Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are being installed in more and more vehicle models. How does their increased use impact fleets?
Sit in on an interactive dialogue with AF Editor Mike Antich and Hans Damen, managing partner for Fleet360, to find out in this new episode of the Fleet Meet 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
Today's discussion 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.
One of the great work trucks that many contractors love is the KUV by Knapheide. This is often called a plumbers body because plumbers, in particular, love the features, but a wide variety of contractors find this body just as useful to them. There are many deep compartments on the outside, two shelf access rear doors for pipe, molding, and other longer items, and large rear doors give easy access to the vast interior keeping equipment out of sight and out of the weather. Then there is the master lock system making your day flow more smoothly. All this plus a good-sized billboard for advertising your business.
But wait, there's more! All of this is mounted on the perfect chassis for this type of body: The Low Cab Forward (LCF) 4500. With only a 109" wheelbase, this truck turns tighter than the average pickup truck. The frame, suspension, tires, and wheels are heavy-duty and designed to carry the weight. This unit has the 6.6 gas V8, automatic, AC, and much more. The cab tilts forward to access the engine making it easy to service.
Call our fleet pros at 951-364-2499 for more information!
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.
This truck was designed to comfortably haul people and cargo to the job site. It is also a monster when it comes to hauling all manner of equipment trailers to get work done. Whether it is a heavy-duty dumping trailer, moving off-road equipment to the job and back again, or a horse trailer, and much more, this truck will tow what you need while also having the capacity to take the team and other cargo where it is needed most. Equipped with the legendary Duramax diesel engine mated with the famous Allison heavy-duty automatic transmission, this truck has all the power you need. In addition, this unit is also a 4-wheel drive to go where you need it to go.
Chevy trucks take their owners just about anywhere. And now, their owners have taken Chevy Silverado to #1. Thank you for making Silverado the #1 best-selling retail full-size pickup.
DeliveryCon is designed to help delivery fleets of all types — from package and last-mile to middle-mile and regional deliveries — discover new efficiencies, tools, and technologies to keep fleets on the road.
The 2023 event features keynotes, education sessions, an expo, and networking – a not-to-miss experience for delivery fleets of all types!
The 136th 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 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.
We are introducing a new line of truck bodies from Dura Mag. They are experts in building aluminum truck bodies. Because of the great strength and lighter weight compared to steel bodies, this allows more applications to be able to use a service body like this Silverado 1500 regular cab chassis. This means that those workers who can use a lighter-duty truck will love this combination. It has many advantages. Here are only a few:
The truck is lower to the ground and easier to get in and out of.
Because it is lower to the ground, accessing the doors and back is very easy.
Common maintenance items like tires, brakes, etc., and more are less expensive to replace.
This combination will have a smoother, more pleasant ride.
This Dura Mag aluminum service body has a lot of room in the compartments with adjustable shelves. It is equipped with Magnum Rack, Rail Kit, and Rear Rack, which has a unique design that makes securing loads in the back a breeze and is also a material rack that can be loaded with a forklift. Because this is a closed-top service body, this allows more room in the side compartments.
We just received a shipment, so come experience this great truck and body combination for yourself.
Sometimes weight distribution hitches can be difficult to wrap your brain around everything that’s going on when you hook one up to your truck and trailer. This video will help give you a visual and further explain what a weight distribution hitch does for you and, more specifically, what our True Tow Weight Distribution Hitch offers. We’ve designed this hitch with an app on your smartphone that will calculate your exact DTW (Distributed Tongue Weight) that is required to have a truly distributed system. The DTW calculation communicates precisely how much weight the spring arms will load to in order to provide a true distribution which then gives the correct front axel load return to the vehicle and is reflected in an added amount of weight to the built-in gauge, called DTW. Check it out!
We're taking a proactive approach to EV safety. That's why we invited first responders from across the country to join us at our Milford Proving Grounds for EV training. Through this program, first responders were able to ask questions about battery EV technology and learn how to effectively aid in crisis.
In episode 29 of the Fast Forward video series, Chris Brown, Bobit fleet group editor, connects with Karl Brauer, executive analyst at @iSeeCarsVideos. Chris and Karl talk truck and van trends, and how pricing, volume, and demand are shaping up for the year ahead.
Fast Forward connects leaders in fleet, tech, and automotive to show what the future holds for fleets of all types.
🎙Topics & Timestamps
0:00 Intro
1:17 Trends and pricing peaks in pickup market over last two years
5:33 Macroeconomic issues for 2023 and effect on the truck market.
6:30 Van trends, pricing, and market share.
8:43 A “paradigm shift” to vans for utilitarian functions.
10:35 Car trends during and post-pandemic and pricing fluctuations by segment.
12:50 Market pressures driving price sensitivities for EVs.
Here's a great crew carrying, tool carrying, work at the job site truck. Beginning with the Chevrolet Silverado Medium Duty 5500 chassis with 19,500 lbs. of gross vehicle weight capacity and the 4-door crew cab design, this foundation is ready to go to work. The chassis is equipped with the Duramax diesel, Allison automatic, aluminum wheels, and plenty of creature comforts. Then, we add the Harbor 12' Contractor Body with a heavy-duty rack, a trailer hitch, underbed toolboxes, and much more.
See more about this truck here.
See all of our ready to go to work right now truck inventory at ParadiseFleet.com
The Fast Forward video series connects leaders in fleet, tech, and automotive to show what the future holds for fleets of all types. In episode 28, Chris Brown, Bobit fleet group editor, connects with Kathryn Schifferle, founder and chief vision officer for Work Truck Solutions and Comvoy.com.
Chris and Kathryn discuss how fleets and fleet vendors are adjusting to changes in vehicle model mix and supply by segment with new acquisition strategies.
🎙Topics & Timestamps
0:00 Intro
1:25 Vehicle supply is loosening somewhat. What are you seeing?
2:25 Which segments will be affected most moving forward?
3:00 With the ongoing supply shortage, what are fleets doing creatively to get the job done?
4:45 Beyond outright ownership and leasing, are fleets exploring new acquisition strategies?
8:30 How financing and insurance companies are adjusting to new models.
9:20 As-a-service models are explained.
11:10 How are the roles of fleet dealers changing in this new paradigm?
One of the great work trucks that many contractors love is the KUV by Knapheide. This is often called a plumbers body because plumbers, in particular, love the features, but a wide variety of contractors find this body just as useful to them. There are many deep compartments on the outside, two shelf access rear doors for pipe, molding, and other longer items, and large rear doors give easy access to the vast interior keeping equipment out of sight and out of the weather. Then there is the master lock system making your day flow more smoothly. All this plus a good-sized billboard for advertising your business.
But wait, there's more! All of this is mounted on the perfect chassis for this type of body: The Low Cab Forward (LCF) 4500. With only a 109" wheelbase, this truck turns tighter than the average pickup truck. The frame, suspension, tires, and wheels are heavy-duty and designed to carry the weight. This unit has the 6.6 gas V8, automatic, AC, and much more. The cab tilts forward to access the engine making it easy to service.
Call our fleet pros at 951-364-2499 for more information!
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.
Carrying heavy things from one place to another is only part of the story of this unique Royal Contractor Body. The chassis is the Silverado Medium-Duty 4500 with a 16,500 lbs. gross vehicle weight rating. Yes, it has the legendary 6.6 Duramax diesel and Allison automatic and great comfort too. Plus, it is a looker! Check out the aluminum wheels!
Then, we add a 12' Royal Contractor Body. This unique combination is minus the rack, as is so common on these units, but check out the upper toolboxes and how useful they could be. Add underbed boxes, a tapered headboard, and a light bar, and then make it easy on the back with a tuck-away style liftgate!
Chevy trucks take their owners just about anywhere. And now, their owners have taken Chevy Silverado to #1. Thank you for making Silverado the #1 best-selling retail full-size pickups.
In episode 27 of the Fast Forward video series, Bobit Fleet Group Editor Chris Brown, interviews David Schwietert, chief policy officer for the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, to discuss the Inflation Reduction Act’s electric vehicle tax credits and how fleets can calculate eligibility by purchaser and vehicle type and class.
The cost differentials and BEV premiums demonstrated in the video are from this U.S. Department of Energy Analysis. For 2023, the Treasury Department has effectively granted eligible taxpayers safe harbor regarding calculations of those differentials, premiums, and credits. Calculations are subject to change after 2023. The Treasury notice on 45W can be accessed here.
The Fast Forward video series connects leaders in fleet, tech, and automotive to show what the future holds for fleets of all types.
🎙Topics & Timestamps
0:00 Intro
1:00 About the Alliance for Automotive Innovation.
2:00 What’s the difference between Section 30D, the credit for consumers, and Section 45W, the credit for commercial vehicle operators?
3:50 Explanation of 45W qualifications for vehicle types and purchasers, including slide.
4:52 Slide depiction of representative average vehicle costs and representative incremental EV costs by vehicle class.
6:03 Slide depiction of per-vehicle credit calculation.
8:34 Slide: Credit calculation example for Class 4-6 box truck, Class 8 tractor.
11:10 Explanation of Treasury’s revised guidance on certain SUV model classifications to obtain the $7,500 credit under 30D based on MSRP cap.
13:15 Explanation of content provision thresholds for critical minerals and battery components coming in March for Section 30D eligibility.
This video segment represents an overview of certain provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act, and it should not be construed as legal advice. Individuals and companies are encouraged to review the Act with their tax counsel and/or accountants.
Carrying a heavy load and having the flexibility of going off the beaten path are two of the best assets of this great rig. The chassis is the Silverado 4500 regular cab with 19,500 lbs. gross vehicle weight rating to carry the weight. It is powered by the legendary 6.6 Duramax diesel mated to the famous Allison heavy-duty automatic to pull the load up the hill as needed. You'll enjoy the right because of the creature comforts you've become used to. Of course, this is also a 4-wheel drive model to go off the beaten track as well.
The strong Scelzi 11' service body is mounted on this massive chassis with deep compartments, an HD forklift-loadable material rack, and a trailer receiver. There is plenty of room for tools, parts, and other equipment in the compartments and bed area.
This won't last, so call us today at 951-364-2499.
The 2023 Chevy Colorado kicks off a new generation, and Andre gives us a look at the most affordable version you're able to buy: an entry-level WT (Work Truck) trim for just over $35,000. Full driving impressions on the new Colorado are coming later this week!
Chevrolet has now shown us this 2023 model of the Colorado. Riding on a heavily modified and updated version of the old pickup's frame, this 2023 version says goodbye to multiple cab/bed configurations in favor of a simplified approach of the crew cab being the only variant offered.
Trims range from the base work truck, or WT, trim to the Everyman LT, up to the near luxurious Z71. Off-road fans rejoice with an improved version of the ZR2 with its segment-exclusive DSSV spool-valve dampers that are essentially F1 tech in an off-road pickup. New for 2023 is a Trail Boss model that copies the playbook of the larger Silverado, adding a 2-inch lift versus a standard Z71 off road model. Trail Boss also gets a wider track giving it a more sure-fitted approach. Trail Boss has the best approach, departure, and break over angles as well as the most ground clearance of the model line (outside of the ZR2).
All models will receive some variant of the same 2.7 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that is also used in the larger Silverado. No more V6 option for this platform, though it is not really needed with the 2.7 offering up to 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Max tow ratings top out at 7,700, a competitive number for the segment.
Updated styling outside, 3.1 inches of increased wheelbase, and a much improved modern interior round out the big reasons to shop the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado. Available heated, ventilated, leather-wrapped front seats with a driver seat memory function make this Z71 a strong contender for many looking for a premium experience in a midsize pickup. The Colorado also offers a segment-leading 11.3-inch color touchscreen infotainment system paired with a standard 8-inch or optional 11-inch digital gauge cluster.
All seats were comfortable and supportive with the back seat having enough room for my 5'10" frame to fit nicely behind my normal driving position. The rear seat does fold up with the use of a lever revealing underwear storage while not giving rear passengers a thinly padded and uncomfortable seating surface. I was actually surprised at how cushioned the rear seat was for a pickup.
The tailgate wars have made their way down to the midsize segment. The Colorado makes its tailgate stand apart from the rest with an industry-first in-tailgate storage solution. Hidden under a flap inside the tailgate, this storage cubbie is large enough for essential tools, jumper cables, or a tailgate cooler thanks to its drain plug.
Modern amenities abound in the Colorado making it and the GMC Canyons market disrupters yet again. We are already seeing Toyota readying their first all-new Tacoma in almost 2 decades while Ford readies their next Ranger. Nissan just updated their Frontier and the Jeep Gladiator was all new just 3 short years ago.
2023 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 Specs:
* 2.7-liter 4-cylinder Turbo Plus Engine
* 310 Horsepower
* 390 lb.-ft. of Torque
* 8-speed Automatic Transmission
* Autotrac® 2-speed Transfer Case with Push Button Controls
* Hill Descent Control
* Automatic Locking Rear Differential
* Drive Mode Selector
* 18-inch Android Dark Full-Gloss Aluminum Wheels (standard)
The 131st 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:
- 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.
Happy Wednesday to you all as we show off one of the excellent truck body combinations in the work truck world. This is a Chevrolet 2500HD with a 6.6 gas V8, Automatic, A/C, and much more. It is also a crew cab with plenty of legroom in the rear, bucket seats and console in front, and enough room for five comfortably. This is great, but now we add the Royal 8' open-top service body with tons of storage, an HD material rack, and more. To add massive value to this combination, we've added the raised cargo bed enclosure with barn-style doors on the rear. This allows whatever is being carried inside to be out of sight and out of the weather and is lockable too. But there is more! The top of the cargo bed enclosure has a 3-piece enclosure that opens up two-thirds of the bed area for ease of loading and unloading and allows taller items to be carried as needed. What a fantastic combination of truck and truck body, ready to go to work for you!
We had a great time this week in Las Vegas at the NAHB International Builder Show. We joined Chevrolet Commercial Vehicles in their booth and featured some of our hottest cargo management solutions, including the ProLift™ Ladder Rack. Thank you to all who stopped by!
Hans Damen, Partner at Fleet360, Fleet Insurance Plus, and Fleet & Driver Care, speaks on why he is attending Global Fleet Conference 2023 in Miami, Fl, from June 5-7.
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.
Malibu RS comes with three years of Chevrolet Remote Access. You can lock/unlock your Malibu, check your fuel level and tire pressure, and more — all from your smartphone.
There are times when only a 4-wheel drive will do. Sometimes, a regular cab just doesn't cut it, and you need to take a team to the job site. You sometimes need to take tools, parts, and other items to get the job done too. To have all of this in one truck is the best of all.
This 2500 HD crew cab truck chassis has room for six inside and is powered by a gas V8, automatic transmission, AC, and many other creature comforts. The body is a Harbor 8' Tradesmaster service body with stainless steel open-top lids, a master locking system to keep your tools safe, and a trailer receiver,
These are rare, so get it while the getting is good.
The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R is a landmark racing vehicle for Chevrolet. It is Chevrolet’s first racecar that fully meets FIA technical regulations for GT3 cars. Based on the highly acclaimed mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette Z06 supercar, this new race car takes the level of technology transfer between racing and production to a new level with more shared components and features than ever before.
Join Assistant Chief Engineer Kevin Luchansky for an in-depth look at the Chevy Silverado 2.7L Turbo High-Output engine. With 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of maximum torque, the standard 2.7L Turbo High-Output engine offers impressive power and durability.
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 Automotive Fleet Editor Mike Antich, 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.
Topics include:
• Mobility and sourcing strategies
•The impact of new technologies, growing numbers of new OEMs, and corporate sustainability goals on sourcing decisions and other fleet considerations
• Rethinking mobility solutions: pandemic-initiated remote-working situations beg the question of who needs a company car?
Make sure you subscribe to the Fleet Meet video series so you don’t miss an episode. Viewers are encouraged to email comments and suggestions for future topics to mike.antich@.bobit.com.
⏱ Timestamps ⏱
0:00 Intro
0:25 Rethinking mobility solutions and sourcing strategies
0:44 European perspective
2:32 North American perspective
5:16 New variable to fleet sourcing as new OEMs enter the market
The difference in dimensions of this dual rear wheel truck is very similar to a single rear wheel model, and yet, this dually can handle a dramatic difference in payload from the size of the things you carry to the weight of all that cargo. When you need a skosh more room, this may be the perfect answer!
This great 1-ton chassis has a whopping 14,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight rating, the legendary 6.6 Duramax diesel, and Allison automatic combination, along with comfort and convenience features to make the transit from one job to another a pleasure. In addition, this is a crew cab model and will take the team with you when needed.
To this great chassis, we've added the famous Knapheide 8' service body with a master locking system, HD forklift loadable material rack, trailer receiver, and deep compartments to support your tool and parts needs in the field.
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