State of the Fleet Industry

The State of the Fleet Industry Spotlight series, produced by Automotive Fleet, offers insights into the fleet market and engages with fleet leaders on what's driving it today. In this podcast, Chris Brown, associate publisher of Automotive Fleet, sat down with ‪@Geotab‬ leaders Branch, VP of Data & Analytics, Sabina Martin, VP of Product Management, and Neil Cawse, founder & CEO at the #GeotabConnect2025 conference.They discuss the evolution of connected vehicles — from AI, and sustainability to new telematics functions coming online — and how these factors are poised to disrupt #fleetmanagement. They also discuss the biggest challenges for fleets in the year ahead. ⏱ Topics include: ·  Chris asks if AI is still the “elephant in the room” after being the hottest trend in 2024.  ·  The group weighs in on fleets' biggest challenges in the year ahead. ·  Chris asks if they've seen fleets' electrification or sustainability goals have changed in the last year. ·  The group shares the new system functionalities comingonline and the new and unexpected use cases driving fleet safety and efficiencies.·  Chris asks what the biggest shift we'll be talking about in five years.  Visit Automotive Fleet for more fleet industry content ➡ https://www.automotive-fleet.com

The State of the Fleet Industry Spotlight video series, produced by Automotive Fleet, offers insights into the state of the fleet market and engages with leaders in fleet on what's driving the market today. Chris Brown connects with Bill Pugh, Smart Cities expert, software as a service (SaaS) entrepreneur, and founder of Smart Connections Consulting.When Bill Pugh steps into the office of a new client in a hoodie and ball cap to talk SaaS solutions and data intelligence for smart cities, the person across the desk is often looking past him for someone else. With today's entrenched stereotypes, can you blame them?Which brings up the crux of the matter — how do persons of color be their authentic selves and succeed in their careers and the current business world? Bill shares his story to show the possibilities and how Black History Month manifests in living color today.1. Bill shares his “origin story.”2. He reveals how he navigates situations when people don't expect him to be the “expert in the room.”3. Bill shares how he overcame his biggest challenge.4. How does one balance being your authentic self with the expectations of the corporate, tech, and business worlds? Bill tells Chris how he manages to be true to himself?5. Bill remembers how he broke into tech and SaaS to fields that aren't traditionally diverse.6. Bill finishes with advice on how young Black professionals and people of color can build a career in SaaS and tech.#BlackHistoryMonth #SoftwareasaService #inspiration

In this Fleet Momentum episode, Charles Kriete, CEO of GPS Trackit, connects with Chris Brown, associate publisher of Automotive Fleet, to discuss how smaller fleets can reap greater efficiencies with #AI tools in conjunction with telematics.  #AI #generativeAI #smallfleets #telematics

Are you experiencing unexpected slowdowns in the buildout of your EV infrastructure? You're not alone. In this Fleet Momentum episode, ABM Industries' Tom Berton connects with Chris Brown, associate publisher at Automotive Fleet, to discuss solutions. Berton shares tips on how fleets can expedite the first steps to getting their infrastructure plan off the ground. He then discusses a crucial component after chargers are in place - effectively maintaining those EV chargers for maximum uptime and to keep your fleet vehicles deployed. Fleet Momentum videos are designed to spotlight key industry leaders, trends, and products in fleet management. This episode of Fleet Momentum is sponsored by and created in partnership with ABM.

While vehicle inventory levels are hitting pre-pandemic highs, fleets are facing accelerating depreciation on vehicles bought during the supply crunch. Meanwhile, interest rates remain high. In this episode of Fleet Momentum, Chris Brown, associate publisher at Bobit, connects with Brad Jacobs, vice president of strategic solutions for Merchants Fleet, to find ways fleets can address these challenges. They also discuss other important factors that will impact fleet budgets this year. Fleet Momentum videos are designed to shine a spotlight on key industry leaders, trends, and products for fleet management. This episode of Fleet Momentum is sponsored by and created in partnership with Merchants Fleet.

AI is finally moving from a buzzword to solutions providing real value to fleets. But how? In this Fleet Momentum episode, Chris Brown, Bobit associate publisher, discusses with AJ Trivedi, CEO and founder of Ridecell, the AI and automation tools that are coming online to automate vehicle lifecycle management and maximize asset revenues. Fleet Momentum videos are designed to shine a spotlight on key industry leaders, trends, and products for fleet management. This episode of Fleet Momentum is sponsored by and created in partnership with Ridecell

In this Fleet Momentum episode, Chris Brown, Bobit's associate publisher, discusses key trends in repair management, including cycle times, parts supply, and the labor market with Richard Jacko and Stuart Braun of Fleet Response. Fleet Momentum videos are designed to shine a spotlight on key industry leaders, trends, and products for fleet management. This episode of Fleet Momentum is sponsored by and created in partnership with Fleet Response

The State of the Fleet Industry Spotlight video series, produced by Automotive Fleet, offers insights into the state of the fleet market and engages with leaders in fleet on what's driving the market today. In episode 145, Chris Brown, associate publisher of Automotive Fleet, connects with Sandor Piszar of  @gmenvolve  about his journey to his new role and how GM Envolve is set up to engage with fleet in 2024. In May of 2023, General Motors created GM Envolve, a new unit for commercial and fleet customers that creates a "one-stop" experience for vehicle sales and access to GM's portfolio of commercial products and services across multiple divisions. Check out the discussion and what this means to the #fleet industry! #fleetmanagement ⏱ Topics Sandor Piszar's background in fleet before joining GM Envolve Piszar's outreach to fleet clients GM Envolve accessing personnel and services compare to the old GM Fleet format How fleets should adjust plans amid battery-plant and EV model delays GM Envolve's fleet forecast

Hello and welcome to this edition of State of the Fleet Industry Spotlight Series, sponsored by US Bank, in which we engage with leaders in fleet on what's driving the market today. I'm Chris Brown, associate publisher of Automotive Fleet. In this episode, I connect with Debbie Struna, national account manager for Fleet Street Remarketing, former board member of the American Fleet Leasing Association (AFLA), and chairperson for the Women in Fleet Management mentorship task force. Debbie and I discuss how organizations can best plan for succession in the fleet manager's role and the resources available for new entrants into the fleet community. Today's topics include: - Struna explains how she got into fleet. - She discusses how new fleet managers can benefit from association involvement and industry events. - Struna shares how to use internal meetings in the organization to create better awareness of the fleet manager's role. - She offers the idea of creating an industrywide document with best practices for succession planning. - She discusses the succession process when she left her role as a fleet manager to take a new job. - Struna suggests leveraging the vendor community for knowledge, along with fleet publications and media. - She explains AFLA's mentorship program. This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠U.S. Bank⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The State of the Fleet Industry video series, produced by Automotive Fleet, offers insights into the state of the fleet market. In Episode 142, Associate Publisher Chris Brown interviews Brian Fielkow, an executive leader, author, and speaker who has spent three decades in fleet and transportation with a direct focus on safety. Fielkow breaks down preconceived notions on fleet safety and offers a new framework on how to manage it in your organization. He is delivering the opening keynote at the 2023 Fleet Safety Conference, convening November 8-10 in Santa Clara, Calif. Today's topics include: - Safety is not a priority. - It's not an accident and it's not minor. - Move from a blame culture to a just culture. - We don't necessarily need more processes. - Safety is not a department. - We're drowning in data. - Just because you are compliant does not mean you are safe. This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠U.S. Bank⁠⁠⁠.

The ⁠State of the Fleet Industry⁠ video series, produced by Automotive Fleet, offers insights into the state of the fleet market as presented by AF Editor Mike Antich. In Episode 141, learn more about the top factors contributing to increasing costs in the commercial fleet market, as presented by AF Editor Mike Antich.

The State of the Fleet Industry video series, produced by Automotive Fleet, offers insights into the state of the fleet market as presented by AF Editor Mike Antich. In Episode 140, we have a wide-ranging discussion with Shlomo Crandus, CEO of Wheels, about the evolution and transformation of fleet management in the next five years.

The 139th State of the Fleet Industry video produced by Automotive Fleet offers insights into the state of the fleet market as presented by AF Editor Mike Antich.  

This episode of Fleet Momentum is sponsored by and created in partnership with Fleet Response.

Find out global mobility service provider Sixt has planned for future expansion as the company's Chief Business Officer Vinzenz Pflanz sits down with Automotive Fleet Editor Mike Antich. The Global Fleet Voices video series is produced by Automotive Fleet and offers an updated look at the multifaceted, multinational fleet market.

The Fleet Meet series is co-produced by Automotive Fleet and Fleet360 to compare and contrast fleet trends occurring in both Europe and North America. The discussion is cohosted by Hans Damen, managing partner of Europe-based Fleet360, and Mike Antich, Editor of Automotive Fleet magazine, based in the U.S. and following North American fleet market trends in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico   In this episode, we examine the development of artificial intelligence (AI), its applications within fleet management, and its impact, both positive and negative.

This episode of Fleet Momentum is sponsored by and created in partnership with Holman.

The 138th  State of the Fleet Industry video produced by Automotive Fleet offers insights into the state of the fleet market as presented by AF Editor Mike Antich.   Today's topics include: The used-vehicle market remains strong for commercial fleet remarketing out-of-service company vehicles at auction, but there are three pain points that are negatively impacting fleets The ongoing delays in shipping out-of-service fleet vehicles to auction is increasing days-to-sale, which is increasing fleet depreciation expenses. There are backlogs in de-identifying fleet vehicles, sometimes as long as three to four weeks. Fleets require that their vehicles be de-identified of all logos and signage before they can be sold at auction. These delays are increasing days-to-sale. A third pain point is the lack of consistency at auctions in writing condition reports, which are the basis of how a vehicle is graded and has a direct bearing on the ultimate sale price. Make sure you're signed up for the AF Newsletter so you don't miss another State of the Fleet Industry video.

Fleet Meet is an interactive dialogue with AF Editor Mike Antich and Hans Damen, managing partner for Fleet360 discussing the latest global trends in fleet management and contrasting their impact in the U.S. and the European fleet markets. Today's discussion focuses on the proliferation of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADA) in fleet vehicles. Topics include: The risk that drivers will become too reliant on the safety technology, developing a false sense of security and becoming lax in performing basic safe driving skills. The need for fleets to properly instruct drivers on ADAS functions and correct usage of the technology. While extremely important to driver safety, ADAS technology increases a vehicle's acquisition cost,  increases maintenance and repair costs, and adds a recalibration expense to ensure the system is functioning properly.

The 137th State of the Fleet Industry video produced by Automotive Fleet offers insights into the state of the fleet market as presented by AF Editor Mike Antich. In this episode, we talk with Mike Butsch, VP of global business development for Primrose Alloys. Today's topics include:    In the automotive sector, demand for aluminum has softened due to component challenges in the automotive, medium-duty truck, and heavy-duty truck segments, which has created a slight relief in prices. There is a strong influx of aluminum orders from Boeing and Airbus, which will lengthen lead times for the balance of the year. Production constraints for stainless steel has lengthened lead times to 50-80 weeks for delivery. The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine will continue to exert upward pressure on commodity prices due a decrease in product availability since both countries were strong exporters of aluminum and steel. In addition, ongoing tariffs on Chinese steel will put upward pressure on prices. The increased expenditure of munitions in Ukraine war has decreased munitions stockpiles in major industrial countries by 10-12 years. Pressure will mount to replenish stockpiles, putting upward pressure on brass and copper used in ammunition and heavier munitions and aluminum and stainless steel used in military equipment and missiles. Anticipation that these pricing pressures will begin at the start of 2024 calendar year. Make sure you're signed up for the AF newsletter so you don't miss another State of the Fleet Industry video.

This episode of Fleet Momentum is sponsored by and created in partnership with Quartix.

The 136th State of the Fleet Industry video produced by Automotive Fleet offers insights into the state of the fleet market as presented by AFEditor Mike Antich. Today's topics include: Fleet acquisition trends in the oil and energy industry – pre-COVID – during the pandemic lockdown – and post-COVID. Energy companies have been forced to buy units out-of-stock from dealers due to replacement vehicle scarcity, which is typically above invoice pricing, especially in terms of pricing, and the advent of market price adjustments that dealers are adding on top of MSRP prices. With some vehicles being kept in service for more than 200,000 miles, the impact of unscheduled maintenance and other associated costs are substantial. The oil and energy business been impacted by labor shortages; however, some innovative programs are attracting workers from other states. Make sure you're signed up for the AF newsletter so you don't miss another State of the Fleet Industry video.

In this special spotlight edition of the State of the Fleet Industry video series produced by Automotive Fleet magazine, Matt Dyer, president of Wheels, explains why Wheels was selected as the brand name for the combined legacy companies of Wheels Donlen and LeasePlan. Dyer also discusses the creation of the new company tagline and explains what will remain the same and what will change under the Wheels brand name. Timestamps 0:00 Intro 0:45 Why the brand name Wheels and process of identifying that name 4:02 Behind the tagline "Together Let's Go Far" 8:18 What is changing and what stays the same Make sure you're signed up for the AF newsletter so you don't miss another State of the Fleet Industry video.

The 135th State of the Fleet Industry video produced by Automotive Fleet offers insights into the state of the fleet market as presented by AF Editor Mike Antich. Today's topics include: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened a formal investigation of a series of “phantom braking” incidents. On January 8, 2023, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Tesla, alleging that 2021 and 2022 Model 3 and Model Y were prone to stop suddenly due to the false triggering of the automatic emergency braking system. In the past four years, there have been a number of vehicles produced by various auto manufacturers recalled to correct primarily software issues with the automatic emergency braking systems for specific models. It is important for fleet managers to be aware of the possibility of phantom braking and to stay informed of the situation as new developments occur. Make sure you're signed up for the AF newsletter so you don't miss another State of the Fleet Industry video.

The 134th State of the Fleet Industry video produced by Automotive Fleet offers insights into the state of the fleet market as presented by AF Editor Mike Antich. Today's topics include: Fleet managers report increasing pressure from their management to identify areas to control fleet costs. Total fleet costs are proportional to total fleet size. Fleet costs are directly proportional to the total number of vehicles in operation, which, in turn, drives all fixed and operating costs, such as fuel, maintenance, depreciation, accident repair costs, etc. Fleets need to identify low-utilization vehicles and consider whether a driver should be shifted to a monthly allowance or cents-per-mile reimbursement program. “Vehicle hoarding” is occurring at some fleet operations because out-of-service or low-utilization vehicles are being retained “just in case” they are needed. Fleet inventory management must be an integral part of any cost containment fleet strategy. Make sure you're signed up for the AF newsletter so you don't miss another State of the Fleet Industry video.

The 133rd State of the Fleet Industry video produced by Automotive Fleet offers insights into the state of the fleet market as presented by AF Editor Mike Antich. Today's topics include: The increase in fleet maintenance costs have been substantial, in some cases experiencing percentage increases that are double digit. Increased vehicle complexity has exerted increased maintenance costs through the increased volume of vehicle diagnostic fees, increased labor hours to identify intermittent issues, and recalibration expenses for ADAS-equipped vehicles. Increase in unscheduled repairs are more fleet vehicles are having their service lives extended due to difficulty in sourcing replacement vehicles. Part shortages are lengthening repair times for vehicles increasing vehicle and driver downtime. Inflationary pressures are increasing labor rates, parts prices, and pass-along costs from increased raw material prices used to manufacture replacement parts. Increased labor rates primarily driven by the shortage of skilled automotive technicians. Make sure you're signed up for the AF newsletter so you don't miss another State of the Fleet Industry video.

This episode of Fleet Momentum is sponsored by and created in partnership with BTC Power

The 132nd State of the Fleet Industry video produced by Automotive Fleet offers insights into the state of the fleet market as presented by AF Editor Mike Antich. Today's topics include: The 2023 Geotab Connect Conference was held on Feb. 5-8, 2023 in Orlando, Fla. It was attended by more than 1,700 fleet professionals. Geotab's roadmap is to evolve into an AI-enabled platform that is hardware agnostic. Software defined vehicles can be updated with over-the-air downloads that will accelerate the introduction of new products in the fleet market. In 2013, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts passed a right-to-repair law. It is currently in litigation following a lawsuit from Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a consortium of auto OEMs. Make sure you're signed up for the AF newsletter so you don't miss another State of the Fleet Industry video.

The 131st State of the Fleet Industry video produced by Automotive Fleet offers insights into the state of the fleet market as presented by AFEditor Mike Antich. Today's topics include: Ongoing sourcing constraints have disrupted fleet standardization strategies. When businesses are forced to source different models, it creates inefficiencies by operating an irregular fleet of service vehicles. Multiple signs are emerging that sourcing constraints are receding – increased dealership inventories, dramatic decrease in “build shy” units, and OEMs are increasing new-vehicle production. Headwinds include an ongoing limited availability of vans and full-size pickups and huge pent-up need to extended life vehicles when companies were unable to source replacement units. Make sure you're signed up for the AF newsletter so you don't miss another State of the Fleet Industry video.

The 130th State of the Fleet Industry video produced by Automotive Fleet offers insights into the state of the fleet market as presented by AF Editor Mike Antich. Today's topics include: Across-the-board fleet costs increases have hit record levels and promise to increase after sourcing availability increases. There are nine fleet costs at elevated levels. They are fuel, higher acquisition costs, interest rates, upfitting commodity volatility, unscheduled maintenance, collision repairs, higher maintenance/parts/ labor rates, short-term rental fees, and all incidental fleet costs. Today's fleet dollars do not stretch as far as yesterday's fleet dollars. With increased sourcing availability will come higher per unit expenditures, in addition to higher volumes currently restricted by an allocation system. Make sure you're signed up for the AF newsletter so you don't miss another State of the Fleet Industry video.

What is influencing the fleet decision to single- or multi-source in today's evolving market? Sit down with Hans Damen, managing partner of European-based Fleet360 and Mike Antich, editor, Automotive Fleet magazine, who follows fleet market trends in North America, to find out in this edition of the Fleet Meet video series. Co-produced by Fleet360 and Automotive Fleet, Fleet Meet discussions examine similar and contrasting fleet trends in Europe, the U.S. Canada and Mexico.

The 129th State of the Fleet Industry video produced by Automotive Fleet offers insights into the state of the fleet market as presented by AFEditor Mike Antich. Today's topics include: There needs to be a re-establishment of trust between manufacturers, upfitters, dealers, and fleet end-users. Fleet managers believe that the difficulties experienced with sourcing constraints during the past three years have eroded the trust that has existed between buyers and sellers in the fleet industry. Some believe that sellers are taking advantage of today's sourcing constraints by not honoring prior pricing commitments, which, in turn, is damaging long-standing business relationships. There needs to be a collective solution to ensure that buyer-seller relationships will remain strong and grow even stronger in the future. Industry leaders are encouraged to take the collective lead in making this aspiration a reality. Make sure you're signed up for the AF newsletter so you don't miss another State of the Fleet Industry video.

Ralph Morton, Global Fleet Management editor for the U.K. and Europe, interviews a key fleet leader in the 20th GFM Voices video, produced by Automotive Fleet. Topics include: Electrification and the possible recession this year. Pressures facing fleet managers of ICE fleets. Impact of vehicle deliveries on fleet plans in 2023. AFP resources and membership information.

The 128th State of the Fleet Industry video produced by Automotive Fleet offers insights into the state of the fleet market as presented by AF Editor Mike Antich. Today's topics include: Service levels have fallen at DMVs and wait times for services have increased. Fleet managers say DMVs have become inconsistent in enforcing their own regulations regarding license and title issues. Compounding longer DMV turnaround time on registration and titling is the degradation in delivery times by the U.S. Postal Service. Among the root causes for the decrease in DMV service levels is staffing constraints, aging legacy computer systems, and reluctance in changing DMV processes need to fully take advantage of today's technologies. Make sure you're signed up for the AF newsletter so you don't miss another State of the Fleet Industry video.

The 127th State of the Fleet Industry video produced by Automotive Fleet offers insights into the state of the fleet market as presented by AF Editor Mike Antich. Today's topics include: In the past 15 years, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has evolved into an important platform for a growing number of global automakers and Tier 1 suppliers looking to showcase mobility technologies. Stellantis revealed the Ram 1500 Revolution batter-electric concept pickup, which directionally is how the ultimate production version will be like when it debuts in the 2024 calendar-year. VinFast showcased its two all-electric SUVs and two all-electric crossover vehicles. Cenntro Electric Group displayed its Class 1-4 EV commercial vehicles and its upcoming Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell truck. Highlights of announcements from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, VW, Volvo, and the Sony Honda Mobility joint venture. Make sure you're signed up for the AF newsletter so you don't miss another State of the Fleet Industry video.

The 126th State of the Fleet Industry video produced by Automotive Fleet offers insights into the state of the fleet market as presented by AFEditor Mike Antich. Today's topics include: Various indicators seem to point to a slowdown in the national economy in calendar-year 2023. One consequence to an economic slowdown is an increase in fraudulent staged crashes. The No. 1 type of insurance fraud committed against company vehicles, in terms of total dollar value, is fraudulent staged crashes. Examined are the four most common staged accidents and recommendations on what company drivers should do if they are the victim of a fraudulent accusation. Make sure you're signed up for the AF newsletter so you don't miss another State of the Fleet Industry video.

The 125th State of the Fleet Industry video produced by Automotive Fleet offers insights into the state of the fleet market as presented by AF Editor Mike Antich. In this episode, we talk with Shlomo Crandus, CEO of Wheels Donlen LeasePlan, about the purchase agreement and plans for the new company. Today's topics include: Strategy to unify the distinct cultures of Wheels, Donlen, and LeasePlan into a new unified fleet management business that will go to market as one. Strategy to managing the operational integration of the three companies in terms of products and services they offer to clients. Discussion about the IT platform to be used by the combined organization. Discussion on how global integration will be structured with the unified company in the context of the ALD global alliance. Make sure you're signed up for the AF newsletter so you don't miss another State of the Fleet Industry video.

The 124th State of the Fleet Industry video produced by Automotive Fleet offers insights into the state of the fleet market as presented by AF Editor Mike Antich. Today's topics include: Production slowdown of finished commodities is due to labor shortages, not a decreased end-user demand. Steel prices have stabilized. Shortage of aluminum is anticipated due to simultaneous increased demand from both the aviation and automotive industries Copper prices forecast to increase in CY-2023 as automotive EV production increases. Make sure you're signed up for the AF newsletter so you don't miss another State of the Fleet Industry video.

This episode of Fleet Momentum is sponsored by and created in partnership with AT&T

The 123rd State of the Fleet Industry video produced by Automotive Fleet offers insights into the state of the fleet market as presented by AF Editor Mike Antich. Today's topics include: Home EV chargers have emerged as a brand-new asset class that will be managed by fleet managers. If the home charger is hardwired, no attempt will be made to recover it if the employee leaves and it will remain with the house. Employees must sign a waiver before a charger is installed in their home saying they will hold the company harmless should something go wrong with the installation. Supply chain constraints exist for switch gears and upgraded transformers with lead times of 12-18 months before delivery. Make sure you're signed up for the AF newsletter so you don't miss another State of the Fleet Industry video.

The 122nd State of the Fleet Industry video produced by Automotive Fleet offers insights into the state of the fleet market as presented by AF Editor Mike Antich. Today's topics include: Several major OEMs announced during their presentations that fleet allocations will carry over to the 2024 model-year fleet ordering. In a fleet allocation environment, most OEMs require pre-approval to place orders based on an allocation determined by a fleet's past order volumes. From a historical perspective, the second-year transition to a fleet ordering allocation system is truly a significant milestone that has never before happened in the history of fleet management. In a fleet allocation environment, it is important to get internal approvals for your fleet budget done quickly so you can get OEM allocation approvals as soon as possible. Make sure you're signed up for the AF newsletter so you don't miss another State of the Fleet Industry video.

The 121st State of the Fleet Industry video produced by Automotive Fleet offers insights into the state of the fleet market as presented by AF Editor Mike Antich. Today's topics include: There is an ongoing inventory shortage of a wide cross-section of automotive replacement parts, increasing fleet downtime and fleet maintenance expenses. Due to difficulties in sourcing replacement vehicles, many companies are keeping existing fleet vehicles in service beyond scheduled replacement, resulting in higher unscheduled maintenance. Needlessly aggravating the delay in repairing fleet vehicles is the inconsistent communication from service facilities on repair status. The parts shortage is delaying the repair of accident damaged fleet vehicles. Today, on average, it takes 15 to 30 days longer to get parts at body shops compared to 2019. Make sure you're signed up for the AF newsletter so you don't miss another State of the Fleet Industry video.

Global Fleet Management UK/European editor Ralph Morton discusses fleet vehicle electrifiction issues with Gareth Thomas, business development manager at Project EV, one of the UK's leading electric vehicle charging companies.

The 120th State of the Fleet Industry video produced by Automotive Fleet offers insights into the state of the fleet market as presented by AFEditor Mike Antich. Today's topics include: Fleet managers anticipate vehicle availability will incrementally increase in calendar-year 2023, but this will be partially offset by the fact that total end-user demand will continue to exceed vehicle availability. OEM fleet ordering allocation systems are limiting fleet buyers to fewer vehicles than they requested, causing unordered vehicles to be carried over to the next model year. Ultimately these units that have been carried over into the next model-year will need to be replaced. But eliminating this pent-up demand will take a while. Eventually, the industry is going to find equilibrium between vehicle production and end-user demand, but unfortunately that doesn't look like it will happen in calendar-year 2023. Make sure you're signed up for the AF newsletter so you don't miss another State of the Fleet Industry video.

The 119th State of the Fleet Industry video produced by Automotive Fleet offers insights into the state of the fleet market as presented by AF Editor Mike Antich. Today's topics include: Altogether automakers — globally — plan to double their EV spending to $1.2 trillion to build 54 million battery-electric vehicles by 2030. Today's current transition to EVs dwarfs the cost of the Apollo space program. In fact, today's transition to electrification will invest $1 trillion more than what it cost to put 12 people on the moon. Globally, automakers are forecasting that half of their total worldwide vehicle production will be EVs by 2030. And it will take $1.2 trillion to achieve this goal. A new tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act is anticipated that will be that provides a $7,500 tax credit for commercial EVs with no restrictions on battery sourcing or manufacturing. Make sure you're signed up for the AF newsletter so you don't miss another State of the Fleet Industry video.

The 118th State of the Fleet Industry video produced by Automotive Fleet offers insights into the state of the fleet market as presented by AF Editor Mike Antich. Today's topics include: On average, diesel stockpiles today are 30% lower than what they have traditionally been at this time of year. As of Oct. 21, diesel supply in the U.S. is down to 25 days, which means diesel inventories are at their lowest level for this time of year since 2008. There is a direct correlation between the low inventory of diesel and the price at retail pumps. This low supply is exerting upward pressure on the price of diesel, especially since there is an ongoing strong demand for the product. When diesel stockpiles contracted in April and May 2022, it created upward pressure on retail prices. In May 2022, No. 2 diesel hit an all-time record retail price of $5.51 per gallon. The higher cost of diesel creates inflationary pricing pressures. For instance, when the cost to transport goods increases, those increased costs are passed on to end-users. What will ultimately bring down the price of diesel and increase the inventory of diesel fuel will be the recession that everyone is predicting. A recession would slowdown in end-user demand and industrial activity, which, in turn, will put downward pressure on fuel consumption. Make sure you're signed up for the AF newsletter so you don't miss another State of the Fleet Industry video.

This episode of Fleet Momentum is sponsored by and created in partnership with AT&T

The 117th State of the Fleet Industry video produced by Automotive Fleet offers insights into the state of the fleet market as presented by AF Editor Mike Antich. Today's topics include: More and more of these catalytic converter thefts are turning violent, and on at least three occasions, the vehicle owners were killed while the crime was in progress. It is important to instruct employee drivers not to confront thieves who are attempting to steal catalytic converters from their fleet vehicles and instead to keep their distance and immediately call 911. In 2018, there were 1,298 catalytic converter thefts. Three years later, in 2021, catalytic converter theft claims jumped to 14,433 incidents — a 325% increase in a single year. Year to date, in calendar-year 2022 from January to September, more than 50,000 catalytic converters have been stolen from parked vehicles in the U.S. Make sure you're signed up for the AF newsletter so you don't miss another State of the Fleet Industry video.

The Fast Forward video series, hosted by Bobit Fleet Group Editor Chris Brown, is about connecting with leaders in fleet, tech, and automotive to show what the future holds for fleets of all types. In this episode, Chris addresses how fleets with EVs should prepare themselves for when the grid goes down — a topic that has taken on new urgency after the devastation left by Hurricane Ian.

The 116th State of the Fleet Industry video produced by Automotive Fleet offers insights into the state of the fleet market as presented by AF Editor Mike Antich. Today's topics include: Labor shortages are occurring in many industries that support the fleet market, ranging from vehicle transport companies that are coping with an ongoing driver shortage, to national account fleet service providers who are struggling to recruit and retain qualified technicians. These pandemic-induced labor shortages in the fleet industry extend deep into many fleet service provider organizations. Fleet managers complain of longer vehicle turnaround due to staffing issues at maintenance and collision repair shops. There is also a massive shortage of drivers who operate trucks that requires a CDL (commercial driver's licenses). Companies such as those in hauling/towing services and vehicle transport companies are having trouble retaining and recruiting CDL drivers. Changing age demographics is also contributing to the shortage of workers due to the large scale retirement of Baby Boomers, who are exiting the workforce. Make sure you're signed up for the AF newsletter so you don't miss another State of the Fleet Industry video.

The 115th State of the Fleet Industry video produced by Automotive Fleet offers insights into the state of the fleet market as presented by AFEditor Mike Antich. Today's topics include: Parts shortages first started to appear in the fourth quarter of 2020 and since have been a series of ongoing and sporadic inventory shortages for a variety of automotive components throughout calendar years 2021 and 2022. Demand for key commodities used to manufacture automotive parts has lengthened production times, thereby increasing delivery times. These ongoing component shortages have triggered prices increases for individual parts — on average — up to 20% to 30% and in some cases, the price of certain parts have doubled. Higher commodity prices increase manufacturing costs thereby reducing manufacturers' margins, which puts upward pressure to increase parts prices. These increased costs are passed on to end users. Make sure you're signed up for the AF newsletter so you don't miss another State of the Fleet Industry video.