Automotive Fleet

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

In this episode of State of the Fleet Industry, ChrisBrown speaks with Ted Cannis, former CEO of Ford Pro, about what fleets are overlooking right now and what they need to do to prepare for the next wave of disruption. Based on his experience building Ford Pro into a $70 billionoperation, Cannis shares practical insights on connected vehicle data, AI, and electrification. The conversation also previews his closing keynote at the 2025 Fleet Forward Conference.📰 Make sure you're signed up for the AF newsletter so you don't miss another State of the Fleet Industry video ➡ https://bob.dragonforms.com/loading.d... 🚗 Visit Automotive Fleet for more fleet industry content ➡ https://www.automotive-fleet.com

Join Chris Brown of Automotive Fleet and Dr. Andreas Zygan, head of development for Mercedes-Benz Vans, for a tour of the Vision V concept vehicle. Vision V showcases the brand’s new scalable van architecture launching in 2026, which will underpin the upcoming VLE and VLS models. Designed for both private and commercial applications — from the C-Suite, VIP shuttles, and hotel fleets — the Vision V “grand limousine” is designed around luxury, flexibility, and advanced technology. Dr. Zygan shares how this concept demonstrates the design and functionality direction for future Mercedes vans.Mercedes-Benz will launch the VLE on its newly developed, modular, and scalable van architecture in 2026, followed by the top-end VLS. 🧭 Learn during the walkthrough: How Vision V concept previews 2026 Mercedes-Benz scalable van platform for passenger and commercial use and debut with VLE and VLS modelsDesigned for C-Suite, premium shuttle, executive transport, and hospitality fleetsConfigurable layouts to balance passenger comfort and cargo/luggage capacityOptions for electric or combustion powertrains to fit infrastructure readiness in different marketsConcept offers a forward look at luxury van features that could cascade into future commercial modelsLearn more on www.automotive-fleet.com!

In this episode of Automotive Fleet On the Move,Editor Chris Brown interviews John B. Poindexter, Chairman, CEO, and sole owner of JB Poindexter & Co. With $2.5 billion in annual revenues and a portfolio of nine dynamic subsidiaries, JBPCO plays a pivotal role across the commercial vehicle body and upfit markets.Poindexter discusses how his company has evolved over 40years into a commercial work truck powerhouse with major holdings like Morgan Corporation and Morgan Olson. Learn how JBPCO is leveraging innovation through its electric and alternative fuels venture, EAVX, and preparing for a futurewhere technological revolution defines success.#commercialvehicles #trucks #truckbody #truckbodybuilding@jbpoindextercompany490

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📰 Make sure you're signed up for the AF newsletter so you don't miss another State of the Fleet Industry video ➡ https://bob.dragonforms.com/loading.do?omedasite=BOB6226_autogroup&PK=YouTubeDescription🚗 Visit Automotive Fleet for more fleet industry content ➡ https://www.automotive-fleet.com

In this episode of State of the Fleet Industry, Chris Brown talks with John Wegman, executive director of Hyundai Motor America Fleet, about how Hyundai is positioning itself in the fleet market. The conversation explores the company’s growing presence with commercial and government buyers, the product mix that is driving interest, and how Hyundai is structuring dealer and technology support to better serve fleets.We cover: Current areas of fleet activity across commercial and government segments.Model mix and why sedans remain in the portfolio alongside hybrids/EVs.The Hyundai Business Network pilot and what participating dealers are expected to provide.Standard safety features at base trims and how packaging is structured.Connected-vehicle functions available through Blue Link, including alerting options.Recent fleet volume trends and delivery timing considerations.Near-term focus areas and open questions around future products (e.g., trucks/vans).Learn more on ⁠www.automotive-fleet.com⁠!

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 📰 Sign up for the Automotive Fleet newsletter ➡ https://bob.dragonforms.com/loading.do?omedasite=BOB6226_autogroup&PK=YouTubeDescription 🚗 Visit Automotive Fleet for more fleet industry content ➡ https://www.automotive-fleet.com 🤝 Follow and connect with Automotive Fleet on social media! Connect with Automotive Fleet on LinkedIn ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/automotive-fleet-magazine/ Like Automotive Fleet on Facebook ➡ https://www.facebook.com/AutomotiveFleet Follow Automotive Fleet on Twitter ➡ https://twitter.com/AutomotiveFleet

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. 🤝 https://www.abm.com/ 🤝 Topics Utility outreach - first steps and ongoing management Ways to mitigate EV demand charges Balancing electric vehicle arrival with infrastructure buildout #evcharging #electricvehicles #charginginfrastructure 📰 Sign up for the Automotive Fleet newsletter ➡ https://bob.dragonforms.com/loading.do?omedasite=BOB6226_autogroup&PK=YouTubeDescription 🚗 Visit Automotive Fleet for more fleet industry content ➡ https://www.automotive-fleet.com 🤝 Follow and connect with Automotive Fleet on social media! Connect with Automotive Fleet on LinkedIn ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/automotive-fleet-magazine/ Like Automotive Fleet on Facebook ➡ https://www.facebook.com/AutomotiveFleet Follow Automotive Fleet on Twitter ➡ https://twitter.com/AutomotiveFleet

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. 🤝 ⏱ Topics How can fleets mitigate interest rate expense? What strategies can fleets employ to alleviate residual value erosion? In today’s environment, how can fleets remarket vehicles smarter to maximize returns? What do you see as the biggest issues that fleets struggle to manage? #interest_rates, #residual_values, #fleet_leasing, #fleet_remarketing 📰 Sign up for the Automotive Fleet ⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠ 🚗 Visit ⁠⁠Automotive Fleet⁠⁠ for more fleet industry content 🤝 Follow and connect with Automotive Fleet on social media! Connect with Automotive Fleet on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Like Automotive Fleet on ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ Follow Automotive Fleet on ⁠⁠Twitter

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 🤝 ⏱ Topics & Timestamps What are the top trends and challenges that you're hearing from your fleet customers? How has the business of fleet changed over the past 10 years? How do we take AI and automation from buzzwords into actual products and services that will make a difference for fleets? How can AI-driven automation help manage electric vehicle lifecycles? How are OEMs changing to adapt to the new market realities? What does Ridecell offer to fleets to change their fundamental business approach and economics? ⁠#AI⁠ ⁠#artificial intelligence⁠ ⁠#Ridecell 📰 Sign up for the Automotive Fleet ⁠newsletter⁠ 🚗 Visit ⁠Automotive Fleet⁠ for more fleet industry content 🤝 Follow and connect with Automotive Fleet on social media! Connect with Automotive Fleet on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Like Automotive Fleet on ⁠Facebook⁠ Follow Automotive Fleet on ⁠Twitter

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 🤝 ⏱ Topics & Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 1:04 Market Outlook for 2024 2:43 Reducing Cycle Time 3:50 Managing Total Loss 5:01 Labor Market 7:25 Part Supplies 8:37 Fallout from UAW Strike #Fleetmanagement #FleetResponse #supplychain 📰 Sign up for the Automotive Fleet newsletter 🚗 Visit Automotive Fleet for more fleet industry content 🤝 Follow and connect with Automotive Fleet on social media! Connect with Automotive Fleet on LinkedIn Like Automotive Fleet on Facebook Follow Automotive Fleet on Twitter

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 📰 Make sure you're signed up for the AF newsletter so you don't miss another State of the Fleet Industry video 🚗 Visit Automotive Fleet for more fleet industry content 🎧 Check out the State of the Fleet Industry podcast! State of the Fleet Industry on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts

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. 📰 Sign up for the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Automotive Fleet newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 🚗 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit Automotive Fleet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more fleet industry content. 🎥 You can watch these episodes on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Automotive Fleet YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

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. 📰 Sign up for the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Automotive Fleet newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 🚗 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit Automotive Fleet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more fleet industry content. 🎥 You can watch these episodes on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Automotive Fleet YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

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. 🎙Today's topics include: While cost containment has been a top priority since the birth of the fleet industry, today, it has gained even greater urgency since fleet is more expensive than ever. When you examine fleet cost increases in their totality, the fleet industry is experiencing a simultaneous convergence of many different cost trends. The top six cost trends examined are: Higher acquisition costs and the minimal or non-existent availability of fleet incentives. Inflationary pressures on all goods and services, higher interest rates, and higher fuel prices. Ongoing sourcing constraints primarily due to restrictive OEM ordering allocation systems that preclude fleets from getting all the replacement units they need. As the average age of fleet vehicles in service increases, so does the frequency of unscheduled maintenance incidents and PM expenses as older vehicles enter new PM intervals, often requiring replacing wear items such as tires and brakes. Higher rental expenses due to unpredictable OTD and slower maintenance turnaround due to replacement parts shortages. Increase in tolls, dollar amount for parking fines, miscellaneous environmental disposal fees for tires and motor oil, and assorted property taxes on fleet assets. This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠U.S. Bank⁠⁠. 📰 Sign up for the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Automotive Fleet newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠. 🚗 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit Automotive Fleet⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more fleet industry content. 🎥 You can watch these episodes on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Automotive Fleet YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠!

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. 🎙Today's topics include: The industry disruptions experienced over the past three years will be the catalysts for innovation and transformation in fleet management, ultimately strengthening the industry. The goal in merging the three legacy companies – Wheels, Donlen, and LeasePlan USA – is to go beyond integration with a focus on transforming the overall Wheels business. A key focus is rethinking technology by expanding the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotic process automation (RPA), augmented reality applications, and electrification. Wheels is generating one-and-a-half billion miles of EV driving data per year. In the next five years, downtime management will evolve into efficiency management, privacy protection will gain greater importance as vehicles generate increasing volumes of data, and there will be a  convergence of technologies such as V2V communication, communicating with fleet management tech, vendor tech, and client tech. This episode is sponsored by ⁠U.S. Bank⁠. 📰 Sign up for the ⁠⁠⁠Automotive Fleet newsletter⁠⁠⁠. 🚗 ⁠⁠⁠Visit Automotive Fleet⁠⁠⁠ for more fleet industry content. 🎥 You can watch these episodes on the ⁠⁠⁠Automotive Fleet YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠!

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.   🎙Today's topics include: One of the top trends impacting fleet managers is ongoing sourcing constraints to acquire replacement vehicles amplified by logistics delays throughout the entire order-to-delivery process. The average age of fleet vehicles is increasing. The limited availability of replacement vehicles has forced fleets to extend the service lives of those vehicles currently in service. This has resulted in fleet managers being forced to operate older vehicles in a high-mileage fleet environment, resulting in the inevitable uptick in unscheduled maintenance. The difficulty in sourcing replacement vehicles has caused fleet managers to use multiple OEMs or to compromise and settle for vehicles that may not be their first choice but are a secondary choice to fulfill the fleet application. This creates complexity in maintenance schedules due to the diversity in models in operation. Inflationary price pressures and higher interest rates are putting upward pressure on total fleet costs, such as fleet acquisition expenses aggravated by lower or no fleet incentives, higher repair expenses, higher labor rates, and the ongoing price increases of replacement parts. This episode is sponsored by U.S. Bank. 📰 Sign up for the ⁠⁠Automotive Fleet newsletter⁠⁠. 🚗 ⁠⁠Visit Automotive Fleet⁠⁠ for more fleet industry content. 🎥 You can watch these episodes on the ⁠⁠Automotive Fleet YouTube Channel⁠⁠! 🤝 Follow and connect with Automotive Fleet on social media! Connect with ⁠⁠Automotive Fleet on LinkedIn⁠⁠. Like ⁠⁠Automotive Fleet on Facebook⁠⁠. Follow ⁠⁠Automotive Fleet on Twitter⁠⁠.

This episode of Fleet Momentum is sponsored by and created in partnership with Fleet Response. 🤝 Catalytic Converter thefts have reached epidemic proportions, with thefts up 288% in just two years. In this Fleet Momentum episode, Chris Brown, Bobit associate publisher, discusses how fleets can address the issue with Richard Jacko and Lindsey Fade of Fleet Response. Fleet Momentum videos are designed to shine a spotlight on key industry leaders, trends, and products for fleet management. Topics discussed: Who is Fleet Response and how do they serve fleets? What is a catalytic converter and what is its main function? Is there still a backlog of orders and sourcing issues for catalytic converters? How would you guide fleets on replacement options – OE versus aftermarket? What vehicle models are thieves targeting for catalytic converter theft? What are some common-sense deterrents to help fleets prevent catalytic converter thefts? 📰 Sign up for the ⁠⁠⁠Automotive Fleet newsletter⁠⁠⁠. 🚗 Visit Automotive Fleet for more fleet industry content ➡ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.automotive-fleet.com⁠⁠⁠ Follow and connect with Automotive Fleet on social media! Connect with ⁠⁠⁠Automotive Fleet on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠. Like ⁠⁠⁠Automotive Fleet on Facebook⁠⁠⁠. Follow ⁠⁠⁠Automotive Fleet on Twitter⁠⁠⁠. 🎥 You can watch these episodes on the ⁠⁠⁠Automotive Fleet YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠!

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.