The last Mercury brand vehicle produced, a Grand Marquis, is being shipped to a fleet, according to Ford. The identity of the fleet was unavailable as of press time.

Produced for 25 years at the Ford Motor Co.'s assembly plant in St. Thomas, Ontario, the Grand Marquis rolled off the production line Jan. 4. The Grand Marquis, first introduced in 1975, has been Mercury's longest-running and best-selling nameplate, with more than 2.7 million sold as of June 2010, according to Ford.

In June 2010, the automaker announced its plan to focus on the Ford and Lincoln brands and cease production of Mercury vehicles by the end of fourth quarter 2010. However, delayed parts shipments caused by snowstorms pushed production of the final vehicle into the start of 2011.

Mercury, which accounted for 0.8 percentage points of Ford's overall 16-percent U.S. market share, was originally created in 1938 as a premium offering to Ford. The first model, the 1939 Mercury 8, went into production in 1938. The vehicle sold for $916 and boasted a 95 hp V-8. Sales for the first year total were 65,884 vehicles, according to Ford.

[via Fleet Financials]

Photo courtesy of Miguel Vaca and re-used under the Creative Commons license.

With the U.S. economy still struggling to get back on its feet following the recent recession, consumers and businesses alike are making changes to their driving habits to get by. Business Fleet reported on a new study that shows some drivers have gotten desperate enough to cancel one of the most important automotive expenses:

In response to the current economy, nearly 20 percent of drivers on the road have reduced or canceled their car insurance coverage for immediate financial relief, according to a newly released survey from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

The survey, conducted in April, also found that nearly 40 percent of respondents are driving less overall, opting to use public transportation more often, or both.

The NAIC comprises the chief insurance regulatory officials of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories.

Cutting insurance costs may seem like a good idea for those seeking financial help, but auto insurance is essential to maintaining a safe driving environment for all drivers. And not only that, it’s the law. Make sure your drivers stay insured and keep your personal vehicles insured as well. You never know what could be around the corner.

Photo courtesy of Adrian 8_8 and re-used under the Creative Commons license.

Avis Budget Group, Inc. has been selected as the "Best Corporate Car Rental Company" by Corporate Traveller, Flight Centre Limited's division of travel experts serving small and mid-sized businesses. The 2011 award honors Avis Budget Group for providing great synergy between the Company's sales team and corporate travel managers, excellent customer service to small and mid-sized businesses and the industry's first smoke-free car rental fleet.

"Avis and Budget are world-class brands that appeal to small and mid-sized business travelers because we understand their needs and help them maximize their travel budgets," said Stephen Wright, vice president of global travel and partnership for Avis Budget Group. "Small and mid-sized businesses are a customer segment for both Avis and Budget, so we are very proud to receive such a distinguished honor from Corporate Traveller's experienced small-business travel consultants."

Avis Budget Group provides small and mid-sized businesses with discounted rates, opportunities to earn reward days, member-only deals and several billing options. In addition, Avis Budget Group has made significant advancements to provide a consistently outstanding rental experience to its small-business customers. The Company utilizes feedback systems such as Voice-of-the-Customer surveys that are aggregated and delivered to field location managers in real-time to enable immediate response to customer suggestions. This customer feedback led the Company to become the first in the industry to offer a 100 percent smoke-free rental fleet.

About Avis Budget Group, Inc

Avis Budget Group is a leading vehicle rental operator in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and certain other regions through its Avis and Budget brands. The Company also licenses its vehicle rental brands in more than 100 countries, enabling Avis and Budget to serve commercial and leisure travelers throughout the world.  Avis Budget Group is headquartered in Parsippany, N.J. and has more than 21,000 employees.  For more information about Avis Budget Group, visit www.avisbudgetgroup.com.

[via GLOBE Newswire]

Photo courtesy of mingwei and re-used under the Creative Commons license.

In testimony before the House Small Business Committee Subcommittee on Investigations, Oversight and Regulations, James Burg, President of James Burg Trucking Co., said proposed changes to the federal hours-of-service, which regulate the length of driving shifts for commercial drivers, were unwarranted and would harm small businesses nationwide.

"These changes, if finalized, would have a profoundly negative impact on small businesses, would restrict productivity and would result in greater congestion and increased emissions," Burg, a member of American Trucking Associations' Board of Directors, said during a June 14 hearing.

Burg said that if the changes proposed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration following a court settlement with advocacy and labor groups were to take effect his 75-truck fleet based in Warren, Mich., would need to "add additional trucks and drivers – and their corresponding expenses – simply to counter the loss in productivity."

"By estimates, we would need to increase our retained earnings by between 20% and 25% just to maintain our current level of financial stability," said Burg, who added that productivity losses would also "likely be felt by small business shippers, manufacturers and retailers in the form of increased costs."

ATA has repeatedly said that the current rules are working and should be retained rather than changed based on political pressure.

"FMCSA's proposed changes to the hours-of-service rules are unnecessary and unjustified," Burg said. "Both safety and compliance have improved under the current regulations which have been time-tested since 2003. In contrast, FMCSA's proposal to replace these rules with an untested set of regulations leaves safety to chance."

[via PR Newswire]

Photo courtesy of Cupcakes2 and re-used under the Creative Commons license.

Via Business Fleet:

A study by ZoomSafer shows that 32 percent of companies have knowledge or evidence of on-the-job crashes that occurred as a result of distractions stemming from employee use of cell phones while driving.

The first annual survey polled 500 business managers in North America and was designed to gauge corporate attitudes and best-practices pertaining to distracted driving, according to the company. Industries surveyed include sales and Service (sedan), trucking (local and long haul), construction, public sector, utilities (telecommunications, cable, etc.), home and business services, and chauffeured transportation (taxi, limousine, and bus).

Results show that 62 percent of companies have adopted written policies prohibiting employees from using a mobile phone while driving for company business. The survey also reveals that although many companies have adopted written cell phone driving policies, only half (53 percent) make any attempt to enforce compliance.

Among companies that do enforce compliance, the survey found that 61 percent rely on post-incident disciplinary measures, and only 2 percent currently utilize technology to proactively measure and manage employee compliance.

Other findings include:

·         32 percent of companies have knowledge or evidence of vehicle crashes that occurred as a result of distractions stemming from employee use of cell phones while driving. 50 percent of companies with more than 500 drivers have knowledge or evidence of such crashes.

·         7.6 percent of companies have faced plaintiff’s litigation resulting from damages alleged to have occurred as a result of employee use of cell phones while driving. For companies with more than 5,000 drivers the same statistic is 37 percent.

·         62 percent of companies have implemented a written cell phone use policy. Long Haul Trucking and Local Trucking were the most likely to have a written cell phone policy (71 percent and 83 percent respectively) while Home and Business Services were least likely  (less than 50 percent).

·         53 percent of companies with a defined cell phone policy claim to enforce the policy in some manner. Interestingly, 25 percent of respondents who claimed to have a policy declined to answer how such policies were enforced. For companies that did answer the policy enforcement question, 61 percent said they utilized “post incident” employee discipline to enforce compliance.

“The fact that so many companies are telling employees to put the phone down while driving is encouraging from a policy perspective – however, from a practical perspective, it’s simply not enough to change behavior,” said Matt Howard, CEO of ZoomSafer. “To truly change behavior and fully protect themselves from liability, companies must actively measure and enforce employee compliance.”

Photo courtesy of David Howard and re-used under the Creative Commons license.

5 Common Trailer Use Mistakes

Many fleets use trailers to move heavy equipment and supplies from place to place. Here are some common mistakes concerning use of trailers from Business Fleet and lead trailering engineer for General Motors Co., Robert Krouse.

1. Failure to calculate the actual weight of the trailer

Krouse points to landscaping trailers as a good example of how operators can misjudge the weight they’re asking their trucks to pull. The weight of the equipment inside may seem insignificant compared to the trailer itself, but it’s a principal factor in determining whether your equipment is pushing the load past your tow vehicle’s capacity.

“Retail or commercial, the same principles apply,” Krouse says. “The ratings are based on weight, and that’s what we go by.”

It’s crucial to weigh your loaded trailer at the nearest available scale before towing it. Also check to be sure the trailer’s tongue weight — the downward force exerted by the trailer’s “tongue” — is within your hitch’s rating.

2. Failure to account for the actual capacity of the tow vehicle

Now that you know how much weight you’re pulling, you just have to check that against your vehicle’s trailer weight rating (TWR), right? Not so fast, Krouse says. Pulling your truck’s rating from the Web might not provide the right number. Many manufacturers only provide each vehicle’s maximum TWR, which may depend on a particular engine or nonstandard equipment.

Your dealer or factory rep should be able to provide your vehicle’s TWR and information on how to upgrade it. Once you have the right number, be sure to add the weight of your truck — including people in the cabin and equipment in the bed — to the weight of the loaded trailer. If that figure surpasses the vehicle’s gross combination weight rating (GCWR), you’re past the point of a safe tow.

3. Overloading the trailer or tow vehicle

Failing to determine TWR and GCWR are the most common weight-rating pitfalls, but there are several other factors to consider. Krouse says that tow vehicle and trailer gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWRs), individual tow vehicle and trailer gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs) and individual tire ratings are just as important.

There’s also the trailer tongue weight, which can differ from your hitch’s rating. Failing to note any of the factors listed earlier can result in damage to the tow vehicle or trailer, not to mention excessive wear on your brakes or tires.

4. Improper setup

Now that your tow vehicle, trailer and combination weights and ratings are within range, the next objective is a proper coupling. If your hitch ball sits too high or low or your sway controls and weight-distributing spring bars are improperly adjusted, you still run the risk of damage somewhere along the setup.

To be sure the trailer load is properly balanced, for a weight-distributing hitch setup, Krouse suggests measuring the space between the top of the tow vehicle’s front tire and the bottom of the fender. That space will increase once the trailer is coupled; adjust the spring bars to get back to the initial measurement without decreasing it.

Each state sets its own standards for trailer brakes, but Krouse recommends adding a brake controller whenever you’re pulling 2,000 lbs. or more. In an electric system, a signal is sent to the trailer brakes when the tow vehicle’s brakes are applied, engaging them in unison. Several manufacturers, GM included, now offer a factory-equipped brake controller on most models.

Another option is a hydraulic brake controller, also known as a surge brake. Surge brakes employ a self-contained apparatus in the hitch that engages the trailer brakes when the tow vehicle slows down.

5. Improper road protocol

Krouse sums up his advice for driving while trailering in one word: practice.

“The operator always has to realize, it’s not like driving the tow vehicle by itself,” he says. “Don’t ever let that become back-of-mind.”

Turning, stopping, backing up, merging and changing lanes all require more time and space. There’s no substitute for practicing those maneuvers in an open area before hitting the road, and remember to adjust your mirrors to the length of the trailer. GM and other manufacturers offer extendable side mirrors as a factory option.

Finally, special attention must be paid to maintenance when your pickup is pulling heavy loads. Krouse lists fluids, tires and brakes as particular areas of concern. The trailer’s own brakes and tires also should be checked frequently, and trailers that sit idle for long periods should be inspected before they go back on the road.

Photo courtesy of ScaryComputer and re-used under the Creative Commons license.

Making sure that your vehicles are ready for summer will help to avoid costly repairs and delays. Perform these checks on your fleet and keep your cool all summer long!

Photo courtesy of comedy_nose and re-used under the Creative Commons license.

Many fleets serve companies in industries like construction, whose work can become very difficult during the sweltering summer months.  Exposure to heat for prolonged periods can be dangerous for you employees, so here are some tips to keep your most valuable asset protected under the summer sun.

1. Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is crucial when working in hot weather. Keeping a bottle of water handy at all times will help you to avoid dehydration. Even if you are not thirsty, take a drink at least every 30 minutes or so to keep from losing too much water to perspiration.

2. Pace yourself.  Deadlines or even a desire to get done faster can cause workers to push themselves physically, which can be especially dangerous in extreme heat.  Pace yourself physically and take frequent breaks in the shade (if available) to keep from overexerting yourself.

3. Dress for the conditions. Your company’s uniform may not be optimized for hot weather, so consider making some exceptions for hot outdoor work. Make sure you are wearing a breathable material and a hat to shield your face from the sun.  Applying sunscreen should also be a priority, and should be reapplied as necessary to prevent sunburn.

4. Bring more workers and take shorter shifts on the job. Working in shorter bursts with more rest will do wonders for your group’s endurance in hot conditions.

5. Don’t stay outside all day. Whenever possible, take a short break and spend a few minutes in an air-conditioned building or vehicle to give yourself time to cool down.  Make sure these breaks last at least 10 minutes to give your body’s internal temperature time to drop a bit.

6. Bring the right tools.  A spray bottle filled with ice water can provide refreshment all day long.  Keep several bandanas submerged in a cooler of ice water, and apply them to your head as the day progresses.  You will stay cool for longer and feel more comfortable while you work.

With these tips, your employees will be more comfortable, more efficient, and most importantly, safer while working in hot conditions. If you have any tips of your own, tell us in the comment section!

Photo courtesy of gabriel and re-used under the Creative Commons license.

With business picking up and more drivers on the roads for the summer driving season, it’s important to make sure your drivers are being safe out on the road. Unfortunately, it seems that some drivers are not as current on their safety rules as they ought to be:

LeaseTrader.com conducted a study of 500 men and women that showed drivers with more than 20 years of experience scored nearly 18-percent lower on written driving tests than younger drivers.

The more driving experience people had, the worse their scores on the questions. Drivers of more than 20 years scored an average of 46 percent correct; between 10-20 years of experience scored 58 percent correct; and between 5-10 years 64 percent correct. Not one person scored every question correct and more than three quarters of the entire exam population answered four or more questions incorrectly – thus a failing grade.

In addition the study looked at differences in test scores based on gender. Men scored an average of 59 percent answers correct while women answered just 46 percent correct. The study’s subjects answered the same 10 sample questions found on written driving exams across the U.S.

Men had the most difficult time answering a question addressing the procedure for approaching a stopped school bus on the other side of a divided highway. Although most men said you should watch for children and be ready to stop, the correct answer is stop and wait until flashing red lights are off.

Women had the most difficult time with a question addressing the appropriate speed limit on primary and secondary state and federal highways. Although most women said the speed limit is 65 mph the correct answer is actually 55 mph.

“It may be time to take a closer look at the way in which we test drivers,” commented Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing for Edmunds.com. “The United States has a far less rigorous training and testing process than many developed countries – and a much higher per capita rate of fatal accidents.”

 [via Business Fleet]

 Photo courtesy of Elvert Barnes and re-used under the Creative Commons license.

With the extreme weather conditions that have hit the country hard over the last few months and tornado season still in effect across the nation’s heartland, it’s a good time to think about educating your drivers on what to do if a tornado hits while they are on the road.  Pass along the following tips from Automotive Fleet to your drivers:

-A "tornado warning" means a twister is developing or is actually on the ground. It is more severe than a "tornado watch," which means conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms, which may or may not spawn tornadoes.

-Tornadoes can toss cars and large trucks around like toys. Never try to outrun a tornado.

-If you see a funnel cloud or hear a tornado warning issued on the radio or by siren, get out of your vehicle and seek a safe structure.

-Seeking shelter indoors is best, if possible. A basement is safest. Closets or small interior rooms are preferable. Get under a sturdy piece of furniture or mattress and stay away from south and west walls and all windows.

-Do not seek shelter in a mobile home. These structures, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes and should be abandoned.

-If you are caught in the open, with no indoor buildings available to you, find a ditch, ravine or low-lying area and lie flat. Stay away from roadway overpasses. Cover the back of your head and neck with your hands; keep alert for flash floods.

-In general, whenever you're driving during a storm, remember that wet roads mean poor traction. Conditions are most dangerous during the first 10 minutes of a heavy downpour as oil and debris wash away. Driving on wet roads in the rain is just like driving on ice. Take it easy and allow extra time.

Keep these tips in mind and be safe on the roads!

Photo courtesy of Donald Lee Pardue and re-used under the Creative Commons license.