DEARBORN, Mich., 28, 2010 – Ford Motor Company [NYSE: F] today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Volvo Car Corporation and related assets to Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Company Limited.
The sale is expected to close in the third quarter of 2010, and is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory approvals.
The purchase price for Volvo Cars and related assets (primarily intellectual property) is $1.8 billion (U.S.), which will be paid in the form of a note in the amount of $200 million (U.S.), and the remainder in cash. The cash portion of the purchase price will be adjusted at close for customary purchase price adjustments relating to pension deficits, debt, cash and working capital, the net effect of which could be a significant decrease in the cash proceeds to Ford.
“Volvo is a great brand with an excellent product lineup. This agreement provides a solid foundation for Volvo to continue to build its business under Geely’s ownership,” said Alan Mulally, Ford’s president and CEO. “At the same time, the sale of Volvo will allow us to further sharpen our focus on building the Ford brand around the world and continue to deliver on our One Ford plan serving our customers with the very best cars and trucks in the world.”
Ford will continue to cooperate with Volvo Cars in several areas after the sale has been completed in order to ensure a smooth transition, but will not retain any ownership in the Volvo Cars business.
Following completion of the sale, Ford will continue to supply Volvo Cars with, for differing periods, powertrains, stampings and other vehicle components.
As part of the sale, Ford also has committed to provide engineering support, information technology, access to tooling for common components, and other selected services for a transition period to ensure a smooth separation process.
Ford and Geely have established agreements to govern the use of intellectual property; these agreements will allow both Volvo and Ford to deliver their business plans and provide appropriate safeguards against misuse. These agreements also will allow Volvo Cars to grant sublicenses to certain portions of Ford’s intellectual property used by Volvo Cars to third parties, including Geely.
“The Volvo team has done an exceptional job of restructuring its business and remaining focused on delivering its plan during the sale process,” said Lewis Booth, Ford’s chief financial officer. “With Ford’s continued investment in Volvo, it has launched its best-ever product range and remained true to its core values – safety, quality, environmental responsibility and modern Scandinavian design.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Volvo Cars, and wish the management team, employees and new owners every success for the future.”
“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 Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Company Limited.
Stephen Odell, CEO of Volvo Cars, added, “The Volvo management team fully endorses Ford’s sale of Volvo Cars to Geely. We believe this is the right outcome for the business, and will provide Volvo Cars with the necessary resources, including the capital investment, to strengthen the business and to continue to move it forward in the future.
“Geely has been very supportive of Volvo Cars’ business plans and management team. We look forward to building a strong relationship between Volvo Cars and Geely, and to maintaining a strong relationship with Ford in those areas where we will continue to work together to ensure a smooth transition.”
Monday, March 29, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
GE Capital Fleet Services Names Chief Strategy and Product Development Leader
Eden Prairie, Minn.- March 24, 2010 - GE Capital today announced the appointment of Deb Frodl as Chief Strategy and Product Development Leader of GE Capital’s Fleet Services business. Frodl will be responsible for driving strategy, product development, marketing and strategic alliances.
“We are committed to being at the forefront of innovation within the fleet industry,” said Clarence Nunn, president and CEO of GE Capital Fleet Services. “The creation of this new role allows us to continue delivering comprehensive financing and fleet management solutions while accelerating near-term innovation opportunities to benefit our customers. We plan on leveraging the entirety of GE to solve our customers’ toughest fleet management challenges in key areas such as operations, data management and environmental sustainability. One example is making available to customers a direct link to GE’s latest technologies and expertise on batteries, motors, and systems development for electric vehicles.”
Most recently, Frodl served as chief commercial officer for GE Capital Fleet Services. Since joining GE in 1989, she has held progressive leadership roles in sales, marketing and general management within GE at its Fleet Services, Public Finance and Commercial Equipment Finance businesses. Frodl holds a bachelor’s degree in Business from Minnesota State University and received her Master of Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas.
About GE Capital Fleet Services
GE Capital Fleet Services based in Eden Prairie, Minn., is a global fleet management company with operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Visit gefleet.com.
GE Capital offers consumers and businesses around the globe an array of financial products and services. For more information, visit gecapital.com or follow company news via Twitter (@GECapital). GE (NYSE: GE) is Imagination at Work - a diversified technology, media and financial services company focused on solving some of the world's toughest problems. Visit ge.com
“We are committed to being at the forefront of innovation within the fleet industry,” said Clarence Nunn, president and CEO of GE Capital Fleet Services. “The creation of this new role allows us to continue delivering comprehensive financing and fleet management solutions while accelerating near-term innovation opportunities to benefit our customers. We plan on leveraging the entirety of GE to solve our customers’ toughest fleet management challenges in key areas such as operations, data management and environmental sustainability. One example is making available to customers a direct link to GE’s latest technologies and expertise on batteries, motors, and systems development for electric vehicles.”
Most recently, Frodl served as chief commercial officer for GE Capital Fleet Services. Since joining GE in 1989, she has held progressive leadership roles in sales, marketing and general management within GE at its Fleet Services, Public Finance and Commercial Equipment Finance businesses. Frodl holds a bachelor’s degree in Business from Minnesota State University and received her Master of Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas.
About GE Capital Fleet Services
GE Capital Fleet Services based in Eden Prairie, Minn., is a global fleet management company with operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Visit gefleet.com.
GE Capital offers consumers and businesses around the globe an array of financial products and services. For more information, visit gecapital.com or follow company news via Twitter (@GECapital). GE (NYSE: GE) is Imagination at Work - a diversified technology, media and financial services company focused on solving some of the world's toughest problems. Visit ge.com
Monday, March 22, 2010
Chrysler Group LLC to Develop New Fiat 500 Electric Vehicle for the United States
Auburn Hills, Mich., Mar 22, 2010 - Chrysler Group LLC today announced its plans to engineer and produce a pure electric vehicle using the Fiat 500 platform. Shown earlier this year at the 2010 North American International Auto Show, the Fiat 500EV demonstrates the immediate benefits of the alliance between Chrysler Group and the Fiat Group as well as the speed at which the two companies can work together on advanced vehicle programs.
"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 Group LLC. "The Fiat 500 is a small, lightweight platform perfect for integrating electric-vehicle technology."
The Fiat 500EV powertrain is comprised of three main systems; high power electric powertrain module, advance lithium ion battery, and an EV control unit to manage power flows. Beginning in 2012, Chrysler Group will manufacture the Fiat 500EV for the United States market. All powertrain engineering and vehicle development will take place at Chrysler Group headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich. Pricing will be announced closer to launch, but will be competitive with similar electric vehicles in the market.
Chrysler Group is the vehicle electrification center of competence for both Chrysler Group and Fiat Group. The company is exploring ways to promote zero-emission transportation and the development of an electric-vehicle charging infrastructure through partnerships to be announced in the future.
Last year Chrysler Group announced the company's intention to build the Fiat 500 with a combustion engine for North America. The vehicle will debut in late 2010.
Ram Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Chrysler Group has been selected for a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant of up to $48 million as part of a $2.4 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act DOE Vehicle Electrification program. Chrysler Group is planning to build a total of 140 Ram PHEVs for a three-year demonstration project that includes various geographic and climatic locations across the United States.
"This initiative represents how government, automotive industry, suppliers and key partners are reaching common goals and demonstrates how rapidly this type of advanced technology can be brought to market," said Paolo Ferrero, Senior Vice President--Powertrain, Chrysler Group LLC. "DOE-support for domestic advanced technology is an important enabler for Chrysler Group and its key suppliers in order to understand and test customer acceptance and the capability of PHEV systems in a variety of real-world conditions."
The Ram PHEV features Chrysler Group's 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with a two mode hybrid transmission and a 12KwHr lithium ion battery. The vehicle is capable of up to 20 miles of zero-emission, pure-electric range without the need for gasoline. An overall fuel economy improvement more than 65 percent is expected for average drive cycles. Chrysler Group has partnered with Electrovaya Inc. to supply the advanced lithium Ion batteries for the Ram PHEV test fleet.
The DOE grant will expedite the development of vehicle-electrification technology. More than 21 Chrysler Group partners across the U.S., including utility companies, government agencies and Universities will independently test the Ram PHEV and provide valuable data for the advancement of the technology.
In 2008, Chrysler Group announced the company's intention to bring a Ram Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) to market. After closely evaluating the response to hybrid pickups in the marketplace, the company could not formulate an appropriate business case and has decided to cancel development work on the 2011 Ram HEV.
Chrysler Group's alliance with Fiat Group brings new platforms and technologies that allow the company to create an improved long-term product strategy with greater fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Chrysler Group's five-year plan has an uncompromising product schedule, including a progressive vehicle electrification strategy.
About Chrysler Group LLC
Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler and Ram Truck. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.
"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 Group LLC. "The Fiat 500 is a small, lightweight platform perfect for integrating electric-vehicle technology."
The Fiat 500EV powertrain is comprised of three main systems; high power electric powertrain module, advance lithium ion battery, and an EV control unit to manage power flows. Beginning in 2012, Chrysler Group will manufacture the Fiat 500EV for the United States market. All powertrain engineering and vehicle development will take place at Chrysler Group headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich. Pricing will be announced closer to launch, but will be competitive with similar electric vehicles in the market.
Chrysler Group is the vehicle electrification center of competence for both Chrysler Group and Fiat Group. The company is exploring ways to promote zero-emission transportation and the development of an electric-vehicle charging infrastructure through partnerships to be announced in the future.
Last year Chrysler Group announced the company's intention to build the Fiat 500 with a combustion engine for North America. The vehicle will debut in late 2010.
Ram Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Chrysler Group has been selected for a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant of up to $48 million as part of a $2.4 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act DOE Vehicle Electrification program. Chrysler Group is planning to build a total of 140 Ram PHEVs for a three-year demonstration project that includes various geographic and climatic locations across the United States.
"This initiative represents how government, automotive industry, suppliers and key partners are reaching common goals and demonstrates how rapidly this type of advanced technology can be brought to market," said Paolo Ferrero, Senior Vice President--Powertrain, Chrysler Group LLC. "DOE-support for domestic advanced technology is an important enabler for Chrysler Group and its key suppliers in order to understand and test customer acceptance and the capability of PHEV systems in a variety of real-world conditions."
The Ram PHEV features Chrysler Group's 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with a two mode hybrid transmission and a 12KwHr lithium ion battery. The vehicle is capable of up to 20 miles of zero-emission, pure-electric range without the need for gasoline. An overall fuel economy improvement more than 65 percent is expected for average drive cycles. Chrysler Group has partnered with Electrovaya Inc. to supply the advanced lithium Ion batteries for the Ram PHEV test fleet.
The DOE grant will expedite the development of vehicle-electrification technology. More than 21 Chrysler Group partners across the U.S., including utility companies, government agencies and Universities will independently test the Ram PHEV and provide valuable data for the advancement of the technology.
In 2008, Chrysler Group announced the company's intention to bring a Ram Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) to market. After closely evaluating the response to hybrid pickups in the marketplace, the company could not formulate an appropriate business case and has decided to cancel development work on the 2011 Ram HEV.
Chrysler Group's alliance with Fiat Group brings new platforms and technologies that allow the company to create an improved long-term product strategy with greater fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Chrysler Group's five-year plan has an uncompromising product schedule, including a progressive vehicle electrification strategy.
About Chrysler Group LLC
Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler and Ram Truck. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
CANADA POST SELECTS FORD TRANSIT CONNECT TO REPLACE AGING NATIONAL FLEET OF LIGHT VEHICLES
OAKVILLE, Ont., March 18, 2010 – Through an open and competitive RFP process, Canada Post has selected Ford Transit Connect to begin replacing its aging national fleet of light vehicles and modernize its business, Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited, announced today. In total this year, 1,175 Ford Transit Connect vans will be purchased. This is the largest fleet sale of Ford Transit Connect vehicles in Canada to date.
Criteria such as environmental impact, employee health and safety requirements, performance, capacity and total lifecycle costs (purchase, fuel consumption and maintenance) were essential in order to find a vehicle that best met Canada Post's needs. The Ford Transit Connect is used by a number of Post Offices around the world and is well-suited for Canadian roads and winters.
It was named the 2010 North American Truck of the Year at the North American International Auto Show and has won numerous international awards.
"At Ford we are dedicated to delivering quality, safe and fuel efficient vehicles to Canadian businesses – and the Ford Transit Connect delivers on all fronts," said David Mondragon, president and CEO, Ford of Canada. "The versatility of the vehicle will allow employees to work more efficiently, and the fuel economy delivered by the Transit Connect will help bring Canada Post one step closer to achieving important environmental goals."
"We are pleased with the outcome and look forward to the delivery of our first vehicles as we begin to replace many of our aging light vehicles, with vehicles that are much more efficient and environmentally-friendly," says Bill Michalopulos, General Manager, Sourcing, at Canada Post. "It will also help our efforts to modernize our operations as we introduce motorization to our delivery routes."
Criteria such as environmental impact, employee health and safety requirements, performance, capacity and total lifecycle costs (purchase, fuel consumption and maintenance) were essential in order to find a vehicle that best met Canada Post's needs. The Ford Transit Connect is used by a number of Post Offices around the world and is well-suited for Canadian roads and winters.
It was named the 2010 North American Truck of the Year at the North American International Auto Show and has won numerous international awards.
"At Ford we are dedicated to delivering quality, safe and fuel efficient vehicles to Canadian businesses – and the Ford Transit Connect delivers on all fronts," said David Mondragon, president and CEO, Ford of Canada. "The versatility of the vehicle will allow employees to work more efficiently, and the fuel economy delivered by the Transit Connect will help bring Canada Post one step closer to achieving important environmental goals."
"We are pleased with the outcome and look forward to the delivery of our first vehicles as we begin to replace many of our aging light vehicles, with vehicles that are much more efficient and environmentally-friendly," says Bill Michalopulos, General Manager, Sourcing, at Canada Post. "It will also help our efforts to modernize our operations as we introduce motorization to our delivery routes."
NBB Hails Senate Passage of Biodiesel Tax Incentive
WASHINGTON, DC - - Today, the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) praised the U.S. Senate
for passing H.R. 4213, the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010 by a 62 to 36 margin . Among its provisions, the legislation provides a one year retroactive extension of the biodiesel tax incentive.
"The domestic biodiesel industry is pleased that that the Senate has approved a retroactive extension of the biodiesel tax incentive," noted Manning Feraci, NBB Vice President of Federal Affairs. "The lapse in the biodiesel tax credit has been extremely disruptive to the domestic biodiesel industry, and a retroactive extension of this worthwhile incentive will help America realize the job creation, energy security and environmental benefits associated with biodiesel."
The biodiesel tax incentive has played a critical role in allowing the U.S. to achieve commercial scale production of biodiesel, an advanced biofuel that meets a commercial fuel specification and is used to displace petroleum diesel fuel. This incentive is designed to make biodiesel price competitive with conventional diesel fuel, and is structured in a manner that allows the value of the incentive to be recognized immediately in the market price of the biodiesel. Since the lapse in
the tax credit, the US biodiesel industry has seen a dramatic drop in demand and production, leading to additional job losses in this difficult economy. The 23,000 jobs currently supported by the U.S. biodiesel industry are in jeopardy if the incentive continues to lapse.
With passage of H.R. 4213, the U.S. House and U.S. Senate must reconcile the differences between the two versions of the bill approved by the respective chambers. H.R. 4213 as approved by the U.S. House in December, 2009 also provides for a one year retroactive extension of the biodiesel tax incentive.
"The NBB strongly encourages House and Senate to work quickly and get legislation
retroactively extending the biodiesel incentive to the President's desk for signature. Quick action will allow the nation to again reap the substantial benefits associated with a healthy domestic biodiesel industry," concluded Feraci.
The NBB is the national trade association of the biodiesel industry and is the coordinating body for biodiesel research and development in the U.S. NBB's membership is comprised of biodiesel producers and marketers; state, national, and international feedstock and feedstock processor organizations; and technology providers.
for passing H.R. 4213, the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010 by a 62 to 36 margin . Among its provisions, the legislation provides a one year retroactive extension of the biodiesel tax incentive.
"The domestic biodiesel industry is pleased that that the Senate has approved a retroactive extension of the biodiesel tax incentive," noted Manning Feraci, NBB Vice President of Federal Affairs. "The lapse in the biodiesel tax credit has been extremely disruptive to the domestic biodiesel industry, and a retroactive extension of this worthwhile incentive will help America realize the job creation, energy security and environmental benefits associated with biodiesel."
The biodiesel tax incentive has played a critical role in allowing the U.S. to achieve commercial scale production of biodiesel, an advanced biofuel that meets a commercial fuel specification and is used to displace petroleum diesel fuel. This incentive is designed to make biodiesel price competitive with conventional diesel fuel, and is structured in a manner that allows the value of the incentive to be recognized immediately in the market price of the biodiesel. Since the lapse in
the tax credit, the US biodiesel industry has seen a dramatic drop in demand and production, leading to additional job losses in this difficult economy. The 23,000 jobs currently supported by the U.S. biodiesel industry are in jeopardy if the incentive continues to lapse.
With passage of H.R. 4213, the U.S. House and U.S. Senate must reconcile the differences between the two versions of the bill approved by the respective chambers. H.R. 4213 as approved by the U.S. House in December, 2009 also provides for a one year retroactive extension of the biodiesel tax incentive.
"The NBB strongly encourages House and Senate to work quickly and get legislation
retroactively extending the biodiesel incentive to the President's desk for signature. Quick action will allow the nation to again reap the substantial benefits associated with a healthy domestic biodiesel industry," concluded Feraci.
The NBB is the national trade association of the biodiesel industry and is the coordinating body for biodiesel research and development in the U.S. NBB's membership is comprised of biodiesel producers and marketers; state, national, and international feedstock and feedstock processor organizations; and technology providers.
GE Capital Fleet Services Launches New Truck Compliance Service
Eden Prairie, Minn., March 16, 2010 – GE Capital Fleet Services today announced it has launched TruckVantageSM Compliance, a new regulatory compliance service for truck customers. Working with J.J. Keller and Associates, a leader in regulatory management solutions, this new service enables customers to stay at the forefront of increasing regulations by combining GE Capital Fleet Services’ truck expertise with J.J. Keller’s dedicated focus on regulatory compliance.
The suite of services offered by TruckVantage Compliance includes Driver Services and Vehicle Services. Customers will benefit from consolidated and centralized billing, cost control through reduced internal administrative requirements, increased driver productivity, and overall fleet compliance.
Driver Services help customers comply with Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements through the following features:
• Driver Qualification File Management: Provides a detailed audit and guidance for completing driver qualification file documents as required by DOT, and advisory on the best corrective action for missing or incomplete data.
• Driver Log Auditing: Provides a detailed audit of daily logs along with a variety of compliance management reports, including individual “driver counseling” notices.
Vehicle Services provides customers with tools to fulfill state mandated reporting requirements including:
• Fuel Tax Reporting: Processes all trip and fuel information, files appropriate tax returns for all states traveled, and manages reporting requirements for the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA)
• Licensing & Permitting: Completes applications and supplies permits according to state requirements. In addition, obtains licenses, permits and renewals for: International Registration Plan (IRP), International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA), Unified Carriers Registration (UCR) and states with mileage taxes
“TruckVantage Compliance is a strategic addition to our suite of products that will enable truck customers to manage their fleets more efficiently and ease the burden of dealing with complex regulations,” said Deb Frodl, chief commercial officer for GE Capital Fleet Services. “We are pleased to be partnering with J.J. Keller, the industry leader, to continue providing top-quality truck services for our customers.”
About GE Capital Fleet Services
GE Capital, Fleet Services, based in Eden Prairie, Minn., is a global fleet management company with operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Visit the Web site at www.gefleet.com. GE Capital offers consumers and businesses around the globe an array of financial products and services. For more information, visit gecapital.com or follow company news via Twitter (@GECapital). GE is Imagination at Work - a diversified technology, media and financial services company focused on solving some of the world's toughest problems. Visit ge.com.
The suite of services offered by TruckVantage Compliance includes Driver Services and Vehicle Services. Customers will benefit from consolidated and centralized billing, cost control through reduced internal administrative requirements, increased driver productivity, and overall fleet compliance.
Driver Services help customers comply with Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements through the following features:
• Driver Qualification File Management: Provides a detailed audit and guidance for completing driver qualification file documents as required by DOT, and advisory on the best corrective action for missing or incomplete data.
• Driver Log Auditing: Provides a detailed audit of daily logs along with a variety of compliance management reports, including individual “driver counseling” notices.
Vehicle Services provides customers with tools to fulfill state mandated reporting requirements including:
• Fuel Tax Reporting: Processes all trip and fuel information, files appropriate tax returns for all states traveled, and manages reporting requirements for the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA)
• Licensing & Permitting: Completes applications and supplies permits according to state requirements. In addition, obtains licenses, permits and renewals for: International Registration Plan (IRP), International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA), Unified Carriers Registration (UCR) and states with mileage taxes
“TruckVantage Compliance is a strategic addition to our suite of products that will enable truck customers to manage their fleets more efficiently and ease the burden of dealing with complex regulations,” said Deb Frodl, chief commercial officer for GE Capital Fleet Services. “We are pleased to be partnering with J.J. Keller, the industry leader, to continue providing top-quality truck services for our customers.”
About GE Capital Fleet Services
GE Capital, Fleet Services, based in Eden Prairie, Minn., is a global fleet management company with operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Visit the Web site at www.gefleet.com. GE Capital offers consumers and businesses around the globe an array of financial products and services. For more information, visit gecapital.com or follow company news via Twitter (@GECapital). GE is Imagination at Work - a diversified technology, media and financial services company focused on solving some of the world's toughest problems. Visit ge.com.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
UAW urges Congress to let EPA set new emissions rules
Washington -- The United Auto Workers union urged Congress on Monday to reject efforts to bar the Obama administration from setting the first-ever limits on tailpipe emissions.
Alan Reuther, the union's legislative director, said in a letter Monday that efforts by Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Ala., and others to bar the Environmental Protection Agency from declaring greenhouse gases a danger to public health were "misguided."
"The UAW also is deeply concerned that overturning EPA's endangerment finding would unravel the historic agreement on one national standard for fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions for light-duty vehicles that was negotiated by the Obama administration last year," Reuther wrote.
From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100315/BIZ/3150423/1148/AUTO01/UAW+urges+Congress+to+let+EPA+set+new+emissions+rules#ixzz0iMLLGn0U
Alan Reuther, the union's legislative director, said in a letter Monday that efforts by Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Ala., and others to bar the Environmental Protection Agency from declaring greenhouse gases a danger to public health were "misguided."
"The UAW also is deeply concerned that overturning EPA's endangerment finding would unravel the historic agreement on one national standard for fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions for light-duty vehicles that was negotiated by the Obama administration last year," Reuther wrote.
From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100315/BIZ/3150423/1148/AUTO01/UAW+urges+Congress+to+let+EPA+set+new+emissions+rules#ixzz0iMLLGn0U
Federally Funded Study to Bring Thousands of Electric Cars to Five States
President Barack Obama has called on the U.S. to put 1 million electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids on the road by 2015. But the country won't get anywhere close to that number until drivers are confident they can find places to recharging stations.
How best to deploy a network of charging stations and jump-start the market for EVs are questions at the heart of the EV Project, a two-year study in five states that will put drivers in thousands of all-electric cars starting late this year. The U.S. Department of Energy announced a $99.8 million grant to the project in August 2009.
While an efficient gas-powered car can run 350 miles or more on a 12-gallon fill up, a battery charge will take an all-electric vehicle only 100 to 200 miles. Most electric car drivers will recharge them at home or at work, but if they want to use their vehicles for more than just local trips, they will need to plug them in while out and about.
Fear of getting stranded if they drive too far makes many people leery of electric cars. "People already have ‘range anxiety,'" said Colleen Crowninshield, manager of the Clean Cities Program at the Pima Association of Governments (PAG), in Tucson, Ariz., one of more than 40 partners in the EV Project.
Electric Transportation Engineering Corp. (eTec), a Phoenix-based developer of vehicle charging stations that heads the project consortium, will install 4,700 chargers in the homes and businesses of drivers who participate in the study, as well as 6,510 chargers in commercial and public locations.
For the study, Nissan North America will provide 4,700 of its new Nissan Leaf electric cars to consumers and fleet owners. Other partners include state and local governments, energy companies and other corporations and nonprofits, plus the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Idaho National Laboratory. Participating regions are: Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz.; San Diego; Portland, Eugene, Salem and Corvallis, Ore.; Seattle; and Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga, Tenn.
New Infrastructure Focus
The market for EVs barely exists right now, but that's due to change in the next few years. According to Electric Vehicles: 10 Predictions for 2010, from Pike Research in Boulder, Colo., world sales of hybrid EVs, plug-in hybrids and pure EVs will total about 1.3 million by 2012. Forty-eight percent of those vehicles will be sold in the Asia-Pacific region, 38 percent in North America and 10 percent in Western Europe.
As Nissan and other automakers gear up to mass-produce electric cars, governments and companies worldwide are focusing on how to roll out a charging infrastructure to support those vehicles, said Donald Karner, CEO of eTec.
"With this project, we took the opportunity to develop a method to study the use of infrastructure," Karner said. Researchers will use the EV Project to try to learn, for example, how many public-access chargers a region needs to make drivers feel comfortable and how local utility rates affect the use of chargers.
The project also will explore which business models make it attractive for business owners and governments to install charging stations. Might a big box retailer offer charging for a fee, or give it away with a minimum purchase? Will business owners let concessionaires install chargers on their properties? Will drivers pay on the spot with cash or credit cards, or will they purchase subscriptions?
"We've never really had enough vehicles to test this," Karner said. "Until you have a field demonstration, you never know for sure what's going to work and what's not."
For Nissan, the project offers a chance to fine-tune its go-to-market strategy for the Leaf. "Are we going to get everything right? We hope so," said Tracy Woodard, director of government affairs at Nissan North America. "But we know that there are probably some kinks to be worked out."
How best to deploy a network of charging stations and jump-start the market for EVs are questions at the heart of the EV Project, a two-year study in five states that will put drivers in thousands of all-electric cars starting late this year. The U.S. Department of Energy announced a $99.8 million grant to the project in August 2009.
While an efficient gas-powered car can run 350 miles or more on a 12-gallon fill up, a battery charge will take an all-electric vehicle only 100 to 200 miles. Most electric car drivers will recharge them at home or at work, but if they want to use their vehicles for more than just local trips, they will need to plug them in while out and about.
Fear of getting stranded if they drive too far makes many people leery of electric cars. "People already have ‘range anxiety,'" said Colleen Crowninshield, manager of the Clean Cities Program at the Pima Association of Governments (PAG), in Tucson, Ariz., one of more than 40 partners in the EV Project.
Electric Transportation Engineering Corp. (eTec), a Phoenix-based developer of vehicle charging stations that heads the project consortium, will install 4,700 chargers in the homes and businesses of drivers who participate in the study, as well as 6,510 chargers in commercial and public locations.
For the study, Nissan North America will provide 4,700 of its new Nissan Leaf electric cars to consumers and fleet owners. Other partners include state and local governments, energy companies and other corporations and nonprofits, plus the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Idaho National Laboratory. Participating regions are: Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz.; San Diego; Portland, Eugene, Salem and Corvallis, Ore.; Seattle; and Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga, Tenn.
New Infrastructure Focus
The market for EVs barely exists right now, but that's due to change in the next few years. According to Electric Vehicles: 10 Predictions for 2010, from Pike Research in Boulder, Colo., world sales of hybrid EVs, plug-in hybrids and pure EVs will total about 1.3 million by 2012. Forty-eight percent of those vehicles will be sold in the Asia-Pacific region, 38 percent in North America and 10 percent in Western Europe.
As Nissan and other automakers gear up to mass-produce electric cars, governments and companies worldwide are focusing on how to roll out a charging infrastructure to support those vehicles, said Donald Karner, CEO of eTec.
"With this project, we took the opportunity to develop a method to study the use of infrastructure," Karner said. Researchers will use the EV Project to try to learn, for example, how many public-access chargers a region needs to make drivers feel comfortable and how local utility rates affect the use of chargers.
The project also will explore which business models make it attractive for business owners and governments to install charging stations. Might a big box retailer offer charging for a fee, or give it away with a minimum purchase? Will business owners let concessionaires install chargers on their properties? Will drivers pay on the spot with cash or credit cards, or will they purchase subscriptions?
"We've never really had enough vehicles to test this," Karner said. "Until you have a field demonstration, you never know for sure what's going to work and what's not."
For Nissan, the project offers a chance to fine-tune its go-to-market strategy for the Leaf. "Are we going to get everything right? We hope so," said Tracy Woodard, director of government affairs at Nissan North America. "But we know that there are probably some kinks to be worked out."
etrac(TM) TO HELP UTILITIES BOOST FLEET EFFICIENCY AND IMPROVE AIR QUALITY
ATLANTA – etracTM, a division of PS Energy Group, Inc., will help utility companies throughout North America continue to boost fleet productivity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the use of customized intelligent vehicle technologies now powered by Microlise.
This is just one of the latest etracTM solutions offered by PS Energy Group to help customers manage their fixed and mobile assets, including their workforce and fleets. Microlise is an Independent Software Vendor supplying telematics to Ford Motor Company for its vehicles.
"This wireless solution takes the guesswork out of heavy fleet operations," said Livia Whisenhunt, president and CEO of PS Energy Group, an energy and transportation solutions company. "We can automate the process for gathering data about mileage, speed, driver style, idling, fuel consumption, engine problems, tire pressure and more to improve fleet operations."
For the past six months, a U.S. utility company has been testing a customized device attached to the computer of a fleet vehicle, which then transmits wireless data to an office computer. Results from the pilot project will help lead the way for other utility companies to burn less fuel and improve air quality.
"Real-time monitoring can help utility companies better serve their customers and improve fleet and driver performance, resulting in a reduction of the cost and environmental impact of fleet operations," said Steven Walsh, vice president of U.S. operations for Microlise.
About PS Energy Group, Inc.
Founded in 1985, PS Energy Group, Inc. (www.psenergy.com) is a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company that offers business, industry and government a full range of energy and transportation solutions. As one of the nation’s top 35 diversity-owned businesses and the nation’s 4th largest Hispanic-owned energy company, PS Energy Group provides transportation fuels, emergency fueling and fleet management services, including etracTM, a telematics solution that helps improve productivity, profitability and the quality of the environment through better asset monitoring and vehicle tracking.
About Microlise
Microlise (www.microlise.com) is a leading Transport Management solutions provider, founded in 1982, specializing in Vehicle Tracking, Telematics, Transport Management, Planning and Proof of Delivery systems. Microlise Solutions enable customers to reduce their operating costs and environmental impact by maximizing the efficiency
of their transportation. Headquartered in Nottingham, United Kingdom, Microlise also has offices in the United States and a network of Resellers and Partners worldwide. Microlise's customers span three continents with their system deployed across hundreds of fleets comprising tens of thousands of heavy and light commercial vehicles.
This is just one of the latest etracTM solutions offered by PS Energy Group to help customers manage their fixed and mobile assets, including their workforce and fleets. Microlise is an Independent Software Vendor supplying telematics to Ford Motor Company for its vehicles.
"This wireless solution takes the guesswork out of heavy fleet operations," said Livia Whisenhunt, president and CEO of PS Energy Group, an energy and transportation solutions company. "We can automate the process for gathering data about mileage, speed, driver style, idling, fuel consumption, engine problems, tire pressure and more to improve fleet operations."
For the past six months, a U.S. utility company has been testing a customized device attached to the computer of a fleet vehicle, which then transmits wireless data to an office computer. Results from the pilot project will help lead the way for other utility companies to burn less fuel and improve air quality.
"Real-time monitoring can help utility companies better serve their customers and improve fleet and driver performance, resulting in a reduction of the cost and environmental impact of fleet operations," said Steven Walsh, vice president of U.S. operations for Microlise.
About PS Energy Group, Inc.
Founded in 1985, PS Energy Group, Inc. (www.psenergy.com) is a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company that offers business, industry and government a full range of energy and transportation solutions. As one of the nation’s top 35 diversity-owned businesses and the nation’s 4th largest Hispanic-owned energy company, PS Energy Group provides transportation fuels, emergency fueling and fleet management services, including etracTM, a telematics solution that helps improve productivity, profitability and the quality of the environment through better asset monitoring and vehicle tracking.
About Microlise
Microlise (www.microlise.com) is a leading Transport Management solutions provider, founded in 1982, specializing in Vehicle Tracking, Telematics, Transport Management, Planning and Proof of Delivery systems. Microlise Solutions enable customers to reduce their operating costs and environmental impact by maximizing the efficiency
of their transportation. Headquartered in Nottingham, United Kingdom, Microlise also has offices in the United States and a network of Resellers and Partners worldwide. Microlise's customers span three continents with their system deployed across hundreds of fleets comprising tens of thousands of heavy and light commercial vehicles.
GE Capital Fleet Services Launches New Truck Compliance Service
Eden Prairie, Minn., March 16, 2010 – GE Capital Fleet Services today announced it has launched TruckVantageSM Compliance, a new regulatory compliance service for truck customers. Working with J.J. Keller and Associates, a leader in regulatory management solutions, this new service enables customers to stay at the forefront of increasing regulations by combining GE Capital Fleet Services’ truck expertise with J.J. Keller’s dedicated focus on regulatory compliance.
The suite of services offered by TruckVantage Compliance includes Driver Services and Vehicle Services. Customers will benefit from consolidated and centralized billing, cost control through reduced internal administrative requirements, increased driver productivity, and overall fleet compliance.
Driver Services help customers comply with Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements through the following features:
• Driver Qualification File Management: Provides a detailed audit and guidance for completing driver qualification file documents as required by DOT, and advisory on the best corrective action for missing or incomplete data.
• Driver Log Auditing: Provides a detailed audit of daily logs along with a variety of compliance management reports, including individual “driver counseling” notices.
Vehicle Services provides customers with tools to fulfill state mandated reporting requirements including:
• Fuel Tax Reporting: Processes all trip and fuel information, files appropriate tax returns for all states traveled, and manages reporting requirements for the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA)
• Licensing & Permitting: Completes applications and supplies permits according to state requirements. In addition, obtains licenses, permits and renewals for: International Registration Plan (IRP), International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA), Unified Carriers Registration (UCR) and states with mileage taxes
“TruckVantage Compliance is a strategic addition to our suite of products that will enable truck customers to manage their fleets more efficiently and ease the burden of dealing with complex regulations,” said Deb Frodl, chief commercial officer for GE Capital Fleet Services. “We are pleased to be partnering with J.J. Keller, the industry leader, to continue providing top-quality truck services for our customers.”
About GE Capital Fleet Services
GE Capital, Fleet Services, based in Eden Prairie, Minn., is a global fleet management company with operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Visit the Web site at www.gefleet.com. GE Capital offers consumers and businesses around the globe an array of financial products and services. For more information, visit gecapital.com or follow company news via Twitter (@GECapital). GE is Imagination at Work - a diversified technology, media and financial services company focused on solving some of the world's toughest problems. Visit ge.com.
The suite of services offered by TruckVantage Compliance includes Driver Services and Vehicle Services. Customers will benefit from consolidated and centralized billing, cost control through reduced internal administrative requirements, increased driver productivity, and overall fleet compliance.
Driver Services help customers comply with Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements through the following features:
• Driver Qualification File Management: Provides a detailed audit and guidance for completing driver qualification file documents as required by DOT, and advisory on the best corrective action for missing or incomplete data.
• Driver Log Auditing: Provides a detailed audit of daily logs along with a variety of compliance management reports, including individual “driver counseling” notices.
Vehicle Services provides customers with tools to fulfill state mandated reporting requirements including:
• Fuel Tax Reporting: Processes all trip and fuel information, files appropriate tax returns for all states traveled, and manages reporting requirements for the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA)
• Licensing & Permitting: Completes applications and supplies permits according to state requirements. In addition, obtains licenses, permits and renewals for: International Registration Plan (IRP), International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA), Unified Carriers Registration (UCR) and states with mileage taxes
“TruckVantage Compliance is a strategic addition to our suite of products that will enable truck customers to manage their fleets more efficiently and ease the burden of dealing with complex regulations,” said Deb Frodl, chief commercial officer for GE Capital Fleet Services. “We are pleased to be partnering with J.J. Keller, the industry leader, to continue providing top-quality truck services for our customers.”
About GE Capital Fleet Services
GE Capital, Fleet Services, based in Eden Prairie, Minn., is a global fleet management company with operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Visit the Web site at www.gefleet.com. GE Capital offers consumers and businesses around the globe an array of financial products and services. For more information, visit gecapital.com or follow company news via Twitter (@GECapital). GE is Imagination at Work - a diversified technology, media and financial services company focused on solving some of the world's toughest problems. Visit ge.com.
Friday, March 12, 2010
DON’T WASTE MONEY ON OUTDATED ADVICE; FORD TAKES A LOOK AT LONGSTANDING MAINTENANCE MYTHS
* Those snippets of advice consumers have been hearing for years and years might be outdated – or just plain wrong
* Consumers don’t need to buy gas in the morning to save money, and you no longer need to get your oil changed every 3,000 miles. There may be other ways you’re wasting money on your vehicle, too
* By implementing small changes, drivers could save up to $538 a year or $6,610 over the lifetime of their vehicle
DEARBORN, Mich., March 12, 2010 – They’ve been around awhile – a snippet of advice here, an old adage there. They’re the guidelines that are supposed to help keep cars running in top condition. Problem is, most of them aren’t based in fact – or they’re just plain outdated.
Ford decided to debunk a few of the most popular maintenance myths, including the following:
* MYTH: Cars need oil changes every three months or 3,000 miles.
False: That used to be true, but not with newer cars. Because of synthetic oils that don’t break down as quickly, consumers actually don’t need oil changes as often – more like every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. (There may be two recommendations for oil-change intervals: one for normal driving and one for hard use. Check your maintenance guide to be sure.)
SAVE: Either way, there’s a considerable savings here: Let’s say you’re an average consumer who drives 12,000 miles a year, which means you would need about four oil changes a year under the old formula. With the new extended mileage, consumers need only about two oil changes a year, cutting their bill for oil changes in half – you could pocket upward of $50 a year or $650 in the lifetime of your car and do something to help the environment by saving oil.
* MYTH: You need to let your vehicle engine warm up in cold weather.
False: Your vehicle’s engine only needs a warm-up period of about 10 seconds – you’re actually the only one who may feel chilly. The engine warms up while you drive. Running your car any longer beforehand is just a waste of gas.
SAVE: Depending on engine size, temperature and other variables, modern cars can use about a third of a gallon of gas per hour while idling. By giving up that 10-minute idle every weekday morning, you could save more than a gallon a month – $32 a year or $416 over the life of the vehicle.
* MYTH: Premium gas is a treat for your car.
False: Unless your vehicle is specifically tailored to take advantage of the higher octane level in the fuel, you’re wasting your money. Go by what is recommended in your owner’s manual and leave it at that.
SAVE: At current gas prices, drivers may save up to $150 a year by opting for unleaded gas instead of premium.
* MYTH: The number listed on the sidewall of your tire is the recommended tire pressure. False: In most cases, this is actually the maximum pressure allowed for that tire. The recommended amount of pressure is usually listed on the inside door panel – check your owner’s manual to be sure.
SAVE: The government estimates that the average driver’s tires are underinflated by 26 percent. Generally, underinflated treads lower gas mileage about a half percent for each pound lacking when the pressure of all four tires is added up. An average driver with underinflated tires could add $79 a year to his or her fuel bill – or more than $1,027 in the lifetime of the vehicle. You could also save nearly half a barrel of crude oil per year by keeping your tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended level. Per the EPA, one barrel of crude oil equals 42 gallons of gasoline.
* MYTH: Buy gas in the morning and you’ll save money.
False: The old adage was to fill up in the morning when gas was coolest and most dense because gas is sold by volume and you would get more gas for your buck.
But gas is sold in underground, nonmetallic tanks that typically hold about 10,000 gallons, and it will take a lot of sunlight to raise the temperature even a degree. (However, pumping your gas when it’s cooler does mean less release of vapors, which is better for the environment.)
SAVE: Do your research before buying. Ford’s SIRIUS Travel Link™ sorts gas stations by price on the navigation screen, but Web sites like MSNAutos.com can also help drivers navigate to bargains. In our quick research, we found two gas stations in New York City – less than a mile apart – with 30 cents per gallon price difference. If you know before you go and fill up for less every time, it could result in $227 in your pocket annually, or $2,951 saved over the lifetime of your car.
All totaled, by implementing small changes, drivers could save up to $538 a year or $6,610 in the lifetime of their vehicle. In today’s economy, every penny counts. That’s why it’s important to get the facts.
Editor’s note: All savings estimates are calculated based on the EPA estimates for a 2010 Ford Taurus, which achieves 28 mpg highway and 18 mpg city. This model has a 19-gallon gas tank; the EPA estimates that each fill-up, at current gas prices ($2.70 a gallon), will cost $46.17 and annual fuel costs are $1,843. http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm.
* Consumers don’t need to buy gas in the morning to save money, and you no longer need to get your oil changed every 3,000 miles. There may be other ways you’re wasting money on your vehicle, too
* By implementing small changes, drivers could save up to $538 a year or $6,610 over the lifetime of their vehicle
DEARBORN, Mich., March 12, 2010 – They’ve been around awhile – a snippet of advice here, an old adage there. They’re the guidelines that are supposed to help keep cars running in top condition. Problem is, most of them aren’t based in fact – or they’re just plain outdated.
Ford decided to debunk a few of the most popular maintenance myths, including the following:
* MYTH: Cars need oil changes every three months or 3,000 miles.
False: That used to be true, but not with newer cars. Because of synthetic oils that don’t break down as quickly, consumers actually don’t need oil changes as often – more like every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. (There may be two recommendations for oil-change intervals: one for normal driving and one for hard use. Check your maintenance guide to be sure.)
SAVE: Either way, there’s a considerable savings here: Let’s say you’re an average consumer who drives 12,000 miles a year, which means you would need about four oil changes a year under the old formula. With the new extended mileage, consumers need only about two oil changes a year, cutting their bill for oil changes in half – you could pocket upward of $50 a year or $650 in the lifetime of your car and do something to help the environment by saving oil.
* MYTH: You need to let your vehicle engine warm up in cold weather.
False: Your vehicle’s engine only needs a warm-up period of about 10 seconds – you’re actually the only one who may feel chilly. The engine warms up while you drive. Running your car any longer beforehand is just a waste of gas.
SAVE: Depending on engine size, temperature and other variables, modern cars can use about a third of a gallon of gas per hour while idling. By giving up that 10-minute idle every weekday morning, you could save more than a gallon a month – $32 a year or $416 over the life of the vehicle.
* MYTH: Premium gas is a treat for your car.
False: Unless your vehicle is specifically tailored to take advantage of the higher octane level in the fuel, you’re wasting your money. Go by what is recommended in your owner’s manual and leave it at that.
SAVE: At current gas prices, drivers may save up to $150 a year by opting for unleaded gas instead of premium.
* MYTH: The number listed on the sidewall of your tire is the recommended tire pressure. False: In most cases, this is actually the maximum pressure allowed for that tire. The recommended amount of pressure is usually listed on the inside door panel – check your owner’s manual to be sure.
SAVE: The government estimates that the average driver’s tires are underinflated by 26 percent. Generally, underinflated treads lower gas mileage about a half percent for each pound lacking when the pressure of all four tires is added up. An average driver with underinflated tires could add $79 a year to his or her fuel bill – or more than $1,027 in the lifetime of the vehicle. You could also save nearly half a barrel of crude oil per year by keeping your tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended level. Per the EPA, one barrel of crude oil equals 42 gallons of gasoline.
* MYTH: Buy gas in the morning and you’ll save money.
False: The old adage was to fill up in the morning when gas was coolest and most dense because gas is sold by volume and you would get more gas for your buck.
But gas is sold in underground, nonmetallic tanks that typically hold about 10,000 gallons, and it will take a lot of sunlight to raise the temperature even a degree. (However, pumping your gas when it’s cooler does mean less release of vapors, which is better for the environment.)
SAVE: Do your research before buying. Ford’s SIRIUS Travel Link™ sorts gas stations by price on the navigation screen, but Web sites like MSNAutos.com can also help drivers navigate to bargains. In our quick research, we found two gas stations in New York City – less than a mile apart – with 30 cents per gallon price difference. If you know before you go and fill up for less every time, it could result in $227 in your pocket annually, or $2,951 saved over the lifetime of your car.
All totaled, by implementing small changes, drivers could save up to $538 a year or $6,610 in the lifetime of their vehicle. In today’s economy, every penny counts. That’s why it’s important to get the facts.
Editor’s note: All savings estimates are calculated based on the EPA estimates for a 2010 Ford Taurus, which achieves 28 mpg highway and 18 mpg city. This model has a 19-gallon gas tank; the EPA estimates that each fill-up, at current gas prices ($2.70 a gallon), will cost $46.17 and annual fuel costs are $1,843. http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm.
ALL-NEW FORD POLICE INTERCEPTOR PURPOSE-BUILT TO LEAD MARKET, SUPPORT THOSE WHO SERVE, PROTECT
Las Vegas, March 12, 2010 – Ford reveals its all-new, purpose-built Police Interceptor sedan today, showcasing a car for law enforcement officials that will exceed the durability, safety, performance and fuel economy of the industry’s leading police car – the Ford Crown Victoria – while also confirming production of a Police Interceptor utility vehicle.
Ford, the police vehicle market leader for 15 years, specifically designed and engineered an all-new Police Interceptor to handle the rigors of police work, including industry-leading powertrain, safety and technology innovations.
Ford will also add a second Police Interceptor to the lineup, a utility vehicle to provide customers a choice of the best vehicle to suit their needs. More details will be released in the third quarter of this year.
“Police nationwide asked for a new kind of weapon in the battle for public safety, and Ford is answering the call with a purpose-built vehicle – engineered and built in America – that’s as dynamic as it is durable,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas.
To develop the all-new Police Interceptor, Ford engineers worked hand-in-hand with Ford’s Police Advisory Board of law enforcement professionals, which provided input on key vehicle attributes such as safety, performance, durability, driver comfort and functionality.
“Their feedback mattered to us,” said Scott Tobin, Ford vehicle line director for cars and crossovers. “Safety and durability were at the top of their list. So safety and durability were at the top of ours.”
A focus on safety
Continuing Ford’s safety leadership includes engineering the Police Interceptor to pass 75-mph rear-end crash testing. Currently, the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor is the only pursuit sedan to meet this test.
The new Police Interceptor also features Ford’s exclusive Safety Canopy® side-curtain air bag rollover protection system to help protect front and rear outboard passengers in both rollover and side-impact crashes. The multiple side-curtain air bags use Ford’s unique Roll Fold technology to help them slip between the occupant and the side window.
Increased power, enhanced sophistication
Ford’s Police Interceptor engine strategy will provide a V-6 lineup that performs equal to or better than V-8 engines. The lineup comes with two powertrain options, allowing police to choose the powerhouse that best meets their patrol requirements.
A highly efficient 3.5-liter V-6 engine delivering at least 263 horsepower and E85 compatibility is 25 percent more efficient than the 4.6-liter Single Overhead Cam (SOHC) V-8 offered in the current Crown Victoria Police Interceptor.
Plus, an all-new 3.5-liter EcoBoost™ V-6 twin-turbocharged, direct-injection engine will deliver at least 365 horsepower and 350 ft.-lb. of torque across a broad rpm range.
“We have an extremely powerful standard engine, and to top that off, we also offer our exclusive EcoBoost technology,” said Tobin. “Both are designed for the severe-duty cycle that police engage in on a daily basis.”
EcoBoost brings municipalities and police fleet administrators the first ultra high-performance, yet environmentally friendly, police pursuit vehicle. Offering performance that bests normally aspirated V-8 powered police cruisers and comparable fuel economy and CO2 emissions to the standard V-6, EcoBoost represents a triple-win for police departments, the tax-paying constituents they serve and the environment they help collectively to preserve.
A high-capacity six-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmission delivers the power of EcoBoost to the road via the sophisticated torque-sensing all-wheel-drive system.
“Ford remains committed to leading the police vehicle market, and our new Police Interceptor demonstrates how much engineering and innovation we’re willing to invest to address the unique needs of those who protect and serve communities throughout America,” Fields said.
Rigidly tested, police-tuned
Throughout its development, Ford’s new Police Interceptor has been put through the paces, undergoing a battery of torture tests to ensure its individual components can hold up to the rigorous driving styles of police professionals.
Certification testing designed by the Michigan State Police and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department evaluates the durability and capability of the vehicle through a variety of tests where the car’s systems are pushed to the limits for nearly an hour and a half – far exceeding the demands most patrol cars ever experience.
To meet the rigors of the durability testing, the brakes have been increased in size and performance. The cooling package is purpose-built as well, featuring a heavy-duty alternator and larger radiator. Its honeycomb grille is designed to work in harmony with the interior components, offering more air flow throughout the vehicle. Plus, the standard 18-inch steel wheels are vented, designed to work in concert with the enhanced brake system.
“This vehicle is pursuit-ready,” said Carl Widmann, vehicle engineering manager. “It’s no nonsense, through and through.”
Functional, inside and out
Special features continue inside, too. “Working with our police partners, we’ve considered every detail,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president of Marketing, Sales and Service. “Approximately 90 percent of the interior has been redesigned to meet the needs of our special police customers.”
Front seats have been specially designed, with a lower bolster removed to better accommodate officers’ utility belts. Inserted into the seatback are anti-stab plates, designed to protect front-seat occupants.
The Police Interceptor second row also has been optimized to address police-specific needs.
The vinyl seats are specially sculpted and set back to improve second-row space and maximize legroom. The back door hinges are modified to open up another 10 degrees versus traditional rear doors.
The Ford Police Interceptor also is equipped with a column shift specifically designed so the console area is free for the ever-increasing amounts of aftermarket police equipment necessary for officers to do their jobs.
The new vehicle also features:
* BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System): The system uses two radar sensors located in the rear quarter panels to detect vehicles in the surrounding lanes. If a vehicle enters the driver’s blind-spot zones, the system alerts the driver with a warning light in the side-view mirror.
* Cross Traffic Alert: This system uses the existing BLIS radar modules to sense oncoming traffic when slowly backing out of a parking spot. This industry-exclusive system functions only while the vehicle is in reverse and warns when cross-traffic appears within three car-widths.
* Rear View Camera System: When the vehicle is in rear camera mode, a color image with guidance markers on the rear view mirror will assist the driver in backing up.
* Reverse Sensing System: An audible tone will alert the driver to certain objects up to 6 feet behind the vehicle.
* Standard AdvanceTrac® ESC (electronic stability control): This helps maintain the intended path by measuring side-to-side yaw, or skidding, by the vehicle’s speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle. When wheel slip is sensed, AdvanceTrac reduces engine torque and applies selected brakes.
* Ford SYNC®: The Ford-exclusive, hands-free information system has the potential to be customized and remapped to work specifically with police aftermarket equipment such as lights and sirens, allowing officers to focus on the task at hand.
Ford’s new Police Interceptor sedan will be manufactured at Ford’s Chicago (Ill.) Assembly Plant and will be offered without interruption when production of the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor ends in late 2011.
Ford, the police vehicle market leader for 15 years, specifically designed and engineered an all-new Police Interceptor to handle the rigors of police work, including industry-leading powertrain, safety and technology innovations.
Ford will also add a second Police Interceptor to the lineup, a utility vehicle to provide customers a choice of the best vehicle to suit their needs. More details will be released in the third quarter of this year.
“Police nationwide asked for a new kind of weapon in the battle for public safety, and Ford is answering the call with a purpose-built vehicle – engineered and built in America – that’s as dynamic as it is durable,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas.
To develop the all-new Police Interceptor, Ford engineers worked hand-in-hand with Ford’s Police Advisory Board of law enforcement professionals, which provided input on key vehicle attributes such as safety, performance, durability, driver comfort and functionality.
“Their feedback mattered to us,” said Scott Tobin, Ford vehicle line director for cars and crossovers. “Safety and durability were at the top of their list. So safety and durability were at the top of ours.”
A focus on safety
Continuing Ford’s safety leadership includes engineering the Police Interceptor to pass 75-mph rear-end crash testing. Currently, the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor is the only pursuit sedan to meet this test.
The new Police Interceptor also features Ford’s exclusive Safety Canopy® side-curtain air bag rollover protection system to help protect front and rear outboard passengers in both rollover and side-impact crashes. The multiple side-curtain air bags use Ford’s unique Roll Fold technology to help them slip between the occupant and the side window.
Increased power, enhanced sophistication
Ford’s Police Interceptor engine strategy will provide a V-6 lineup that performs equal to or better than V-8 engines. The lineup comes with two powertrain options, allowing police to choose the powerhouse that best meets their patrol requirements.
A highly efficient 3.5-liter V-6 engine delivering at least 263 horsepower and E85 compatibility is 25 percent more efficient than the 4.6-liter Single Overhead Cam (SOHC) V-8 offered in the current Crown Victoria Police Interceptor.
Plus, an all-new 3.5-liter EcoBoost™ V-6 twin-turbocharged, direct-injection engine will deliver at least 365 horsepower and 350 ft.-lb. of torque across a broad rpm range.
“We have an extremely powerful standard engine, and to top that off, we also offer our exclusive EcoBoost technology,” said Tobin. “Both are designed for the severe-duty cycle that police engage in on a daily basis.”
EcoBoost brings municipalities and police fleet administrators the first ultra high-performance, yet environmentally friendly, police pursuit vehicle. Offering performance that bests normally aspirated V-8 powered police cruisers and comparable fuel economy and CO2 emissions to the standard V-6, EcoBoost represents a triple-win for police departments, the tax-paying constituents they serve and the environment they help collectively to preserve.
A high-capacity six-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmission delivers the power of EcoBoost to the road via the sophisticated torque-sensing all-wheel-drive system.
“Ford remains committed to leading the police vehicle market, and our new Police Interceptor demonstrates how much engineering and innovation we’re willing to invest to address the unique needs of those who protect and serve communities throughout America,” Fields said.
Rigidly tested, police-tuned
Throughout its development, Ford’s new Police Interceptor has been put through the paces, undergoing a battery of torture tests to ensure its individual components can hold up to the rigorous driving styles of police professionals.
Certification testing designed by the Michigan State Police and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department evaluates the durability and capability of the vehicle through a variety of tests where the car’s systems are pushed to the limits for nearly an hour and a half – far exceeding the demands most patrol cars ever experience.
To meet the rigors of the durability testing, the brakes have been increased in size and performance. The cooling package is purpose-built as well, featuring a heavy-duty alternator and larger radiator. Its honeycomb grille is designed to work in harmony with the interior components, offering more air flow throughout the vehicle. Plus, the standard 18-inch steel wheels are vented, designed to work in concert with the enhanced brake system.
“This vehicle is pursuit-ready,” said Carl Widmann, vehicle engineering manager. “It’s no nonsense, through and through.”
Functional, inside and out
Special features continue inside, too. “Working with our police partners, we’ve considered every detail,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president of Marketing, Sales and Service. “Approximately 90 percent of the interior has been redesigned to meet the needs of our special police customers.”
Front seats have been specially designed, with a lower bolster removed to better accommodate officers’ utility belts. Inserted into the seatback are anti-stab plates, designed to protect front-seat occupants.
The Police Interceptor second row also has been optimized to address police-specific needs.
The vinyl seats are specially sculpted and set back to improve second-row space and maximize legroom. The back door hinges are modified to open up another 10 degrees versus traditional rear doors.
The Ford Police Interceptor also is equipped with a column shift specifically designed so the console area is free for the ever-increasing amounts of aftermarket police equipment necessary for officers to do their jobs.
The new vehicle also features:
* BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System): The system uses two radar sensors located in the rear quarter panels to detect vehicles in the surrounding lanes. If a vehicle enters the driver’s blind-spot zones, the system alerts the driver with a warning light in the side-view mirror.
* Cross Traffic Alert: This system uses the existing BLIS radar modules to sense oncoming traffic when slowly backing out of a parking spot. This industry-exclusive system functions only while the vehicle is in reverse and warns when cross-traffic appears within three car-widths.
* Rear View Camera System: When the vehicle is in rear camera mode, a color image with guidance markers on the rear view mirror will assist the driver in backing up.
* Reverse Sensing System: An audible tone will alert the driver to certain objects up to 6 feet behind the vehicle.
* Standard AdvanceTrac® ESC (electronic stability control): This helps maintain the intended path by measuring side-to-side yaw, or skidding, by the vehicle’s speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle. When wheel slip is sensed, AdvanceTrac reduces engine torque and applies selected brakes.
* Ford SYNC®: The Ford-exclusive, hands-free information system has the potential to be customized and remapped to work specifically with police aftermarket equipment such as lights and sirens, allowing officers to focus on the task at hand.
Ford’s new Police Interceptor sedan will be manufactured at Ford’s Chicago (Ill.) Assembly Plant and will be offered without interruption when production of the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor ends in late 2011.
Fiat Professional launches new TV sitcom called “The Fleet”
Fiat Professional, the commercial vehicle arm of Fiat Group, has commissioned a new film sitcom called “The Fleet”. The first viewing of the three minute episode will be on Monday, March the 15th, in a special commercial break during News at Ten.
There will be a further nine episodes of the comedy broadcast on the Internet and the new innovative marketing campaign is the brainchild of marketing specialist krow, which has been appointed to the Fiat Professional UK advertising account.
The sitcom will follow the trials of Pete, played by top comedy actor Phil Cornwell, the fleet manager of Lightfoot Logistics. The script is written by Ali Crockett and David Scott and will feature a strong marketing message from Fiat Professional.
There will be a further nine episodes of the comedy broadcast on the Internet and the new innovative marketing campaign is the brainchild of marketing specialist krow, which has been appointed to the Fiat Professional UK advertising account.
The sitcom will follow the trials of Pete, played by top comedy actor Phil Cornwell, the fleet manager of Lightfoot Logistics. The script is written by Ali Crockett and David Scott and will feature a strong marketing message from Fiat Professional.
11 Compete for the Professional Fleet Manager of the Year Award
Six men and five women have been selected by their industry peers to compete for Automotive Fleet’s 26th annual award. The nominees will be narrowed down to three, and the winner announced at the annual NAFA Institute & Expo in Detroit.
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