(CANADA) Stellantis to Replace Dodge Durango with New Stealth SUV Amid UAW Dispute
Stellantis plans to replace the Dodge Durango with a smaller SUV named the Stealth, set to be assembled in Windsor, Ontario, beginning in 2027. Durango production will end in July 2027 at the Detroit Assembly Complex, with no plans for a new Dodge model based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Stealth, a five-passenger crossover built on the STLA Large platform supporting both internal combustion and electric powertrains, revives a name last used for a sports coupe in the 1990s. The United Autoworkers Union (UAW) has filed complaints accusing Stellantis of violating a 2023 labor contract that committed to building the Durango in Detroit. Stellantis denies breaching the agreement, stating it will communicate production plans to the UAW in due time.
Benchmarking Key to Improving Fleet Safety: Insights from NETS Annual Report
Fleet benchmarking is crucial for managing and improving fleet safety programs, as it allows companies to measure their performance against internal metrics or industry peers. The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) conducts an annual benchmark among its members, comparing crash, injury, and fatality rates, as well as fleet involvement in crashes. The report enables comparisons by fleet size, sector, vehicle type, or country and offers longitudinal insights on how program changes impact fleet safety. Key findings show that companies with safety features like electronic stability control and fatigue management programs see lower crash rates. In 2022, only 7.02% of NETS members' fleet vehicles were involved in crashes, significantly below the industry average of 20%. The results will be discussed at NETS' Annual Fleet Safety Benchmark Conference in Atlanta, where Fleet Safety Awards will also be presented.
Post-Pandemic Vehicle Market: Supply Stabilizes, Costs Remain High, and EV Growth Varies
As the post-pandemic recovery continues, supply chain challenges have mostly eased, with dealer lots filling up and days-to-turn for trucks returning to pre-pandemic levels. However, commercial vehicle prices remain high despite increased supply. Maintenance and insurance costs have risen, though fuel prices and inflation are moderating. Depreciation is declining, raising total ownership costs, and used vehicle prices may stabilize due to a drop in lease maturities. Meanwhile, the push for electric vehicles (EVs) is uneven, with sales growth driven by certain regions and fleet types, while commercial EV adoption remains slow. The upcoming election could impact EV market growth.