Also See: Geotab Buys Verizon Connect’s International Commercial Operations
Smith System and Utilimarc Unite to Deliver First Integrated Fleet Safety Platform
Smith System and Utilimarc have joined forces to create the industry's only combined safety and analytics program.

Smith System’s training and Utilimarc's driver risk expertise provide companies with a single platform to optimize assets and measure performance improvements.
Image: Automotive Fleet / Smith System
Smith System recently announced its acquisition of Utilimarc, a Minneapolis-based leader in fleet analytics and benchmarking. Together, the companies create practical driver training with deep fleet analytics to deliver safer, innovative, and more cost-efficient operations.
Founded in 2001, Utilimarc has developed a business intelligence platform that integrates data from various sources, including telematics, fleet management information systems (FMIS), maintenance software, and safety cameras. By combining these insights with Smith System’s training and driver risk expertise, customers gain a single partner to improve driver behavior, optimize fleet assets, and validate measurable performance gains.
“This acquisition redefines what it means to be a fleet safety partner,” said Derek Dunaway, CEO of Smith System. “For the first time, organizations can connect driver training with fleet-wide analytics in one platform. That means our clients don’t just get data or training in isolation—they get a closed loop that measures performance, drives behavior change, and proves ROI.”
“Joining forces with Smith System allows us to take analytics further than ever before,” said Chris Shaffer, CEO of Utilimarc. “Together, we move beyond dashboards to deliver real-world impact—safer fleets, smarter asset decisions, and long-term cost savings. This is a win for our customers and the industry at large.”
Uniting Industry-Leading Training with Deep Driver and Fleet Analytics
With both companies now operating as one, customers benefit from:
Enhancing the 5Keys with Deep Fleet Analytics: A closed-loop solution that connects driver behavior, operational data, and benchmarking.
One Source for Safer, Smarter Fleets: A unified view of drivers, vehicles, and operations that enables precise interventions, cost reductions, and stronger compliance outcomes.
A Broader Data and Safety Ecosystem: Building on Smith System’s recent Brightmile acquisition, the combined company brings together mobile telematics, advanced analytics, and behavior-based training into one seamless platform.
The combined company now stands alone in the market: no other provider integrates analytics, benchmarking, telematics, and behavior-based training into a single solution.
More Vehicle Research

Emkay Through the Years: 80 Years of Innovation & Partnership
From vintage office photos and early dealership roots to modern fleet technology and an 80th anniversary celebration, this gallery traces Emkay's journey across generations.
Read More →
Volvo, Google Preview AI-Powered In-Car Navigation Features
Gemini integration and new Google Maps immersive navigation tools are slated for upcoming Volvo EV models, including the EX60.
Read More →
Automotive Fleet Hall of Fame Inductee Ray Breault Passes at 95
Ray Breault, a former NAFA president and longtime fleet leader whose career spanned nearly 60 years, died May 1 at age 95. Breault was inducted into the Automotive Fleet Hall of Fame in 2008 and was widely recognized for his contributions to the fleet management profession.
Read More →
The 2027 Volkswagen Lineup
Volkswagen recently released details on the 2027 lineup, which includes a variety of new features for the vehicles.
Read More →
2026 Kia EV6 Arrives With Lower Pricing, New Charging Features
Kia lowered pricing for the 2026 EV6 lineup while adding standard charging equipment, Plug & Charge capability, and updated color options.
Read More →
2027 BMW iX3 Starts at $61,500 With Up to 434 Miles of Range
BMW priced the 2027 iX3 50 xDrive at $61,500 and said the new EV SUV will offer up to 434 miles of range, 800V fast charging, and a new-generation operating system when deliveries begin in September.
Read More →
How Fleets Are Doing More with Less in 2026 | AF News Recap
In this news recap, host Faith Howell covers the ethics of AI, replacement delays, and how one company is streamlining uptime.
Read More →
Hybrids: Electrification Without the Challenges
For fleet managers, fuel is one of the biggest line items in the budget — and it's one hybrids can shrink without changing how your people work. Download the eBook to see the numbers, understand the technology, and get a step-by-step guide to making the switch.
Read More →Inside Emkay's 80th Anniversary Celebration [Watch]
EMKAY recently celebrated a major milestone: 80 years in the fleet industry.
Read More →
Why Fleet Managers Are Replacing Departmental Vehicles with Shared Motor Pools
Departmentally assigned vehicles often create hidden costs through underutilization, poor visibility, and increased administrative burden. This white paper explores how shared motor pool strategies help fleets reduce costs, improve accountability, and optimize vehicle utilization.
Read More →