ALPHARETTA, Ga. (June 14, 2010) – Matthew Betz, vice president, government fleet services for LeasePlan USA, a leading fleet and vehicle management company, will present managed fleet services on the 100 Best Fleets webinar on June 17, 2010.
This interactive webinar is designed to share business best practices and innovations from leading experts in the fleet management industry. Betz, a 30-year industry veteran, will discuss how government fleets can maximize resources to reach goals.
Additional information on the webinar is available at www.the100bestfleets.com/s_webinar.htm.
LeasePlan USA, a subsidiary of LeasePlan Corp. N.V., is a global leader in vehicle leasing and fleet management solutions. The company, which manages
1.3 million vehicles worldwide, offers clients customized plans for total fleet cost reduction through its technologically advanced products and dedication to customer service.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
City of Rocklin Professional Achieves Rare ASE Certification Status
Rocklin, CA June 10, 2010 – The City of Rocklin is proud to announce that Russ French has achieved an honor held by only three individuals worldwide by passing every certification test offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Russ has been a Rocklin city employee for three years and works for General Services in the Fleet Division as Senior Equipment Mechanic. He is a key member of the service team, providing accurate, reliable vehicle maintenance and repair to fleet vehicles.
Russ French achieved ASE Master Technician certification in seven ASE categories by passing 53 tests in the areas of auto and light trucks, medium and heavy trucks, engine machinist, collision repair and refinish, truck equipment, transit bus, and school bus. French joins the ranks of the best automotive technicians in the world, an achievement even more amazing considering that he took his first ASE test in 2005.
The City of Rocklin is proud of Russ’ achievement and of all of our ASE certified professionals, who work each day to provide the highest quality services to our municipal vehicle fleet in Rocklin.
Russ and his wife Christy have four grown daughters and seven grandchildren. Russ has had a successful career of more that 30 years in Fleet Services in the US and abroad. He enjoys cooking, swimming and motorsports, and is a member of the Masonic Eureka Lodge No 16 in Auburn, CA.
Russ is currently enrolled in the Certified Automotive Fleet Mangers Program of The National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA). In less than a year he has completed and passed four of the eight core disciplines to become a Certified Automotive Fleet Manager.
ASE was founded in 1972 as a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. Technicians, engine machinists, and parts specialists have participated in ASE programs from all segments of the service and repair industry. Today, nearly 400,000 professionals are ASE-certified.
The City of Rocklin was incorporated in 1893 and has a rich history. In 1910, 22 quarries operated in Rocklin and, in 1912, nearly 2,000 train carloads of granite were sent out of town. Granite for the state capitol and many of the buildings in San Francisco came from Rocklin’s quarries. Today, Rocklin granite is as popular as ever, finding its way to kitchen counters and monument signs throughout the region. Today, Rocklin is nearly 20 square miles and has a population of 54, 754 residents.
Russ French achieved ASE Master Technician certification in seven ASE categories by passing 53 tests in the areas of auto and light trucks, medium and heavy trucks, engine machinist, collision repair and refinish, truck equipment, transit bus, and school bus. French joins the ranks of the best automotive technicians in the world, an achievement even more amazing considering that he took his first ASE test in 2005.
The City of Rocklin is proud of Russ’ achievement and of all of our ASE certified professionals, who work each day to provide the highest quality services to our municipal vehicle fleet in Rocklin.
Russ and his wife Christy have four grown daughters and seven grandchildren. Russ has had a successful career of more that 30 years in Fleet Services in the US and abroad. He enjoys cooking, swimming and motorsports, and is a member of the Masonic Eureka Lodge No 16 in Auburn, CA.
Russ is currently enrolled in the Certified Automotive Fleet Mangers Program of The National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA). In less than a year he has completed and passed four of the eight core disciplines to become a Certified Automotive Fleet Manager.
ASE was founded in 1972 as a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. Technicians, engine machinists, and parts specialists have participated in ASE programs from all segments of the service and repair industry. Today, nearly 400,000 professionals are ASE-certified.
The City of Rocklin was incorporated in 1893 and has a rich history. In 1910, 22 quarries operated in Rocklin and, in 1912, nearly 2,000 train carloads of granite were sent out of town. Granite for the state capitol and many of the buildings in San Francisco came from Rocklin’s quarries. Today, Rocklin granite is as popular as ever, finding its way to kitchen counters and monument signs throughout the region. Today, Rocklin is nearly 20 square miles and has a population of 54, 754 residents.
GE Capital Fleet Services Names Sales Senior Vice President
Eden Prairie, Minn.- June 14, 2010 - GE Capital Fleet Services today announced the appointment of Jon Parker as senior vice president of sales. Parker will be responsible for leading GE Capital Fleet Services’ strategic sales efforts and will also work closely with product development teams to ensure customer needs and insights are reflected in new products and services.
Parker is taking over the sales leadership role from Deb Frodl, who was recently named as chief strategic and product development leader.
“Customers will benefit from Jon’s wealth of sales leadership experience, as well as his extensive knowledge of GE,” said Clarence Nunn, president and CEO of GE Capital Fleet Services. “His focus will be on executing our growth strategy while continuing to deliver comprehensive financing and fleet management solutions to meet customer needs.”
Most recently, Parker served as chief commercial officer for GE Capital Financial Inc. Since joining GE in 1994, Parker has held roles of increasing responsibility with a variety of GE Capital’s commercial finance businesses. Prior to joining GE, Parker was a sales leader at Northern Trust Company in Chicago. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from DePauw University in Indiana.
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 the Web site at gefleet.com follow the company’s eco news and updates via Twitter (@GEFleetSvcs)
GE Capital offers consumers and businesses around the globe an array of financial products and services. For more information, visit www.gecapital.com or follow company news via Twitter (@GECapital). GE (NYSE: GE) is a diversified infrastructure, finance and media company taking on the world’s toughest challenges. GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs about 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit www.ge.com.
Parker is taking over the sales leadership role from Deb Frodl, who was recently named as chief strategic and product development leader.
“Customers will benefit from Jon’s wealth of sales leadership experience, as well as his extensive knowledge of GE,” said Clarence Nunn, president and CEO of GE Capital Fleet Services. “His focus will be on executing our growth strategy while continuing to deliver comprehensive financing and fleet management solutions to meet customer needs.”
Most recently, Parker served as chief commercial officer for GE Capital Financial Inc. Since joining GE in 1994, Parker has held roles of increasing responsibility with a variety of GE Capital’s commercial finance businesses. Prior to joining GE, Parker was a sales leader at Northern Trust Company in Chicago. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from DePauw University in Indiana.
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 the Web site at gefleet.com follow the company’s eco news and updates via Twitter (@GEFleetSvcs)
GE Capital offers consumers and businesses around the globe an array of financial products and services. For more information, visit www.gecapital.com or follow company news via Twitter (@GECapital). GE (NYSE: GE) is a diversified infrastructure, finance and media company taking on the world’s toughest challenges. GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs about 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit www.ge.com.
PHH Arval partners with Driving Dynamics for enhanced fleet safety training
Sparks, MD – June 14, 2010 – PHH Arval, one of North America’s largest providers of fleet accident and risk services, has announced a strategic partnership with Driving Dynamics, a market leader in the field of advanced performance driver safety training.
Driving Dynamics’ comprehensive Web-based driver training modules will expand PHH’s suite of risk and safety services, which are designed to help companies increase the safety of their fleet drivers and improve their corporate risk profiles. Incorporating proven instructional tools and techniques for adult learners, Driving Dynamics has enabled fleet-based operations to achieve and sustain reductions in crash rates, in some cases as much as 45%.
The training is designed for drivers of all classes of vehicles, from cars to heavy trucks. Modules focus on key principles that are proven to avoid collisions. Animated, practical and interactive, the training covers both skills-based and behavior-based trainings. Users have the opportunity to check knowledge, go over missed test questions, and take final tests on a wide range of topics.
PHH Arval works closely with clients to develop customized training programs based on their fleets’ specific risk profiles, and incorporates safety training into PHH’s comprehensive driver profile database.
Karen Healey, Director, Product Manager for PHH Arval, commented, “Because of the high cost of accidents, an increasing number of our clients are interested in implementing effective driver safety programs. Our new partnership with Driving Dynamics is yet another enhancement to our 360ยบ circle of comprehensive safety and collision services, which include everything from motor vehicle record checks and safety training to accident subrogation and vehicle repair.”
About Arval
PHH Arval, a subsidiary of PHH Corporation, is a leading fleet management services provider in the United States and Canada. PHH Arval provides outsourced fleet management solutions to corporate clients, including nearly one-third of the Fortune 500 companies. Through consultative expertise, flexible customer service, and award-winning technology, PHH Arval helps clients reduce costs and increase productivity. For more information, visit www.phharval.com, or call 800 ONLY PHH.
About PHH Corporation
Headquartered in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, PHH Corporation is a leading outsource provider of mortgage and vehicle fleet management services. Its subsidiary, PHH Mortgage, is one of the top five retail originators of residential mortgages in the United States1, and its subsidiary, PHH Arval, is a leading fleet management services provider in the United States and Canada. For additional information about the company and its subsidiaries, please visit our Web site at www.phh.com.
Driving Dynamics’ comprehensive Web-based driver training modules will expand PHH’s suite of risk and safety services, which are designed to help companies increase the safety of their fleet drivers and improve their corporate risk profiles. Incorporating proven instructional tools and techniques for adult learners, Driving Dynamics has enabled fleet-based operations to achieve and sustain reductions in crash rates, in some cases as much as 45%.
The training is designed for drivers of all classes of vehicles, from cars to heavy trucks. Modules focus on key principles that are proven to avoid collisions. Animated, practical and interactive, the training covers both skills-based and behavior-based trainings. Users have the opportunity to check knowledge, go over missed test questions, and take final tests on a wide range of topics.
PHH Arval works closely with clients to develop customized training programs based on their fleets’ specific risk profiles, and incorporates safety training into PHH’s comprehensive driver profile database.
Karen Healey, Director, Product Manager for PHH Arval, commented, “Because of the high cost of accidents, an increasing number of our clients are interested in implementing effective driver safety programs. Our new partnership with Driving Dynamics is yet another enhancement to our 360ยบ circle of comprehensive safety and collision services, which include everything from motor vehicle record checks and safety training to accident subrogation and vehicle repair.”
About Arval
PHH Arval, a subsidiary of PHH Corporation, is a leading fleet management services provider in the United States and Canada. PHH Arval provides outsourced fleet management solutions to corporate clients, including nearly one-third of the Fortune 500 companies. Through consultative expertise, flexible customer service, and award-winning technology, PHH Arval helps clients reduce costs and increase productivity. For more information, visit www.phharval.com, or call 800 ONLY PHH.
About PHH Corporation
Headquartered in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, PHH Corporation is a leading outsource provider of mortgage and vehicle fleet management services. Its subsidiary, PHH Mortgage, is one of the top five retail originators of residential mortgages in the United States1, and its subsidiary, PHH Arval, is a leading fleet management services provider in the United States and Canada. For additional information about the company and its subsidiaries, please visit our Web site at www.phh.com.
MANHEIM POWERS UP MOBILE FUNCTIONALITY FOR ITS CUSTOMERS
ATLANTA – Dealers on-the-go can now take advantage of new Mobile Search and enhanced Mobile Manheim Market Report (MMR) functionality to help source and manage their pre-owned inventory anywhere business takes them. Helping dealers buy and sell when and where it is convenient for them is part of Manheim’s expanding mobile strategy. In 2009, 77 percent of Manheim customers surveyed said they accessed the Internet through their mobile devices. As a result, popular Manheim.com features have been quickly adapted for easy viewing and usage on most major handheld devices.
The addition of Mobile Search lets dealers easily search Manheim’s entire online and in-lane inventory. Buyers can:
• Search the freshest used inventory by year, make and model;
• Locate vehicles at a specific Manheim operating location, region or state, or by upcoming sale dates, available condition information and other criteria;
• Maximize efficiency when traveling by using Mobile Search to select the best channels for stocking their lots.
“Dealers tell us that mobile solutions for managing their businesses on the road are high-value,” said Sue Boehlke, senior vice president, Manheim Products and Processes. “Since we introduced the mobile-optimized version of MMR just a few months ago, more than 100,000 users have viewed nearly 1 million pages of data – that’s a strong incentive for us to continuously improve and update our mobile tools and products.”
Mobile MMR, launched in February of this year, gives dealers around-the-clock access to vehicle value intelligence. Recent dealer feedback called for even more options, prompting Manheim to release this newest set of enhancements. Mobile MMR users will now be able to sort transaction data by categories like a vehicle’s odometer reading, auction location, price, or even vehicle color, making it even more convenient for dealers to find the right vehicles at the right prices.
Dealers may also remotely access the My Workbook function, allowing them to review all previously saved searches and to save new vehicles. Simply put, dealers can now seamlessly manage these tasks on their handheld devices just as they would from their office desktops.
While dealerships of all sizes can benefit from these mobile enhancements, independent dealers in particular will find added efficiency and on-the-go intelligence. Mobile MMR and Mobile Search deliver comprehensive, up-to-date information which can help give independent shops a competitive edge and maintain an optimal inventory.
Registered dealers can access Manheim’s new mobile search functionality by surfing www.manheim.com from any Internet-enabled mobile device. First-time users can register on the site by clicking “sign up” from the Manheim.com home page.
About Manheim (www.manheim.com)
Manheim is the world’s leading provider of vehicle remarketing services. Through its 130 worldwide wholesale operating locations, Manheim impacts every stage of a used vehicle’s life cycle, helping commercial sellers and automobile dealers maximize the full value of their vehicles. Drawing from its auction transaction volume, Manheim Consulting publishes the annual Used Car Market Report, the definitive source of data for the used car industry. Manheim Consulting offers a wide range of services including custom analytics, business optimization and macro economic analysis.
Manheim is the online vehicle remarketing leader, connecting buyers and sellers to the world’s largest, most comprehensive wholesale marketplace through its extensive in-lane and online offerings. Manheim.com receives nearly 900,000 visitors each week.
Additionally, Manheim offers services including reconditioning, certification, inspections, dealer financing, title management and marshaling, among others. Through its wide array of services and technologies, industry publications, customer support and educational offerings, Manheim gives its customers maximum control over how they buy and sell vehicles, helping them to conduct business in the most efficient way possible. In 2009, Manheim handled nearly 10 million used vehicles, facilitating transactions worth more than $50 billion in value.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Manheim is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, a leading communications, media and automotive services company.
The addition of Mobile Search lets dealers easily search Manheim’s entire online and in-lane inventory. Buyers can:
• Search the freshest used inventory by year, make and model;
• Locate vehicles at a specific Manheim operating location, region or state, or by upcoming sale dates, available condition information and other criteria;
• Maximize efficiency when traveling by using Mobile Search to select the best channels for stocking their lots.
“Dealers tell us that mobile solutions for managing their businesses on the road are high-value,” said Sue Boehlke, senior vice president, Manheim Products and Processes. “Since we introduced the mobile-optimized version of MMR just a few months ago, more than 100,000 users have viewed nearly 1 million pages of data – that’s a strong incentive for us to continuously improve and update our mobile tools and products.”
Mobile MMR, launched in February of this year, gives dealers around-the-clock access to vehicle value intelligence. Recent dealer feedback called for even more options, prompting Manheim to release this newest set of enhancements. Mobile MMR users will now be able to sort transaction data by categories like a vehicle’s odometer reading, auction location, price, or even vehicle color, making it even more convenient for dealers to find the right vehicles at the right prices.
Dealers may also remotely access the My Workbook function, allowing them to review all previously saved searches and to save new vehicles. Simply put, dealers can now seamlessly manage these tasks on their handheld devices just as they would from their office desktops.
While dealerships of all sizes can benefit from these mobile enhancements, independent dealers in particular will find added efficiency and on-the-go intelligence. Mobile MMR and Mobile Search deliver comprehensive, up-to-date information which can help give independent shops a competitive edge and maintain an optimal inventory.
Registered dealers can access Manheim’s new mobile search functionality by surfing www.manheim.com from any Internet-enabled mobile device. First-time users can register on the site by clicking “sign up” from the Manheim.com home page.
About Manheim (www.manheim.com)
Manheim is the world’s leading provider of vehicle remarketing services. Through its 130 worldwide wholesale operating locations, Manheim impacts every stage of a used vehicle’s life cycle, helping commercial sellers and automobile dealers maximize the full value of their vehicles. Drawing from its auction transaction volume, Manheim Consulting publishes the annual Used Car Market Report, the definitive source of data for the used car industry. Manheim Consulting offers a wide range of services including custom analytics, business optimization and macro economic analysis.
Manheim is the online vehicle remarketing leader, connecting buyers and sellers to the world’s largest, most comprehensive wholesale marketplace through its extensive in-lane and online offerings. Manheim.com receives nearly 900,000 visitors each week.
Additionally, Manheim offers services including reconditioning, certification, inspections, dealer financing, title management and marshaling, among others. Through its wide array of services and technologies, industry publications, customer support and educational offerings, Manheim gives its customers maximum control over how they buy and sell vehicles, helping them to conduct business in the most efficient way possible. In 2009, Manheim handled nearly 10 million used vehicles, facilitating transactions worth more than $50 billion in value.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Manheim is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, a leading communications, media and automotive services company.
VERIZON TO CUT CO2 EMISSIONS BY CONVERTING 501 NEW FORD E-SERIES VANS TO RUN ON NATURAL GAS
DEARBORN, Mich., June 11, 2010 – Verizon, a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services, expects to save 1.62 metric tons of CO2 each year by adding 501 Ford E-250 cargo vans upfitted with clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG) engine packages versus conventional gas models.
Verizon’s purchase and upfitting of the 2010 Ford E-250 vans is part of the company’s comprehensive sustainability effort designed to conserve energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to improved air quality in the communities it serves, according to Ken McKenney, Sustainable Fleet-Technical Engineering Lead for Verizon.
“Verizon’s fleet team is constantly on the watch for new, lower-carbon technology,” McKenney said. “CNG is a leading alternative fuel choice right now, so converting these cargo vans to run on the cleaner-burning fuel helps us cut CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. We will continue to find ways to increase the efficiency of our fleet.”
Ford E-Series CNG vans help Verizon get the job done
Cargo vans represent the single largest group of vehicles in Verizon’s vehicle fleet. They are primarily used by technicians who install and maintain phones and FiOS TV and Internet services for homes and businesses. The CNG-equipped Ford E-250 vans will be used in key Verizon markets throughout the country that have retail infrastructures in place for fueling.
The vehicles are being converted to CNG by BAF, a wholly owned subsidiary of Clean Energy Fuels Corp.
“Verizon’s deployment of natural gas-fueled vehicles sets a powerful example for fleet operators across America to emulate,” said John Bacon, president of BAF. “Use of natural gas for fleets is a trend that is rapidly gaining momentum in many U.S. industry sectors. Because it is abundant and renewable, and cleaner and cheaper than gasoline or diesel fuel, natural gas can carry us forward to a sustainable future.”
The BAF CNG vehicle upfits for Verizon will be completed at Steelweld Equipment Company in Hemet, Calif., and Temple, Texas, and at North American Equipment Upfitters in Hooksett, N.H. Both Steelweld and North American Equipment Upfitters are women-owned businesses and participants in Verizon’s Supplier Diversity program. Verizon purchased the vans from Ukiah Ford in Ukiah, Calif., a minority-owned business.
Ford E-Series CNG vans enhance Verizon’s sustainability program
Verizon’s sustainability program is multifaceted. In addition to replacing more than 1,100 traditional fuel vehicles with cleaner, lower-carbon alternatives and increasing its use of biodiesel and flex-fuel (E85) to power 470 vehicles, Verizon employees have been reducing CO2 emissions by cutting engine idle times. Since 2008, drivers of Verizon vehicles have conserved more than 2.7 million gallons of fuel, the equivalent amount of greenhouse gases emitted by about 4,580 vehicles annually.
Ford: Industry leader in fleet sales
Ford, the industry leader in commercial and government fleet sales, saw sales of its E-Series van (Econoline/Club Wagon) in May increase 34 percent over a year ago. Meanwhile, Ford is the only manufacturer to offer 100 percent of its fleet vehicles this year with fuel-efficient powertrains and other sustainable technologies – including battery-electric, hybrid, natural gas, propane, E85, biodiesel and EcoBoost™ – making the Blue Oval the industry’s greenest full-line fleet provider.
Verizon’s purchase and upfitting of the 2010 Ford E-250 vans is part of the company’s comprehensive sustainability effort designed to conserve energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to improved air quality in the communities it serves, according to Ken McKenney, Sustainable Fleet-Technical Engineering Lead for Verizon.
“Verizon’s fleet team is constantly on the watch for new, lower-carbon technology,” McKenney said. “CNG is a leading alternative fuel choice right now, so converting these cargo vans to run on the cleaner-burning fuel helps us cut CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. We will continue to find ways to increase the efficiency of our fleet.”
Ford E-Series CNG vans help Verizon get the job done
Cargo vans represent the single largest group of vehicles in Verizon’s vehicle fleet. They are primarily used by technicians who install and maintain phones and FiOS TV and Internet services for homes and businesses. The CNG-equipped Ford E-250 vans will be used in key Verizon markets throughout the country that have retail infrastructures in place for fueling.
The vehicles are being converted to CNG by BAF, a wholly owned subsidiary of Clean Energy Fuels Corp.
“Verizon’s deployment of natural gas-fueled vehicles sets a powerful example for fleet operators across America to emulate,” said John Bacon, president of BAF. “Use of natural gas for fleets is a trend that is rapidly gaining momentum in many U.S. industry sectors. Because it is abundant and renewable, and cleaner and cheaper than gasoline or diesel fuel, natural gas can carry us forward to a sustainable future.”
The BAF CNG vehicle upfits for Verizon will be completed at Steelweld Equipment Company in Hemet, Calif., and Temple, Texas, and at North American Equipment Upfitters in Hooksett, N.H. Both Steelweld and North American Equipment Upfitters are women-owned businesses and participants in Verizon’s Supplier Diversity program. Verizon purchased the vans from Ukiah Ford in Ukiah, Calif., a minority-owned business.
Ford E-Series CNG vans enhance Verizon’s sustainability program
Verizon’s sustainability program is multifaceted. In addition to replacing more than 1,100 traditional fuel vehicles with cleaner, lower-carbon alternatives and increasing its use of biodiesel and flex-fuel (E85) to power 470 vehicles, Verizon employees have been reducing CO2 emissions by cutting engine idle times. Since 2008, drivers of Verizon vehicles have conserved more than 2.7 million gallons of fuel, the equivalent amount of greenhouse gases emitted by about 4,580 vehicles annually.
Ford: Industry leader in fleet sales
Ford, the industry leader in commercial and government fleet sales, saw sales of its E-Series van (Econoline/Club Wagon) in May increase 34 percent over a year ago. Meanwhile, Ford is the only manufacturer to offer 100 percent of its fleet vehicles this year with fuel-efficient powertrains and other sustainable technologies – including battery-electric, hybrid, natural gas, propane, E85, biodiesel and EcoBoost™ – making the Blue Oval the industry’s greenest full-line fleet provider.
JATO LAUNCHES ‘INCENTIVES FOR RUSSIA’
As Russian new car buyers finally get their own government ‘scrappage scheme’, the world’s leading provider of automotive intelligence, JATO Dynamics, has condensed its expertise on the Russian new car market into a new analysis tool launched today.
This launch follows JATO’s full year 2009 report that showed how the Russian new car market shrank by over 1.3 million sales in 2009, a situation that JATO saw continue in Q1 2010, recording a drop of 26.6% (98,128 sales), versus Q1 2009.
“Russia remains one of the most important markets in Europe, but the situation for new car sales is perhaps worse than for any other country in Europe,” explained Evangelos Hadjistavrou, Regional General Manager, JATO Dynamics. “The new scrappage scheme is the latest addition to a complex pool of incentives in the Russian market aimed at stimulating new car demand, especially for domestic brands and locally-built cars.”
JATO ‘Incentives for Russia’ will be updated daily and cover all Russian new car incentives, including government tax breaks and financial incentives, plus individual OEM sales actions.
JATO’s Russian analysis will broaden its current European incentives coverage, which includes UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Sweden. It will monitor all tactical support activities in Russia, enabling OEM customers to develop and implement programmes and countermeasures to support sales over the product lifecycle.
This launch follows JATO’s full year 2009 report that showed how the Russian new car market shrank by over 1.3 million sales in 2009, a situation that JATO saw continue in Q1 2010, recording a drop of 26.6% (98,128 sales), versus Q1 2009.
“Russia remains one of the most important markets in Europe, but the situation for new car sales is perhaps worse than for any other country in Europe,” explained Evangelos Hadjistavrou, Regional General Manager, JATO Dynamics. “The new scrappage scheme is the latest addition to a complex pool of incentives in the Russian market aimed at stimulating new car demand, especially for domestic brands and locally-built cars.”
JATO ‘Incentives for Russia’ will be updated daily and cover all Russian new car incentives, including government tax breaks and financial incentives, plus individual OEM sales actions.
JATO’s Russian analysis will broaden its current European incentives coverage, which includes UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Sweden. It will monitor all tactical support activities in Russia, enabling OEM customers to develop and implement programmes and countermeasures to support sales over the product lifecycle.
Schneider National Celebrates 75 Years of Driving the Wheels of Commerce
Green Bay, Wis. – June 10, 2010 – It was an event 75 years in the making today when Schneider National, a premier provider of transportation, logistics and intermodal services, as well as the nation’s largest truckload carrier, celebrated its milestone anniversary with industry leaders, members of the Schneider family and hundreds of Schneider National associates gathered at the company’s Green Bay, Wis. headquarters. The celebration focused on the company’s longstanding commitment to the transportation and logistics industry, an industry that lies at the heart of the U.S. economy, with more than 70 percent of all goods consumed in the country delivered by truck.
“The fact that we can stand here today and celebrate our 75th anniversary is a great testament to Al, Don and three generations of the Schneider Family,” remarked Schneider National President and CEO Chris Lofgren.
“The Schneider family, along with tens of thousands of Schneider associates, have been committed to the ideals this company has held dear for 75 years – safety, respect, integrity and excellence. Those values bond our company as strongly today as they did in 1935.”
Schneider National’s roots date back to 1935 when founder Al Schneider sold the family’s car to purchase his first truck. Lofgren reflected on how the industry, the company and the supply chain have all changed during the course of 75 years. “In 1935, Schneider consisted of one truck, today we have more than 11,000 on the road. Seventy-five years ago, the industry was highly regulated, with most trucks delivering freight only within state lines. Today, we deliver freight across North American and around the world, logging 926 million miles a year while delivering goods to the factories and store shelves in the U.S., Mexico, Canada and China, and doing so with a best in class safety record.”
Honoring the company’s history and legacy, Lofgren presented a plaque of appreciation to the Schneider family that read, “In grateful recognition to the Schneider Family for your enduring commitment to creating a company that is built to last. On this day and every day, we honor and celebrate the company you built 75
years ago – one that has strengthened the Green Bay community, the transportation industry and the standard of living worldwide. Thank you for keeping the wheels of commerce rolling!”
Lofgren addressed guests on the front steps of Schneider’s Corporate Business Center, flanked by historic company images and two trucks – a 1949 vintage International restored by former Schneider associates in 1991 and a 2010 Freightliner adorned with the company’s 75-year anniversary logo. Joining Lofgren at the ceremony were members of the Schneider family, Gov. Bill Graves, president of the American Trucking Associations; Duane Acklie, chairman of Crete Carrier Corporation; Chris Sultemeier, senior vice president of transportation for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Steve Matheys, executive vice president and chief administration officer for Schneider National and 11 of Schneider’s million mile safe drivers.
Graves and Acklie noted Schneider National’s contributions and commitment to advancing the industry. “[Today] is about employees and employees’ families – both present and certainly past who have contributed to the tremendous success of this company,” said Graves, whose own family started a trucking company the same year as Al Schneider. “We can appreciate how difficult it is in this day and age for anything to last 75 years. There is something very special about the commitment that you all have made, and I have no doubt that your collective commitment is going to see this company through for 75 more.”
Acklie, a longtime Schneider competitor and friend, expressed a similar sentiment when addressing the crowd. “Schneider is the premier motor carrier and logistics provider still privately owned. On behalf of our industry, I salute all of your management, the Schneider family and your associates. I know that you’ll never look back but the future is yours.”
Schneider National’s broad portfolio of services allows the company to create transportation solutions for shippers large and small across the world.
Sultemeier, representing one of Schneider’s customers, mentioned the different ways Schneider helps the retail giant. “From crises like Hurricane Katrina to fires on the West Coast to helping ship enormous amounts of volume over the holiday season, Schneider just does a fantastic job. This really is a company that is built to last, and we appreciate the partnership. We appreciate the support today. We certainly appreciate the support in the past few years. And we’re looking forward to the future support we will receive from Schneider.”
Lofgren emphasized the importance in looking forward in his remarks, as well. “The legacy that the Schneider family built provides the foundation that the company takes forward into the next 25 years,” he added. “It’s a legacy that we honor, that we will protect and we will extend. Because of the foundation set down by Al and Don, Schneider National is able to say that ‘the best is yet to come.’”
Lofgren then introduced a time capsule project in which company history, memorabilia and a letter to be read to company associates during Schneider’s 100th anniversary year in 2035 will be sealed. In addition, Schneider family members, ceremony guests and company associates were invited to pay tribute to Schneider and become a part of the company’s history by autographing the hood of an Omaha-Orange colored Freightliner truck. The 75th anniversary hood will be on display at the company for the remainder of its anniversary year.
After the ceremony, guests including Gov. Graves toured Schneider’s state-of-the-art Driver Training Center where they participated in hands-on demonstrations of Schneider’s latest in-cab technology upgrade, experienced the company’s state-of-the-art driver training simulators and drove a Schneider truck.
To view a short video celebrating the company’s 75-year history and legacy, visit www.schneider.com.
About Schneider National:
Schneider National, Inc. is a premier provider of truckload, logistics and intermodal services. Serving more than two-thirds of the FORTUNE 500 companies, Schneider National offers the broadest portfolio of services in the industry. The company’s transportation and logistics solutions include Van Truckload, Dedicated, Regional, Bulk, Intermodal, Transportation Management, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing and International Logistics services.
Headquartered in Green Bay, Wis., Schneider National has provided expert transportation and logistics solutions for 75 years. A $2.9 billion company, Schneider National conducts business in more than 28 countries worldwide. For more information about Schneider National, visit www.schneider.com.
“The fact that we can stand here today and celebrate our 75th anniversary is a great testament to Al, Don and three generations of the Schneider Family,” remarked Schneider National President and CEO Chris Lofgren.
“The Schneider family, along with tens of thousands of Schneider associates, have been committed to the ideals this company has held dear for 75 years – safety, respect, integrity and excellence. Those values bond our company as strongly today as they did in 1935.”
Schneider National’s roots date back to 1935 when founder Al Schneider sold the family’s car to purchase his first truck. Lofgren reflected on how the industry, the company and the supply chain have all changed during the course of 75 years. “In 1935, Schneider consisted of one truck, today we have more than 11,000 on the road. Seventy-five years ago, the industry was highly regulated, with most trucks delivering freight only within state lines. Today, we deliver freight across North American and around the world, logging 926 million miles a year while delivering goods to the factories and store shelves in the U.S., Mexico, Canada and China, and doing so with a best in class safety record.”
Honoring the company’s history and legacy, Lofgren presented a plaque of appreciation to the Schneider family that read, “In grateful recognition to the Schneider Family for your enduring commitment to creating a company that is built to last. On this day and every day, we honor and celebrate the company you built 75
years ago – one that has strengthened the Green Bay community, the transportation industry and the standard of living worldwide. Thank you for keeping the wheels of commerce rolling!”
Lofgren addressed guests on the front steps of Schneider’s Corporate Business Center, flanked by historic company images and two trucks – a 1949 vintage International restored by former Schneider associates in 1991 and a 2010 Freightliner adorned with the company’s 75-year anniversary logo. Joining Lofgren at the ceremony were members of the Schneider family, Gov. Bill Graves, president of the American Trucking Associations; Duane Acklie, chairman of Crete Carrier Corporation; Chris Sultemeier, senior vice president of transportation for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Steve Matheys, executive vice president and chief administration officer for Schneider National and 11 of Schneider’s million mile safe drivers.
Graves and Acklie noted Schneider National’s contributions and commitment to advancing the industry. “[Today] is about employees and employees’ families – both present and certainly past who have contributed to the tremendous success of this company,” said Graves, whose own family started a trucking company the same year as Al Schneider. “We can appreciate how difficult it is in this day and age for anything to last 75 years. There is something very special about the commitment that you all have made, and I have no doubt that your collective commitment is going to see this company through for 75 more.”
Acklie, a longtime Schneider competitor and friend, expressed a similar sentiment when addressing the crowd. “Schneider is the premier motor carrier and logistics provider still privately owned. On behalf of our industry, I salute all of your management, the Schneider family and your associates. I know that you’ll never look back but the future is yours.”
Schneider National’s broad portfolio of services allows the company to create transportation solutions for shippers large and small across the world.
Sultemeier, representing one of Schneider’s customers, mentioned the different ways Schneider helps the retail giant. “From crises like Hurricane Katrina to fires on the West Coast to helping ship enormous amounts of volume over the holiday season, Schneider just does a fantastic job. This really is a company that is built to last, and we appreciate the partnership. We appreciate the support today. We certainly appreciate the support in the past few years. And we’re looking forward to the future support we will receive from Schneider.”
Lofgren emphasized the importance in looking forward in his remarks, as well. “The legacy that the Schneider family built provides the foundation that the company takes forward into the next 25 years,” he added. “It’s a legacy that we honor, that we will protect and we will extend. Because of the foundation set down by Al and Don, Schneider National is able to say that ‘the best is yet to come.’”
Lofgren then introduced a time capsule project in which company history, memorabilia and a letter to be read to company associates during Schneider’s 100th anniversary year in 2035 will be sealed. In addition, Schneider family members, ceremony guests and company associates were invited to pay tribute to Schneider and become a part of the company’s history by autographing the hood of an Omaha-Orange colored Freightliner truck. The 75th anniversary hood will be on display at the company for the remainder of its anniversary year.
After the ceremony, guests including Gov. Graves toured Schneider’s state-of-the-art Driver Training Center where they participated in hands-on demonstrations of Schneider’s latest in-cab technology upgrade, experienced the company’s state-of-the-art driver training simulators and drove a Schneider truck.
To view a short video celebrating the company’s 75-year history and legacy, visit www.schneider.com.
About Schneider National:
Schneider National, Inc. is a premier provider of truckload, logistics and intermodal services. Serving more than two-thirds of the FORTUNE 500 companies, Schneider National offers the broadest portfolio of services in the industry. The company’s transportation and logistics solutions include Van Truckload, Dedicated, Regional, Bulk, Intermodal, Transportation Management, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing and International Logistics services.
Headquartered in Green Bay, Wis., Schneider National has provided expert transportation and logistics solutions for 75 years. A $2.9 billion company, Schneider National conducts business in more than 28 countries worldwide. For more information about Schneider National, visit www.schneider.com.
Volkswagen 2010 Jetta SportWagen Honored With TOP SAFETY PICK Award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
HERNDON, Va., June 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2010 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen has received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK award for 2010, the highest rating possible from the non-profit research organization. The annual award recognizes those vehicles that perform best in protecting passengers in the Institute's front, side, and rear crash test evaluations, and the newly required roof-strength test evaluations. Another requirement is that the vehicles have electronic stability control (branded Electronic Stabilization Program® / ESP® on Volkswagen vehicles).
"The Jetta sedan was the first car to ace the Institute's tough side impact test in 2005 and one of our first TOP SAFETY PICK winners," said IIHS president Adrian Lund. "Now the Jetta SportWagen is a top performer across the board with the addition of our rigorous new rollover test. Volkswagen is committed to offering its customers state-of-the-art safety performance that goes beyond basic federal standards."
"From the initial vehicle designs in Germany, all the way to the production plants, Volkswagen upholds safety to the highest level of importance," said Mark Barnes, COO, Volkswagen Group of America. "To have such a distinguished group as the IIHS recognize the 2010 Jetta SportWagen with the TOP SAFETY PICK award is a realization of the care, safety, and precision we strive for with every Volkswagen we build."
Beyond their fun-to-drive dynamics and fuel-efficient engines, every 2010 model year Volkswagen vehicle includes, as standard, Volkswagen's Prevent and Preserve Safety System. Composed of more than 40 different features, the Prevent and Preserve Safety System helps keep drivers and passengers safe during normal driving conditions, and reduces the severity and consequences of a possible crash. The Jetta SportWagen comes standard with an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Engine Braking Assist (EBA), ESP, up to eight airbags (depending on model), and more.
In addition to the Prevent and Preserve Safety System, the entire 2010 Volkswagen lineup includes the no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program. With it, all of the scheduled maintenance for the vehicle, as described in its maintenance booklet, is covered for the length of the New Vehicle Warranty -- three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
The 2010 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen (starting at $19,265) is available now at Volkswagen dealerships across the U.S.
For more information, please visit www.vw.com
"The Jetta sedan was the first car to ace the Institute's tough side impact test in 2005 and one of our first TOP SAFETY PICK winners," said IIHS president Adrian Lund. "Now the Jetta SportWagen is a top performer across the board with the addition of our rigorous new rollover test. Volkswagen is committed to offering its customers state-of-the-art safety performance that goes beyond basic federal standards."
"From the initial vehicle designs in Germany, all the way to the production plants, Volkswagen upholds safety to the highest level of importance," said Mark Barnes, COO, Volkswagen Group of America. "To have such a distinguished group as the IIHS recognize the 2010 Jetta SportWagen with the TOP SAFETY PICK award is a realization of the care, safety, and precision we strive for with every Volkswagen we build."
Beyond their fun-to-drive dynamics and fuel-efficient engines, every 2010 model year Volkswagen vehicle includes, as standard, Volkswagen's Prevent and Preserve Safety System. Composed of more than 40 different features, the Prevent and Preserve Safety System helps keep drivers and passengers safe during normal driving conditions, and reduces the severity and consequences of a possible crash. The Jetta SportWagen comes standard with an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Engine Braking Assist (EBA), ESP, up to eight airbags (depending on model), and more.
In addition to the Prevent and Preserve Safety System, the entire 2010 Volkswagen lineup includes the no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program. With it, all of the scheduled maintenance for the vehicle, as described in its maintenance booklet, is covered for the length of the New Vehicle Warranty -- three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
The 2010 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen (starting at $19,265) is available now at Volkswagen dealerships across the U.S.
For more information, please visit www.vw.com
AAIA, CARE Call on ASA to Stand With, Not Against the Industry on Right to Repair Issue
BETHESDA, MD – June 9, 2010 – Touting its now eight year old “agreement with carmakers,” the Automotive Service Association (ASA) continues to aggressively oppose the pending Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (S 3181/HR 2057). Yet, every day, independent shops face issues in obtaining access to codes and programming information needed to complete repairs on today’s highly computerized vehicles.
“The time has come for the industry to ask ASA (and its car company partners) why it is spending so many of its resources to battle legislation that will do nothing but ensure full access to the information, tools and training needed by independent shops to stay competitive with franchised new car dealers,” said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). “Contrary to the claims made by ASA, the Right to Repair issue is not resolved until car companies and the entire aftermarket have an agreement that ensures the long term competitive future of the hundreds of thousands of independent shops providing convenient and affordable vehicle service for U.S. consumers.”
Schmatz specifically pointed to the fact that ASA represents a very small portion of the aftermarket, less than five percent, yet it has anointed itself the negotiator for the industry in discussions with the car makers. “It’s like the state of Rhode Island negotiating on behalf of the entire United States. To make matters worse, even after ASA’s claims about reaching an ‘agreement’ with the car companies, the repair information and safety bulletins in question are still not completely and equitably available to independent repair shops.”
The Right to Repair Act protects motoring consumers from a growing and potentially hazardous vehicle repair monopoly by requiring that car companies provide full access at a reasonable cost to all service information, tools and safety-related bulletins needed to repair motor vehicles, ensuring a competitive, level playing field between dealerships and independent repair shops. The legislation further 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.
“ASA has basically become a splinter group of the industry. With surveys showing that 90 percent of technicians support the Right to Repair Act, they are clearly tone deaf when it comes to the interests of the aftermarket,” said Sandy Bass-Cors, executive director of the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE). “The top priority of the Right to Repair Act is motorist safety and ensuring that car owners know what is happening with their vehicles. To keep every motor vehicle serviced, repaired and operating safely, there must be equal access to safety alerts and repair information from the car companies. How in the world can ASA be opposed to that?”
Bass-Cors continued, “Instead of standing in the way of Right to Repair legislation, we call on ASA and the rest of the industry to push Congress to support this legislation in order to guarantee American consumers have the long term availability of a competitive vehicle repair market. Standing together as an industry, we can move this issue forward and obtain a solution that works for the entire aftermarket, its customers and, hopefully, the automakers as well.”
The Right to Repair Act has bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress. The Senate version of the bill (S 3181) was recently introduced by Sens. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Sam Brownback (R-KS) and has 3 co-sponsors. The House version (HR 2057) was introduced by Reps. Edolphus Towns (D-NY), Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and George Miller (D-CA) and currently has 63 co-sponsors. In May 2009, Consumer Reports came out in support of the Right to Repair Act, stating that “Consumer Reports agrees, in principle, with the Right to Repair Act as it restricts its scope to ‘repair’ which would increase repair options for car owners.” Other consumer groups supporting the Right to Repair Act include AAA, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, the National Grange, RetireSafe and 60 Plus.
About Right to Repair:
The Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (S 3181) was introduced into the Senate by Sens. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Sam Brownback (R-KS). The House version of the bill (HR 2057) was introduced by Reps. Edolphus Towns (D-NY), Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and George Miller (D-CA). The Right to Repair Act protects consumers from a growing vehicle repair monopoly by requiring car companies to make the same service information and tools capabilities available to independent repair shops that they provide to their franchised dealer networks. The legislation further provides car companies with strong protections for their trade secrets. For more information about the Right to Repair Act, visit www.righttorepair.org.
“The time has come for the industry to ask ASA (and its car company partners) why it is spending so many of its resources to battle legislation that will do nothing but ensure full access to the information, tools and training needed by independent shops to stay competitive with franchised new car dealers,” said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). “Contrary to the claims made by ASA, the Right to Repair issue is not resolved until car companies and the entire aftermarket have an agreement that ensures the long term competitive future of the hundreds of thousands of independent shops providing convenient and affordable vehicle service for U.S. consumers.”
Schmatz specifically pointed to the fact that ASA represents a very small portion of the aftermarket, less than five percent, yet it has anointed itself the negotiator for the industry in discussions with the car makers. “It’s like the state of Rhode Island negotiating on behalf of the entire United States. To make matters worse, even after ASA’s claims about reaching an ‘agreement’ with the car companies, the repair information and safety bulletins in question are still not completely and equitably available to independent repair shops.”
The Right to Repair Act protects motoring consumers from a growing and potentially hazardous vehicle repair monopoly by requiring that car companies provide full access at a reasonable cost to all service information, tools and safety-related bulletins needed to repair motor vehicles, ensuring a competitive, level playing field between dealerships and independent repair shops. The legislation further 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.
“ASA has basically become a splinter group of the industry. With surveys showing that 90 percent of technicians support the Right to Repair Act, they are clearly tone deaf when it comes to the interests of the aftermarket,” said Sandy Bass-Cors, executive director of the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE). “The top priority of the Right to Repair Act is motorist safety and ensuring that car owners know what is happening with their vehicles. To keep every motor vehicle serviced, repaired and operating safely, there must be equal access to safety alerts and repair information from the car companies. How in the world can ASA be opposed to that?”
Bass-Cors continued, “Instead of standing in the way of Right to Repair legislation, we call on ASA and the rest of the industry to push Congress to support this legislation in order to guarantee American consumers have the long term availability of a competitive vehicle repair market. Standing together as an industry, we can move this issue forward and obtain a solution that works for the entire aftermarket, its customers and, hopefully, the automakers as well.”
The Right to Repair Act has bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress. The Senate version of the bill (S 3181) was recently introduced by Sens. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Sam Brownback (R-KS) and has 3 co-sponsors. The House version (HR 2057) was introduced by Reps. Edolphus Towns (D-NY), Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and George Miller (D-CA) and currently has 63 co-sponsors. In May 2009, Consumer Reports came out in support of the Right to Repair Act, stating that “Consumer Reports agrees, in principle, with the Right to Repair Act as it restricts its scope to ‘repair’ which would increase repair options for car owners.” Other consumer groups supporting the Right to Repair Act include AAA, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, the National Grange, RetireSafe and 60 Plus.
About Right to Repair:
The Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (S 3181) was introduced into the Senate by Sens. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Sam Brownback (R-KS). The House version of the bill (HR 2057) was introduced by Reps. Edolphus Towns (D-NY), Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and George Miller (D-CA). The Right to Repair Act protects consumers from a growing vehicle repair monopoly by requiring car companies to make the same service information and tools capabilities available to independent repair shops that they provide to their franchised dealer networks. The legislation further provides car companies with strong protections for their trade secrets. For more information about the Right to Repair Act, visit www.righttorepair.org.
FIVE FORD VEHICLES EARN TOP SAFETY PICKS BY IIHS; FORD LEADS INDUSTRY WITH MOST TOP CRASH RATINGS
DEARBORN, Mich., June 9, 2010 – Five more 2010 Ford Motor Company vehicles – Ford Flex, Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ, Lincoln MKT and Mercury Milan – have earned Top Safety Picks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The rating also applies to the Fusion Hybrid and Milan Hybrid.
Ford has 11 IIHS Top Safety Pick ratings for 2010 model vehicles – the most of any automaker – as well as the leading number of five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Flex, Fusion, MKZ, MKT and Milan previously earned top possible scores for occupant protection in IIHS’s front, side and rear tests, but had to pass IIHS’s new roof strength test to maintain the rating. Vehicles also must offer electronic stability control to be eligible for a Top Safety Pick. The 2010 IIHS Top Safety Picks only apply to the Flex built after January 2010, the MKT built after March 2010, and the Fusion, Milan and MKZ built after April 2010.
“Leading the industry in both Top Safety Pick ratings and government five-star crash test ratings is very significant because customers increasingly consider IIHS and NHTSA ratings when choosing a new vehicle,” said Sue Cischke, Ford’s group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “These latest test results further demonstrate Ford’s commitment to continuous improvement on the safety front.”
Strong by design
Ford’s use of high-strength steels, including low-alloy, dual-phase and boron steel in the A- and B-pillars, roof headers and bows, rocker panels and rocker baffles of its newest vehicles helped the company perform well in IIHS testing. In addition, composite reinforcements were used to augment and stabilize the key pillar sections against collision forces.
Many new Ford vehicles are built with the company’s Trinity Front Crash Body Architecture. The energy-absorbing body structure is optimized for strength and stiffness, and designed to absorb and redirect crash forces away from the passenger compartment.
In addition, Ford’s Side Protection And Cabin Enhancement (SPACE®) Architecture is used to optimize side-impact occupant protection. The SPACE system integrates a high-strength steel structure in the floor that runs the width of the vehicle, and reinforcements along the rocker panels to help protect passengers in side-impact incidents.
“Ford’s use of high- and ultra-high-strength steels in our vehicles complements our development of advanced crash protection and crash avoidance technologies,” Cischke said. “With each new model year, we’re raising the bar on vehicle safety.”
Ford has 11 IIHS Top Safety Pick ratings for 2010 model vehicles – the most of any automaker – as well as the leading number of five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Flex, Fusion, MKZ, MKT and Milan previously earned top possible scores for occupant protection in IIHS’s front, side and rear tests, but had to pass IIHS’s new roof strength test to maintain the rating. Vehicles also must offer electronic stability control to be eligible for a Top Safety Pick. The 2010 IIHS Top Safety Picks only apply to the Flex built after January 2010, the MKT built after March 2010, and the Fusion, Milan and MKZ built after April 2010.
“Leading the industry in both Top Safety Pick ratings and government five-star crash test ratings is very significant because customers increasingly consider IIHS and NHTSA ratings when choosing a new vehicle,” said Sue Cischke, Ford’s group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “These latest test results further demonstrate Ford’s commitment to continuous improvement on the safety front.”
Strong by design
Ford’s use of high-strength steels, including low-alloy, dual-phase and boron steel in the A- and B-pillars, roof headers and bows, rocker panels and rocker baffles of its newest vehicles helped the company perform well in IIHS testing. In addition, composite reinforcements were used to augment and stabilize the key pillar sections against collision forces.
Many new Ford vehicles are built with the company’s Trinity Front Crash Body Architecture. The energy-absorbing body structure is optimized for strength and stiffness, and designed to absorb and redirect crash forces away from the passenger compartment.
In addition, Ford’s Side Protection And Cabin Enhancement (SPACE®) Architecture is used to optimize side-impact occupant protection. The SPACE system integrates a high-strength steel structure in the floor that runs the width of the vehicle, and reinforcements along the rocker panels to help protect passengers in side-impact incidents.
“Ford’s use of high- and ultra-high-strength steels in our vehicles complements our development of advanced crash protection and crash avoidance technologies,” Cischke said. “With each new model year, we’re raising the bar on vehicle safety.”
Public Relations Society of America Honors Car Care Council & Maximum Marketing Services with Award of Excellence
BETHESDA, MD – June 8, 2010 – The Car Care Council and Maximum Marketing Services, Inc. received a Silver Anvil Award of Excellence from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign. The Award of Excellence, which recognizes outstanding strategic public relations planning and implementation, was presented during the Silver Anvil Awards Ceremony held June 3 in New York City.
“With this award, the Car Care Council and Maximum Marketing have demonstrated outstanding work that helps showcase the value of public relations to the organizations we represent and the communities they serve,” said PRSA chair and CEO Gary McCormick, APR, Fellow PRSA. “The Silver Anvils are our profession’s most prestigious awards, recognizing capabilities and accomplishments in public relations by providing successful strategy and business outcomes.”
Known as the “Academy Awards of Public Relations,” the Silver Anvil Awards program has grown in scope and stature since its inception in 1946, and awards are now given in 59 categories and subcategories. In the more than 60-year history of the Silver Anvils, many organizations have been recognized, including solo practitioners, agencies of all sizes, large and small businesses, top corporations, non-profits, associations and government agencies.
“The automotive aftermarket’s consumer education campaign was front and center, sharing the stage with Fortune 100 companies and major PR agencies who were recognized at the public relations industry’s premier annual national awards ceremony,” said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO. “We are extremely proud of our AAIA staff that directs the Car Care Council and the ‘Be Car Care Aware’ campaign and the Maximum Marketing Services agency.”
About the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)
With more than 31,000 members, PRSA is the largest organization of public relations professionals and students. PRSA is comprised of 111 local Chapters organized into 10 geographic Districts; 16 Professional Interest Sections that focus on issues, trends and research relevant to specialized practice areas, such as technology, health care, financial communications, entertainment and sports, and travel tourism; and the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), which has more than 300 Chapters at colleges and universities in the United States and abroad. PRSA is headquartered in New York.
About Maximum Marketing Services, Inc.
Founded in 1981, Maximum Marketing Services, Inc. is a Chicago-based, full-service marketing communications firm specializing in advertising, public relations, Web and graphic design, direct marketing, research and sales promotion for a variety of clients. For more information, visit www.maxmarketing.com.
“With this award, the Car Care Council and Maximum Marketing have demonstrated outstanding work that helps showcase the value of public relations to the organizations we represent and the communities they serve,” said PRSA chair and CEO Gary McCormick, APR, Fellow PRSA. “The Silver Anvils are our profession’s most prestigious awards, recognizing capabilities and accomplishments in public relations by providing successful strategy and business outcomes.”
Known as the “Academy Awards of Public Relations,” the Silver Anvil Awards program has grown in scope and stature since its inception in 1946, and awards are now given in 59 categories and subcategories. In the more than 60-year history of the Silver Anvils, many organizations have been recognized, including solo practitioners, agencies of all sizes, large and small businesses, top corporations, non-profits, associations and government agencies.
“The automotive aftermarket’s consumer education campaign was front and center, sharing the stage with Fortune 100 companies and major PR agencies who were recognized at the public relations industry’s premier annual national awards ceremony,” said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO. “We are extremely proud of our AAIA staff that directs the Car Care Council and the ‘Be Car Care Aware’ campaign and the Maximum Marketing Services agency.”
About the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)
With more than 31,000 members, PRSA is the largest organization of public relations professionals and students. PRSA is comprised of 111 local Chapters organized into 10 geographic Districts; 16 Professional Interest Sections that focus on issues, trends and research relevant to specialized practice areas, such as technology, health care, financial communications, entertainment and sports, and travel tourism; and the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), which has more than 300 Chapters at colleges and universities in the United States and abroad. PRSA is headquartered in New York.
About Maximum Marketing Services, Inc.
Founded in 1981, Maximum Marketing Services, Inc. is a Chicago-based, full-service marketing communications firm specializing in advertising, public relations, Web and graphic design, direct marketing, research and sales promotion for a variety of clients. For more information, visit www.maxmarketing.com.
Recaptured Energy System Reduces Fuel Costs
CHICAGO, Illinois – June 8, 2010 – The Gulf of Mexico oil spill and the summer driving season have some experts predicting rising gas prices. Recaptured Energy Technologies reminds fleet managers that its hydraulic braking and propulsion system reduces fuel consumption by as much as 25 percent annually, significantly lowering fuel costs and keeping budgets under control.
The unique nature of Recaptured Energy Technologies’ new hydraulic braking and propulsion system for fleet, commercial and transit vehicles is that it can be retrofit to existing vehicles. The system captures wasted brake energy from frequent braking and converts it to an auxiliary source of energy to power the vehicle, significantly increasing fuel efficiency. The realized reduction in fuel consumption and added years of useful life are economic advantages, while the reduction in harmful emissions from a renewable source of energy is a “green” benefit as well.
“In addition to the obvious advantage of lower fuel costs, the unique benefit of our system is that it can be retrofit to existing vehicles, so there is no need to purchase new alternative-energy vehicles that may not provide anticipated fuel economy. Retrofitting is a win-win situation for fleet managers trying to manage ever-shrinking budgets,” said Sam Jones, president of Recaptured Energy Technologies.
“The bottom line is that it makes economic and environmental sense for municipalities, government agencies and corporations to investigate the benefits of retrofitting,” continued Jones. “Conducting a thorough vehicle asset analysis and having a comprehensive, executable plan in place are the best ways to create jobs, reduce fuel consumption, maximize return on investment and save money.”
About Recaptured Energy Technologies
Headquartered in Chicago, Recaptured Energy Technologies (RET) is a leader in providing energy solutions for fleet, commercial and transit vehicles. Incorporating cutting-edge technology and manufacturing, RET helps corporations, government agencies and fleet managers improve fuel economy, reduce emissions and lower vehicle maintenance costs through energy optimization. For more information, call 312-214-7266 or visit www.recapenergy.com.
The unique nature of Recaptured Energy Technologies’ new hydraulic braking and propulsion system for fleet, commercial and transit vehicles is that it can be retrofit to existing vehicles. The system captures wasted brake energy from frequent braking and converts it to an auxiliary source of energy to power the vehicle, significantly increasing fuel efficiency. The realized reduction in fuel consumption and added years of useful life are economic advantages, while the reduction in harmful emissions from a renewable source of energy is a “green” benefit as well.
“In addition to the obvious advantage of lower fuel costs, the unique benefit of our system is that it can be retrofit to existing vehicles, so there is no need to purchase new alternative-energy vehicles that may not provide anticipated fuel economy. Retrofitting is a win-win situation for fleet managers trying to manage ever-shrinking budgets,” said Sam Jones, president of Recaptured Energy Technologies.
“The bottom line is that it makes economic and environmental sense for municipalities, government agencies and corporations to investigate the benefits of retrofitting,” continued Jones. “Conducting a thorough vehicle asset analysis and having a comprehensive, executable plan in place are the best ways to create jobs, reduce fuel consumption, maximize return on investment and save money.”
About Recaptured Energy Technologies
Headquartered in Chicago, Recaptured Energy Technologies (RET) is a leader in providing energy solutions for fleet, commercial and transit vehicles. Incorporating cutting-edge technology and manufacturing, RET helps corporations, government agencies and fleet managers improve fuel economy, reduce emissions and lower vehicle maintenance costs through energy optimization. For more information, call 312-214-7266 or visit www.recapenergy.com.
WORKTRUCK TRANSPORT, AN AMERIFLEET COMPANY APPOINTS GREG SNYDER DISPATCHER/CLIENT SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
Alpharetta, GA – (June, 2010) – WorkTruck Transport, the recently launched AmeriFleet Company created to fulfill the unique logistics needs of up-fitters and truck fleets announces the appointment of Greg Snyder as Dispatcher, Client Service Representative. He will be based in the company’s Cleveland, Ohio office.
Snyder joins WorkTruck Transport from America’s Body Company (ABC) in Cleveland, Ohio where he spent more than a decade in a variety of positions. Most recently he was Corporate Purchasing Manager and responsible for sourcing product, establishing and managing inventory levels, ordering for all seven of ABC’s sites, vendor relations for suppliers of truck parts, lighting, truck bodies and lift gates, and customer relations with Ford, Chevrolet/GM, Dodge and Hiro. He also managed shipments of raw materials between divisions. Snyder began his career with ABC as a Logistics/Transportations Coordinator. From there he held several positions including Parts & Service Specialist, Operations Manager and Midwest Purchasing Manager.
“Greg brings to WorkTruck Transport a wealth of experience in the logistics/transportation industry with special expertise in the trucking category,” said Tim Fontana, Vice President and General Manager, WorkTruck Transport, an AmeriFleet Company. “He will be instrumental in helping to shape the future growth of WorkTruck Transport.”
AmeriFleet launched WorkTruck Transport in April, 2010 to build on their experience in handling more than 50,000 vehicle logistics transactions annually for work truck customers and to further expand logistics services in the truck market.
Snyder is a member of the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). He resides in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.
About WorkTruck Transport
Founded in 2010, WorkTruck Transport, an AmeriFleet company fulfills the unique needs of up-fitters and truck fleets with logistics services and turnkey deliveries in accordance with the highest safety standards and at competitive prices. For more information visit www.worktrucktransport.com.
About AmeriFleet
Founded in 1997, Alpharetta, Georgia-based AmeriFleet Transportation provides total logistics solutions and transportation services to the fleet management and corporate fleet industry. Through more than 16 company-owned North America locations, AmeriFleet provides the industry’s most consistent high-quality transportation and ancillary services to its clients which include some of the largest fleet management/leasing companies and self managed corporate fleets in the U.S. and Canada. For more information visit www.amerifleet.com.
Snyder joins WorkTruck Transport from America’s Body Company (ABC) in Cleveland, Ohio where he spent more than a decade in a variety of positions. Most recently he was Corporate Purchasing Manager and responsible for sourcing product, establishing and managing inventory levels, ordering for all seven of ABC’s sites, vendor relations for suppliers of truck parts, lighting, truck bodies and lift gates, and customer relations with Ford, Chevrolet/GM, Dodge and Hiro. He also managed shipments of raw materials between divisions. Snyder began his career with ABC as a Logistics/Transportations Coordinator. From there he held several positions including Parts & Service Specialist, Operations Manager and Midwest Purchasing Manager.
“Greg brings to WorkTruck Transport a wealth of experience in the logistics/transportation industry with special expertise in the trucking category,” said Tim Fontana, Vice President and General Manager, WorkTruck Transport, an AmeriFleet Company. “He will be instrumental in helping to shape the future growth of WorkTruck Transport.”
AmeriFleet launched WorkTruck Transport in April, 2010 to build on their experience in handling more than 50,000 vehicle logistics transactions annually for work truck customers and to further expand logistics services in the truck market.
Snyder is a member of the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). He resides in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.
About WorkTruck Transport
Founded in 2010, WorkTruck Transport, an AmeriFleet company fulfills the unique needs of up-fitters and truck fleets with logistics services and turnkey deliveries in accordance with the highest safety standards and at competitive prices. For more information visit www.worktrucktransport.com.
About AmeriFleet
Founded in 1997, Alpharetta, Georgia-based AmeriFleet Transportation provides total logistics solutions and transportation services to the fleet management and corporate fleet industry. Through more than 16 company-owned North America locations, AmeriFleet provides the industry’s most consistent high-quality transportation and ancillary services to its clients which include some of the largest fleet management/leasing companies and self managed corporate fleets in the U.S. and Canada. For more information visit www.amerifleet.com.
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