Automotive Fleet

Automotive Fleet
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Explore the latest trends, insights, and expert discussions in fleet management with Automotive Fleet's podcast series. From industry-leading interviews to in-depth analyses, each episode is designed to keep fleet professionals informed and ahead of the curve. Stay tuned for practical tips and innovative strategies that drive success in today’s fleet operations

  1. 2D AGO

    John Poindexter Talks Product Launches, Growth Strategy for 2026

    In this Automotive Fleet on the Move interview, John Poindexter, founder and CEO of JB Poindexter & Co., shared how his company is approaching growth across its multiple divisions, with each introducing new products or concepts as part of its ongoing expansion. A major development has been the acquisition and integration of its ambulance division, Demers Braun Crestline Medix (DBCM). While consolidation has been a key part of JB Poindexter’s strategy, he noted there is still room in the market for smaller players and startups to compete. At the same time, emerging technologies are beginning to influence how the industry operates. AI is in its early stages of adoption in areas such as information gathering and customer interactions, while advancements in camera systems are improving vehicle visibility and safety. Together, these developments point to a future where data, technology, and design play an increasingly central role in fleet and upfit operations. 🧭 Topics Discussed:• New product introductions across multiple upfit divisions • Expansion into the ambulance market through a recent acquisition • Consolidation strategy and national growth footprint • Opportunities for smaller players in the upfit industry • Early-stage use of AI in operations and customer engagement • The growing role of camera systems for safety and visibility 📰 Make sure you're signed up for the AF newsletter so you don't miss another State of the Fleet Industry video ➡ https://www.automotive-fleet.com/newsletter-signup?utm_source=dragonform&utm_medium=email_subscriptions_optins&utm_campaign=af_website_100&pk=af_website_100 🚗 Visit Automotive Fleet for more fleet industry content ➡ https://www.automotive-fleet.com

    7 min

  2. 2D AGO

    Reducing Risk by Eliminating Phone Use Behind the Wheel

    In this Automotive Fleet on the Move video, the conversation centers on one of the most consistent contributors to fleet incidents: mobile device distraction. Rather than relying solely on policies or post-incident coaching, fleets are exploring ways to remove the distraction altogether by limiting phone use while the vehicle is in motion.Lifesaver Mobile is one example of this approach, designed to control mobile device use while driving and to integrate with telematics platforms like Geotab. In this video, Ted Chen, cofounder of Lifesaver Mobile, explains that the goal is not only to reduce distraction but also to connect that behavior into a broader safety ecosystem.As these systems evolve, they are extending beyond prevention. Chen explains that by linking driver behavior to real-time vehicle and location data, fleets can gain greater visibility and enable faster, more informed responses when incidents occur—reflecting a broader shift toward proactive, connected safety strategies. Topics Discussed The impact of mobile device distraction on fleet safetyWhy policies alone often fall shortApproaches to restricting phone use while drivingIntegration with Geotab and telematics systemsMoving from reactive coaching to proactive risk reductionConnecting driver behavior to real-time safety insightsThe evolving role of connected fleet safety technologies#fleetmanagement #automotivefleet #fleetsafety 📰 Make sure you're signed up for the AF newsletter so you don't miss another State of the Fleet Industry video ➡ https://www.automotive-fleet.com/news... 🚗 Visit Automotive Fleet for more fleet industry content ➡ https://www.automotive-fleet.com

    11 min

  3. APR 29

    What’s Next for Truck Demand in an Uncertain Market?

    Following several years of pent-up demand driven by supply chain disruptions, the commercial truck market is entering a new phase that is defined less by shortages and more by uncertainty. We caught up with Charles Bowles of Commercial Truck Trader, who described how recent demand for replacements has largely been met. At the same time, external factors such as tariffs (yes, still tariffs!) and geopolitical disruptions are making it difficult to predict pricing and supply conditions.Rather than a single defining issue, the market is being shaped by a combination of variables that can shift quickly, leaving fleets and dealers in a holding pattern as they await greater clarity. Catch up on recent trends → https://www.automotive-fleet.com/10257256/whats-really-happening-in-fleet-supply-right-nowOr get it straight to your inbox by signing up for the AF newsletter! → https://www.automotive-fleet.com/newsletter-signup?utm_source=dragonform&utm_medium=email_subscriptions_optins&utm_campaign=af_website_100&pk=af_website_100 #trucking #automotivefleet #tariffs

    6 min

  4. APR 29

    Matt Dyer Says Fleet Is Now a Revenue Driver — What Does That Mean for 2026?

    As costs and complexity escalate, Merchants Fleet’s CEO outlines how fleets must rethink uptime and TCO to drive business performance.In this edition of the State of the Fleet Industry video series, Chris Brown speaks with  @merchantsfleet  CEO Matt Dyer about what it really means for fleet to operate beyond a cost center and as a revenue driver in 2026. With higher costs, longer repair cycles, and more variables to manage, fleets are under pressure to make faster, smarter decisions that directly impact business performance. Dyer points to uptime, total cost of ownership (TCO), and data utilization as the key levers fleets must actively manage to stay competitive. He also emphasizes that success today demands tighter policies, stronger partnerships, and a willingness to adapt — from rethinking maintenance approvals to exploring alternative OEM strategies and maximizing vehicle utilization. 🧭Topics Discussed: - Why fleet performance is now tied directly to business revenue - Improving uptime through faster service and approval processes - Managing TCO amid rising cap costs, interest rates, and maintenance expenses - Reducing delays through better order-to-delivery and upfit strategies - Using connected vehicle data to improve decision-making - Maximizing utilization to get more productivity from existing assets - The growing need for flexibility, partnerships, and broader fleet strategies 🚗 Check out Automotive Fleet's site! https://www.automotive-fleet.com/#automotivefleet #fleet #strategy #oem

    12 min

  5. APR 22

    What’s Really Happening in Fleet Supply Right Now | Merchants Fleet Interview

    In this Automotive Fleet on the Move interview, Charles Matthew, director of acquisitions at  @merchantsfleet  , outlines the current state of fleet supply and why now is a critical moment for planning.While conditions have stabilized in some areas, pressure points remain. Hybrid vehicles are still constrained, cargo van demand is rising quickly, and upcoming EPA regulations could significantly impact costs. Add in geopolitical uncertainty and the potential for new supply chain ripple effects, and the window for proactive decision-making may be narrowing.Matthew’s advice is clear: fleets that delay ordering risk longer lead times, higher costs, and missed opportunities to stay ahead of demand.🧭 Topics Discussed:• Hybrid vehicle constraints and demand pressure • EPA 2027 regulations and potential cost increases • Cargo van availability vs. rising demand • Return of small vans like the Ram ProMaster City • Upfitting progress and recall-related bottlenecks • Geopolitical risks and supply chain uncertainty • Modular upfitting and flexibility opportunities#fleetmanagement #upfitsupply #vans #regulations 📰 Make sure you're signed up for the AF newsletter so you don't miss another State of the Fleet Industry video ➡ https://www.automotive-fleet.com/newsletter-signup?utm_source=dragonform&utm_medium=email_subscriptions_optins&utm_campaign=af_website_100&pk=af_website_100 🚗 Visit Automotive Fleet for more fleet industry content ➡ https://www.automotive-fleet.com

    8 min

  6. APR 8

    From Marine Corps Motor Pool to Managing 460 Fleet Vehicles

    Automotive Fleet’s Chris Brown connects with Cesar Ayala, fleet manager at O’Connell Landscape Maintenance, to discuss his journey from military fleet operations to the civilian sector, where he now manages a large, diverse fleet across Southern California. Ayala oversees more than 460 vehicles, from sedans to heavy-duty trucks, supporting a wide geographic footprint. He shares insights into in-house maintenance strategies, driver training, and the growing importance of compliance in California. The conversation also explores the role of telematics, evolving cost pressures, and how fleet managers can extend vehicle life while maintaining uptime. Topics Discussed - Transitioning from military fleet operations to civilian fleet management = -- - Managing a diverse 460+ vehicle fleet across Southern California - In-house maintenance strategy and maximizing vehicle lifespan - Leveraging warranties and controlling maintenance costs - Building a structured driver training and safety program - Evaluating telematics for compliance, safety, and visibility - Navigating CARB regulations and English language compliance requirements #automotivefleet #telematics #militaryCatch Automotive Fleet's daily newsletters here: Automotive Fleet Industry Newsletters - Automotive Fleet

    13 min

  7. APR 8

    Do Fleets Need More Than a Front-Facing Camera?

    Video telematics has already transformed fleet safety, but according to Lytx CEO Chris Cabrera, the industry is only getting started.In this Automotive Fleet on the Move interview, Cabrera explains how the market is evolving from front-facing cameras into full 360-degree vehicle visibility, giving fleets more tools to protect drivers, assets, and the public. He also discusses how AI is helping fleets pull meaningful insights from massive amounts of video and telematics data — identifying risky behaviors, improving coaching, and surfacing information that would otherwise be impossible to find.The conversation also explores how fleets measure ROI, from avoiding lawsuits and exonerating drivers to reducing accidents, theft, and claims. Looking ahead, Cabrera sees a future where cameras come standard on every fleet vehicle, making it less about the equipment and more about what fleets do with the data.Topics Discussed• Lytx’s new products for mid-market and enterprise fleets• Why video telematics keeps growing• Shift from dash cams to 360-degree visibility• How AI turns video data into safety insights• Reducing accidents, claims, and nuclear verdict risk• OEM integration and factory-installed cameras• Why data — not cameras alone — is the real value#fleet #telematics #dashcam #fleetsafety #gps #automotivetechnology 📰 Make sure you're signed up for the AF newsletter so you don't miss another State of the Fleet Industry video ➡Automotive Fleet Industry Newsletters

    14 min

  8. APR 8

    Bob Adamsky on Fuel Volatility: “Don’t Panic — Have a Plan"

    In a conversation with Chris Brown of Automotive Fleet, Bob Adamski, fleet manager at AWP Safety, shares how his 5,500-vehicle fleet is navigating renewed fuel volatility. With more than 30 years in the fleet industry, Adamski has a message for fleets: “Don’t panic.” Adamski encourages fleets to use rising fuel costs as a catalyst to more easily justify initiatives such as idle reduction, route optimization, and tighter controls on vehicle use.🧭 In this conversation: • Why fuel is one of the most volatile fleet costs • How price spikes can drive efficiency initiatives • How telematics and fuel cards improve control and accuracy • Where routing and vehicle use impact fuel spend • The trade-offs of pre-buying or fixed fuel pricing • Why fleets need a clear fuel strategy in place • The importance of communicating fuel initiatives internally Get more details on market turbulence → #fleetmanagement #fuelprices #automotivefleet 📰 Make sure you're signed up for the AF newsletter so you don't miss another State of the Fleet Industry video ➡ Automotive Fleet Industry Newsletters - Automotive Fleet 🚗 Visit Automotive Fleet for more fleet industry content ➡ https://www.automotive-fleet.com

    12 min
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About

Explore the latest trends, insights, and expert discussions in fleet management with Automotive Fleet's podcast series. From industry-leading interviews to in-depth analyses, each episode is designed to keep fleet professionals informed and ahead of the curve. Stay tuned for practical tips and innovative strategies that drive success in today’s fleet operations

Information

  • Creator
    Automotive Fleet
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    175
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Automotive Fleet
  • Show Website
    Automotive Fleet