Demonstrating the Leadership Role as A Market Innovator, FleetMatics Releases Industry Benchmarks

DUBLIN, Nov 11, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- FleetMatics, a leading global provider of fleet management solutions for commercial fleet vehicles, announced today the latest release of its GPS software solution for tracking and performance management of mobile assets. The FleetMatics 8.5 GPS Vehicle Tracking System offers new features such as Industry Benchmarks, believed to be an industry first, and Speed Limits. 

According to FleetMatics CEO Jim Travers, "With this new release, FleetMatics once again sets the pace for fleet management, harnessing the power of the historical information in our database to provide fleet managers and business owners with greater visibility into their business to improve operational efficiency while reducing costs." 

FleetMatics CTO Peter Mitchell adds: "Our developers continue to incorporate the latest technologies and client input to further improve on our product, which we believe is the easiest to use GPS fleet management software on the market. The latest update of the FleetMatics system features key improvements, as suggested by FleetMatics customers. We believe these enhancements help our customers stay current on the latest trends in fleet management solutions." 

FleetMatics 8.5 Enhancements At-a-Glance

Industry Benchmarks. FleetMatics users already know about the volumes of data the system provides, but many of them want the perspective of knowing how their fleet should be performing when compared to similar businesses, industries and locations. Continuing down the path of providing business intelligence, the FleetMatics Industry Benchmarks provides that analysis for the user's individual needs, providing deep insight into each vehicle's performance and identifying impactful opportunities for improvement. With one of the largest customer sets in the vehicle tracking industry and billions of position points received, we believe FleetMatics is in a strong position to provide industry benchmarks with high credibility and relevance at a local level. 

Industry Benchmarks expands on the tools already offered with the data mining engine that helps the user analyse idling time, mileage, speed and engine on-time for every vehicle tracked. Industry Benchmarks goes in-depth with simple, actionable insights based on mining historical trends and comparisons to specific industries, major segments and geographical regions. 

Speed Limits. Most GPS vehicle tracking solutions limit visibility into speeding on only interstates and highways. With Speed Limits, FleetMatics goes well beyond standard posted speed metrics, providing a more comprehensive source of speed limit information across all types of roads and geographies, including local and residential roads. Speed Limits is powered by FleetMatics RoadSpeed, a specialised database of average speed values derived from billions of points of vehicle movement. 

CEO Travers notes: "As has been our tradition, FleetMatics customers will not be charged for these incremental enhancements in the 8.5 release of our software. We also offer free, unlimited training on the new features. It's part of our continual goal to provide our clients with practical, easy-to-use fleet tracking solutions, along with the technical support they need, to leverage our software for maximum results." 

About FleetMatics

FleetMatics is a leading global provider of fleet management solutions for small and medium-sized businesses delivered as software-as-a-service (SaaS). The company's solutions offer real-time insight into vehicle activity that reduces operational costs and improves customer service. FleetMatics now serves over 14,000 customers, has installed more than 200,000 vehicles worldwide and is adding thousands of vehicles monthly. Its SaaS and mobile application gives businesses anytime access to real-time data about their business.

The company's world headquarters are in Ireland, with U.S. headquarters in the Boston area and additional offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Charlotte, Clearwater, and Phoenix. FleetMatics is the parent company of SageQuest. For more information, visit www.fleetmatics.ie or call 01 499 6200

FedEx Orders Composite Reach Commercial Vans From Isuzu and Utilimaster

ANAHEIM, Calif., Nov. 11, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc., distributor of America's best-selling low-cab-forward trucks, and Utilimaster Corporation, a leading manufacturer of walk-in vans and commercial truck bodies for the delivery and service marketplace and a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPAR), today announced that FedEx Express has placed a large order for the all-new Reach commercial walk-in van. The vehicles, which provide both economic and environmental benefits, are to be delivered to FedEx by the end of 2011.

FedEx Express, the world's largest express transportation company, has been operating five Reach pilot vehicles on multiple delivery routes in Arkansas, Tennessee and Michigan since the van's introduction in March 2011.

The Reach is a smaller, more fuel efficient vehicle that can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 11 tons (or 22,000 lbs.) per vehicle per year. The improved fuel economy and reduced carbon footprint are the result of an aerodynamic, light-weight composite body designed by Utilimaster atop a rugged Isuzu NPR ECO-MAX chassis powered by Isuzu's 3.0-liter diesel engine.

"We have been working with Utilimaster and Isuzu since conception to develop a long-life, fuel efficient vehicle that supports the FedEx strategic sustainability objectives. They right-sized the engine down to a more fuel efficient three liters and reduced weight with composite material while maintaining a strong chassis and a spacious interior,"

said Dennis Beal, vice president of Global Vehicles at FedEx Express.

"The vans are performing well on our routes, and reducing our fuel costs as well as our carbon footprint."

In addition to delivering up to 35 percent better fuel economy* than a traditional commercial van, the Reach also meets the most stringent emissions standards in the world. Isuzu's 4JJ1-TC engine comes with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology with Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) injection reducing NOx levels in engine exhaust by 85 percent.

"We are thrilled that FedEx has recognized the potential of the Reach to offer fuel economy, durability and true commercial truck performance," said Shaun Skinner, executive vice president and general manager of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America. "Today's fleet and vocational buyers are looking for low cost of ownership, and this order proves that the Reach lives up to its name--it reaches a new standard in low cost of operation compared to traditional step vans."

Utilimaster guided the development of the Reach's aerodynamic shape and conducted extensive wind tunnel testing that indicated the vehicle cuts through the air with a drag coefficient that is 13.1 percent lower than current competitive vans. The aerodynamic design, along with the use of composite materials, contributes to improved fuel efficiency and reduced interior noise. The lightweight composite materials provide a 700-pound weight savings compared to traditional aluminum and steel materials.

"The Reach provides a 35 percent improvement in fuel efficiency over alternative delivery trucks, which supports FedEx in attaining their 20 percent fuel efficiency improvement goal as part of their environmental policy," stated John Forbes, president of Utilimaster. "Our development team has worked closely with FedEx stations to review vehicle fuel economy and route performance on a monthly basis. The results are very positive. The Reach vans are operating on the most extreme delivery routes and performing very well."

The Reach is available through Isuzu's nationwide network of 300 dealers.

Additional Reach information and images are available at www.nextgenerationvan.com.

RECORD TURNOUT/SUGAR RAY LEONARD KEYNOTE SPEECH HIGHLIGHT VIPAR HEAVY DUTY'S 2011 ANNUAL BUSINESS CONFERENCE

Crystal Lake, IL – A record turnout highlighted the 2011 VIPAR Heavy Duty Annual Business Conference, October 16-21 at the JW Marriott Starr Pass in Tucson, Ariz. Over 90 percent of VIPAR Heavy Duty stockholder/distributors from the U.S., Canada and Mexico were in attendance for the event that included a tradeshow and one-on-one meetings with over 125 supplier partners.

Legendary boxer Sugar Ray Leonard presented a keynote address on "The Power to Win!" Leonard said whether achieving greatness as an athlete or in the business arena - the same qualities that drive success apply: "discipline, focus, determination, preparation, the right attitude and setting fear of the unknown aside."

Leonard's boxing career included three National Golden Gloves titles, two Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) championships and the 1975 Pan-American Games crown. After winning a gold medal in boxing at the 1976 Olympic Games, he turned professional, winning world titles in the welterweight, junior middleweight, super middleweight, and light heavyweight divisions during his 21-year career.

Under the theme "Synergy, Strength, Support,” the Annual Business Conference included VIPAR Heavy Duty stockholders, supplier partners and industry associates. A new feature for the 2011 meeting were three specialty breakout sessions for stockholders on mobile technology, inventory and supply chain management, and customer service.

"We had positive feedback from our stockholders on the new breakout sessions which really kept the day high energy," said Steve Crowley, president and CEO, VIPAR Heavy Duty. “Overall the record turnout of this year's meeting provided a great opportunity to expand and enhance relationships between our stockholders and supplier partners and to establish direction and plan for future growth."

In addition to the keynote speech, tradeshow, one-on-one meetings and breakout sessions, the 2011 VIPAR Heavy Duty Annual Business Conference included a general session, and the annual stockholders meeting.

VIPAR Heavy Duty’s 2012 Annual Business Conference will be held October 21-26 at the Marco Island Marriott Resort.

For more information on VIPAR Heavy Duty, visit www.vipar.com or e-mail: info@vipar.com.

Clearing the Northwest’s air with clean diesel technology

(Seattle—Nov. 10, 2011) Clean diesel technology is coming to the Northwest thanks to nearly $3.9 million in U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grants for advanced diesel and heat recovery technology. Dennis McLerran, Regional Administrator for EPA Region 10, highlighted the grants at an event in Portland, Oregon showcasing the Northwest states’ grant recipients.

The grants are funded under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act through the West Coast Collaborative, a partnership between leaders from federal, state, and local government, the private sector, and environmental groups committed to reducing diesel emissions throughout western North America.

Since its inception in 2004 as part of EPA’s National Clean Diesel Campaign the West Coast Collaborative has awarded over 100 grants to reduce diesel emissions from the medium- and heavy-duty engines used to power vehicles in goods movement, agricultural, construction, and public fleets sectors

The WCC boasts over 1000 partners from all over western North America, including: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Canada, and Mexico.

For more information about the West Coast Collaborative, please visit: www.westcoastcollaborative.org

Washington Grant Recipients

Makah Tribe of the Makah Indian Reservation

The Makah Tribe of the Makah Indian Reservation received $750,000 to repower nine uncertified commercial marine vessels to Tier 2 standards. The tribe is partnering with 12 tribal fleet owners that will repower nine commercial marine vessels. The Makah Tribe is contributing 25 percent of the project cost.

The engine repowers will vastly improve fuel efficiency by decreasing marine fuel consumption and diesel emissions. They will also cut down on fuel costs, allowing the fishing businesses that own these vessels to be more competitive in the market place.

Puget Sound Clean Air Agency

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency received $650,000 to repower the tugboat Eagle with two new Tier 2 propulsion engines and two Tier 3 auxiliary engines replacing all four of the old, uncertified diesel engines. PSCAA is partnering with Harley Marine Services and the Washington State Department of Ecology.

This Puget Sound tugboat repower project provides short-term relief, long-lasting emission reductions and public health benefits in areas of high population density, poor air quality and heavy diesel fleet activity.

Tulalip Tribe of the Tulalip Reservation

The Tulalip Tribe of the Tulalip Reservation received $576,525 to repower 13 tribal marine vessels with new low-emission engines. These vessels are used for gillnet fisheries, dive fisheries, and for the enforcement and rescue patrol along the Tulalip Bay. The project will be implemented with over $192,808 in leveraged funding.

Repowered marine vessels are some of the most effective and cost-effective targets for air pollutant reduction.

Washington State Department of Ecology

The Washington State Department of Ecology received $400,000 to retrofit 153 privately owned non-road construction equipment and heavy-duty on-road construction trucks with diesel oxidation catalysts.

Construction equipment generates about 18 percent of the diesel particulate matter in Washington. Heavy-duty, on-road trucks such as dump trucks, concrete trucks, and semi-tractor trailers that move non-road construction equipment also contribute to the 29 percent of diesel particulate matter generated by heavy-duty, on-road trucks.

WADOE also received $288,740 to replace 11 pre-1994 heavy duty diesel school buses to meet or exceed the 2007 on-road emission standards.

Idaho Grant Recipient

Idaho Department of Environmental Quality

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality received $189,271 to install fuel-operated heaters on at least 32 heavy-duty diesel school buses to reduce idling and start up emissions.

School bus fleets operate largely in residential areas where children live and school facilities are located. This program will reduce the risk from toxic pollutants by reducing the exposure of school-age children to diesel emissions from school buses. The program area includes areas of high and medium population density, as well as small towns in rural areas.

Oregon Grant Recipients

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality received $502,522 to repower two auxiliary engines on the dredge Oregon to Tier 2 standards and $286,046 to repower two propulsion engines on the Captain Bob towboat to Tier 2 standards. ODEQ is partnering with the Port of Portland, which is leveraging 80 percent of the project cost.

ODEQ is partnering with Tidewater Barge Lines to replace two uncertified propulsion engines on the Captain Bob towboat with engines meeting Tier 2 emission standards. Tidewater’s area of operation extends from the inland Port of Lewiston, Idaho to the Pacific Coast Port of Astoria, Oregon, a distance of 465 miles. ODEQ together with Tidewater has leveraged $1,765,206 in matching funding for the completion of the project.

Alaska Grant Recipients

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation

$188,742 to partner with Alaska Energy Authority and Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, Inc. for the completion of heat recovery projects in four Alaskan villages. Electricity in rural Alaska villages is generated by local power plants with diesel engines. One method to reduce emissions and improve efficiency of the engines and energy use in the villages is to use recovered exhaust heat to reduce the energy demand.

Tanana Chief Conference

$59,000 to replace a stationary gen-set engine with a new engine that meets Tier 3 emission standards. Fort Yukon is a rural community of approximately 587 people on the Yukon River about 145 air miles northeast of Fairbanks. The city power plant sits in the center of the village with diesel generators running 24 hours per day, with continuous exhaust emission in close proximity to this small community.

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AAIA, CARE Commit Resources to Ensure Passage of Right to Repair Ballot Question in Massachusetts

BETHESDA, MD – November 10, 2011 – Following last week’s meeting during Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW), the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE) have announced that they will commit the resources necessary to ensure passage of the Massachusetts Right to Repair question on the state’s 2012 ballot.

“While we are hopeful that the Massachusetts legislature will pass Right to Repair legislation in the coming months, we are committed to the issue and will devote the resources necessary to make sure the ballot initiative is successful,” said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of AAIA. “If Massachusetts lawmakers do not act, the AAIA and CARE boards are committed to making sure the voters of Massachusetts have the ability to decide if Right to Repair becomes a reality in their state.”

The Massachusetts Right to Repair voter initiative would, for the first time, allow consumers to access all of the non-proprietary repair information required to have their vehicles repaired where they choose, at a new car dealership or an independent shop. The proposed law would require that car companies provide independent shops with access to their diagnostic software through a standardized vehicle interface and utilizing a generic lap top, thus leveling the playing field between the big car manufacturers' dealerships and independent, neighborhood repair facilities.  If enacted, the ballot measure will, for the first time, permit all independent shops to obtain affordable just-in-time access to the latest non-proprietary automobile diagnostic and repair information that is currently available to the manufacturers’ dealers and their new car dealerships.

“The people of Massachusetts have expressed their strong support of Right to Repair and their desire to vote on the issue in 2012. In fact, it took only 19 days to far exceed the number of signatures required to get this legislation on the ballot,” said Sandy Bass-Cors, executive director of CARE. “We will make sure the Massachusetts motorists get the chance to vote on this pro-consumer initiative if their state legislative representatives do not act on their behalf and pass the Right to Repair Act.”

The Right to Repair Act was introduced in Massachusetts for the 2011-12 legislative session by Rep. Garrett Bradley (D-Hingham) and Sen. John Hart (D-South Boston) and has over 60 co-sponsors, more support than during the 2009-2010 session.  For more information, visit www.massrighttorepair.com.

About Right to Repair:

The Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act protects motoring consumers from a growing and potentially hazardous vehicle repair monopoly by requiring that vehicle manufacturers provide full access at a reasonable cost to all non-proprietary service information, tools and safety-related bulletins needed to repair motor vehicles. The legislation provides car companies with strong protections for their trade secrets, only requiring them to make available the same diagnostic and repair information they provide their franchised dealers to the independent vehicle repair market.  For more information about the Right to Repair Act, visit www.righttorepair.org and www.massrighttorepair.com.