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From a Major Ram Recall to Hands-On AI | AF News Recap
A massive Ram recall, new maintenance cost comparisons, the retirement of a longtime fleet industry leader, and hands-on AI are all making headlines. Here’s what fleet professionals need to know this week.
First up in this week's news recap is a recall fleet managers will want on their radar. More than 1.27 million Ram 1500 pickups are being recalled over a seat belt anchor issue.
Cost is also in focus. A new analysis compares maintenance expenses across 27 fleet vehicles, giving managers a closer look at how vehicle choice can affect expenses long after acquisition. Maintenance and repair become increasingly important variables as vehicles age.
We’re also recognizing a familiar name in commercial fleet. Gary Van Orden is retiring after nearly four decades in the industry. His career spans an extraordinary period of change—from more traditional fleet operations to today’s new technology.
And speaking of what’s next, AI is moving from conversation to application. Fleet managers at the 2026 Fleet Forward Conference will have an opportunity to get hands-on with the technology and explore how it can fit into real fleet workflows. The conference is putting a broader focus on practical AI and data applications, including ways fleets can turn information into actionable maintenance, fuel, utilization, and TCO decisions.
The common thread this week? Fleet leaders have to manage what’s happening right now while still finding time to prepare for what’s coming next.
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