EMKAY’s Partnership with CarbonFund.org Continues for Carbon Neutral Initiatives
EMKAY’s partnership with CarbonFund.org continues to help companies expand their green initiatives through GoGreen, a program that allows them to be carbon neutral. Since the partnership began in 2010, the GoGreen program has neutralized over 20 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions.
We are very proud of our efforts to increase sustainability and reduce the carbon footprint of our customers. CarbonFund.org recently posted about this partnership on their website:
A list of available accessories on the 2019 Ford Ranger has been leaked and is causing some buzz online. In addition to the standard truck options like bed covers, reverse sensing, step-bars, and multiple trailering possibilities, the not-so-ordinary options are making the Ranger into the outdoorsman’s dream vehicle.
Need to carry something? The Ranger has you covered with the options including bike, paddleboard, ski/snowboard, kayak, a classic ladder rack, as well as multiple different cargo box racks. They’re also offering different Kicker Bullfrog portable Bluetooth speaker options, a rear seat entertainment system, or just a tablet cradle that attaches to the headrest.
Some other rugged options are the available Napier Sportz Tents, an interior safe, and the Carhartt seat covers. The looks can be enhanced in a number of ways, including fender flares, chrome trim kits, hood and window deflectors, LED lighting, and custom graphics.
In a society that loves customization, these small aspects may be the difference for a consumer deciding between the 2019 Ford Ranger and one of the many other small trucks out there.
Oct 2018
Ontario Drive Clean Program Ending as Government Shifts Focus
Ontario’s Government for the People announced that as of April 1, 2019, drivers of passenger vehicles will no longer be required to complete emissions tests as once required by the Drive Clean Program.
The outgoing Drive Clean Program was put in place as a means to monitor the emissions of vehicles that are more than seven years old. Rod Philips, the Minister of the Environment, said that on-road emissions aren’t as big of a concern as they were when the program was initiated in 1999, largely due to the fact that vehicles are now built to give off less harmful emissions.
The program is set to be replaced by a new monitoring initiative that focuses on testing heavy duty and commercial trucks. These heavy-duty vehicles emit far more harmful pollutants and are typically kept on the road much longer than passenger vehicles. More details on the testing process and standards are to follow.
Sep 2018
Mercedes Sprinter Gets Some Welcome Enhancements
EMKAY recently attended an event centered on the Mercedes Sprinter and what the coming years will bring. One major change? A gas engine is now available. As other manufacturers began offering similar vehicles, the Sprinter’s US sales declined, as they only offered a diesel engine. While these engines are far more popular across the pond, the US’s inclination for gas engines caused people to look at other options, such as the Transit, Promaster, or NV. Official MPG stats are still forthcoming, but the in-line 4-cylinder engine generates 188-hp and 236 lb-ft of torque.
Mercedes will build the vans in their new plant in North Charleston, SC. This new facility is dedicated solely to Sprinter van production. With the different body styles, powertrains, and equipment offerings, Mercedes states there are over 1,700 different combinations for the Sprinter. The facility is still getting up to speed, but Amazon helped to propel early numbers by placing an order for 20,000 vans.
The Sprinter is also getting some updated driver assistance equipment, such as autonomous emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera. The cabin has also been redesigned into an all-new layout. The standard 4.3” screen can be upgraded to a 7” or 10” screen, all of which include the voice command feature. Optional paddle shifters offer more torque control, though we found them to be a bit lagging, at least on the diesel engine quipped model we tested.
All Sprinters will also be equipped with a standard tracking system that offers the ability to track over 200 vehicle data points and driver behaviors. Fleet management companies will have the option to incorporate the data feed into their operating system.
Mercedes also highlighted their Metris van, which was released to compete with the smaller US offerings vans such as the Transit Connect and the Promaster City. They’re also offering an extended wheelbase Metris that boasts an additional 9” of wheelbase for even more cargo capacity.
An all-electric eSprinter is also expected in the near future, but Mercedes didn’t confirm whether it would be available in the US or not.
Sep 2018
Tesla’s Electric Vehicle Tax Credits Reach Phase-Out Period
Earlier this year, Tesla reached their limit for the Federal electric vehicle tax credit program. Under the program, each manufacturer’s first 200,000 EVs or plug-in hybrids are eligible for a tax credit of up to $7,500. Upon reaching the 200k mark, these incentives are cut in half every six months until no incentives remain.
Tesla reached the 200,000 vehicle threshold back in June, so their clock has started. They’re currently in the last full quarter in which the full credits will be applied. The remaining credits on their vehicles will be applied as follows:
As of January 1, 2019 -Rebates are reduced from $7,500 to $3,750
As of July 1, 2019 – Rebates are again cut in half to $1,875
January 2020 and beyond – No rebates for Tesla buyers
Tesla is currently arguing that this puts them at a disadvantage compared to their competition, but no major change is expected in the credit offerings. A bill was recently introduced that would extend these credits past the 200,000 limit, but it’s in the very early stages and has yet to even pass the House.
Tesla’s argument comes as no surprise, as other luxury manufacturers (Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Jaguar) are just beginning their EV endeavors, so they have the majority of their tax-credit-eligible vehicles remaining.
GM is near the 190,000 mark, meaning they should hit the cap in the coming months. A bit behind them at 120,000 is Nissan as well as Ford at 109,000.
Aug 2018
Ford Contemplating a Compact Pickup for the US?
Although the F-Series tops the pickup truck sales charts year-after-year, Ford is no longer the overall leader in the pickup market. As the midsize truck segment explodes with options, Ford is a bit late to the party with the Ranger not yet on the road. While the reintroduction of this midsize truck should help Ford take over part of a segment they currently have no presence in, the manufacturer may be looking for more.
Automobile reported that per an unnamed source familiar with future production plans, Ford is considering bringing a compact pickup to the US market by 2022. Ford offered a small pickup in Brazil (the Courier) as recently as 2013, but it has been a while since one was available in the US.
The small truck would be built on the new Focus platform, so it would not be rear-wheel drive. Also, this means it would more than likely be built in the Cuautitlan, Mexico assembly plant, which was just retooled to handle the updated Focus production. However, this may present an unforeseen issue, as the White House is working to impose heavy taxes and tariffs on vehicles made outside of the US. There’s still a long path to travel before this small truck makes it to US roadways, with the largest roadblock seemingly being the southern border of the country it was designed in.
Jul 2018
Ford Fusion Nameplate May Live On
As Ford axes its lineup of sedans, at least one of them might live on, at least in name, in the form of a high-roof hatchback. Rumors have been swirling around the Ford Fusion nameplate. And from what these rumors are saying, it sounds like Ford is interested in competing against Subaru in the wagon-crossover market. While nothing has been confirmed, the word is that Ford will look to release the re-branded Fusion around the time when the current Fusion goes out of production.
Continued use of the Fusion nameplate will not only help with band recognition as they market a new vehicle, but the name fusion would perfectly with a wagon-crossover type vehicle.
While information is scarce at this point, Bloomberg first reported that Ford spokesman Mike Levine declined to speculate on the new Fusion’s design while confirming “we’ll likely continue to use the name because of its awareness, positive imagery and value with consumers.”
It’s wait and see at this point, but all early signs are pointing towards the Fusion nameplate living on.
Jul 2018
Penalties for Distracted Driving on the Rise
As the issue of distracted driving continues to grow, Oregon is taking major steps to deter drivers from using their phones while on the road. The new plan will compound each instance so that incurring multiple infractions will be increasingly detrimental. The new guidelines are as follows.
The first offense that does not contribute to a crash will be a Class B violation, which entails a fine of up to $1,000. A second offense, or a first offense that results in an accident, is a Class A violation with a fine of up to $2,000. And three infractions within 10 years results in a Class B misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $2,500, a criminal record, and the possibility of up to 6 months in jail.
The law also differs for teen drivers. Drivers under 18 can’t use any electronic devices, even if they’re utilizing hands-free mode. Adults are allowed to use hands-free mode, but cannot use any features of the phone that require them to hold the device or touch the device beyond the one-touch to activate it. The rules apply to both moving and stationary vehicles. So just because you’re at a stop light or in stop-and-go traffic, don’t think you’re in the clear to start texting.
Police officers across the country have increased their efforts in monitoring drivers for phone use, both while moving and while stopped. And while these updates are currently an Oregon-based plan, it’s important for all of us to pay close attention as we can certainly expect other states to adjust the penalties for distracted driving.
If the dangers of distracted driving aren’t enough to prevent you from doing so, the increased penalties these new laws carry should be.
In regards to fleet drivers, EMKAY’s SafeRoads service will also act as a deterrent for your drivers. The service not only monitors driver behavior, but also scores them on four different dangerous driving habits, cell phone use being one. And a good thing about the SafeRoads program is that it’s a deterrent that doesn’t entail thousands of dollars in fines and the potential for a criminal record and jail time.
Jun 2018
Chevy Blazer Reignited
A classic name has returned to the GM lineup, the Chevy Blazer. And though the name may be familiar, the face will not be. The announcement was made on Thursday at an Atlanta event and the all-new Chevy Blazer is set to go on sale in 2019.
The design of the Blazer has a sportier appearance than their other SUV offerings and per GM’s head of design, the team didn’t use the old Blazer as an outline for the design as they wanted to have a new and youthful appeal to consumers. Initial photos show an assertive styling with sharp lines and aggressively hooded headlights.
The Blazer will fit in between the Equinox and the Traverse, giving the manufacturer an SUV at every possible size. It seats five and will offer four and six cylinder engine options, both being paired with a 9-speed transmission for increased fuel economy.
The release could be Chevy’s response to the much-anticipated release of Ford Bronco that’s coming in 2020, but it also helps them to compete against the Grand Cherokee and Ford Edge.
The Chevy Blazer first came off the assembly line back in 1969 and the last year Chevy produced a Blazer was in 2005. Pricing and fuel economy numbers should become available closer to its actual release date next year.
Jun 2018
Distracted Driving Continues to Impact Commercial Fleets
Automotive Fleet recently published an article on the issue of distracted driving and how it’s impacting the fleet industry. The annual accident rate of commercial fleets is at 20%, much higher than that of the general public. Sure, fleet drivers are on the road a lot more than others so it makes sense that the accident rate for this segment is higher. But there’s more to it than just miles.
Being that fleet drivers are working while on the road it’s easy to make the connection between the potential for increased distractions when driving. While many companies are taking steps by introducing new safety policies, these can only go so far. No matter how many policies are in place, it’s up to the individual to stop driving while distracted.
We developed the SafeRoads program to help drivers accomplish that goal. Get in touch with us to learn more about this innovative driver monitoring program and take a look at the complete article on Automotive Fleet’s website here:
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