 |
 |
|
| Video News & Views
PEOPLE & IDEAS TO WATCH | Organic Marketing Tool | | How environmental green peace has become a successful platform for a dealer group to be set aside from other competitors in the Los Angeles market. |
| | | | |
 |
July 01, 2010
Jon LeSage, Editor
 |
|
Tesla Motors was the first US automaker to launch a public stock offering in 54 years. Stock surged almost 41% in its first day of trading even as broader markets were plummeting. Right before the IPO, Tesla increased the amount of stock to be sold by 20%, backed by key investors. Rising gas prices and concern over environmental catastrophes will make this a worthy investment, analysts say.
Focus of the Week looks at vehicle safety, which does have a connection to green vehicles. If you take a look at the chart below, you'll notice that corporate CEOs see sustainability as a top priority shaping company strategy, and fleet managers have seen safety and sustainability being interconnected in company policy. EPA regulations state that human health is one of the reasons stricter environmental regulations become adopted. So safety is an urgent topic, and Toyota recalls highlight its urgency.
Your thoughts? Email me at jon@automotivedigest.com.
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
Green Conference Planning Guide |
Conference Themes, Agendas, & Events |
|
| |
|
|
Check out Podcast Interview with Plug-in 2010's Mindy Berman
As media transforms away from the world of traditional channels (newspapers, magazines, radio, TV news, etc.) and into new media (social media, podcasts, blogs, e-newsletters, video streaming, etc.) we're watching the auto industry take on the challenges. Automakers and dealers are embracing, and sometimes resisting, the world of Facebook, Twitter, and corporate website blogs. As presented last week in ADW Green, Plug-in 2010 features an interesting podcast interview on its website. Plug-in 2010's Media Manager Mindy Berman was interviewed for a podcast on EVcast. She said that the objective of the event is twofold: promoting and spreading awareness of plug-in vehicles during a critical phase in its development; and creating a living forum for exchanging ideas and informing decision makers in the world of utilities, manufacturers, component suppliers, government agencies, environmentalists, and academics.
Check out the interview – it starts at about the 25:30 minute mark and provides a very good example of making podcasts work as an effective information channel.
|
|
 |
|
Alternative Fuels & Vehicles |
Natural Gas, Propane, & Biofuels |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chelsea Sexton Reveals "Revenge of the Electric Car"
Electric cars will get their revenge this summer, when Chelsea Sexton, star of “Who Killed the Electric Car” comes to town for the 5th annual Green Drive Expo, July 17-18 in Madison, Wis. Sexton will share the latest in electric vehicle information as she prepares for the 2011 movie release “Revenge of the Electric Car.” Event founder and manager, Eric Powers, says the 5th annual Green Drive Expo will feature both exciting new features as well as classic mainstays. The Green Drive Expo started as Hybridfest, and for several years has brought together green drivers from across the nation. More information can be found at www.Greendriveexpo.com, and event organizer Eric Powers can be contacted at: (608) 729-4082.
|
|
Green Drive Expo Showcases Popular MPG Challenge
Returning to Green Drive Expo this year is the always popular MPG Challenge. Competitors will drive their hybrids, EV cars, and alternative fuel vehicles over a secret course aimed at racking up the highest miles per gallon. The winner last year notched 195 miles to the gallon over the 26 mile course. Not only is that more than three times what an average hybrid achieves, it's almost 20 times the MPG of a Hummer H2. There's a growing community of green car lovers out there, and Green Drive Expo gives them a good opportunity to show off. "That's why we do the Green Drive Expo – where else would these mileage nuts get the chance to show off their vehicles and share their strategies," says event founder and manager, Eric Powers.
|
|
San Francisco Now Partnering in Green Drive Expo
Green Drive Expo is launching its west coast counterpart this year in San Francisco. The new event links an important hub for electric vehicles in the bay area with a still new and growing annual meeting ground in Madison, Wis. On Sat., Oct. 9. from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the event will take place at the Craneway Pavillion. During the day, presentations on clean transportation and environmental issues, free green vehicle test drives, informative exhibitor and vendor booths, MPG Challenge winning cars will be on display, and People's Choice Awards for the Green Drive Owners Car Showcase will take place.
|
|
|
 |
|
Green Resources & Sources |
Reports, Whitepapers, & Association News |
|
|
Pike Research Thinks Fuel Cell Vehicles Are Here Soon Fuel cell vehicles will make their way to market in the next 10 years. Not long ago, this would have been very hard to believe, as the technology was fascinating and the OEM test models very interesting, but no company had decided to deliver them to dealer lots. That is now changing, and Pike Research has issued yet another study on the next wave of green car growth. The U.S. is predicted to be the largest fuel cell vehicle (FCV) market with about 134,000 vehicles sold annually, followed by China (about 129,000 FCVs), and Germany (about 127,000 FCVs). A total of about 670,000 fuel cell light vehicles are predicted to be sold annually around the world by 2020. Transit buses are expected to lead the market with Pike Research forecasting sales growing at a compound annual growth rate of 31.7% by 2015. Read more.
|
|
 |
|
|
| Manufacturers, Technology, & Component Suppliers |
| |
|
|
|
Upcoming Conferences: Plug-in 2010's Media Manager Mindy Berman was interviewed for a podcast on EVcast, as social media becomes more important for getting the word out on upcoming events. Green Drive Expo is launching its west coast counterpart this year in San Francisco. Focus of the Week: As the Toyota and Lexus recalls have heightened concern over vehicle safety, federal regulations will be passing through Congress this year and will delve into the issues surrounding investigations of complex electronic problems. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety might be the most important rating system on the market, and it's useful to look at what this organization is recommending and criticizing. Passenger vehicles are getting smarter every year as advanced vehicle intelligence systems get added each and every model year increasing comfort, entertainment, GPS tracking, fuel efficiency, and driver safety. Green Videos in Get Reel: LAcarGUY owner Mike Sullivan talks about how environmental green peace has become a successful platform for the dealer group. MPi's David Boyle says that there are 15 things that should be looked at on a regular basis to maximize fuel economy. Todd Mouw of Roush Performance on how his company decided to go in the propane direction. And More: Upcoming conferences, green resources and sources, green people profiles, press releases you should check out, and much more.
|
|
|
 |
| Electric Vehicles & Charging Stations |
Cars May Be Getting Black Boxes for Increased Safety
When an airplane crashes and investigators approach the wreckage, they spread out and look for the black box – the onboard flight data recorder that can provide answers to questions about how the crash occurred. In the Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2010, which is now going to the House for debate and a similar bill is being considered by the Senate, a controversial provision in the bill would require all cars and vehicles sold in the U.S. to have a black box installed to record crash data. As the Toyota and Lexus recalls have heightened concern over vehicle safety, federal regulations will be passing through Congress this year and will delve into the issues surrounding investigations of complex electronic problems aboard increasingly sophisticated cars.
- [Read More] |
|
IIHS List of Safest Vehicles on the Road
If you're doing your homework to buy a car this year, vehicle safety might not be top of mind compared to MSRP, mileage, resale value, and attractive image, but if the vehicle has any negative safety ratings, it usually gets taken right off the list. Toyota is having to deal with this big problem now, and incentives are helping to calm people's nerves to a certain extent. But continuous poor safety ratings will eventually pull any car off the market. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety might be the most important rating system on the market, and it's useful to look at what this organization is recommending and criticizing.
- [Read More] |
|
Cars Smartening Up Every Year
Passenger vehicles are getting smarter every year as advanced vehicle intelligence systems get added each and every model year increasing comfort, entertainment, GPS tracking, fuel efficiency, and driver safety. These features greatly define the market identity of new vehicle launches for Ford Motor Co. and many of its competitors, with the Ford SYNC communications and entertainment system being the obvious example. While some Americans with libertarian perspectives may be concerned about Big Brother taking away driver freedom, most people are very pleased that automotive technology advances are making significant strides in vehicle reliability, efficiency, and safety. Cars need to become more trustworthy, and everyone wants to see reduced collision statistics.
- [Read More] |
|
|
 |
Stats and Smart Charts
 |
CEOs See Sustainability as Crucial to Future Success
[Click to enlarge graphic]
 Significance of the Data: - New survey of CEOs by UN Global Compact and Accenture found 93% see sustainability as crucial to future success
- Report interviewed more than 750 chief executives from almost 100 countries
- Of these, 72% said strengthening brand, trust, and reputation w/ consumers was primary driver behind sustainability initiatives
- Concerns about climate change were one of most common voiced by CEOs, with 66% saying it was critical development issue
- Significant shift from survey Accenture conducted 2 years ago which found most businesses did not consider climate change significant priority
- Shift in priorities has been echoed in other surveys of business leaders as well
- Source: Environmental Leader - June 17, 2010
|
|
Clean Cities Program Happening in Houston
|
Advancing the Choice Conference
|
|
The Houston-Galveston Area Clean Cities is presenting 2010 Advancing the Choice Conference, taking place Tuesday, July 13 in Pasadena, Texas. Topics will include Transport in Transition - The Impacts of Alternative Fuels on the Industry & the Region, Green Logistics - Moving Goods While Optimizing Efficiency & Conservation, GPS & GIS As a Cost-Saving Solution, and Funding Opportunities for Alternative Fuels. Read more.
|
|
|
2nd Annual Electric Vehicle Asia
|
Event capitalizes on emerging opportunity
|
|
The 2nd Annual Electric Vehicle Asia brings together industry key players from government sectors, utilities, international vehicle manufactures, key component manufactures, and technology providers to capitalize on this emerging business opportunity. The meeting is structured for attendees to meet up with key electric vehicle developers to earn more about government development plans and emerging investment opportunities. It takes place Sept. 27-30 in Seoul, Korea. Learn more.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
Green People Going Places
|
Chelsea Sexton
Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Marketing Expert and Advocate
As mentioned above, Sexton will be a keynote speaker soon at Green Drive Expo. In the 1990s, when GM announced the EV1 electric vehicle program, she joined the team. Focusing on building a market for alternate-fuel vehicles through partnerships with corporate and non-profit stakeholders, shaping public policy and incentives, and developing marketing strategies, Sexton became well-known as an advocate for clean, efficient, transportation. Sexton was laid off at the end of 2001 when GM closed their EV1 assembly line. In 2005, Sexton joined the X PRIZE Foundation and led the creation of a prize effort, which to deal with both energy and automobiles. She served as Executive Director of Plug In America, a coalition of individuals and organizations that advocates for the preservation and manufacture of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and electric vehicles. Chelsea is one of the key individuals interviewed in the 2006 documentary film "Who Killed the Electric Car?"
|
 |
Carlos Ghosn
Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.
President and CEO
Ghosn has led his company toward launching the Nissan Leaf, which will soon become the first mass market, economically priced pure electric vehicle. Ghosn joined the company as its chief operating officer in June 1999, became its president in June 2000, and was named chief executive in June 2001. In May 2005, Ghosn was named president and CEO of Renault SA in addition to his current responsibilities at Nissan. As head of the Renault-Nissan alliance, Ghosn is responsible for two separate companies with combined annual global sales of 6.1 million vehicles. Prior to joining Nissan, he served as executive vice president of the Renault Group, a position he had held since December 1996. In addition to supervising Renault activities in the Mercosur, he was responsible for advanced research, car engineering and development, car manufacturing, powertrain operations, and purchasing. Before he joined Renault, Ghosn had worked with Michelin for 18 years.
|
|
|
| Design & Development |
Drivers Enjoy Electric Vehicles in UK Trial Run
|
|
For several months drivers in the UK have been testing out a trial run of 25 Mitsubishi i-MiEVs, and the vehicles' performance and charging patterns are being monitored. Drivers have described it as good experience and showed little signs of "range anxiety." They reported no hassles with charging vehicles and did not hesitate to drive these cars onto highways.
|
|
|
Consumer Reports Staff Takes Chevrolet Volt for Test Drive
|
|
As the Chevrolet Volt moves forward toward dealer lots by the end of this year, many people are anxious to test out the extended range plug-in hybrid. The staff at Consumer Reports Automotive Test Center had their own curiosity and tested out two Volts at its Connecticut test facility. Editors were impressed with the cars' on-road behavior, space, and comfort.
|
|
|
 |
| The Color of Money (F&I) |
Acquisitions Boost Santander Loan Portfolio
|
|
Santander Consumer USA is quickly ramping up its market penetration in the U.S., especially in used-vehicle auto loans. In addition to originations, the company has been quietly buying up auto loan portfolios and making servicing deals and origination deals with such companies as Chrysler, Triad Financial, CarMax, HSBC and in the most recent multibillion-dollar deal, CitiFinancial Auto.
|
|
|
Individual Credit Scores Improving, but Trouble Still Lies Ahead
|
|
According to Fitch Ratings delinquencies and losses on prime auto loan asset-backed securities hit their lowest levels in May since the summer of 2007. However, officials cautioned that this trend was "mainly due to seasonal factors." In fact, Fitch does not see this strong performance continuing.
|
|
|
 |
| Fleet Factor & Regulations |
Telematics Feedback Monitors Driver Behavior, Saves Money
|
|
GreenRoad telematics system specializes in monitoring driver behavior and helping improve it by providing in-vehicle feedback as dangerous or fuel inefficient actions occur. Data downloads wirelessly for management review of routes and plotted incidents when vehicle shuts down.
|
|
|
Difficulty Recruiting Drivers Will Drive Up Freight Costs
|
|
The improving U.S. economy is increasing freight demand, but drivers are unwilling to come back for reduced wages. Those that are hired will need to be trained, but trucking companies have reduced capacity there, too, making a return to normal operations difficult.
|
|
|
 |
| Fuels & Energy |
Shell Seeks to Distance Company from BP Oil Spill With Ad Campaign
|
|
As BP continues to botch communication efforts while trying to stop the worst oil spill in U.S. history, other oil companies have remained silent except for one. Shell Oil has launched an aggressive international ad campaign saying Shell is "unlocking" the dawn of a new era powered by new and multiple energy sources and cleaner fossil fuels.
|
|
|
USDA Reports on State of Biofuels Capacity
|
|
When Congress created the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, a mandate was created for 36 billion gallons of biofuels by 2022. The Department of Agriculture released a report on where that industry is going with the controversial corn ethanol, biodiesel, and the challenges of producing enough cellulosic and other advanced biofuels.
|
|
|
 |
| Automotive Marketing |
E-Marketers Refining Tactics
|
|
Combining the forces of social media with e-mail marketing has been under way for some time, with savvy marketers using the two channels to complement each other rather than compete. As companies gain experience in the area, their choice of tactics may change.
|
|
|
Australia Embraces Online Auto Buying, Selling
|
|
The auto industry in Australia has boomed at a tremendous pace recently, and the concepts of online selling and purchasing of cars have also gained popularity. In analyzing the current scenario, the idea of online selling and buying automobiles as a business model in the auto industry has pulled the attention of many auto dealers from every part of Australia.
|
|
|
 |
| Dealers & Aftermarket |
It Wasn't Me, Officer! It Was My GPS
|
|
GPS-assisted navigation systems are increasingly sophisticated and regularly blamed for crashes resulting from following bad instructions. No legal case law exists yet. Drivers must remain in control of their vehicles in spite of bad instructions.
|
|
|
New Report Shows States Increasing Efforts on Distracted Driving
|
|
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) has released a new report listing state provisions to eliminate distracted driving by tackling it the same way they did drunken driving. The report is available for download on the GHSA website.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
