FleetWeek

The Ford and GM pages in the Reference section of FleetView have been updated, and new product information has been added for the 2011 Ford Super Duty Pick-ups, the 2011 Ford Fiesta and the 2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol vehicles.  Highlights of these vehicles include the following:

2011 Ford Super Duty Pick-up

• All-new, redesigned 2011 Super Duty Pick-Up trucks
• Ordering scheduled to begin December 7, 2009, for production in February
• Fleet deliveries should begin by late spring

2011 Ford Fiesta

• Ford’s first global vehicle sharing 90% of it’s vehicle content Worldwide with sales in Europe, Asia, North America, Africa and Australia
• Orderable in early 2010 for the 2011 model year and built in Europe, Asia and North America

2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle

• Available to order fall of 2010
• Built in Australia for the U.S. and based on the Holden Statesman platform

Additional manufacturer and model information for these and other models can be found at
http://www.wheels-aldautomotive.com/public/Reference/Manufacturer-Updates.aspx.
 

As winter nears, we'd like to provide a few simple tips that can be shared with drivers to ensure that they and their vehicles are prepared for cold weather driving conditions.

Before cold weather sets in, vehicles should be inspected thoroughly. If tires are properly inflated, fluid levels are full, front and rear lights are operating, and belts and hoses are in good condition, the risk of vehicle breakdown or accident is greatly reduced. Because most cold-weather breakdowns are caused by a weak or dead battery, it is also important to ensure that the battery is in good working order.

Once on the road, the following measures can help minimize risk and increase driver/passenger safety:

• Turn on headlights in the late afternoon before the sun begins to set, and always use low-beam headlights in fog, rain or snow, no matter what time of day.
• Signal an intention to turn well before doing so. Observe all speed limits and reduce speed whenever road conditions or visibility are compromised by inclement weather. Avoid sudden starts and stops when possible, and be familiar with the vehicle's braking capacities. Longer stop-times on roads with compromised integrity due to ice, snow or water should be anticipated.
• Clear all snow and ice from windows, the roof, the hood, the trunk, mirrors, lights and signals.
• Beware of dangers on the road such as icy bridges, snow-covered lane markings, or stalled vehicles.
• Keep handy a winter driving kit that includes a fully charged cellular phone, flashlight with fresh batteries, small snow shovel and brush, traction mats, ice scraper, booster cables, blanket, flares or triangle warning devices, heavy gloves, window washing solvent, and a first aid kit.
• For drivers who will be using snow tires (as your fleet policy allows), we recommend that tires be installed in early-to-mid November, or shortly before the first anticipated snowfall for the driver's region. Please keep in mind that Quebec recently passed a law requiring all passenger vehicles in the province to be equipped with winter tires from December 15 through March 15.

It is important that drivers make themselves aware of weather and road conditions along their route before beginning their trip. The best way to ensure safety is to avoid foul weather or dangerous road conditions altogether when possible.

Please drive safely this winter!
 

The Wheels Client Steering Council meets three times each year to discuss existing Wheels programs and services and to make suggestions for new program initiatives. Council members will meet next Tuesday and Wednesday, November 10 and 11, at our headquarters in Des Plaines, IL for two days of discussion.

If you would like the Steering Council to address a particular topic, please contact Council member Cathy Crossley from Tyco Electronics, with your opinion or suggestion at ccrossley@tycoelectronics.com as soon as possible.