17
OCT
15
OCT
Get Ready For Future Trucks That Trouble-shoot Themselves
In the future, equipment is expected to troubleshoot itself
without human intervention.
Thanks to advances in technology, as well as an increasing emphasis on operations efficiency and wise resource use, the role of equipment fleet managers across all industries has changed quite a bit in recent years.
Expect even more changes in the future, says Jim Schug, a principal and engagement manager for FMI Corporation.
Schug, who is also a certified equipment manager and the program lead for the Certification Institute, cites “adapting to technology, innovation, and the new workforce” as three big changes that have occurred in fleet management over the last few years. All fleet management professionals — no matter their industry or the type of equipment managed — need to prepare themselves for more changes on the horizon, he says.
“All vehicles are adapting across the industry,” says Schug, who participated in a panel discussion at ConExpo-Con/Agg in Las Vegas this March on the future of equipment management.
Jim Schug
“We likely are not far from vehicles that troubleshoot themselves, remote sensors that predict what to repair based on the data they collect, and an overall expectation of zero unplanned downtime.” Jim Schug, principal and engagement manager, FMI Corporation
“We likely are not far from vehicles that troubleshoot themselves, remote sensors that predict what to repair based on the data they collect, and an overall expectation of zero unplanned downtime,” says Schug, whose company is headquartered in Raleigh, N.C. and has offices in Denver, Tampa, Phoenix and Houston. “In the future, trucks will be connected and serve as a tracking center; and they will likely evolve out of needing field repairs and emergency calls.”
Need to adapt to changes
Given this move toward automation and advanced technology, fleet equipment — including service trucks —will become much more sophisticated and provide “near perfect information” on how they operate, he predicts. Therefore, he says, companies will only remain competitive in the future if they can do the following: have the best, most “fit” equipment to perform the job; eliminate equipment downtime; and demonstrate the ability to sustain ongoing operations 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And much of this will rest on the shoulders of fleet management leadership and their ability to adapt to industry changes, Schug argues.
“This future is a big shift from where we are today and puts more pressure on the equipment manager to lead what happens in the field, so the intensity and importance of the role increases,” says Schug, who has a bachelor of science degree in quantitative economics from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and a master of science in engineering management from the University of Missouri. “If equipment managers are not already sitting at the leadership table today they should be … and I certainly believe they will be in five years.”
Whether playing catch-up or preparing for more changes, fleet managers should take proactive steps to better position themselves (and their companies) for what lies ahead, he says.
“Learn how to collect data and enter it into an efficient system that helps inform when making difficult decisions,” says Schug, who acknowledges many people already use maintenance management systems in their decision-making.
However, he advises fleet managers to think beyond simply collecting and entering data. On that note, he emphasizes how the gathering, harvesting and analyzing of data by fleet managers can help their CEOs make good decisions.
Recognize data’s value
“You need to recognize how valuable that data is to your lifecycle costs and current operations. Equipment data will drive operations in the future,” says Schug, whose company provides management consulting and investment banking services to various industries including construction and engineering.
Given the importance of data in fleet management, Schug says it is critical for fleet managers to “stay engaged” and “plugged-in” when it comes to industry associations and vendors. By doing so, fleet managers can keep abreast of new technologies, products and/or practices, all of which can benefit their overall fleet management efforts.
“You do not want your firm to fall behind the innovation curve. At the same time, we are seeing strategy evolve from a ‘gut feel’ to a more data-driven approach,” Schug says.
According to Schug, though, a data-driven strategy in fleet management is more of a “shared understanding” developed and refined through the experiences of employees serving customers in the field.
“CEOs seldom innovate effectively,” Schug says. “The field and front-line management is the source of all great innovations; and they will be what leads our industry forward. Great firms recognize this and harness it in the development and execution of their strategy.”
Mark Yontz is a freelance writer from Urbandale, Iowa.
Source: http://www.servicetruckmagazine.com/get-ready-for-future-trucks-that-trouble-shoot-themselves/
15
OCT
Get Ready For Future Trucks That Trouble-shoot Themselves
In the future, equipment is expected to troubleshoot itself
without human intervention.
Thanks to advances in technology, as well as an increasing emphasis on operations efficiency and wise resource use, the role of equipment fleet managers across all industries has changed quite a bit in recent years.
Expect even more changes in the future, says Jim Schug, a principal and engagement manager for FMI Corporation.
Schug, who is also a certified equipment manager and the program lead for the Certification Institute, cites “adapting to technology, innovation, and the new workforce” as three big changes that have occurred in fleet management over the last few years. All fleet management professionals — no matter their industry or the type of equipment managed — need to prepare themselves for more changes on the horizon, he says.
“All vehicles are adapting across the industry,” says Schug, who participated in a panel discussion at ConExpo-Con/Agg in Las Vegas this March on the future of equipment management.
Jim Schug
“We likely are not far from vehicles that troubleshoot themselves, remote sensors that predict what to repair based on the data they collect, and an overall expectation of zero unplanned downtime.” Jim Schug, principal and engagement manager, FMI Corporation
“We likely are not far from vehicles that troubleshoot themselves, remote sensors that predict what to repair based on the data they collect, and an overall expectation of zero unplanned downtime,” says Schug, whose company is headquartered in Raleigh, N.C. and has offices in Denver, Tampa, Phoenix and Houston. “In the future, trucks will be connected and serve as a tracking center; and they will likely evolve out of needing field repairs and emergency calls.”
Need to adapt to changes
Given this move toward automation and advanced technology, fleet equipment — including service trucks —will become much more sophisticated and provide “near perfect information” on how they operate, he predicts. Therefore, he says, companies will only remain competitive in the future if they can do the following: have the best, most “fit” equipment to perform the job; eliminate equipment downtime; and demonstrate the ability to sustain ongoing operations 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And much of this will rest on the shoulders of fleet management leadership and their ability to adapt to industry changes, Schug argues.
“This future is a big shift from where we are today and puts more pressure on the equipment manager to lead what happens in the field, so the intensity and importance of the role increases,” says Schug, who has a bachelor of science degree in quantitative economics from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and a master of science in engineering management from the University of Missouri. “If equipment managers are not already sitting at the leadership table today they should be … and I certainly believe they will be in five years.”
Whether playing catch-up or preparing for more changes, fleet managers should take proactive steps to better position themselves (and their companies) for what lies ahead, he says.
“Learn how to collect data and enter it into an efficient system that helps inform when making difficult decisions,” says Schug, who acknowledges many people already use maintenance management systems in their decision-making.
However, he advises fleet managers to think beyond simply collecting and entering data. On that note, he emphasizes how the gathering, harvesting and analyzing of data by fleet managers can help their CEOs make good decisions.
Recognize data’s value
“You need to recognize how valuable that data is to your lifecycle costs and current operations. Equipment data will drive operations in the future,” says Schug, whose company provides management consulting and investment banking services to various industries including construction and engineering.
Given the importance of data in fleet management, Schug says it is critical for fleet managers to “stay engaged” and “plugged-in” when it comes to industry associations and vendors. By doing so, fleet managers can keep abreast of new technologies, products and/or practices, all of which can benefit their overall fleet management efforts.
“You do not want your firm to fall behind the innovation curve. At the same time, we are seeing strategy evolve from a ‘gut feel’ to a more data-driven approach,” Schug says.
According to Schug, though, a data-driven strategy in fleet management is more of a “shared understanding” developed and refined through the experiences of employees serving customers in the field.
“CEOs seldom innovate effectively,” Schug says. “The field and front-line management is the source of all great innovations; and they will be what leads our industry forward. Great firms recognize this and harness it in the development and execution of their strategy.”
Mark Yontz is a freelance writer from Urbandale, Iowa.
Source: http://www.servicetruckmagazine.com/get-ready-for-future-trucks-that-trouble-shoot-themselves/
13
OCT
CHEVY HONORS TRUCK CENTENNIAL WITH 100-DAY CELEBRATION
Customers encouraged to join celebration with Special Edition Silverado and Colorado, an event at Texas Motor Speedway and more
Model year 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the first production Chevrolet truck. A century and more than 85 million trucks later, Chevrolet has become one of the most recognizable brands in the world. To celebrate the Chevy Trucks Centennial, the brand is honoring the owners who have made Chevy Trucks a part of their lives for the past century with a 100-day celebration featuring two new Special Edition trucks, the national rollout of the Truck Legends customer loyalty program and more.
“The Chevy Trucks Centennial is a huge milestone for us, and is equally important to our customers,” said Sandor Piszar, Chevrolet Trucks Advertising and Marketing director. “That’s why we will be celebrating 100 years of Chevy Trucks over the course of the next 100 days. It’s important that we share this celebration with our loyal customers who have helped us achieve this accomplishment.”
Chevrolet kicked off the Centennial Celebration today at the State Fair of Texas, where the brand announced four ways customers can celebrate the Chevy Truck Centennial:
- New 2018 Silverado and Colorado Centennial Special Editions
- National rollout of the Chevy Truck Legends program
- Branded merchandise featuring Chevy heritage bowtie
- Chevy Trucks Centennial Celebration on Dec. 16, 2017
From the beginning, Chevrolet Trucks has focused on making the best possible vehicle to meet every customer’s needs. After building specialized trucks to serve its factory, Chevrolet introduced its first trucks to customers in 1918. They included the half-ton Light Delivery and the 1918 One-Ton truck. Both were offered with an open chassis behind the windshield that allowed customers to choose between purchasing or building a specialized body for their vocation.
A century later, customer choice continues to drive Chevy Trucks. Chevrolet is still the only manufacturer to offer customers a three-truck portfolio — featuring the Colorado, Silverado and Silverado HD — and a full line of special editions, giving customers more options for the perfect truck to fit their needs and personal style.
2018 Silverado and Colorado Centennial Editions
The latest additions to the Chevrolet Trucks portfolio of special editions, the 2018 Silverado and Colorado Centennial Editions feature design elements inspired by Chevy Trucks throughout history, including a distinctive Centennial Blue paint color and exclusive heritage bowtie emblems and 100 year badges inspired by colors and design cues found on early Chevrolet Trucks.
“The Silverado and Colorado Centennial Editions are a result of collaboration between Chevrolet Design, Engineering and Marketing, to commemorate the history of Chevy Trucks,” said Rich Scheer, Chevrolet Trucks director of Exterior Design. “Both vehicles offer our most enthusiastic fans a way to demonstrate their love for Chevy Trucks and celebrate the Chevy Trucks Centennial with us.”
The Silverado Centennial Edition is available on the LTZ Z71 crew cab and the Colorado Centennial Edition is offered on Z71 crew and extended cab models. Silverado Centennial Editions will be available at dealerships in October. Colorado Centennial Editions will be available in November.
Vehicle Highlights
Silverado
- LTZ Z71 trim; Crew Cab
- Front and rear heritage bowtie emblems
- 100 year door badge
- Spray-in bedliner with heritage bowtie emblem
- Accessory floor liners with heritage bowtie emblems
- Centennial Blue exterior paint
- 22” painted wheels with chrome inserts
- 22” all-terrain tires
- Chrome tow hooks
- Chrome bowtie on steering wheel
Colorado
- Z71 rim; Crew Cab and Extended Cab
- Front and rear heritage bowtie emblems
- 100 year door badge
- Spray-in bedliner with heritage bowtie emblem
- Accessory floor liners with heritage bowtie emblems
- Centennial Blue exterior paint
- Body-Color rear bumper and front grille surround
- LT Optional 18” wheels with monochromatic cap
- Chrome tow hooks, belt molding, mirror caps and door handles
Connecting Truck Legends Nationwide
To connect with the most loyal Chevy Truck customers across the country, the brand is rolling out its Truck Legends program nationwide. The program recognizes customers who own a Chevy Truck with more than 100,000 miles on the odometer, or who have purchased or leased more than one new Chevy Truck in their lifetime. Chevy Truck Legends was launched as a Texas-only pilot in September 2016 and grown to a community of more than 5,400 loyal Chevy Truck customers.
In addition to Truck Legends branded merchandise and access to an exclusive members-only online community, Chevrolet will periodically offer Truck Legends members once-in-a-lifetime experiences leveraging Chevrolet’s partnerships. These experiences could range from front-row seats at concerts, to attending sold-out Major League Baseball events, to getting a sneak peek at new Chevrolet models.
From Ball Caps to Bass Boats
In addition to the special edition Silverado and Colorado and the expansion of the Truck Legends program, Chevrolet is commemorating a century of trucks with a wide range of special merchandise featuring the heritage bowtie emblem highlighted on the Centennial models. And for true enthusiasts, a special Centennial Edition bass boat will be offered by Phoenix Boats and a Centennial Edition enclosed trailer will be available from inTech Trailers. All merchandise is available at ChevyGearUSA.com.
The Phoenix boat and 24-foot inTech trailer, which is large enough to haul a car or other recreational toys, will be designed to complement the Centennial Blue paint and special edition badging.
Chevrolet has also built a customized 1967 C-10 show vehicle to commemorate the 100-year milestone. It will be shown during the State Fair of Texas through Oct. 22 and will be on display at the SEMA show in late October.
Chevy Trucks Centennial Event
The 100-day Centennial Celebration will conclude with a Chevy Trucks Centennial Celebration event on Saturday, Dec. 16 at Texas Motor Speedway. The event will feature opportunities to experience the latest Chevrolet products, a chance to meet Chevrolet fans like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and other exclusive experiences. The event is free to attend but space is limited to invitation only. Truck Legends members will be the first to receive more information on the celebration and invitations.
“This event is Chevrolet’s way of thanking owners for putting their trust in Chevy Trucks for 100 years,” said Piszar. “We look forward to celebrating the past, present and future of Chevy Trucks with our customers.”
FAST FACT: The 1918 Chevrolet One-Ton truck was powered by a four-cylinder engine rated at 36 horsepower. Its top speed was 25 mph.
ABOUT CHEVROLET
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 100 countries and selling more than 4.0 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
13
OCT
CHEVY HONORS TRUCK CENTENNIAL WITH 100-DAY CELEBRATION
Customers encouraged to join celebration with Special Edition Silverado and Colorado, an event at Texas Motor Speedway and more
Model year 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the first production Chevrolet truck. A century and more than 85 million trucks later, Chevrolet has become one of the most recognizable brands in the world. To celebrate the Chevy Trucks Centennial, the brand is honoring the owners who have made Chevy Trucks a part of their lives for the past century with a 100-day celebration featuring two new Special Edition trucks, the national rollout of the Truck Legends customer loyalty program and more.
“The Chevy Trucks Centennial is a huge milestone for us, and is equally important to our customers,” said Sandor Piszar, Chevrolet Trucks Advertising and Marketing director. “That’s why we will be celebrating 100 years of Chevy Trucks over the course of the next 100 days. It’s important that we share this celebration with our loyal customers who have helped us achieve this accomplishment.”
Chevrolet kicked off the Centennial Celebration today at the State Fair of Texas, where the brand announced four ways customers can celebrate the Chevy Truck Centennial:
- New 2018 Silverado and Colorado Centennial Special Editions
- National rollout of the Chevy Truck Legends program
- Branded merchandise featuring Chevy heritage bowtie
- Chevy Trucks Centennial Celebration on Dec. 16, 2017
From the beginning, Chevrolet Trucks has focused on making the best possible vehicle to meet every customer’s needs. After building specialized trucks to serve its factory, Chevrolet introduced its first trucks to customers in 1918. They included the half-ton Light Delivery and the 1918 One-Ton truck. Both were offered with an open chassis behind the windshield that allowed customers to choose between purchasing or building a specialized body for their vocation.
A century later, customer choice continues to drive Chevy Trucks. Chevrolet is still the only manufacturer to offer customers a three-truck portfolio — featuring the Colorado, Silverado and Silverado HD — and a full line of special editions, giving customers more options for the perfect truck to fit their needs and personal style.
2018 Silverado and Colorado Centennial Editions
The latest additions to the Chevrolet Trucks portfolio of special editions, the 2018 Silverado and Colorado Centennial Editions feature design elements inspired by Chevy Trucks throughout history, including a distinctive Centennial Blue paint color and exclusive heritage bowtie emblems and 100 year badges inspired by colors and design cues found on early Chevrolet Trucks.
“The Silverado and Colorado Centennial Editions are a result of collaboration between Chevrolet Design, Engineering and Marketing, to commemorate the history of Chevy Trucks,” said Rich Scheer, Chevrolet Trucks director of Exterior Design. “Both vehicles offer our most enthusiastic fans a way to demonstrate their love for Chevy Trucks and celebrate the Chevy Trucks Centennial with us.”
The Silverado Centennial Edition is available on the LTZ Z71 crew cab and the Colorado Centennial Edition is offered on Z71 crew and extended cab models. Silverado Centennial Editions will be available at dealerships in October. Colorado Centennial Editions will be available in November.
Vehicle Highlights
Silverado
- LTZ Z71 trim; Crew Cab
- Front and rear heritage bowtie emblems
- 100 year door badge
- Spray-in bedliner with heritage bowtie emblem
- Accessory floor liners with heritage bowtie emblems
- Centennial Blue exterior paint
- 22” painted wheels with chrome inserts
- 22” all-terrain tires
- Chrome tow hooks
- Chrome bowtie on steering wheel
Colorado
- Z71 rim; Crew Cab and Extended Cab
- Front and rear heritage bowtie emblems
- 100 year door badge
- Spray-in bedliner with heritage bowtie emblem
- Accessory floor liners with heritage bowtie emblems
- Centennial Blue exterior paint
- Body-Color rear bumper and front grille surround
- LT Optional 18” wheels with monochromatic cap
- Chrome tow hooks, belt molding, mirror caps and door handles
Connecting Truck Legends Nationwide
To connect with the most loyal Chevy Truck customers across the country, the brand is rolling out its Truck Legends program nationwide. The program recognizes customers who own a Chevy Truck with more than 100,000 miles on the odometer, or who have purchased or leased more than one new Chevy Truck in their lifetime. Chevy Truck Legends was launched as a Texas-only pilot in September 2016 and grown to a community of more than 5,400 loyal Chevy Truck customers.
In addition to Truck Legends branded merchandise and access to an exclusive members-only online community, Chevrolet will periodically offer Truck Legends members once-in-a-lifetime experiences leveraging Chevrolet’s partnerships. These experiences could range from front-row seats at concerts, to attending sold-out Major League Baseball events, to getting a sneak peek at new Chevrolet models.
From Ball Caps to Bass Boats
In addition to the special edition Silverado and Colorado and the expansion of the Truck Legends program, Chevrolet is commemorating a century of trucks with a wide range of special merchandise featuring the heritage bowtie emblem highlighted on the Centennial models. And for true enthusiasts, a special Centennial Edition bass boat will be offered by Phoenix Boats and a Centennial Edition enclosed trailer will be available from inTech Trailers. All merchandise is available at ChevyGearUSA.com.
The Phoenix boat and 24-foot inTech trailer, which is large enough to haul a car or other recreational toys, will be designed to complement the Centennial Blue paint and special edition badging.
Chevrolet has also built a customized 1967 C-10 show vehicle to commemorate the 100-year milestone. It will be shown during the State Fair of Texas through Oct. 22 and will be on display at the SEMA show in late October.
Chevy Trucks Centennial Event
The 100-day Centennial Celebration will conclude with a Chevy Trucks Centennial Celebration event on Saturday, Dec. 16 at Texas Motor Speedway. The event will feature opportunities to experience the latest Chevrolet products, a chance to meet Chevrolet fans like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and other exclusive experiences. The event is free to attend but space is limited to invitation only. Truck Legends members will be the first to receive more information on the celebration and invitations.
“This event is Chevrolet’s way of thanking owners for putting their trust in Chevy Trucks for 100 years,” said Piszar. “We look forward to celebrating the past, present and future of Chevy Trucks with our customers.”
FAST FACT: The 1918 Chevrolet One-Ton truck was powered by a four-cylinder engine rated at 36 horsepower. Its top speed was 25 mph.
ABOUT CHEVROLET
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 100 countries and selling more than 4.0 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.