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 →

In Memoriam: Coach's Insights•by Ed Bobit•September 9, 2010

Honestly, Would You Truly Recognize Your Driver?

With so much developing technology, extended responsibilities for many fleet managers, and a general corporate “coolness” to employees’ welfare, we have empathy for the company driver.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•August 20, 2010

Do You Know What Your Drivers Are <i>Really</i> Doing?

Do you really know who is driving your company-provided vehicles? Often the "at-work" persona of an employee is not the true indicator of their behavior when no one is watching. Recently, someone forwarded me a link to a chat room for pharmaceutical reps. I did a search of posts that included the phrase "company car" and, in short order, I was shocked at some of the comments written about their use of company cars and how drivers play "the system" to their advantage.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•August 13, 2010

The Need to Extend 50-Percent Bonus Depreciation

First-year 50-percent depreciation, known as bonus depreciation, expired Jan. 1, 2010. An amendment to retroactively extend bonus depreciation through the end of calendar-year 2010 has been added as an amendment to H.R. 5297. Bonus depreciation has been benefical to commercial fleets, especially those with long-life assets. As an industry, we need to urge members of Congress to pass H.R. 5297. But this is easier said than done due to the many other contentious issues in the bill.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•July 27, 2010

Uptick in Fuel-Related Problems in Diesel Trucks

The EPA mandated the use of ULSD, effective June 1, 2006. Since then, there has been an uptick in reports of fuel-related problems, such as corrosion in storage tanks and dispensing systems, onboard vehicle fuel tank corrosion, clogged filters, and seal and gasket deterioration. What has the industry scratching its "collective head" is the chronological correlation between the uptick in fuel-related problems and the introduction of ULSD. Is there a connection between the two?

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•July 13, 2010

Who Will Succeed You as Fleet Manager?

I asked a number of long-time fleet managers, who have the perspective of history, their thoughts about the future of the fleet manager position. In particular, I asked who they thought would succeed them when they retire or move on to other opportunities. A surprising number felt the future for in-house fleet managers is bleak. Others cited no "new blood" being infused into the ranks of the fleet management profession.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•June 29, 2010

Commercial Fleet Buying Intentions Remain Cautious for 2011-MY

Many companies continue to be uncertain as to whether the economic recovery is sustainable and are hesitant to recommence hiring. Most companies anticipate 2011-MY fleet orders will be comparable to 2010-MY ordering, but this is still below 2008-MY levels. Delayed 2011 introductions are prompting fleets to shift some of their orders from fall fleet buys to spring fleet orders. In an exclusive market survey, 300 major corporate fleets reveal their 2011-MY buying inclinations.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•June 15, 2010

The Great Debate: Model Year or Calendar Year?

In the "good old days," the overwhelming majority of new models would be "officially" introduced Oct. 1 of the preceding calendar-year. Little by little, this practice has migrated to the realm of nostalgia.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•June 4, 2010

U.S. Begins Deploying the Next Generation of GPS

Truck fleets were among the earliest adopters of GPS technology. GPS is used to reduce fuel spend by optimizing routing, increase driver accountability by deterring speeding and excessive idling, track hours of service and overtime, and prevent unauthorized usage of assets. A new generation of more powerful and sophisticated satellites are being deployed, which promise to take the GPS to the next level.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•May 27, 2010

Can Fleet Vehicles be Hacked?

A new study shows automotive software is as vulnerable to malicious hackers as the average PC. Most people don't realize a typical fleet vehicle contains 70-100 megabytes of binary code in 50-70 onboard microprocessors, and the amount of internal software code promises to grow in the future. The research paper demonstrated how a sophisticated hacker could wreak havoc on a vehicle by manipulating the in-vehicle computer network.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•May 10, 2010

The Cost of Operating a Fleet Will Increase

It will become more expensive to operate a fleet in the coming years. Vehicle acquisition costs will increase. Fuel prices, in all likelihood, will trend upward and maintenance costs will ratchet higher due to more companies adopting extended replacement schedules. In addition, vehicle-related taxes will increase. Let's examine the dynamics that will force fleet expenses to escalate.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•May 3, 2010

To Maximize Fleet Efficiency, Incentivize Your Fleet Manager

Most major corporations reserve bonuses and other money incentives for senior management. Few make financial incentives available to middle management. Should the fleet manager position be an exception? I argue yes, and here's why.

In Memoriam: Coach's Insights•by Ed Bobit•April 30, 2010

NAFA’S ‘New Look’ Good, But Needs More to Win!

The expressions related by NAFA members to me and to our editorial and marketing staff have been encouraging with the introduction of new innovations these past few years. Members are reluctant to be quoted or to put their opinions on paper or to e-mail them to anyone, but we keep track.

Prev Next