October « 2011 « FleetAnswers – Your Intelligent Fleet Community

Following an extensive and highly competitive tender process, the U.S. Department of Commerce has contracted with leading fleet software provider Chevin Fleet Solutions to optimize its fleet of more than 2,000 vehicles.

With the roll-out of Chevin’s web-based enterprise fleet management information system, FleetWave, will supplement the Department of Commerce’s inflexible property management system while providing comprehensive oversight and spend management controls over agency owned as well as GSA leased vehicles across the Department of Commerce’s Bureau’s, Regions and field offices.

By introducing FleetWave, the Department of Commerce will soon be able to manage its fleet through a single organization wide software application providing all of the tactical functionality and strategic visibility needed to insure that the agency can complete its mission to advance job creation, economic growth, sustainable development and improved standards of living for all Americans.

FleetWave will provide the Commerce Department’s many Bureau’s and fleet coordinators the flexibility to oversee a range of services from the dispatch and management of pooled and assigned vehicles, to the buses, vans and delivery vehicles used to conduct agency business around the world.

In order to streamline its fleet operations while providing all of the unique capabilities needed to support its important mission, a collection of innovative and fully integrated FleetWave modules will be used including vehicle management, motor pool, driver and accident management, maintenance scheduling and external vendor management as well as fuel management for up to two commercial fuel and procurement card platforms.

Commenting on the contract announcement, Ron Katz Senior VP of Chevin Fleet Solutions said: “As a significant Federal agency, the selection process was extremely rigorous; and to have been selected by the Department of Commerce is a testament to FleetWave’s as well as Chevin’s credentials as a true leader within the fleet management industry.”

“It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to work with the US Department of Commerce, and we look forward to helping this important Federal agency exceed its operational goals, comply with presidential mandates all while gaining greater control over all of their fleet operations and costs.”

For more information about Chevin Fleet Solutions, visit www.chevinfleet.com and follow on Twitter @ChevinTweet.

For further information including print quality photographs please contact Ron Katz at Chevin Fleet Solutions at: (781) 793-0788 or ron@chevinfleet.com

Strasbourg, FRANCE – October 13, 2011 – Dow Kokam announced today during the National Days of Public Transportation, an agreement to supply advanced lithium-ion battery systems to Safra, a hybrid bus manufacturer in France. Dow Kokam will provide advanced battery system solutions to Safra’s Businova. Businova is a revolutionary urban bus powered by a multi-hybrid engine that draws from three energy sources: an electric engine, a hydraulic motor and combustion engine that work together to automatically power the vehicle. The propulsion system allows for a dramatically more energy-efficient vehicle, and reduces the consumption of diesel by more than 55 percent compared to conventional buses. The Businova will begin test operations in the French towns of Albi and Toulouse starting in 2012.

“Safra has unveiled a truly revolutionary product with its multi-hybrid system that will combine the best of electric, hydraulic and combustion engines reducing emissions dramatically while providing a solution that will save bus operators in Europe time and costs,” said Jean Francois Herchin, Vice President of Dow Kokam. “Dow Kokam provides Safra leading battery system solutions, reliable supply and European-based sales and service aimed at supporting Safra in its growth plans with Businova as well as further product expansions.”

Safra selected Dow Kokam’s superior advanced battery technology to power the electric engine of Businova’s multi-hybrid engine due to its proven performance. Dow Kokam will supply both a 105 kWh hour lithium-ion battery system and a 35 kWh auxiliary battery system to power the Businova’s e-motor. The multi-hybrid technology provides an eco-friendly low energy consumption answer to traditional fossil fuel powered buses, that is easy to use and maintain which will help reduce the total cost of ownership for bus operators over the vehicle’s life-span.

“Safra partnered with Dow Kokam to power our unique multi-hybrid engine because of its 10 years proven advanced lithium-ion battery technology, reliability of its technology and the company’s insight and knowledge of the unique demands and needs of hybrid buses,” said Vincent Lemaire, President, Safra. “Safra, in partnership with Dow Kokam’s cutting edge technology, offers ready solutions for the next generation of buses today.”

Unlike other buses, the Businova has been designed to offer a new experience for passengers and drivers. The Businova complies with the current bus standards of low-floor, easy boarding for wheelchair users and people with restricted mobility. The multi-hybrid engine of the Businova is located under the ‘glass rotunda,’ which will allow passengers a quiet ride while also providing access for a panoramic rear view.

Dow Kokam batteries bring the reliability of more than 10 years of proven performance in demanding applications and have been adopted as the primary source of energy in high performance applications in industries ranging from transportation, marine, aerospace, defense and high-end industrial products.

About Dow Kokam

Dow Kokam brings technologically advanced and economically viable battery solutions to the transportation, defense, industrial and medical industries. Uniting Dow, Kokam America and Dassault SVE creates the first battery and energy management systems manufacturer to combine viable, scalable large-format battery technology with the market franchise, manufacturing expertise and market knowledge necessary to become the clear partner of choice across industries.

Dow Kokam was established in 2009 to develop and manufacture advanced energy storage technologies for the transportation and other industries. The company is owned by The Dow Chemical Company, TK Advanced Battery LLC and Groupe Industriel Marcel Dassault.

About Safra

SAFRA (Société Albigeoise de Fabrication et Réparation Automobile), a family business, was founded in 1955 by Roger BODOIRA whose prime vocation was coach-building.

SAFRA has three distinct activities:

The Body Shop department specializes in car repairs (paint and bodywork) and breakdown service for all types and makes of light vehicles, whether privately owned, professional fleets or leased.
The Commercial Body Shop specializes in the provision of equipment, the fitting out and heavy maintenance of urban passenger transport vehicles. Specializing in the renovation of standard and articulated buses, SAFRA has recently extended its expertise to the rail sector: trams, undergrounds and rail carriages.
The Shop fitting Workshop specializes in the fitting out of service industry areas (shops, workplaces…) as well as special vehicles.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kay Brungs

Golinharris

312-729-4047

kbrungs@golinharris.com

Monthly Archive for October, 2011

US Department of Commerce calls on Chevin Fleet Solutions to help with fleet management oversight

Dow Kokam and Safra Collaborate to Bring Revolutionary Hybrid Buses to European Streets