Networkfleet ePaper: “DON’T SIT IDLE WHILE FUEL COSTS RISE”

SAN DIEGO – May 25, 2011 – With fuel prices spiking upward, fleet managers are rightly concerned about this major budget line item. A new ePaper from Networkfleet, Inc. titled “Don’t Sit Idle While Fuel Costs Rise” provides details on how fleet management technology can hedge against rising fuel costs. Using GPS fleet tracking and engine diagnostic monitoring, fleet managers can implement more efficient routing, reduce speeding and reign in excessive idling, which can permanently lower fuel costs by as much as 20 percent.

Included in the Networkfleet ePaper are specific actions fleet managers can take to analyze fleet operations and reduce costs. Those that have implemented online fleet management systems report a quick ROI, due primarily to significant savings in fuel and other operating costs.

Fuel-saving features enabled by Web-based fleet management include:

·         Alerts and reports for idling and speed violations

·         Fuel card reports that track fuel transactions and identify unauthorized fuel purchases

·         Fuel usage reports for detailed purchase and MPG monitoring

·         Routing capabilities to dispatch drivers more efficiently and reduce overall driving distances

·         Diagnostic tools to help keep engines in optimal condition and increase fuel performance

Several fleets are profiled in the ePaper, including the Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) of Riverside County, Calif., which reduced fuel costs by $79,000 in the first six months of using the Networkfleet GPS fleet management system.

“We initially focused on drivers’ habits such as speed and idle time that have a huge impact on fuel usage,” said Mark Iverson, EMWD maintenance director. “However, we were also able to use the Networkfleet system to improve routing. By making more efficient use of our vehicles, we lowered the average number of miles driven per vehicle, further reducing our fuel expenses.”

To download a complimentary copy of the white paper “Don’t Sit Idle While Fuel Costs Rise” visit http://www.networkfleet.com/request/fuel-epaper/.

About Networkfleet, Inc.

Networkfleet, Inc. is a leading provider of wireless fleet management services that improve fleet efficiency by reducing fuel use, emissions and maintenance expenses. The company's technology combines vehicle diagnostic monitoring with an online GPS fleet tracking system. Networkfleet has more than 50 patents issued or pending surrounding remote diagnostics and has received numerous awards for its technology. Founded in 1999, Networkfleet is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hughes Telematics, Inc. and is headquartered in San Diego, CA. For more information, please visit www.networkfleet.com.

About Hughes Telematics, Inc.

Hughes Telematics, Inc. (“HTI”) (OTCBB: HUTC and HUTCW) is a leader in implementing the next generation of connected services. Centered on a core platform of safety and security, the company offers a portfolio of location-based services for consumers, manufacturers, fleets and dealers through two-way wireless connectivity. In addition to owning Networkfleet, HTI is also the majority owner of Lifecomm, located in Atlanta, Ga., which plans to offer mobile personal emergency response services through a wearable lightweight device with one-touch access to emergency assistance. Additional information about HTI can be found at www.hughestelematics.com.

Ford “Talking” Vehicles Give Californians a Peek at More Sustainable Driving with Fewer Crashes, Reduced Congestion

LOS ANGELES, Calif., May 25, 2011 – As Ford’s fuel-efficient vehicles gain momentum in California, company researchers are showcasing what could be next – intelligent vehicles that wirelessly talk to each other to reduce crashes and the billions of gallons of gas wasted in congestion each year.
Today, Ford convened a panel of auto industry, transportation and technology visionaries at Dodger Stadium to experience the technology and discuss how intelligent vehicles could soon lead to breakthroughs in a more sustainable transportation system. On June 1, Ford will conduct a similar event in San Francisco.
“Intelligent vehicles are the next frontier of collision avoidance innovations that could revolutionize the driving experience and hold the potential of helping reduce many crashes,” said Sue Cischke, group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering.
An October, 2010 NHTSA report on the potential safety benefits of vehicle-to-vehicle communications estimates that intelligent vehicles could help in as many as 4.3 million police-reported, light-vehicle crashes annually, or approximately 81 percent of all light-vehicle crashes involving unimpaired drivers. Experts say intelligent vehicles could be on the road in the near future.
Ford is the first automaker to build functional prototype vehicles to preview the technology, and is conducting a series of events across the country to explore the real-life benefits and near-term feasibility to save drivers’ lives, fuel and time spent on the road. In addition to Los Angeles, Ford’s demonstration tour has stopped in Washington, DC and New York, NY and will visit San Francisco on June 1.
The May 25 panel in Los Angeles is moderated by John Gartner, Senior Analyst at Pike Research. Panelists include:

• Hamid Bahadori, Auto Club of Southern California, Manager, Transportation Policy and Programs
• Alan Clelland, Iteris, Senior Vice President, Transportation Systems
• Hasan Ikhrata, Southern California Association of Governments, Executive Director
• Kevin Klowden, Milken Institute, Managing Economist and Director of the California Center
• James Moore, Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Public Policy and Management, and Civil Engineering, University of Southern California

How it works
Ford’s vehicle communications research technology allows vehicles to talk wirelessly with one another using advanced Wi-Fi signals, or dedicated short-range communications, on a secured channel allocated by the Federal Communications Commission. Unlike radar-based safety features, which identify hazards within a direct line of sight, the Wi-Fi-based radio system allows full-range, 360-degree detection of potentially dangerous situations, such as when a driver’s vision is obstructed.
For example, drivers could be alerted if their vehicle is on path to collide with another vehicle at an intersection, when a vehicle ahead stops or slows suddenly or when a traffic pattern changes on a busy highway. The systems also could warn drivers if there is a risk of collision when changing lanes, approaching a stationary or parked vehicle, or if another driver loses control.
The possibility of reduced congestion
By reducing crashes, intelligent vehicles could ease traffic delays, which would save drivers both time and fuel costs. Congestion also could be avoided through a network of intelligent vehicles and infrastructure that would process real-time traffic and road information and allow drivers to choose less congested routes.
According to Texas Transportation Institute’s (TTI) 2010 Urban Mobility Report, traffic congestion continues to worsen in American cities of all sizes, annually wasting nearly 3.9 billion gallons of fuel in 2009 and costing the average Los Angeles commuter $1,464. Leading factors in traffic delays are caused by accidents, breakdowns and road debris, TTI maintains.
“We are not far from the day when vehicles will operate like mobile devices with four wheels, constantly exchanging information and communicating with our environment to do things like shorten commute times, improve fuel economy and generally help us more easily navigate life on the road,” said Paul Mascarenas, vice president, Ford Research and Innovation and chief technical officer. “A smart network of intelligent vehicles has the potential to benefit drivers in many ways.”
Ford is already delivering top fuel economy performance for drivers with at least 12 vehicles that lead their sales segments in fuel economy – including four vehicles with EPA-certified 40 mpg or higher fuel economy ratings – a claim no other full-line automaker can match. Ford’s comprehensive sustainability plan also includes a full family of electrified vehicles, with five new electrified vehicles planned for North America by 2012 and Europe by 2013. Ford launched the Transit Connect Electric small commercial van in 2010, and in addition to the Focus Electric in late 2011, will introduce C-MAX Hybrid, a second next-generation lithium-ion battery hybrid and the C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid in 2012.
Ford hits the gas on vehicle communications
After a decade of research, Ford announced earlier this year an accelerated development of its intelligent vehicle work, doubling its research investment and convening a new 20-member task force – consisting of company planners, engineers and scientists from around the world with expertise in safety, eco-mobility, infotainment and driver conveniences. The goal is to define the next 10 years of safety, convenience and driver assistance, and strengthen the company’s position as the global industry leader in connected vehicle technology.
“While there are challenges ahead, the foundation of these smarter vehicles is advanced versions of technologies that are pervasive – Wi-Fi and crash avoidance systems that Ford has pioneered in mainstream vehicles today,” said Mascarenas. “Intelligent vehicles could help warn drivers of numerous potential dangers such as a car running a red light but blocked from the view of a driver properly entering the intersection.”
Speaking the same language
Ford is partnering with other automakers and the federal government, as well as local and county road commissions, to create a common language that ensures all vehicles can talk to each other based on a common communication standard.
This public-private partnership will include the world’s first government-sponsored driving clinics beginning in summer 2011, for which the company will contribute two prototype Ford Taurus sedans. The DOT’s Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) will head the research, continuing to coordinate with a coalition of automakers organized by the Crash Avoidance Metrics Partnership (CAMP), which is a joint research group headed by Ford and General Motors. The partnership is working to develop inter-operability standards in advance of completing the research phase in 2013.
“Ford has laid the groundwork to give vehicles a voice with SYNC and Wi-Fi technology,” said Jim Vondale, director, Ford Automotive Safety Office. “Now we’re working with other automakers and government leaders worldwide to develop common standards globally to bring intelligent vehicles to market quicker and more affordably.”
Vondale has been appointed by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to represent automakers on the ITS Advisory Committee. Mike Shulman, technical leader, Ford Research and Innovation, leads the government-industry technical partnership as program manager for CAMP.
Laying the connectivity groundwork
Many of Ford’s current technologies show how intelligent vehicles will be able to help drivers. For example, features that alert drivers to approaching hazards, such as Ford’s collision warning with brake support and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert rely on radar sensors to detect vehicles or objects close to the vehicle.
“Ford has pioneered connectivity in modern vehicles with SYNC,” said Shulman. “We believe advanced Wi-Fi for intelligent vehicles could be added to smartphones or GPS systems and simply connect to SYNC like today’s phones.”

Biodiesel Industry Applauds White House Directive For Flex-Fuel Fleet

WASHINGTON - The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) applauded the White House's directive Tuesday ordering the federal government to move toward alternative-fuel vehicles, pointing out biodiesel's unique position as a widely available advanced biofuel that significantly reduces emissions and can be used in existing vehicles.  

The Federal Government uses more than 66 million gallons of diesel fuel and 6.5 million gallons of biodiesel each year.  

 "Clearly there is room for continued growth of biodiesel in the federal fleet as biodiesel is perfectly suited for this program," said Gary Haer, vice president of Renewable Energy Group Inc. and chairman of NBB, the national trade association for the U.S. biodiesel industry. "Dozens of local governments, universities and other institutions already are using biodiesel to help green their fleets. It's something the federal government could do immediately, without leaving the taxpayer a big bill for new equipment."

Biodiesel is a renewable, clean-burning diesel replacement that is reducing U.S. dependence on foreign petroleum, creating green jobs and improving our environment. Made from an increasingly diverse mix of resources such as recycled cooking oil, agricultural oils and animal fats, it is the only commercial-scale U.S. fuel to meet the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) definition as an Advanced Biofuel. The EPA has determined that it reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 57 percent to 86 percent compared with petroleum diesel, while also significantly cutting nearly every major air pollutant.  

Its production, distribution and use will support more than 30,000 U.S. jobs and replace nearly 1 billion gallons of petroleum diesel in 2011. Biodiesel meets strict specifications of ASTM D6751 and is warrantied for use by all major engine manufacturers. 

"Imagine the entire federal diesel fleet powered by biodiesel. It's within reach, and an achievable objective for this Administration," added Haer.

National Motorists Association Declares June ''Lane Courtesy Month''

Waunakee, WI (MMD Newswire) May 24, 2011 -- Earlier this week, the National Motorists Association (NMA) designated June, one of the busiest driving periods of the summer, as Lane Courtesy Month. Lane courtesy is the practice of yielding or moving over for faster moving traffic on multi-lane roads. When all motorists adhere to the principles of lane courtesy, traffic flows more freely, uniformly, and therefore more safely.

It only takes a single motorist hunkered down in the left lane, whether intentionally or not, to tie up traffic for dozens of others on the road. Many do not realize that most states have lane courtesy (or "keep right") laws that deem such action to be an infraction, regardless of whether the offending driver is traveling within the posted speed limit. Those laws recognize that the artificial restriction of traffic by a driver in the left lane raises the potential for congested stop-and-go traffic and even for episodes of tailgating and road rage.

Lane courtesy is easily implemented. Drivers should keep the left lane clear unless passing a slower moving vehicle, and then should move back into the right lane as soon as practical.

There are several key benefits realized when highway travelers practice lane courtesy:

- Accidents Are Less Likely: When drivers are not obstructed, there is less accelerating, decelerating, and sudden lane changing. Smoother traffic flow translates into safer traffic flow. Vehicle gas mileage also improves.

- You'll Get To Your Destination Faster: Yielding to faster traffic reduces congestion, allowing highway capacity to be utilized to its fullest.

- You'll Get To Your Destination In A Better Mood: There is little doubt that "left lane hogs" are a source of irritation for many drivers. The courteous act of moving to the right can eliminate driver stress and conflict.

As we head into a high volume travel period on the nation's highways, adherence to lane courtesy is a vital safety factor. So too is proper lane merging, because road construction projects are prevalent during summer highway travel.

Correct methods of lane merging, per the Federal Highway Administration, are simple but often misunderstood by many motorists. When approaching a lane closure with traffic at nearly free-flow conditions, it is best to merge as soon as the opportunity presents itself by filling gaps in the traffic without noticeable acceleration or deceleration. If traffic has already slowed to a stop-and-go mode, it is best to fill both lanes to the fullest and then merge one vehicle at a time at the lane closure point in a descriptively-named maneuver called zipper-merging.

When more drivers practice lane courtesy and proper lane merging techniques, highway travel will be safer for all.

UPS begins using renewable biodiesel at major U.S. hub

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.  -  What can Brown do for you?  For a start, it's making your world greener by using cleaner burning biodiesel.  The United Parcel Service began using biodiesel blends at its most vital hub in Louisville, Kentucky this month.  

"There is a finite amount of petroleum-based fuel available from our planet so it is important that UPS and other companies invest in ways to use alternative fuels and technologies, including biodiesel," said Scott Wicker, UPS Chief Sustainability officer. "This project helps us reduce our dependence on fossil fuels with the added benefit that it will also reduce air pollution and carbon emissions."


UPS recently installed a biodiesel fuel tank and fueling station at its Worldport facility. It will allow fueling operators to blend specified percentages of biodiesel "on the fly," starting with 5 percent biodiesel (B5), and working up to 20 percent biodiesel (B20).

The single most important point in all of UPS's global operation, Worldport:

• Processes 416 thousand packages an hour 
• Is the size of 80 football fields
• Turns 100 aircraft a day

The 30,000 gallon biodiesel tank and station at Worldport fuels nearly 200 vehicles and diesel-fueled equipment, most of which help load packages on and off the planes.  


The National Biodiesel Board called UPS's switch to biodiesel monumental. 


"For a giant like UPS to use biodiesel is not only an outstanding vote of confidence for biodiesel, but an example of how America's first advanced biofuel will fuel the drive towards genuine corporate sustainability," said Joe Jobe, CEO of the National Biodiesel Board.  



Since biodiesel blends of up to 20 percent can be used in any diesel engine without modifications, it is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to clean up heavy duty equipment.
 
"Biodiesel supports green jobs and domestic energy security here and nationally, and we commend UPS for making biodiesel a part of its commitment to sustainability," said Melissa Howell, executive director of the Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition. 



Biodiesel is an advanced biofuel made from readily available, renewable resources. It is drop-in diesel fuel replacement that reduces greenhouse gas by 80 percent, without negatively impacting land use or the food supply.