Earlier this month Ford announced their plans to offer complimentary service on 1.4M Explorers due to the potential for exhaust/carbon monoxide to leak into the vehicle’s cabin. And while this hasn’t been labeled as a recall, the work will be completed at no charge.
Although the issue was discovered in Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, and was said to be due to third-party installers not filling holes whiles installing police equipment, the complimentary service is still issued to the public as a safeguard. The vehicles eligible for this service are 2011-2017 Explorers, regardless of the warranty status.
Ford also announced a recall on their chart-topping F-150. Due to faulty door latches, Ford has recalled 1.3M 2015-2017 F-150 and 2017 Super Duty trucks throughout North America. The issue is a result of a frozen door latch or a kinked actuation cable, which can cause the door to not open or close properly. While the door may appear to be closed, the latch may not be fully engaged and has the possibility of opening unexpectedly while driving.
They will address the issue by installing a water shield over the door latch. Ford will also ensure the actuation cables are in good working order and will replace them if needed. There will be no charge to owners for this work, and the recall reference number is 17S33.
Oct 2017
EMKAY’s ‘Elluminate Your Fleet’ Webinar Sessions are Back!
Looking for a fun way to stay up-to-date on all of the latest EMKAY features? Follow along with our Elluminate Your Fleet webinars in order to get an in-depth look at how to utilize specific tools.
These 20-minute sessions will provide you with the knowledge required to effectively utilize some of the unique features of EMKAY’s technology. This month’s session will cover Personal Mileage Reporting!
Click a link below on the corresponding date in order to join the webinar!
Sep 2017
Important OnStar Service for Hurricane-Impacted Areas
OnStar has activated their complimentary Crisis Assist services for OnStar equipped vehicles in the hurricane impacted areas. Pushing the blue OnStar button will connect drivers with a specially-trained advisor who can provide emergency assistance, directions to shelters and evacuation routes, and can even help contact family members. Those with OnStar-equipped vehicles who are not connected can press the blue OnStar button twice, ask an advisor for crisis assistance, and will then start to receive services.
Some commonly asked questions are as follows. Please encourage your drivers to use this if they are in the impacted areas.
What is included with the complimentary OnStar Crisis Assist services?
Thirty days of the top-level OnStar Guidance Plan and 30 Hands-Free Calling minutes are included for impacted subscribers. Additionally, if you have a vehicle equipped with OnStar 4G LTE, you will also receive the unlimited Wi-Fi data plan. With these services, our specially-trained advisors can help direct emergency services to your vehicle’s location and offer critical assistance until help arrives, provide evacuation routes and other navigation assistance, and assist in connecting you to loved ones and family members. You can also stay connected via hands-free calling using the built-in wireless service and will have access to data for your devices from the built-in Wi-Fi hotspot (eligible 2015MY and newer vehicles).
Who is eligible for complimentary OnStar Crisis Assist services?
Anyone who has an OnStar-equipped vehicle, and has either been impacted by Hurricane Harvey in the FEMA-designated disaster area or is volunteering or providing relief assistance in the impacted area such as first responders, disaster relief organizations, OnStar members and any of our partner organizations.
What if I’ve already been evacuated or I’m currently outside the impacted area?
If your vehicle is registered within the FEMA-designated disaster area, you can still receive complimentary Crisis Assist services. Additionally, if you are a first responder, disaster relief organization or volunteering to provide disaster relief, you are eligible for complimentary OnStar Crisis Assist services.
Do I need to currently have OnStar service to receive Crisis Assist services?
No. Regardless of whether you currently have active OnStar service, if you’ve been impacted by Hurricane Harvey and have an eligible OnStar-equipped vehicle, you are eligible for complimentary OnStar Crisis Assist services at no charge. If you currently are not connected to OnStar and have an OnStar-equipped vehicle, all you need to do is press your blue OnStar button twice, ask an advisor for crisis assistance, and accept the OnStar User Terms and Privacy Statement.
What happens if the blue OnStar Button does not work?
Please ask customers to try to push the red emergency button or call 1.888.4.ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827).
Aug 2017
Texas Registrations on Hold During Harvey
At this time, EMKAY has suspended contacting Texas drivers for any registration related requirements in order to allow them to focus on the safety of themselves and their families. Also, in light of the closure of many public offices, we are not sending any mailings to any Texas addresses. Should you or your drivers have any registration related inquires, or need for us to send a registration, please contact us at 800-621-2001.
It can be expected that roadside assistance and rentals throughout southern Texas will be hard to come by, but please contact our team in order to get assistance and we will do whatever we can to help.
For all fleets, with national fuel prices expected to rise due to the storm’s effect on the Gulf Coast refineries, be sure that your team is using EMKAY’s Fuel Station Locator via the Driver 360 app in order to locate the lowest prices in their area.
We hope that those of you who are in the storm’s path are safe and we will do what we can to aid in keeping your fleet operating at full capacity. Please contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.
Aug 2017
Hyundai Pickup on the Horizon
In an effort to keep pace with the market’s shifting interest towards SUV’s and Trucks, Hyundai has announced plans to launch their own pickup truck in the US market.
The design will be based off of the Santa Cruz concept (pictured above) that was revealed as a during 2015 auto shows across the country. However, at this time we aren’t sure how closely the production model will match the concept, or if it will even be called the Santa Cruz. If the sizing of the truck remains the same as the Santa Cruz concept, it would put the truck in a class of its own, as it would be smaller than the midsize Chevy Colorado and Toyota Tacoma. However, details on the size are still unknown, so it could end up falling in the midsize segment along with those competitors.
As sedan sales continue to diminish, the manufacturer is also looking to redesign three crossovers by 2020, in addition to releasing this all-new truck. It’ll be fun to track these updates and see how closely the styling of the Hyundai pickup follows the concept. Based off of the pictures, we’re thinking they shouldn’t stray too far.
Aug 2017
Mazda to Offer Industry-First Compression Ignition Gas Engine
Mazda Motor Corp. has announced plans to produce the world’s first compression ignition gasoline engine. The new technology is dubbed SkyActive-X and is projected to make its debut in 2019.
The new engine utilizes the best aspects from both diesel and gasoline engines. The ignition process would no longer require a spark, but would instead be started by a combination of compression and a supercharger.
The result is less emissions and more torque, potentially a 10%-30% increase. The new engine will also result in a 30% increase in fuel efficiency over the current SkyActive engine. If the announced timeline is adhered to, we would see these engines for the first time in spring of 2019.
May 2017
EMKAY Named One of Chicago’s Best and Brightest
It is our honor to announce that EMKAY has been selected as one of Chicago’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in 2017. This great distinction helps to validate EMKAY’s effort to operate as a truly innovative and unique company. This marks EMKAY’s 8th time in being selected for this award.
The Best and Brightest award looks at companies that exemplify the program’s mission of: Better Business. Richer Lives. Stronger Communities. The competition focuses on how companies develop employee enrichment and operational excellence,leading to increased productivity and financial performance.
May 2017
How Well-Designed Side Guards Save Lives
Almost all of us have had a scary moment when driving next to a semi, especially in rainy or snowy conditions. And we’ve all seen the metal flaps that extend down on the sides of semi trucks. Although they’re not always extended, after watching the video below, you can see why you’ll want them to be.
The IIHS recently released a video that shows the importance of well-designed side guard rails. The difference between a well-designed and poorly-designed guard is quite alarming.
May 2017
EMKAY Named as a Best Place to Work in Illinois
EMKAY was once again named as one of the Best Places to Work in Illinois! The awards program began in 2006 and is promoted by The Daily Herald Business Ledger in partnership with the Human Resources Management Association of Chicago (HRMAC), the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, MRA-The Management Association, the Small Business Advocacy Council, the Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce and Best Companies Group.
Companies from across the state entered the two-part process to determine the Best Places to Work in Illinois. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices, and demographics. This part of the process was worth approximately 25% of the total evaluation. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. This part of the process was worth approximately 75% of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking.
We’re extremely proud to be named as one of 2017’s Best Places to Work in Illinois!
Apr 2017
Subaru Ascent Concept Revealed in New York
Subaru has been a longtime staple in the sedan and crossover wagon markets, with vehicles such as the Impreza, Outback, and WRX being some of the most reliable AWD cars out there. Adding to this, Subaru was just named as the top automotive brand by Kelley Blue Book for 2017. In addition to being named the most trusted brand and having the best performance, the manufacturer was named as having the best perception amongst buyers.
Subaru’s focus on select model segments may be an aspect of their success, but could their future include a three-row SUV? Not Subaru. No way. Well…maybe. The 2017 New York Auto Show officially kicks off this weekend, but press preview days have revealed a concept that could bring it into reality.
The Subaru Ascent Concept has a strong stance that mixes well with the flowing lines with sporty accents throughout the body styling. The vehicle looks large and upright, but not boxy. An impressive front grille surrounds the brand’s blue nameplate and is flanked by the assertively styled LED headlights. A multitude of touchscreens can be found throughout the cabin, even in place of standard window controls (remember, this is a concept). All-in-all, the styling inside and out is incredibly attractive. While this isn’t the first three-row SUV concept that Subaru has teased, it’s by far the most likely to make it to production.
Technical details have yet to be released, but it will come standard with AWD, and is expected to be powered by the all-new 2.4L turbocharged flat-four ‘Boxer’ engine. This change to a 4-cylinder engine is in-line with the manufacturer’s progressive focus on pairing performance with fuel economy.
All signs point to this vehicle making it to production later this year, with the president of Subaru America, Tom Doll, promising “it will be made.” But keep in mind that this is still a concept, so many of the current attributes could change. However, it would be perfectly fine with us if Subaru does very little when it comes to altering this attractively designed concept.
Thank you for your interest in EMKAY, we will try and get back to as shortly as possible.
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