with improved security and enhanced driver convenience in the future." said Hartley. In addition, the new card features an improved high coercivity stripe, making it more durable and resistant to magnetic interference significantly reducing card failure in the field.

November 20, 2009
JP POWER NAMES TOP DAILY RENTAL COMPANIES
Enterprise Rent-A-Car ranked highest in J.D. Power’s 2009 Rental Car Satisfaction Study, followed by National, Hertz and Alamo. Study criteria included levels of service involving reservation processes, pick-up procedures, shuttle service, return processes and costs. Enterprise, National and Alamo are owned by Enterprise Holdings, “we will never be 100 per cent satisfied until Enterprise, National and Alamo hold all three of the top spots in the annual study,” said Andrew Taylor, chairman and CEO, Enterprise Holdings.

November 20, 2009
FORD'S NEW POLICE INTERCEPTOR
The new Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor will arrive in 2011. Details of the purpose-built Police Interceptor will be announced early in 2010.

November 13, 2009
FORD’S FLEX WILL INTRODUCE WHEAT STRAW PLASTIC
Ford Motor Company’s use of wheat straw reinforced plastic in the 2010 Flex is a first. The plastic will be used on 2010 Flex in third-row storage bins. Its use is expected to cut fuel use as well as CO2 emissions. “Ford continues to explore and open doors for greener materials that positively impact the environment and work well for customers,” said Patrick Berryman, Ford engineering manager. The Ontario “BioCar” Initiative, an Ontario government-funded project involving the Universities of Waterloo, Guelph, Toronto and Windsor, joined to develop the wheat-straw plastic.

November 13, 2009
PROMOTING ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLES IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
British Columbia, the City of Vancouver, and BC Hydro signed a memorandum of understanding with Renault-Nissan Alliance, becoming the initial launch for Nissan’s Canadian zero-emission transportation program. “Agreements like this one with the Renault-Nissan Alliance are an important step in making climate-friendly transportation a lifestyle choice for all British Columbians,” said the B.C. minister of energy, mines and petroleum resources. British Columbia will be first Canadian province to get Nissan’s Leaf all-electric vehicle in 2011. Building a charging infrastructure in Vancouver and creating promotional opportunities to support zero-emission vehicles in B.C. are itemized in the memorandum.

November 13, 2009
ELECTRICAL ROADMAP RELEASED
Hybrid and electrical vehicle conference releases Electrical Vehicle Technology Roadmap.

Click here to download PDF.

November 12, 2009
HINO EXPANDS PARTNERSHIP
Hino Trucks will initiate a dedicated modification centre operated by the Fontaine Modification Company to support its own West Virginia truck assembly plant. “Having Fontaine as an extension of our assembly plant in West Virginia affords us the ability to offer many more options seamlessly to our dealers and customers,” said Bob Petz, vice-president, logistics operations for Hino. The work will include: paint options, bus, RV and fire rescue chassis packages.

November 10, 2009
NEXT GENERATION INFLATABLE SEAT BELTS
Ford will introduce inflatable seat belts for rear passengers, The belts help to spread crash force to more areas of the body reducing force on the chest. Inflatable seat belts will be in next generation Ford Explorers which go into production in 2010. Inflatable belts operate much as conventional seat belts; upon impact, a tubular airbag deploys. “Ford is pioneering inflatable seat belt technology to help enhance crash safety protection, while encouraging more people to buckle up with a more comfortable belt,” said Paul Mascarenas, Ford vice-president, engineering global product development.

November 10, 2009
TOYOTA’S SCION IN CANADA
Toyota’s Scion brand will appear at 45 Canadian dealers in September 2010. Dealers in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver will sell tC, xD and xB Scion models. “As the auto industry emerges from recession, one of the largest and youngest demographics will be entering the marketplace,” said Larry Hutchinson, director Scion Canada. “Young buyers will be looking to the ever-growing small car market.” More information: www.scionnation.ca.

November 10, 2009
MAZDA LAUNCHES FLEET WEB SITE
Mazda Canada launched a new fleet web site ( http://www.fleet.mazda.ca ). The site provides information on Mazda products :specifications, photos, FAQs, dealer and contact information. “The launch of this important site further solidifies Mazda Canada’s commitment to service the vehicle needs of the fleet community in Canada,” says Tony Harold, national manager of network development and fleet operations, Mazda Canada. “As we continue to grow our business in the Canadian marketplace, fleet is an important component of our growth strategy.”

November 10, 2009
CARFAX TO PROTECT AGAINST CASH FOR CLUNKERS SCAMS
Vehicle identification numbers for 700,000 used cars traded-in under “Cash for Clunkers” are now identified in CarFax’s database. Selling these vehicles is illegal. “With partners like National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), we’re making sure these cars that should be in scrap yards don’t wind up in someone’s driveway,” said Larry Gamache, communications director, Carfax.

November 10, 2009
INGERSOLL’S CAMI PLANT GETS A $90 MILLION FACELIFT
CAMI Automotive (jointly Suzuki Motor Corporation and General Motors of Canada Ltd.) is investing $90 million to retool, effective immediately. Increased production of GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Equinox, creates 40,000 more vehicles annually. “As a result of the high demand for the Equinox and Terrain, approximately 450 workers have returned to or will start new jobs at the plant,” said Canada’s minister of industry.

October 30, 2009
DODGE GRAND CARAVAN MOST DEPENDABLE: JD POWER
Chrysler Canada announced J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study named Dodge Grand Caravan as Most Dependable. Grand Caravan recorded least problems per 100 vehicles, it’s Canada’s top selling mini-van.

October 30, 2009
E3 FLEET RATINGS PROGRAM CREATED
The Fraser Basin Council (FBC) based in Vancouver B.C. has developed a points based system to assess and record fleet performance in the broad areas of fleet management, and energy/emissions performance. Based on recorded performance, fleets can be assigned Bronze, Silver or Gold standings.

October 30, 2009
COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY EXPLAINED IN NAFA GUIDE
Fleet managers can improve a sometimes data-rich, information-poor work environment with the National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA) Information Technology Guide. In some 130 pages, it breaks down technological terminology explaining sometimes complex notions such as information infrastructure, computer software, Internet research, security, telematics, backup, recovers, and ergonomic computing. “It provides an excellent overview of the technology that we all have to interface with everyday,” said Doug Weichman, Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM), director, fleet management, Palm Beech County, Florida USA.

October 30, 2009
FIRST E3 FLEET GOLD RATINGS AWARDED
Two municipal fleets are the first to be assigned E3 Fleet Gold Ratings. The program applies criteria, which include: fleet action plan, staff training, idling reduction and vehicle purchasing practices, fuel data management, fleet operations and maintenance, trip and route planning, fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas performance. “By securing Canada’s first Gold E3 fleet rating, the city of Vancouver and corporation of Delta have achieved a major milestone in reducing transportation emissions as they move towards being carbon-neutral cities,” said B.C Minister of State for Climate Action.

October 26, 2009
TOYO TIRES TOPS STUDY
Toyo Tires is rated top overall brand for consumer and commercial tires according to Tire Review magazine Tire Brand Study of North American Tire Dealers. Toyo is highest in product quality, line coverage, fill rate and adjustment policy. Study results were achieved by a survey of independent tire dealers.

October 26, 2009
ARCTIC SNOWPLOWS INTRODUCES FINANCING OPTIONS
Arctic Snowplows introduced Yard Card Canada and National Leasing financing programs. Yard Card Canada credit program works like line of credit, to be used by dealer or customer to purchase equipment outright. Monthly payment plans and no interest or payment for six or 12 months are available. National Leasing program, allows dealers to work with National Leasing to set up leasing agreement. Plans of 30-, 60- or 90-day delay payment are available.

October 26, 2009
OAKVILLE CHEVROLET BECOMES ALL LINE DEALER
Oakville Chevrolet announced they will carry Cadillac, GMC and Buick, in addition to Chevrolet beginning January 1, 2010, to become an all line General Motors dealer.

October 26, 2009
ARCTIC SNOWPLOWS PLANS FOR GROWTH
Arctic Snowplows with Head office and manufacturing in London Ontario, has opened a regional office and warehouse in Pointe-Claire, Quebec. Jeff Bones is Regional Sales Manager for Quebec and Maritimes. Dan Armstrong, the company President, added “Through the new office, we’ll be better able to serve our rapidly growing network of new dealers throughout the region,”

October 14, 2009
COCA-COLA ADDS MORE HYBRID TRUCKS
Coca-Cola has introduced 15 hybrid single axle tractors to its fleet. These trucks produce 30 per cent less fuel and emissions. “The expansion of our hybrid truck fleet across North America is a critical component of our commitment to reduce our overall carbon footprint by 15 per cent by he year 2020,” said John Brock, chairman and CEO, CCEI. Hybrid trucks will be used in Vancouver, Toronto, London, Ottawa and Montreal. Coca-Cola has 20 hybrid trucks in service at the moment.

October 2, 2009
ONTARIO BANS HAND HELD DEVICES WHILE DRIVING
Ontario’s hand-held device ban comes into effect October 26, 2009. Tickets and fines will begin February 1, 2010, following a three-month education period. Police, paramedics and firefighters are exempt, as are 911 calls. “It is not safe to be texting, e-mailing or dialing a phone when you are driving a vehicle. Now it is also illegal,” said Ontario Transportation Minister. Hands-free devices are allowed. Fines of $500 will be imposed.

For older news, click here to view our more of our News Archive.