Fleet Vehicle Leasing November 2011 Newsletter
NOVEMBER 2011 
New Chevy Colorado
General Motors recently confirmed that a version of the all-new Chevrolet Colorado mid-size pickup will be built and sold in the United States. The first version of the truck launched last month in Thailand and was followed by other regions around the globe. GM said it plans to announce more product details in the near future. The current-generation Colorado will be produced in Shreveport, LA, through the 2012 model-year.
Tire Prices Climb Again 
Tire prices are on the rise again with a number of companies planning to raise prices or having recently raised prices, according to a report from Modern Tire Dealer. Michelin North America Inc. raised prices on replacement truck tires and retreads by an average of 8%. This will affect Michelin, BF Goodrich, Michelin Retread Technologies, and Oliver brands sold in the U.S.
Starting November 1, Falken Tire Corp will increase prices on Ohtsu and Falken-branded truck and bus radial lines by up to 8%. Other recent tire price increases include Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. with an up to 8% raise on all its replacement tire brands, retreaded tires, and tread rubber, Bridgestone Commercial Solutions with an up to 8% price raise on its radial truck and bus tires, and Yokohama Tire Corp with an up to 8% price raise on all of its light and medium commercial truck tires in the U.S.
Short Notes
Ford confirmed that the automaker plans to bring the European version of the Transit commercial van to the U.S. with production slated to begin in 2013. In addition, Ford said it will end production of its E-Series vans, but they should be available through most of the decade.
GM announced it plans to sell a compressed natural gas bi-fuel commercial pickup truck in the fourth quarter of 2012. The trucks will be covered by the automaker’s three-year, 36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and five-year, 100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty and vehicle emissions warranty.
Texting Technologies 
Ford is installing a feature in its new vehicles—and many of its older ones—that can read text messages out loud. The feature, which is intended to reduce texting while driving, is part of Ford’s voice-activated technology, Sync, and is already installed on all model 2012 Ford vehicles with the exception of the Ranger.
Using a Bluetooth connection, it syncs with phones and alerts users when they receive text messages, reads them out loud, and allows users to respond with a selection of standard pre-written messages without taking their hands off the wheel. Compelling data regarding the dangers of texting and driving has prompted delivery of this service.
Fuel Prices Bottom Out? 
In a new report from Wright Express (WEX), the company said fuel prices are as low as they are going to get and are likely to rise in the coming weeks. The company said experts believe that despite current economic woes and reduced demand, fuel prices will remain strong for the rest of the year.
Retail gasoline prices dropped more than 25 cents during September, but WEX said some experts believe prices have hit bottom. The current tight supply situation, combined with upcoming refinery work and rising wholesale prices, leads WEX to believe fuel prices will remain high during the rest of 2011.
Ford Escape EcoBoost 
Ford announced its new Escape, which will debut at the L.A. Auto Show in November, will offer two different EcoBoost engine options. The automaker expects the vehicle to get better mileage than the current model’s 31 mpg.
The new Escape will feature three four-cylinder options, including the new 1.6 and 2.0 liter EcoBoost engines and a 2.5 liter Ti-VCT four-cylinder. Ford’s 1.6 liter EcoBoost engine, which uses turbocharging, twin independent variable camshaft timing and direct injection, makes its North American debut in the new Escape.
Ford also announced its new C-MAX hybrid will be 25% more fuel-efficient than the current Escape Hybrid. The company also provided details about its upcoming C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid.
Collision Avoidance 
Delphi Automotive, TRW, Inc., and other suppliers are developing collision-avoidance systems that will allow automakers to add new safety features as the technology matures. TRW is developing a radar network, called AC1000, which will detect oncoming vehicles from any direction resulting in 360-degree collision avoidance. The system could automatically brake or prepare the airbags to deploy. Delphi is working on a similar system that would use cameras.
Bye Grand Caravan!
Chrysler Group will be getting rid of the Dodge Grand Caravan for the 2013 model year leaving consumers with the Chrysler Town & Country. Additionally, the Dodge Avenger will also be discontinued. Chrysler says a new crossover will replace both the Caravan and Avenger in 2013.
More Night Fatalities 
A new study by the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M University finds the number of drivers involved in nighttime fatal crashes has increased over the past decade—even as crash fatalities overall have declined during the same period.
Sponsored by the Center for Transportation Safety in Colorado, the study shows the increase has been sharper for teen drivers than for those over 20. Findings suggest that the increase for older drivers is linked to increased alcohol involvement in crashes. For teens, alcohol use has declined slightly, suggesting dangers are connected to rapid growth of cell phone use behind the wheel.