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April 28, 2010
GENERAL MOTORS INVESTS IN ST CATHARINES PLANT
General Motors Canada invested $235 million in the St. Catharines, Ontario powertrain plant, securing nearly 400 jobs. The plant will build GM’s next generation fuel-efficient engines. “The new engine allocation at St. Catharines is the latest in a series of investments in our Canadian facilities,” said Kevin Williams, President, GM Canada.
April 28, 2010
HERTZ ACQUIRES DOLLAR THRIFTY
Hertz Global Holdings Inc. acquired Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, its Dollar Rent A Car and Thrifty Car Rental brands. “Together we will be able to compete even more effectively and efficiently against other multi-brand car rental companies, offering customers a full range of rental options in the U.S. between Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty and Advantage brands,” said Mark Frissora, Hertz Chairman and CEO. Dollar Thrifty operates 1,250 franchises in 81 countries; Hertz, 8,200 locations in 78 countries.
April 26, 2010
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Chrysler Canada’s new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee achieved an 8.9 litres per 100 kilometre fuel efficiency rating from Transport Canada for the 3.6L Pentastar V-6. Grand Cherokee can travel over 1,000 km on a tank of gas, and achieves a 14 per cent fuel economy improvement added to 38 per cent more horsepower than its predecessor.
April 26, 2010
2011 Hino 268.
American Truck Dealers selected 2011 Hino 268 and Peterbilt Model 384 as Commercial Trucks of the Year in the medium-duty and heavy-duty categories. “We are honoured to be the first recipient of the ATD medium-duty commercial truck of the year award,” said Sumio Fukaya, President and CEO, Hino Motor Sales U.S.A. Selection criteria included innovation, design, driver satisfaction, ease of maintenance and safety.
April 26, 2010
GM REPAYS GOVERNMENT LOANS EARLY
General Motors announced it has paid in full the $4.7 billion USD payment to the U.S Treasury and $1.1 billion CAD to Export Development Canada. This completes repayment of the total $8.4 billion government loan from Canada, the USA and Ontario. “GM’s ability to pay back the loans ahead of schedule is a sign that out plan is working, and that we are on the right track. It is also an important first step towards allowing our stockholders to reduce their equity investments in GM,” said Ed Whitacre, Chairman and CEO, GM. “We still have much hard work ahead of us, but we are making progress towards out vision of designing, building and selling the world’s best vehicles.”
April 26, 2010
PHH CARDLOCK PROGRAM NOW COVERS ESSO
PHH Arval has added Esso fuel purchases to its national cardlock program. The program includes Petro Canada and United Framers of Alberta stations. “The addition of Esso as a cardlock partner increases the size of the network by 32 per cent, makes fuel purchases even more convenient, and differentiates PHH in the marketplace,” said Jim Halliday, President, PHH Canada.
April 20, 2010
Ford Police Interceptor.
The Ford Motor Company unveiled a new Taurus-based Police Interceptor to a Fleet gathering at the Las Vegas Nevada Motor Speedway recently. Interceptor will offer two 3.5 litre V-6 engines, with and without turbochargers, producing 263 and 365 horsepower, respectively. Each will feature a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. Front seatbacks have anti-stab plates protecting front seat riders.
Ford Police Interceptor Interior.
April 20, 2010
PHH ARVAL HOSTS TRUCK MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE
PHH Arval recently hosted an annual Truck Fleet Management Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Featured speakers included Jim Meil, Chief Economist, Eaton Corporation; and Ralph Petta, Interim President, Equipment Leasing and Finance Association. Topics covered at the conference included: 2010 truck emissions; vehicle-to-grid technology; truck cargo theft challenges; transportation legislation and regulatory update; truck salvage, parts and used trucks; alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles; and truck telematics technology. “The objective was to help our clients understand current and future challenges and solutions, and hear some distinguished speakers, who represented all aspects of the truck industry,” said Keith Trumbull, Vice-President, PHH Truck and Equipment Services division.
April 20, 2010
A SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY FOR NORTH TORONTO AUCTION (NTA)
North Toronto Auction celebrates its seventh anniversary by being the first auction in Canada to use GMAC SmartAuction to sell vehicles. “We are eager to break away from the traditional auction schedule of most physical auctions having an auction on the same day every week,” said Matt Rispin, General Manager, NTA. “We are running tests on SmartAuction right now with the official launch planned for May.” NTA will host an anniversary auction on April 30, the largest dealer-only auction in company history. The auction will be broadcast online.
April 16, 2010
NEW ECOBOOST ENGINE TO BE EVEN MORE LIKE A DIESEL
The Ford Motor Company announced that next generation EcoBoost engines will have more in common with the diesel engine. “The first generation of EcoBoost applied some of the key technologies found in powerful diesel engines, such as direct injection and turbo charging, and optimized them for the gasoline engine,” said Bob Fascetti, Director of large gas and diesel engine engineering, Ford. The newly announced advances include cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and more advanced turbo charging. EGR allows for a cleaner running engine, more power, and up to five per cent better fuel economy. “An EcoBoost engine has much higher operating temperatures than a diesel engine,” said Brett Hinds, Manager Advanced Engine Design, Ford. “Many parts had to be upgraded to special metals and alloys that hold up to that environment.”
April 16, 2010
PHH WINS SUPPLIER EXCELLENCE AWARD
PHH Arval was presented a Supplier Excellence Award from Diebold Inc., a PHH customer for the past 31 years. “We’re honoured to have received this award from Diebold, whose Supplier Certification Award Program is world-class in its analysis and recognition of supplier excellence,” said George Kilroy, President and CEO, PHH Arval. Diebold’s award criteria include: quality, delivery, cost reduction, contract compliance, customer satisfaction, cost competiveness, continuous improvement and the overall business relationship.
April 13, 2010
(From left) Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO, Renault-Nissan Alliance and Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman, Daimler AG.
Renault-Nissan Alliance and Daimler AG announced a broad program of strategic cooperation. The companies will exchange equity; each owning a 3.1 per cent share of the other. Daimler’s Smart four-seater and Renault’s Twingo will develop architecture jointly anticipating 2013 launches. Daimler will share four, six cylinder gasoline and diesel engines with Infiniti; Renault-Nissan will provide three and four cylinder gasoline and diesel engines to Daimler. Cooperation on future engine and commercial vehicle development is also planned. “Daimler and the Renault-Nissan Alliance are combining common interests to form a promising foundation for a successful, strategically sound cooperation that is based on a number of very concrete and attractive project cooperation,” said Dieter Zetsche, Chairman, Daimler AG.
April 13, 2010
2010 GMC Terrain.
General Motors Canada will introduce a third shift at its Oshawa Assembly Plant to produce more Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrains in October when nearly 600 workers will return to work. Meanwhile, all CAMi laid off workers will return and 70 new workers will be hired by August of this year. Both vehicles are currently produced at GM’s CAMI Automotive plant in Ingersoll, Ont. but now assitional Equinox bodies will be produced at CAMI and shipped to Oshawa. “By the end of this year, we expect to recall all laid-off production employees in Oshawa to support the new Equinox, Regal and Camaro convertible production planned there and, at CAMI, we will even be hiring some new workers, truly great news for the employees, dealers, suppliers and communities affected,” said Kevin Williams, President, GM Canada.
April 13, 2010
JUNE AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURERS GOLF TOURNAMENT
The Automobile Manufacturing Committee will host a best ball scramble golf tourney at the Cardinal Golf Club in Newmarket, Ontario on June 11. Registration is at 7:30 a.m. Tee-off 9 a.m. A green fee of $135 includes golf, breakfast, lunch and a sit down dinner. A $60 fee covers dinner only. Retired NAFA members pay $60.00 for dinner and golf. The tournament is limited to 144 golfers and a complimentary bucket of practice balls is available after 7:30 a.m. Participants are encouraged to bring prizes for a prize table. For more information, contact: David Murphy, davidmurphy@rogers.com or (905) 471-4767.
April 9, 2010
GM EXTENDS BRAKE OVERRIDE TECHNOLOGY
General Motors will extend use of “enhanced smart pedal” technology, also known as brake override to all passenger cars with electronic throttle control and automatic transmissions. The software reduces engine power when brake and gas pedals are pressed simultaneously. “We are committed to providing our fleet and commercial customers with confidence that they are driving the safest vehicles available,” said Brian Small, executive director, GM Fleet and Commercial Operations. “The brake override technology is another way that we offer our customers the most reliable and advanced vehicles in the market.” Global rollout is expected to be completed by the end of 2012.
March 30, 2010
Volvo Logo.
Ford Motor Company reached an agreement with Zhejiang Geely Holding Group to sell the Volvo Car Corporation for $1.8 billion U.S. The sale is expected to be finalized in the third quarter of 2010, Ford will continue to provide powertrains, stampings and other components, along with engineering support and information technology. “Zhejiang Geely would like to pay tribute to Ford’s stewardship of the Volvo brand, and we look forward to continued cooperation as Volvo embarks on the next stage of its evolution with Geely,” said Li Shufu, chairman of Geely Holding Group.
March 30, 2010
2010 GMC Savana.
Nearly 5,000 2010 Chevrolet Express 2500/3500/4500 and GMC Savana 2500/3500/4500 vans are being recalled for an alternator problem. Fleet and retail customers are advised to not drive the vans, park them away from other vehicles and buildings, and to disconnect battery cables. Production of these vehicles has been stopped. “The stop sale and production halt are measures being taken to assure customer safety until we have a repair procedure,” said Jeff Boyer, GM executive director of safety and interiors. Some 1,400 AC Delco aftermarket alternators are also recalled.
March 30, 2010
NEW PRODUCTS DEBUT AT WORK TRUCK SHOW 2010
The National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) Work Truck Show 2010 showcased new vehicles from Navistar the new class 4-5 International TerraStar; from Nissan the NV van; from Ford, F-series Super Duty; from GMC, Sierra Denali HD; and from Freightliner, the Custom Chassis Corp, with all-electric walk-in van chassis. “The number of new products introduced at the show is a testament that our industry can continue to be innovative and productive even during these hard economic times,” said Jim Carnet, executive director, NTEA.
March 30, 2010
NAFA INSTITUTE AND EXPO TO HOLD OEM PANEL
An OEM panel will discuss the new role of manufacturer fleet sales management at the National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA) Institute and Expo taking place April 24 to 27 in Detroit, Michigan. Participating manufacturers will be: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.; Audi of America, Inc.; Chrysler LLC; Ford Motor Company; General Motors; Mazda North American Operations; Mercedes-Benz USA; Nissan; Subaru of America, Inc.; Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc.; and Volvo Cars North America. Moderator will be Chuck Parker, Automotive Information Network, Inc. Also, a Canadian workshop and Canadian legislative update will take place. Robert Lutz, vice-chairman, General Motors and Mark Fields, executive vice-president, Ford Motor Company, will deliver keynote speeches.
March 24, 2010
(From left) Bob Mauro, Maaco; Chris Palanek and Keith Dill, Brock Ford; and Gary Dohring, Maaco.
"Maaco is ecstatic to announce the very first banner or conversion franchise in Canada. We are proud to advise that we are converting the collision centre at Brock Ford Sales in the Brock Automotive Centre, 4500 Drummond Rd., Niagara Falls Ontario into a Maaco Collision Repair & Auto Painting facility with the Grand Opening on April 17 and pre-opening the week of April 5. Not only will we present the complete Maaco menu of retail and fleet services but we can now offer our valued fleet clients a completely fleet friendly all make service department on site along with an all makes capable parts and accessory department.
Just to emphasize Brock Ford’s status in the dealer mix in which they thrive, they are number one in their dealer group in service volume and number 14 in all regions, number six in all regions in wholesale parts sales. As an added benefit fleets may source or deliver new and or used vehicles via the Brock Ford throughout the entire Niagara Peninsula. We will launch this location with a multi media blitz featuring live radio remote broadcasts on April 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you are in the area please join us for refreshments, giveaways, door prizes and celebrities."
Bob Mauro, director, national fleet sales.
March 23, 2010
Fiat 500 EV.
Chrysler Group LLC will build Fiat’s 500 electric vehicle for the United States (announcement for Canadian market has not yet been made) market. Manufacturing will start in early 2012; powertrain will include electric module, lithium-ion battery, and EV control unit to manage power flow. “The alliance with Fiat presented new opportunities to merge Chrysler Group engineering knowledge with new platforms and the Fiat 500EV is an outstanding example of our efforts,” said Scott Kunselman, senior vice-president engineering, Chrysler.
Chrysler will also build 140 of it’s Ram PHEV trucks for a three-year project after receiving a grant up to $48 million dollars from U.S Department of Energy’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act DOE Vehicle Electrification program. Ram PHEV will feature a 5.7-litre HEMI V-8 with two-mode hybrid transmission and lithium-ion battery.
March 19, 2010CANADA POST BUYS FORD TRANSIT CONNECT
Canada Post will buy some 1,175 Ford Transit Connect vans this year as it begins to replace its light vehicle fleet. The selection process considered total lifecycle costs and operating conditions encountered on roads across Canada particularly in winter. David Mondragon, Ford of Canada's president and CEO said "the versatility of the vehicle [Transit Connect] will allow employees to work more efficiently, and the fuel efficiency delivered by the Transit Connect will help bring Canada Post closer to achieving important environmental goals."
March 16, 2010
Jennifer Abraham.
Chrysler Canada announced its 2009 Senate Member rankings recently. The awards recognize the top Chrysler fleet dealers across Canada. Raceway Chrysler in Rexdale, Ontario finished in the number one spot for the second year in a row. “It’s an honour to achieve the number one ranking from Chrysler Canada and is a testament to everyone at the dealership who helps me deliver great products and service to our loyal fleet clients,” said fleet manager Jennifer Abraham.
March 16, 2010
SURVEY: HALF CHECK SMART PHONES WHILE DRIVING
Just over half of all workers check smart phones while they drive. Fifteen per cent are required by employers to be connected; eight per cent feel obliged to be in touch constantly, according to the Career Builder survey. “Turn off your smart phone when driving, not only is it illegal in many provinces, but using your mobile device while driving is dangerous to you and others on the road,” said Rosemary Haefner, vice-president human resources, CareerBuilder. “If it's necessary to leave your smart phone on and a conference call or other urgent matter comes up, pull over to safely handle the situation.”
March 16, 2010
THE AT&T FLEET BUYS FORD TRANSIT CONNECT ELECTRICS
Azure Dynamics Corporation announced that AT&T Inc. will buy two Ford Transit Connect electric vans. Azure’s Force Drive electric drivetrain will power the vehicles with lithium-ion batteries supplied by Johnson Controls-Saft. “Cleaner, alternative fuel vehicles are the future of our corporate fleet, and the Transit Connect electric represents a real breakthrough and will be a strong addition to our range of alternative fuel vehicles,” said Jerome Webber, vice-president fleet operations, AT&T. By 2018 AT&T plans to deploy 15,000 alternative fuel vehicles at a cost of $565 million.
March 16, 2010
2010 Chevrolet Silverado.
Consumers Digest magazine included Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Chevrolet Mailbu and GMC Sierra 1500 in its 2010 Best Buy rankings. Chevrolet Tahoe and Traverse, GMC Acadia and Yukon, and Buick Enclave were also mentioned. IntelliChoice magazine Best Overall Value of the Year awards went to Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra in the full-size truck segment, and Chevrolet Express 1500 LS and LT Passenger Wagons in the full-size van segment. GMC Terrain was included in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Cars to buy for 2010. “GM’s mission is to design, build and sell the world’s best vehicles and I think these recognitions show our fleet and commercial customers that we are serious about this goal and can provide them with a wide-range of quality vehicles,” said Brian Small, executive director, GM fleet and commercial operations.
March 16, 2010
2006 Toyota Yaris.
Toyota picked up six Canadian Black Book (CBB) Best Retained Value awards for 2006 model vehicles. Toyota models Yaris, Avalon, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma and Tundra were segment winners. Other winners: Honda with three (Accord, Pilot and Odyssey), Volkswagen two(Passat and GTI), BMW two (5 and 6 series), Mercedes-Benz (CLS and G class) two. Mazda (Mazda5), Subaru (Outback), Lexus (IS), Audi (A6), Mini (Cooper), Porsche (911), Nissan (Armada) and Dodge (Sprinter) with one each. “Given Toyota’s recent media attention this outcome may be a surprise to some. So far their values remain stable and that is a strong indicator of the public’s trust in the Toyota brand,” said Larry Shred, senior vice-president, CBB. In all, 17 segment winners were determined from actual values retained.
March 12, 2010
KRAFT FOODS FORD FUSION FLEET
Kraft Foods will take delivery of 2,500 2010 Ford Fusions for the company's national sales staff fleet. John Dmochowsky fleet manager, Kraft Foods U.S. said “[over the past years] the company has realized substantial fuel and cost savings by switching from six to four cylinder engines. It comes down to total cost of ownership and the right vehicle for the job. In addition to being fuel efficient, the Ford Fusion has a comfortable, spacious interior and an attractive design."
March 10, 2010
TRANSPORTACTION ADDS LEASE OBLIGATIONS REPORT TO WEB PORTAL
Transportaction Lease Systems Inc. (TLSI) added a lease obligations report to its Fleet-Ease client web portal. Three report formats are available to cover all, one or five year time lines. “The lease obligations report is a report that from a measured period of time, usually the start of the client’s fiscal year, shows all outstanding lease payments due based on all active units from the start date of the measured period. This report will be in greater demand given changes to how leases are reported in annual financial statements.” said Paul Turner, Transportaction’s senior vice-president sales and service.
March 10, 2010
WHEELS MAKES WASH PURCHASES AVAILABLE ON PAY AT THE PUMP
Wheels MasterCard fleet card now allows car wash purchases at Esso stations. Car wash expense is available in FleetView under Level II. “Providing fleet managers with access to this level of data is another step closer to reaching our goal of providing 100 per cent Level III data to clients,” said Mike Whelan, Wheels North American operations manager.
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