Blogs

Automotive Fleet Magazine

Subscribe | Digital Edition

Oct 20-22, 2026 | MD

Driving Notes

Knowing about a vehicle is one thing; driving it is quite another. Getting behind the wheel gives yo...

Multiple Authors

6 contributors

Start reading →

FleetTakes

FleetTakes is exactly that — a take on what fleets need to know when it comes to the latest in autom...

Chris Brown

Associate Publisher

Start reading →

Insight Lane

Insight Lane delivers Colin Sutherland’s perspective from the intersection of leadership and innovat...

Start reading →

Market Trends

Automotive Fleet's former editor, Mike Antich, shared his opinions and ideas on the overall commerci...

Multiple Authors

2 contributors

Start reading →

Remarketing Streams

Remarketing Streams reports on the flow of used vehicles moving through the consignor-auction-dealer...

Martin Romjue

Managing Editor

Start reading →

Driving Notes•by Mike Antich•March 30, 2016

2016 Ford F-150 XL with Pro Trailer Backup Assist

I’ll admit that I jack-knifed my share of U-Haul trailers and learned (the hard way) that backing a trailer is a true art. Thankfully, Ford has come to the rescue of amateurs like me by turning trailering into a science. What I’m referring to is the all-new Pro Trailer Backup Assist for the 2016 Ford F-150, which makes backing up and parking a trailer easier than ever, regardless of your skill level.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•March 30, 2016

Today's Top Fleet Trends for Nation's Largest Fleets

Each year, we compile a listing of the nation's Top 300 commercial fleets. This gives us an opportunity to get a pulse on the state of the commercial fleet market. Every fleet in the Top 300 commercial fleet listing has its own fleet strategy and challenges; some unique, but most are common to a number of fleets. Here is my “lightning round” summary of the top trends and operational considerations influencing the management of the nation’s largest commercial fleets.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•March 21, 2016

New Zealand Fleet Market Conditions for CY-2016

Despite economic headwinds dampening demand for its exports into China, auto sales in New Zealand during calendar-year 2015 hit an all-time record for commercial and retail vehicles. Sales continue to be strong in early 2016.

Driving Notes•by Mike Antich•March 21, 2016

2016 Chevrolet Suburban 4WD

The most impressive thing about the 2016 Suburban is the vast array of technology and safety features in its Enhanced Driver Alert Package. The 2016 Chevrolet Suburban is offered in three trim levels – LS, LT, and LTZ models. It is also available in a two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive system. Recently, AF test drove the four-wheel-drive, top-of-the-line LTZ model.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•March 21, 2016

Ergonomics Is the Missing Link in Calculating Total Cost of Ownership

The key word in calculating total cost of ownership (TCO) is total. When spec’ing vehicles, the cost-avoidance benefits of good ergonomics must be monetized to an approximate value and factored into calculating the true total cost of ownership.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•March 15, 2016

State of the Australian Commercial Fleet Market in CY-2016

Procurement, as elsewhere in the world, has gained increased influence in fleet purchase decisions in Australia. One byproduct has been the growing trend to sole-source from a single OEM. Although acquisition costs are a key factor, fleet application, fuel economy, CO2 emissions, safety, and overall TCO continue to play important roles in the purchase decision-making process.

Driving Notes•by Paul Clinton•March 14, 2016

2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron

Audi entered the plug-in hybrid market with its 2016 A3 Sportback e-tron, a Euro-styled, roomy hatchback the automaker has been selling in the U.S. since late 2015.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•March 7, 2016

Collapse of Oil Prices and Ruble Devaluation Negatively Impacting Russian Fleet Market

The Russian economy is in a recession, with the gross domestic product (GDP) shrinking 3% in 2015. This economic downturn is widespread, with output falling in key sectors of the economy. The overall fleet demand in the Russian market is down, primarily due to the volatility in the exchange rates for the ruble and its impact on new-vehicle pricing.

Nobody Asked Me, But...•by Sherb Brown•March 1, 2016

Impacts of Politics on Fleet Management

The modern fleet manager and the companies that serve them need to keep an eye on the political process. They need to watch not just the economic trends, but the political ones as well. Those trends are going to determine what vehicles are available and what they cost.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•February 28, 2016

Top Trends in Global Fleet Management

There are dramatic differences between regional fleet markets around the globe. Yet, despite these differences, there are also many similarities. Many of the challenges facing fleet managers are identical to the challenges facing their counterparts managing fleets elsewhere in the world.

Driving Notes•by Thi Dao•February 25, 2016

2016 Toyota Prius

Fleets looking for excellent fuel efficiency can look to the Toyota Prius, which still has the best fuel economy of the hybrids available.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•February 24, 2016

Identifying the Next Generation of Corporate Fleet Managers

Fleet management will increase in complexity with the pervasive use of technology and emphasis on data analytics. This will attract new employees with different skillsets. Despite what cynics may say, now is the best time to get into fleet management. It is at the corporate crossroads of technology, sustainability, supply chain management, and safety. Fleet will be very attractive to managers because of the exposure to these cross-functional groups and the opportunity for advancement.

Prev Next