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Driving Notes

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

Multiple Authors

3 contributors

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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

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Insight Lane

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

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Market Trends

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

Mike Antich

Former Editor and Associate Publisher

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Remarketing Streams

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

Martin Romjue

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Market Trends•by Mike Antich•June 18, 2014

Increased Fleet Efficiency Makes Reimbursement a More Expensive Option

The relentless demand by management to reduce costs year-over-year is producing extremely cost-efficient fleets. The best example is the trend by some fleets to shift drivers from allowance or reimbursement programs to the company-provided vehicle program. For these companies, they are finding that it is less expensive to have an employee participate in the company car program than providing a driver allowance.

In Memoriam: Coach's Insights•by Ed Bobit•June 13, 2014

Managing a Car vs. Work Truck Fleet

Work truck fleets run fewer miles than the typical car fleet, but companies hold these vehicles longer until they get into the costly area of maintenance, including preventive maintenance intervals. Every part of a work truck is driven harder.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•June 10, 2014

The ‘Perfect Storm’ in Rail Congestion Turns Fleet into Collateral Damage

Fleet order-to-delivery (OTD) has been brutal this model-year due to severe weather conditions, which exacerbated rail congestion, creating huge backlogs of vehicles needing to be shipped. However, some are beginning to believe the rail congestion experienced this winter is more of a symptom of a systemic infrastructure weakness and not solely the consequence of severe weather. Here's why they think so.

Driving Notes•by Stephane Babcock•June 6, 2014

2014 Nissan NV200 Taxi

After taking a quick look around the Nissan NV200 taxi and contemplating the best driving scenario for it, I was struck with an idea — why not take this NYC cab to a L.A. Dodgers game.

Driving Notes•by Mike Antich•May 30, 2014

2014 Ford Fusion SE

I am a big fan of the Fusion's exterior styling, which is extremely attractive, especially as it sits on 17-inch alloy wheels. The 2014 Ford Fusion is available in three trim levels — S, SE, and Titanium — with the SE model being the most popular with fleets.

Driving Notes•by Paul Clinton•May 29, 2014

2014 Nissan NV200 Cargo Van

The unibody NV200 provides seating for two, 122 cubic feet of cargo area, and 1,500 pounds of payload capacity. It was designed as a competitor to the Ford Transit Connect, and after Ford's 2014 redesign of its compact van, now offers a more affordable choice.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•May 27, 2014

How to Spec Trucks to Optimize Productivity

The best way to optimize truck productivity is to spec the right vehicle for the fleet application. This may sound like I am stating the obvious, but, as many truck professionals will attest, it is often not the case. While fleet managers understand how their trucks are intended to be used in the field, intended usage often does not match real-world usage.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•May 22, 2014

Debunking the Defeatist Mindset Toward Fleet Sustainability

Many fleet managers know they should be doing something to “green” their fleet, but they do nothing, rationalizing (and justifying) their inaction due to budget constraints or lack of management support. To me, this is a self-fulfilling mindset that guarantees your fleet will remain in a status quo situation. Fleet managers need to break free from this defeatist mindset and here's how to do it.

In Memoriam: Coach's Insights•by Ed Bobit•May 20, 2014

So, What's New?

Even though I have been critical (constructively so, I hope) in past years, after a good deal of thought, it occurs to me that NAFA needs strong continued support from the entire industry.

Driving Notes•by Stephane Babcock•May 15, 2014

2014 Nissan NV Passenger

The NV3500 works as a rolling office. The front passenger seat folds completely flat in the forward position to act as a table, and the center console can comfortably house a laptop computer.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•May 15, 2014

Fleet Management Circa 2025

How will fleet management change in the next 10 years? I foresee three transformational forces that will sweep through our industry and redirect its long-term direction.

Driving Notes•by Mike Antich•May 12, 2014

2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid Sedan

I recently had the opportunity to test drive a 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid. Although the model I drove was the Titanium trim level, a level higher than the SE model typically ordered by commercial fleets, my primary interest was in evaluating the vehicle from both the fleet manager and company driver perspective.

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