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Fleet News
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February 1, 2010
2010 Toyota Camry.
Toyota Canada will start fixing vehicles recalled for possible “sticking” accelerator pedals by the end of this week. Toyota dealers will install a steel reinforcement bar in the accelerator pedal assembly, reducing surface tension between the friction shoe and the adjoining surface. Some 270,000 vehicles are affected by the recall, including some: 2009-10 RAV4, Corolla, and Matrix; 2005-10 Avalon; 2007-10 Camry and Tundra; 2008-10 Sequoia; and 2010 Highlander.
Click here to download ARI's special bulletin on the Toyota recall.
February 1, 2010
Motorola H17 Bluetooth Device.
Police across Ontario will begin issuing tickets under “distracted driving” legislation starting February 1. Drivers face fines of $155 if seen talking, texting, dialing or emailing with hand-held phones or other devices while driving. Laptop computers and DVD players are also banned. Since the law came into effect October 26, 2009, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have issued over 3,300 warnings. “We know that hand-held cell phones and other wireless devices pose a serious threat to public safety on our highways,” said Julian Fantino, OPP commissioner. “This law has given OPP an effective tool to save lives and prevent injuries.”
January 29, 2010
LIONS GATE MARKETING NOW SELLS ACROSS CANADA
Lions Gate Marketing Company Ltd., (LGM) now offers a range of mechanical breakdown protection RV and trailer products across Canada. Under the names SecureRV and SecureTrailer in Saskatchewan and SecurVR and SecurCaravane in Quebec, products are now available in all 10 provinces.
January 29, 2010
GM’s VICE-CHAIRMAN TO ADDRESS NAFA INSTITUTE AND EXPO
The National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA) announced that Robert Lutz, vice-chairman, of General Motors will deliver the keynote address at NAFA’s 2010 Institute and Expo which will happen April 24 to 27 in Detroit. “Bob brings a wealth of knowledge, history, and creativity and is a fantastic storyteller and communicator as well,” said Phillip F. Russo, executive director, NAFA.
January 22, 2010
CRUDE OIL AT $90 PER BARREL?
According to a report in the National Post newspaper, oil billionaire T. Boone Pickens thinks crude oil prices in America will reach $90 US a barrel by the end of 2010. “Oil at $85 midyear and $90 by end of year,” said Pickens.
January 22, 2010
NAFA ONTARIO
The National Association of Fleet Administrators’ Ontario Chapter will hold its next meeting February 18 from 10a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn, in London, Ontario. Confirmed speakers include Chris Hill, Ontario Chapter chair and Donald Moore, executive director of the Canadian Transportation Equipment Association.
January 18, 2010
2010 Subaru Impreza.
Automotive Lease Guide (ALG) announced the second annual Canadian Residual Value Awards and Rankings results. Subaru was named 2010 Mainstream Brand Canadian Residual Value award winner, followed by Honda, Mazda, Toyota and Nissan. “Subaru’s signature boxer engines and standard all-wheel drive, as well as its solid reputation for quality, give the brand an image of ruggedness and independence and contribute to remarkable owner loyalty,” said Matt Traylen, ALG’s chief economist. “The recent redesign of its three core models and restrained incentives also helped Subaru jump to the top of the rankings. Luxury Brand award winner Infiniti was followed by BMW, Acura, Audi and Lexus. Honda and Subaru led individual award winner categories with four and three respectively. Other Manufacturers receiving awards were: Nissan (three), Toyota (two), BMW (two), Land Rover (two), and Mazda (one).
January 18, 2010
Mercedez-Benz Sprinter.
Mercedes-Benz Canada featured Sprinter at the Montreal International Auto Show. Sprinter will be available in: cargo van, passenger van and cab chassis forms; three body lengths, two heights and three gross vehicle weight configurations. Sprinter will feature the standard BlueTEC V-6 turbodiesel engine with 188 horsepower and 325 foot pounds of torque.
January 14, 2010
QUEBEC EMULATES CALIFORNIA’S EMISSION STANDARDS
The Quebec Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks announced stricter motor vehicle greenhouse gas emissions regulations, on a par generally with those in effect in California, effective mid-January this year. The regulations apply to 2010-2016 model vehicles sold, leased or marketed in Quebec. Large volume (over 12,000 vehicles sold, leased or marketed) automotive manufacturers will be required to maintain average fleet GHG levels below regulatory levels starting in 2010. Smaller volume manufacturers have until 2016 to meet regulations. “We were committed to apply our regulation as soon as the United States Environmental Protection Agency authorized California to adapt and implement greenhouse gas emission standards that exceeded federal motor vehicle requirements,” said the Minister. Fines for manufacturers whose emissions are over maximum emission standards is $5,000 per vehicle equivalent starting with 2010 model year vehicles. Category 1 vehicles (gross vehicle weight under 3,855 kg) maximum GHG emission standards start at 187 grams of CO2 equivalent/km for 2010, down to 127 grams of CO2 equivalent/km for the year 2016.
Click here to read a PDF version of the regulation. January 12, 2010
Ford Fusion Hybrid at Canadian launch event in Quebec City.
Ford 2010 Fusion Hybrid and 2010 Transit Connect won 2010 Car of the Year and Truck of the Year awards at the 2010 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Fusion Hybrid vanquished finalists Buick LaCrosse and Volkswagen Golf/GTI; Transit Connect triumphed over Chevrolet Equinox and Subaru Outback.
Ford Transit Connect.
January 11, 2010
PHH HOSTS WINTER DRIVING RISK PREVENTION AND SAFETY
On January 21, PHH Arval will host a winter Driving Risks and Safety Day Seminar in Montreal, Quebec. The event will feature safety presentations, braking, skid circle, shifting techniques, and lane change exercises at the ICAR motorsports complex venue. New, related products will be demonstrated. For further details and more information contact Leanne Anderson at, leanne.anderson@phh.com or by telephone at (416) 788-7634.
January 8, 2010
Chrysler 1.4-litre Fully Integrated Robotized Engine (FIRE).
Chrysler Group LLC has invested $179 million in the new 1.4-litre Fully Integrated Robotized Engine (FIRE). The Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) plant in Michigan will produce the engine beginning in the fourth quarter of 2010 for the Fiat 500. As many as 155 new jobs will be created at Chrysler.
January 8, 2010
FORD OF CANADA: 2009 TOPS IN SALES
Ford of Canada was the best selling automotive company in Canada in 2009, with F-series starring as the best-selling vehicle and pick-up truck. Sales for 2009 increased seven per cent, and Ford has grown market share for the past 14 consecutive months. “We grew our sales despite a down industry, powered by the freshest showroom in the country,” said David Mondragon, President and CEO, Ford of Canada.
January 8, 2010
Nissan Logo.
Nissan Canada Inc. (NCI) sold 79,018 vehicles in 2009, down 5.3 per cent year-over-year but the company’s second highest total ever. NCI sold 71,937 Nissan and 7,081 Infiniti vehicles, down 4.5 and 13.2 per cent, respectively. Versa, Sentra, Altima and Rogue were top sellers for Nissan. Total car sales for Nissan were up 1.3 per cent.
January 7, 2010
Audi Logo.
Audi Canada will provide buyers with a CarProof vehicle history report as part of Audi Certified pre-owned vehicles program. Audi will have used vehicle data from Canada and U.S. through CarProof. “With our business model aligned to provide attractive, sophisticated and technically perfect new cars, CarProof allows us to ensure the integrity of the used vehicles we are ‘certifying’ and is an essential step in maintaining our brand,” said Dino Casanova, Audi national commercial and pre-owned sales manager.
January 7, 2010
BRITSH COLUMBIA BANS MOST HANDHELDS
Use of hand-held cell phones and mobile devices are now banned under changes to the B.C. Motor Vehicle Act. Only hands-free one-touch activation devices will be allowed. Drivers under Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) cannot use any cell phone or device, even hands-free. A fine of $167 applies February 1, drivers who text or email face an additional three penalty points. Emergency personal and 9-1-1 calls are exempt.
January 7, 2010
MANHEIM CANADA BACKS ONTARIO MOTOR VEHICLE DEALERS ACT (OMVDA)
Manheim Canada announced full support for the Ontario Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (OMVDA). Manheim’s modified National Arbitration policy will be fully in line with OMVDA, and a revised National Sellers Declaration policy, which requires all sellers of used cars to provide a vehicle’s history. “While the act currently applies to dealers doing business in Ontario, our company has decided to support compliance of this act throughout all of our locations, using this legislation as a baseline to conduct business in Canada,” said Patrick Brennan, vice-president, Manheim Canada.
January 6, 2010
ONTARIO’S 407 ETR INCREASES RATES
Rates will increase on 407 ETR (Express Toll Route) effective February 1. Light vehicles will now pay 21.35 cents/km (up from 19.85c/km) for peak hours (weekday 6 to 10 a.m., 3 to 7 p.m.) in regular zones and 20.10 c/km (19.25) in light zones. Off peak rate are now 18.35 c/km. Heavy vehicle and tractor-trailer fees also increase. Enforcement fee grows from $18 to $20; Trip Toll Charge (for light vehicles) from $0.25 to $0.40 per trip. “The company plans to invest over $70 million in 2010 to build 20 km of new lanes and for other highway improvements to help reduce congestion,” said Jose Tamariz, President and CEO.
January 6, 2010
BUSINESS DRIVER RATES AND LIMITS UNCHANGED
The Federal Finance Department announced automobile deduction limits and expense benefit rates remain unchanged for 2010, Capital costs of passenger vehicles (purchased after 2009) (CCA) remain at $30,000; highest interest deduction stays at $300 a month. The deductible leasing cost limit remains at $800 per month. Deduction limits of tax-exempt allowances paid for employee owned vehicle operated for business continue at $0.52 per km ($0.56 for Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut) for the first 5,000 km and $0.46 ($0.50) thereafter. The General Prescribed Rate (GPR), which determines the employee taxable benefit of the personal portion of auto operating expenses paid by employers, remains at $0.24 per km ($0.21 per km for those employed in vehicle sales selling or leasing).
January 6, 2010
BMW Logo.
BMW Group Canada will be re-locating to a new, LEED-certified building in Richmond Hill. Effective February 8, new address will be: 50 Ultimate Drive, Richmond Hill Ontario, L4S 0C8. The BMW University will continue to operate out of its current Whitby location.
December 23, 2009
Volvo Logo.
The Ford Motor Company announced that the sale of Volvo Car Corporation is settled. Volvo will be sold to the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Company Limited in China. Final details such as documentation, government approval and financing remain to be finalized. The sale close is expected in the second quarter 2010.
December 18, 2009
OTTAWA'S NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL ENTERS THE AUTOMOTIVE ARENA
A unit of Magna International Inc. and National Research Counsel of Canada (NRC) will partner to develop lighter and more durable automotive parts. "This new innovative partnership will increase our ability to compete internationally, bring long-term benefits to the auto sector and create jobs for Canadians," said the Federal Minister of Industry when making the announcement. The deal, funded by government will create the research facility, Magna-NRC Composite Centre of Excellence, at Magna's Concord location. There it is expected to develop composite technology to be used largely in the automotive industry. Work will start right away and the new research facility itself will begin to function in the summer 2010.
December 17, 2009
FORD'S E-SERIES VAN SOON AVAILABLE WITH LIQUID PROPANE SYSTEM
Roush Performance announced a liquid propane injected conversion system for Ford E-series vans. Available in the first quarter of 2010, the system achieves super ultra low emission vehicle (SULEV) II emission standards, on Ford 5.4L V-8 engines in 2009 and newer models. SULEV vehicles can produce 90 per cent fewer emissions, 20 per cent less nitrous oxide and 60 per cent less carbon monoxide. "Evidence clearly shows that propane as a motor fuel can save fleets considerable amounts of money," said Brian Feehan, vice-president, Propane Education and Research Council.
December 17, 2009
CANADIAN BLACK BOOK: GUIDE FOR RESIDUAL VALUES
The residual value insurance company, RVI Group, has partnered with Canadian Black Book (CBB) to establish residual values in Canada. "Residual values are the result of an exceedingly complicated process and we believe that pooling the CBB and RVI expertise and resources will lead to products and services that will better serve the Canadian auto market," said Kathy Ward, CBB, president and CEO.
December 11, 2009
2010 RAM 2500 NAMED TRUCK OF THE YEAR Motor Trend magazine named 2010 Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty its 2010 Truck of the Year. Criteria involved in choosing winner were: design advancement, engineering excellence, intended function, efficiency, safety and value. “It delivers the capability heavy duty truck users demand, with style and refinement they perhaps did not expect,” said Motor Trend’s editor-in-chief. In addition, 2010 Ram 2500 Power Wagon was named Pick-up Truck of the Year by Four Wheeler magazine.
December 11, 2009
TOYOTA ADDS SECOND SHIFT TO WOODSTOCK PLANT March 2010 will see Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc., add second shift at its Woodstock, Ontario plant, creating over 800 new jobs and increasing production of RAV4 by 150,000 vehicles. “This is a vote of confidence in the RAV4 product, the quality of our suppliers and the capability of our Canadian Team Members,” said Ray Tanguay, president, TMMC. In addition, this move demonstrates Toyota’s continued commitment to North American production and to building where we sell.”
December 11, 2009
CAMI NOW WHOLLY OWNED BY GM CANADA
General Motors of Canada announced acquisition of 100 per cent of CAMi Automotive Incorporated. Shares owned by Suzuki Motor Corporation were bought by GM. CAMI is located in Ingersoll, Ontario and makes the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain.
December 11, 2009
TOYOTA RECALLS
Toyota Motor Sales USA announced recall of some car models for potential accelerator pedal entrapment and 110,000 Tundra pick-up trucks for possible rear frame cross-member corrosion. Toyota will reconfigure the accelerator pedal, some models will have the floor surface changed; those with Toyota/Lexus floor mats will get replacement mats. A brake override system will be installed on some models. (2007 to 2010 Camry, 2005 to 2010 Avalon, 2004 to 2009 Prius, 2005 to 2010 Tacoma, 2007 to 2010 Tundra, 2007 to 2010 ES350, 2006 to 2010 IS250 and 2006 to 2010 IS350) owners will be notified end of year and into next year. 2000 to 2003 Tundras recalled for corrosion on the rear frame cross-member, which can cause the spare tire to fall off. If corrosion is not found, a corrosion-resistant compound will be applied; if it is corroded, the rear cross-member will be replaced.
November 27, 2009
2011 BUICK REGAL TO BE BUILT IN OSHAWA
General Motors Canada Oshawa plant will produce the 2011 Buick Regal commencing first quarter 2011. “The new Regal gives Buick a modern performance sedan and its production here in Oshawa is terrific news for our employees, the Canadian Auto Workers, dealers and suppliers,” said Arturo Elias, president, GM Canada.
November 27, 2009
FORD FUSION NAMED CAR OF THE YEAR
Motor Trend magazine named Ford Fusion its 2010 Car of the Year. Fusion beat out 22 vehicles to win the honour. “Ford has proved its resilience in these tough times by delivering to market a car with broad appeal to a broad range of consumers,” said Motor Trend’s editor-in-chief.
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