Archives for May 2020

NAPA AUTO PARTS Supports Intrepid Fallen Heroes with $1.5 Million Donation

May 28, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

Special to Auto Trends Magazine.

NAPA AUTO PARTS announced this week that it has completed its eighth annual “Get Back and Give Back” Campaign. Launched in 2012, NAPA’s “Get Back and Give Back” Campaign supports the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (IFHF), a not-for-profit organization and national leader in supporting the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.

In 2019, NAPA’s military month promotions raised over $1.5 million for the cause. Since 2012, NAPA AUTO PARTS has raised, and donated, over $13 million in funds to build regional Intrepid Spirit Centers that can diagnose and treat Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) in active duty service members.

NAPA AUTO PARTS stores and NAPA AutoCare Centers partnered in multiple promotional programs in 2019 to raise money for the IFHF. This included campaigns selling “We Believe in Heroes” t-shirts and a Hero Hat program in stores, where proceeds from NAPA’s generous customers were contributed to the campaign. In addition, dedicated NAPA suppliers participated in several programs to help raise funds.

“NAPA has a very large military family, including our employees and our customers who have served or are actively serving in the armed forces,” said Jason Rainey, VP of NAPA AutoCare, NAPA AUTO PARTS. “One of our top priorities is ensuring this family has the support it deserves, especially in raising awareness for injuries such as PTS and TBI that are often underfunded, unrecognized, and untreated. In this unique and challenging time with the worldwide pandemic, we are proud to extend the funds that were raised in 2019 without interruption. Furthermore, we’re proud to partner with the IFHF again in 2020 even in these unprecedented times. The 2020 “We Believe in ALL Heroes” campaign focuses on our military as well as those who have served on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“We want to thank NAPA AUTO PARTS for their years of supporting the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and ensuring that the men and women who are injured while defending our nation will have access to the best care available,” said Arnold Fisher, honorary chairman of the IFHF. “With partnerships like this as well as public donations, we are able to help our armed services members who suffer from TBI, PTS, and other psychological health conditions recover from their injuries and return to their lives.”

About Get Back Give Back Campaign

The “Get Back and Give Back” Campaign makes NAPA one of the single largest donors to the Fund. The proceeds go towards the IFHF’s mission of building ten Intrepid Spirit centers around the country that diagnose and treat Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) in U.S. service members.

About NAPA AUTO PARTS

NAPA (www.NAPAonline.com) was founded in 1925 to meet America’s growing need for an auto parts distribution system. Today NAPA has grown to nearly 6,000 NAPA AUTO PARTS stores, 57 distribution centers with more than 400,000 part numbers in inventory, and more than 17,000 NAPA AutoCare and AutoCare Collision Centers nationwide.

ABOUT INTREPID FALLEN HEROES FUND (IFHF)

The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (IFHF) is a leader in supporting the men and women of the United States armed forces and their families. Established in 2000, IFHF has provided over $200 million in support for the families of military personnel lost in service to our nation, and for severely wounded service members and their families.

Today IFHF is leading efforts to help service members suffering the terrible effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) by building a series of ten specially-designed treatment facilities, called Intrepid Spirit Centers, at military bases around the nation. Within these centers, service members receive the most advanced and proven care to address the complex symptoms of TBI, with the goal of returning these men and women to their duties in the armed forces.

Seven Intrepid Spirit Centers are already open and serving America’s brave service members, and the care provided has allowed more than 90% of patients to continue their service in the armed forces. Construction on the eighth Center began in May 2019. For more information about this effort, visit www.fallenheroesfund.org.

Ultimate Luxury: 2020 Genesis G90

May 26, 2020 by admin 1 Comment

One of the descriptions for “genesis” is “beginning” and that’s an appropriate name for Hyundai’s luxury marque.

The Genesis G90 was the brand’s first standalone model when it launched in 2017. Three years later and this full-size sedan is currently sold alongside the midsize G80 and the compact G70 sedans. A GV80 SUV rolls out later this year as Genesis begins shifting its focus to the utilities.

The Genesis G90 is a competitive product in a niche segment. This big sedan offers high style and a limousine-like riding experience. The G90 doesn’t have years of prestige to build on like its German and Lexus competitors, but it makes a strong effort. Whereas the others can become very costly, the G90 holds its own – the most expensive model costs less than $80,000. Its fully loaded competitors top out well above $100,000.

2020 Genesis G90 Review

Genesis offers the 2020 Enclave in two configurations: 3.3T ($72,200) and 5.0 ($75,700). Add $1,025 for the destination charge.

Both configurations come with standard rear-wheel drive. Upgrading to all-wheel drive adds $2,500. There are no package offerings with any G90.

Exterior

If it’s a long canvas you want, the G90 delivers. This sedan is sleek with a modern design, marked by an oversized, diamond-shaped gaping grille. The look is appealing, but it’s also controversial. Some might say the grille is polarizing.

Genesis makes great use of LEDs as they separate the frontal lighting and even make an appearance along the sides within the ornamentation which is affixed just ahead of the front doors. It’s a dramatic touch you’ll notice anytime you unlock the doors.

The G90 has a fair amount of chrome – on the wheels, surrounding the windows, and across the rocker panels, and wrapping the base of the rear. Inasmuch as the grille may surprise some, it’s the rear deck design that can be difficult to accept. The roofline falls to the trunk, almost like a hatchback, but not quite. The trunk itself is taller than most, giving the G90 a bustle-back look popularized in the 1930s and again 50 years later in the Cadillac Seville, Lincoln Versailles, and the Chrysler Imperial. But it’s not a clear-cut design and that’s what makes it so curious.

Interior

The largest luxury sedans offer excellent space for five. But don’t blame the rear passengers if they prefer to limit their numbers to two each as they spread out and enjoy their space. And who could blame them? Each of the outboard spots makes a strong run in seat comfort versus the front row chairs.

Credit Genesis with choosing only the finest materials and carefully crafting the cabin with them. Fine leathers, rich woods, and chrome touches underscore that it means business. And they’re carefully laid out with the pleasing visual feel and touch you’d expect in this class.

It’s the special touches that get noticed too, including the analog clock, the deep alcove for the cell phone that also includes a wireless charger, the split-opening center storage compartment, and the elegant interior lighting.
Now back to the rear seat – what’s odd is that it doesn’t fold down to supply access to the trunk. That’s probably not a big deal in this segment.

Safety

One thing we noticed about some of the G90’s competitors (with Lexus the lone exception), is that they charge extra for the advanced driver-assist safety technologies we expect in our cars. Not only that, they’re often bundled with other features and that gets silly and expensive.

Genesis takes a wise approach to the market. The G90 comes with such features as active lane control, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and a surround-view camera system.

This year, Genesis upped its game by adding lane-centering management, automatic emergency braking for reverse gear, and an upgraded collision warning system. Thus, you’ll find all the major features included.

Technology

Just as Genesis supplies a strong roster of standard safety equipment, likewise the brand knocks things out of the park with technology, beginning with a 12.3-inch display. That’s the size you’ll find in the most expensive models of this day.

A 17-speaker, 900-watt Lexicon audio system is standard as is the previously mentioned wireless charging pad. Genesis includes subscription-free HD Radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility, and multiple USB ports. The 5.0 model adds the rear entertainment system and cooled outboard seats.

Performance

Genesis could have supplied one engine choice with the G90 and that would have satisfied most shoppers. Instead, we have two engine choices and the differences between the two are small.

It all begins with a twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 engine with a rating of 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. The other choice is a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. Our Genesis—supplied test model had the turbo, although we’ve driven cars equipped with the V8. Our finding is that they deliver similar performance, with the V8 supplying an edge in step-off acceleration, while the V6 nearly matches it in passing power. Both engines work with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission.

There is another factor shoppers should consider: available all-wheel drive. Yes, the standard rear-wheel-drive system does great with the adaptive dampers benefitting the buttery ride. Choose all-wheel drive and you’ll notice an improvement in handling, particularly on twisty roads and when cornering. No, the G90 on account of its size doesn’t have the handling chops of the sporty G70, but that’s not its design: comfort is. We’d gladly put the G90 against all comers in the ride comfort department.

If there is anything we’d like to see improve it would be in its fuel economy. No matter the configuration, the G90 drinks its gasoline – you’d be hard-pressed to average 20 mpg on most trips.

Competitive Set

Not many luxury marques offer traditional full-size sedans these days. From Germany, we have the Audi A8L, BMW 7 Series, and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The Lexus LS is the lone big sedan offering from Japan.

The U.S. offerings aren’t nearly as large and include the Lincoln Continental. Like the Continental, the Cadillac CT6 is another model to consider.

Our Recommendation

You can’t go wrong with a G90 in either configuration. We give a slight edge to the V8 over the turbocharged V6, but the differences between the two are simply quite small. As pointed out, the 5.0 adds the rear entertainment system and cooled outboard seats. Opt for all-wheel drive if you live in a snowy climate.

All in all, the G90 establishes does a laudable job in fulfilling its mission. Its price point may be its greatest appeal, especially as it bundles nearly everything you want without charging extra.

2020 Genesis G90 Specifications

Genesis	2020 G90
Segment	Fullsize Luxury Sedan
Price Range	$72,200 to $78,200
Destination Charge	$1,025
Engine No. 1</ td>	3.3-liter, turbo V6
Horsepower	365 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.)	376 @ 1,300 rpm
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Engine No. 2	5.0-liter V8
Horsepower	420 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.)	383 @ 5,000 rpm
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Seating	5
Curb Weight (pounds)	4,663 to 4,960
Wheelbase (inches)	124.4
Length (inches)	204.9
Width (inches)	75.4
Height (inches)	58.9
Headroom (f,r…inches)	41.1, 38.0
Legroom (f,r…inches)	46.3, 37.8
Shoulder room (f,r…inches)	59.1, 57.9
Hip room (f,r…inches)	56.5, 55.0
Storage (cubic feet)	15.7
Gross vehicle weight (pounds)	NR
Towing (pounds)	NR
Payload (pounds)	NR
Fuel	premium
Fuel Tank (gallons)	21.9
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined)	17/25/20
Manufacturing Plant	Ulsan, Korea

Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.

Getting Back on Track: Fleets Prep for Redeployment after Quarantine

May 23, 2020 by Oswaldo (Ozzie) Flores Leave a Comment

Special to Auto Trends Magazine.

America’s trucking fleet is getting back on the road.

With much of America’s trucking operations being grounded for the past several months during the COVID-19 outbreak, fleet managers (as well as the rest of the nation) are chomping at the bit to get back to work. But what does that look like in a world where trucks have been sitting idle for 90 days or more?

A trucking fleet is designed to be used, and the fleet management software systems that have been installed to ensure efficiency, compliance, maintenance and safety are built to mainly monitor a fleet that is in motion – not one that’s been grounded. As we break out of our forced economic slowdown, fleets need to move forward with a fresh outlook and new set of compliance standards.

This re-deployment of a stale fleet cannot be figured out “on the fly.” Too much can go wrong on the road – that is, if the trucks even get that far. If vehicles are down for even a little longer than usual, mechanical issues can seep in.

Just like having wear and tear from the road, trucks can have wear and tear from sitting in a lot. With that in mind, here are three key strategies to getting your fleet back on track:

How to Bring Your Fleet Online

After sitting dormant for an extended period, each truck will be prone to a host of mechanical problems.

Before deployment, schedule a mobile or in-house mechanic to approve the vehicles, leaving enough time to properly inspect for road readiness. If you are unable to have a technician do so, plan to have vehicles scheduled for inspection by your regular shop to review the following:

1. Tires: Gauge the pressure of all tires before deployment. Air can leak out while trucks sit because the pressure builds at fixed points on the tire. Keep portable air compressors handy in the vehicle yard.

2. Batteries: Test the condition of each one and their respective charge capacities. Make sure to have readily available jump-starters on hand.

3. Fuel: Check fuel levels and, if possible, the condition of the fuel. After several months, it’s easy to lose track of who topped off and who didn’t.

4. Brakes: Make sure all brakes are fully functioning before going back on the road. Even if they haven’t been used, brake pads can deteriorate over time and brake calipers can freeze up from non-use.

5. Suspension: Closely inspect all steering components to ensure the vehicle is handling properly. Short test drives are recommended for evaluation prior to heading out on a long haul.

6. Fluids: Check all fluid levels, including radiator, brake, steering and washer fluids. Excessive leaks should be apparent from vehicle-sitting and may be a leading indicator of more serious troubles.

7. Third-party devices: If equipped with aftermarket mechanical (PTO, cranes, lifts, etc.) or electronic devices (cameras, GPS, etc.) these need to be checked for proper operation as well.

Without knowing where the problems lay within each vehicle, it is critical to conduct a thorough evaluation on every truck. This way, the failures can be addressed before it’s too late. Unfortunately, trucks can break down or cause a serious accident if they are not proactively maintained, and many of these mechanical issues are avoidable if detected ahead of time.

How to Remain Compliant in the “New Normal”

Once you determine your fleet is ready to go from a mechanical perspective, there are a series of regulations – including many that have been updated on account of the coronavirus pandemic – fleet managers need to understand. Being well-informed of the latest rules, as well as their exemptions and exceptions, is crucial to operating safely and efficiently – beyond avoiding compliance-related fines or violations.

Lawmakers, government agencies, and industry associations have issued guidance about everything from where to find food in a quarantine zone and how to remain socially distant with roadside assistance to sanitizing the cab and wearing protective gear.

Here are 10 key resources for understanding the compliance landscape in our new era of COVID-19 and perhaps beyond.

1. North American emergency declarations (exemptions and exceptions) broken down by federal and state governing bodies: https://www.cvsaemergencydeclarations.org/?country=USA&state=ALL&agency=ALL

2. Hours of service waivers and extensions as issued by the FMCSA: https://www.trucking.org/COVID19/federal-declarations#HOS

3. If licensing has been disrupted by COVID-19, drivers may secure waivers for their CDL and medical cards:
https://www.trucking.org/COVID19/federal-declarations#CDL

4. The latest guidance on preventing occupational illness and injury from OSHA:
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/trucking_industry/

5. CDC guidance on New York City and other hotspots:
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2020/s0326-nyc-truck-driver-guidance.html

6. Certain states are not required to train third parties in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out if this waiver applies to your team:
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/waiver-knowledge-test-training-certain-third-party-cdl-test-examiners-response-covid-19

7. Some disqualifying events may not be applied to drivers’ records during the emergency period:
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/2020-04/FMCSA%20Notice%20Enf%20Disc%20on%20SDLA%20DQs-Convictions%20Uploads%20-%20Apr%2017%202020.pdf

8. The bill providing workers with paid sick leave, tax credits, and free COVID-19 testing; expanding food assistance and unemployment benefits; and increasing Medicaid funding:
https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/6201

9. New out-of-service criteria for North American truckers issued by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance:

CVSA’s New 2020 North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria is Now in Effect

10. Emergency waivers and extensions for trucker drivers with learner permits, who are pursuing licensing:
https://files.constantcontact.com/dbfea8d5301/c981bed6-226c-40d3-91e7-25dc0db6d2a1.pdf

Staying informed about policies is important during this time of change. Many of the waivers are temporary, though, and will need to be renewed in June or the rules will revert to their pre-pandemic state. Make sure to keep checking back regularly with these resources as compliance codes are changing often on a federal level and varying within individual states.

How to Bring Your Personnel Online

Since the machinery is only as good as the people controlling them, we’ll also need to “reboot” the staff – drivers, mechanics, dispatchers, etc. – to ensure they are refreshed and up to date on the latest operating procedures. This re-onboarding takes time and should be planned for long before redeployment.

Take time to retrain drivers on policies and procedures, providing them with a quick, but mandatory, refresher on high-level items that are critical to your business.

With COVID-19, it is strongly advised that each company implement new safe practices for touchless delivery, if possible, to protect both your employees and your customers.

Conduct a quick audit for all documents. Items that need to be in the vehicle(s) at all times may include the following:

Fuel card associated to proper vehicle(s)
Accident kit
Insurance documentation
Registration paperwork
Employee handbook
Vehicle operations manual
User manuals for third-party devices installed in the vehicle (ELD etc.)
Masks and gloves
Disinfectant wipes and spray

Administrative staff should also refresh themselves on company policies and procedures when it comes to requirements due to accidents, vehicle tow away procedures, missing fuel cards, maintenance requirements, etc.

As a fleet manager, your personnel is your most precious cargo, and ensuring the team’s safety and education is the most valuable form of compliance you can practice. Remember that they are working under extraordinary circumstances and be mindful of those pressures. Take the time to thank everyone for their continued effort, hard work, and patience during these unprecedented times. Words of encouragement and thanks go a long way towards providing a great experience for the customer and employee.

Having a fleet management software provider you trust as your partner is crucial during such an unprecedented time. With all the mechanical inspections, compliance monitoring, and staff education that needs to take place in preparation for redeployment, automation and recording technologies can be incredibly useful. For instance, a digitized maintenance process, portal and schedule to determine which vehicles had required immediate attention prior to the shutdown is more likely to be accurate and easy to reference than a paper trail which has to be tracked down among a fleet team that’s been sitting around for months.

Now more than ever, the condition of the fleet and its team needs to be ready to roll. Not only is the economy depending on all the logistics services these trucks provide, but the safety component and new risks from being idle cannot be overstated.

The key to executing this very delicate and high-stakes re-entry is having systems and processes that are current and keep up with the ever-changing compliance requirements of this new normal. Only an experienced fleet management software provider, who understands these compliance requirements as well as other critical business needs and best practices, can make jump-starting a trucking fleet as easy as possible, while maintaining efficiency and safety.

To ensure your fleet is in good hands, managers must continually review their software vendors and determine if they are providing the best services and features as they relate to maintenance, compliance, safety, and personnel. With all the disruption this year, are you confident that your provider can steer your fleet back on track?

Image by fkevin from Pixabay

Premium Delight: Buick Enclave Avenir

May 20, 2020 by admin 1 Comment

The Buick marque once represented a line of sedans, with names such as Electra 225, Roadmaster, and Lucerne among them. These days, however, the brand is down to the Regal car line with an assortment of tiny, small, and midsize crossovers dominating the product field.

At the top of the crossover spectrum is the Enclave, a three-row model with room for seven. It seems larger than it is, thanks to its roomy interior.

The first-generation Enclave rolled out in 2008 and stayed on the market for 10 years. The second-generation Enclave made its debut in 2018 and includes only minor package changes for its third year.

2020 Buick Enclave Review

Buick offers the 2020 Enclave in four trims: Preferred ($40,000), Essence ($42,000), Premium ($48,400), and Avenir ($53,800). Add $1,195 for the destination charge.

Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is available on all but the base trim.