Volvo Expands Connected Safety With Real-Time Hazard Alerts
Volvo is expanding its Connected Safety technology to give drivers earlier warnings of potential road hazards. In addition to existing alerts for slippery roads and vehicles with activated hazard lights, the system will now warn equipped vehicles about large animals, pedestrians and cyclists, roadwork, and accidents ahead. The expanded features will initially be available on the EX60 and EX90, with plans to bring them to Volvo’s -40, -60, and -90 model lines.
Unlike crowdsourced navigation alerts that rely on drivers to report or confirm hazards, Volvo uses vehicle sensors to automatically detect an issue and share the information through the cloud with other connected Volvos approaching the area. For fleets, this technology could provide drivers with valuable extra reaction time and help reduce collision risk. While compatibility in the U.S. and Canada is currently limited to certain Volvo models, broader manufacturer participation could significantly increase the safety benefits of connected-vehicle technology over time.
Canadian Tariff Threat Adds New Uncertainty for Fleet Planning
President Trump’s threat to raise tariffs on Canadian-built vehicles and auto parts to 50% beginning January 1, 2027, is adding another layer of uncertainty for North American fleets. While production cannot shift across borders quickly, the possibility of higher tariffs could influence OEM pricing, incentives, allocation, sourcing, and future production decisions well before any new tariff takes effect.
August New-Vehicle Sales Expected to Hold Steady
U.S. new-vehicle sales are expected to maintain a steady pace in August despite continued economic uncertainty. Cox Automotive forecasts a SAAR of 16.3 million, unchanged from July and slightly below the 16.5 million pace recorded a year ago. Total sales volume is projected at 1.35 million vehicles, down 8.5% year over year, although much of the decline reflects fewer selling days and Labor Day sales shifting into September this year.