At a Glance

Technology cited as “must-haves” by several fleets include:

• Tire pressure monitor systems.

• Crash-avoidance technology.

• Navigation systems.

When it comes to the basics, price, safety, and fuel economy are of utmost importance for several top commercial fleets, including American Family Mutual Insurance Co., Forest Pharmaceuticals, and LKQ Corp.

With a 4,300-unit fleet comprised primarily of Class 1-6 trucks, LKQ Corp. needs all the space it can get for its aftermarket replacement products. Cargo capacity, vehicle technology, vehicle size, and safety are at the forefront of its decision making.

Mike Lahr, director of logistics for LKQ Corp., said must-have technology featured in LKQ’s existing fleet vehicles includes a tire pressure monitor system (TPMS), parking aid/backup camera, and speed-limiting technology.

Theresa Belding, senior manager of fleet services for Forest Pharmaceuticals, is also a fan of tire pressure monitor systems in her approximately 2,900-vehicle fleet, as well as safety-focused features. Additional air bags, stability control, blindspot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warnings are all technologies Belding said should be standard on all vehicles. 

Similarly, American Family Mutual Insurance Co.’s fleet services administrator, Brett Switzky, views crash-avoidance technology as a must-have for the 1,300-plus fleet. At the same time, he also emphasizes that even the most advanced technology should not be a substitute for safe driving.

“[Vehicle technology] depends on the driver. Most drivers can get away without using any [technology] and get home safe every night. I’m not against the technology, but it’s very expensive and, I think, some of it gets drivers out of practicing good habits and relying too much on a system that could fail at any moment,” Switzky said.

In keeping with the safety preferences, Bud Reuter, director Fleet & Procurement for Comcast, strongly favors daytime running lamps as standard on all vehicles. His fleet is currently comprised of 36,500 vehicles.

“Headlights should always be ‘on’ while the vehicle is running/in operation; if for surveillance or specific needs exist, it could be an option to remove, but should be a standard item for day or night,” Reuter said. “It should not be something that is a choice for the driver once in the vehicle. There is a reason they are offered; they provide better visibility and provide a safer environment. This is at a minimal cost increase and actually could be a cost reduction when simplifying the lighting selector — on, off, parking, etc. — options through manufacturing.”

Another fleet manager with 6,000 vehicles in her fleet said she would like to see OnStar, which is built into more than 30 General Motors models, offered on more vehicles. “I would like to see OnStar made available to all OEMs. It’s a great safety product that should be shared,” she said. OnStar features include automatic crash response, navigation, roadside assistance, and hands-free calling, and vehicle diagnostics.

One East Coast pharmaceutical fleet that reviews vehicles based on safety and fuel economy only allows four-cylinder engine models.

“Once we have the list of possible choices, our fleet management company creates a total cost of ownership (TCO) model,” said the pharmaceutical company’s fleet manager who asked to remain anonymous. “We also take into consideration global incentive programs with the auto manufacturers. For example, we added Volkswagen to our program last year because we buy many Volkswagen and Audi products overseas.”

For a large Southwestern-based fleet, vehicle technology is considered on a case-by-case basis. The company operates 8,015 vehicles.

Work That Body

Some of the latest vehicle technology function using methods that are, to say the least, unconventional.

Hands-free one foot at a time. Moving beyond hands-free calling and voice-activated-type features, Ford recently introduced its all-new Escape featuring a segment-first, hands-free power liftgate that opens with a simple kicking gesture under the rear bumper and without the need to fumble for a key. The gesture-based technology safeguards against accidental opening by being programmed to open with leg motions.

Butt-out, burglars. A new car seat developed by the Advanced Institute of Industrial Technology in Tokyo keeps thieves from “butting” into your business — literally. According to PSFK.com (an online source for new ideas and inspiration), the passenger-recognition technology in the car seat uses 360 pressure sensors to determine if the rightful owner is sitting in the seat. If not, the car won’t start.

Other Wish List Items

A few other "wish list" items for fleets include Black Box speed-by-street, in-cab mentoring, seat-belt compliance, and cars that can’t go through red lights or speed.