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.
Apr 2017
Toyota Investing $1.3B in Kentucky Plant
While Toyota is already building the Camry at the Kentucky-based plant, they are investing $1.33 billion to update the facility in which they build the bestselling car in the US. Toyota recently added over 700 jobs to the 8,000+ that were already housed at the current plant. The Georgetown-based plant is Toyota’s largest in the world. This is the first step of a plan will see the manufacturer invest $10 billion in the United States over the next five years.
Toyota has stated that the new production process with result in more flexibility, better cars, and faster response times to customer demand. This plan is based on Toyota’s ‘global architecture’ methodology that will help the updated plant be flexible to changing vehicle designs and production needs as time goes on.
Apr 2017
Tire Prices Set to Rise
It’s been announced that both Goodyear and Bridgestone/Firestone will significantly increase prices across their tire lines.
Starting on May 1, Goodyear will increase pricing by an average of 6%. Bridgestone/Firestone prices are expected to grow by up to 10%, which began on April 1. These price surges are the direct result of an increase in the cost of natural rubber, which has doubled in the past 12 months. These are the first increases we have seen in tire prices in almost 3 years.
Mar 2017
EMKAY Updates Driver 360 Mobile App
Registration Renewal Requirement Submitter
The registration status section under Licensing has been updated to allow drivers to submit their registration renewal requirements directly through the mobile app. For those states that allow copies of requirements, like an emissions certificate, safety inspection, or something as simple as a copy of a driver’s license, the Driver 360 app now has a feature where the driver can take and upload a photo of the certificate/report. The requirement is automatically saved to the EMKAY document imaging system and is sent to Vehicle Licensing for approval.
Once reviewed, the driver will be notified if the requirement was approved or rejected. Adding the ability for drivers to provide renewal requirements via the Driver 360 mobile app makes it easier for drivers to submit renewal requirements, resulting in registrations being processed more efficiently.
Mileage Tracking
Our Mileage Log feature has been rebuilt into a much more robust Mileage Tracking function. Drivers can now use the EMKAY Driver 360 app to track their trips on a daily basis. The Mileage Tracking feature allows drivers to manually enter trips. This feature also has the ability to track starting and ending locations, miles driven, and allows for notes of reference to be added to the trip. The driver can also START and STOP a trip, in which the app will use GPS to automatically determine the starting location, ending location, and miles driven. All mileage tracking data is immediately uploaded to the EMKAY website where the driver and fleet manager can run reports to view and download the data. This feature does not replace the function of reporting Personal Mileage, so drivers still need to use the Report Personal Mileage feature. This tool is intended to help drivers and fleets track mileage that is useful or needed for their business operations.
Driver Dashboard Link
The EMKAY Driver 360 app now has a link under the Help section that will automatically log users into the EMKAY Driver Dashboard. Each of the EMKAY websites are mobile device friendly and the link within the app makes it easier for drivers to access their EMKAY Driver Dashboard with a single click within the app.
For additional clarification on how to utilize these new features, please contact your designated Client Support Services team.
Feb 2017
Electric Vehicle Incentives Get Huge Boost in Ontario
Ontario has increased its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by making big changes to the Electric Vehicle Incentive Program (EVIP). This incentive is available to individuals, businesses, municipalities, non-government, and non-profit organizations residing in Ontario. This change helps to support Ontario’s green initiative by making electric vehicles more affordable and incentivizing manufacturers to produce larger batteries and vehicles with more seating capacity.
The update advises that applicants who lease or purchase 3-25 vehicles during one year will be considered fleets. These fleet vehicles must be registered, plated, and insured in Ontario for a minimum of 12 months in order to qualify for the incentives. The owners must also utilize the Data Provision Form in order to provide detail on the vehicle use during the first year of ownership. The parameters are further outlined on the Ministry’s website:
The available incentive differs based on the vehicle, with some electric vehicles receiving up to $14,000 in incentives. The following link will direct you to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation website where in-depth details on the incentives are provided.
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