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On November 12, Ford will officially unveil its zero-emission, all-electric E-Transit—a new version of the world’s best-selling cargo van. The automaker’s best-selling van is among the most popular used in our industry, along with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
According to a new survey conducted in the U.S., U.K., and Germany, people are increasingly expressing openness to delivery services operated by electric vehicles. More than 60 percent of Americans and 68 percent of Brits care about the environmental impact of vehicles used by delivery services. That’s a 12 percent increase in the U.S. alone since earlier in the year, when we conducted our initial survey. This is expected to rise in the coming years with an incoming Biden administration that vowed to focus on greener energy and reduction of reliance on fossil fuels.
In all three countries, more than half of respondents say they’d choose an electric-powered delivery service over a gas-powered one if price and arrival times were the same, with 54 percent in the U.S. and nearly 58 percent in the U.K. saying so. And even if they have to wait longer for a delivery via zero-emissions vans, 43 percent of Americans and almost 50 percent Brits say they would do so.
In December, Mercedes-Benz debuted its all-electric eSprinter to its European customers.
The details are scarce at this time—including the all-important vehicle range per charge—but we’ll be sure to share any information once the vehicle is officially revealed.
Visit fleet.ford.com for information on the current Transit and any future updates.
[11.09.20]
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The Transportation Alliance (TTA) announced that Nick Cambas, owner of United Taxi and Yellow Cab in Clearwater, Florida, has been elected as the next president of the association.
Newly-elected President of TTA Nick Cambas
Well-known in Florida and across the country by the industry, Cambas was elected in an open vote of his peers at the annual meeting of The Transportation Alliance. A global trade industry group with members in 250 cities on four continents, TTA is also the oldest fleet association of its kind in the United States, with a history spanning 103 years.
“I’ve been associated with TTA for 32 years, and if anyone had told me when I was younger that I’d be the president, I wouldn’t have believed them,” Cambas said. “This association made me who I am. The friendships I made and the great mentors I’ve had at TTA all contributed to my business growth, and to my own personal growth as well. Now, more than ever, our industry needs this association.”
In his acceptance speech, Cambas outlined a platform of projects for the year that includes fostering increased connections among members through regular town hall meetings, visits to see the operations of other members (travel permitting), and a recruiting and mentorship program for younger members.
As a teenager in the 1970s, Cambas learned the transportation business from his grandfather, making runs between Tampa Airport and a local golf school. He also drove airport shuttles from various hotels and worked at the family’s gas station that serviced their taxi fleet. His grandfather instilled in him the importance of always treating drivers as valuable customers and providing the very best service to all of the companies’ clients.
The family company was later acquired by Coach USA, for whom Cambas worked as a regional executive. He also gained experience in non-emergency medical transportation, brokering Medicaid-funded passenger trips in Florida, and throughout the country. In 2017, he repurchased his family’s original taxi operation. He now runs three separate companies in the Clearwater area: Yellow Cab, United Taxi, and Seven 7s Transportation Group.
Visit thetransportationalliance.org for more information.
[11.09.20]
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- Category: Industry News
Bus and motorcoach dealer DATTCO announced leadership transition for its sales and service division as Jim Gallant, who just marked his 25th anniversary with DATTCO, has assumed the senior vice president of sales & service position. Additionally, Brett Adams joined the DATTCO sales team as vice president of sales and business development.
In his new role, Gallant will manage all DATTCO's sales and service division responsibilities, including parts sales, vehicle sales, fleet repair services, and collision repair. He began with DATTCO in the parts department and grew along with the family-owned company as the dealership expanded. Gallant has most recently served as general manager for Thermo King Northeast, a subsidiary of DATTCO.
DATTCO Vice President of Sales and Business Development Brett Adams (left) and Senior Vice President of Sales & Service Jim Gallant
"I'm honored for the opportunity to return to my roots in sales and service. In this role, I will focus on making the division a successful, cohesive unit that continues to provide clients with exceptional customer service and contributes to the overall success of the company's other divisions—school bus and motorcoach," Gallant stated.
Adams brings more than 25 years of sales and management experience. In his current role, he will identify new business opportunities for DATTCO sales and service, build relationships with prospective clients, and grow the division's commercial vehicle dealership aspect.
“DATTCO is already one of the most reputable dealers in southern New England, but my goal is to position it as the region’s top full-service commercial vehicle dealer. The division has a strong team in place, and I look forward to collaborating with them to enhance the DATTCO brand," said Adams.
At the core of both men’s management style is their belief in the direct connection between employee morale and customer experience, according to the company. Together, they will continue to leverage employee relations' importance to build on the division's success and reach their goals.
"I am pleased to announce these important assignments as we continue to position DATTCO as a leader in commercial vehicle sales and service in New England," said DATTCO President Don DeVivo. "Our biggest strength is our staff; it is what sets us apart from our competition. I have great confidence in Jim and Brett's ability to drive strategic growth and increase the visibility of the DATTCO brand while maintaining the high level of customer service we are known for.”
Visit dattco.com for more information.
[11.09.20]