2020 Ford Transit Gets AWD Drivetrain, Safety and Convenience Updates
The 2020 Ford Transit received some major upgrades, including an available AWD option, two new engine choices, upgraded safety and interior features, and a 10-speed transmission.
The Transit comes standard with a 3.5L V6, replacing the 3.7L, which should offer better efficiency. A 2.0L bi-turbo inline-four diesel is also available, offering more torque and power than the outgoing 3.2 diesel. The 10-speed auto transmission should help to improve acceleration and fuel economy.
The move to offer an AWD option for the 2020 Ford Transit makes sense. The Mercedes Sprinter has been offered as an AWD since 2015, but other options such as the RAM ProMaster, Nissan NV, and Chevrolet Express are only available in FWD or RWD.
Many parcel delivery, construction, and utility companies employ this type of van, so the need is there. Many of these companies operate in adverse weather conditions and on sub-par roadways.
In regards to convenience, the AWD has the same ride and floor height as the RWD van, ensure ease-of-entry and loading. Power-sliding doors are also being offered for the first time, an incredibly useful feature for Transits being used as shuttles.
Ford also focused on safety and driver convenience. Available safety features include pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, post-collision braking, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beam headlights.
Other options include active park assist, front and rear cameras, adaptive cruise control, and an adjustable speed governor. Ford Co-Pilot 360, which comes on the XLT passenger van, includes a blind spot alert system, trailer cover, side and rear sensing, and cross traffic alert.
Nov 2016
2017 Nissan Altima Overview
While the redesign wasn’t vast, the 2017 Nissan Altima delivers an exceptional blend of quick acceleration, fuel efficiency, advanced safety features, and driver convenience. The Altima’s standard 179-horsepower 2.5L boasts MPG ratings of 27 city and /39 highway. The updated numbers have helped the Altima to jump to the head of its class in terms of fuel efficiency, while still remaining in-line with competitor’s horsepower levels. If you’re the power-hungry type the available 3.5L increases the horsepower to 270 while still running at 22/32 MPG.
A unique feature to help the Altima achieve these numbers is the available Active Grille Shutter system that reduces wind resistance by automatically closing when traveling at highways speeds. This active grille, along with the increased focus on aerodynamics, has helped to reduce the drag coefficient to 0.26, which happens to be the same as the wildly powerful Nissan GT-R.
As with most modern vehicles, safety features were a key focus of the updates. Available features include intelligent cruise control, rear cross traffic alert, blind sport monitoring, forward emergency braking, and predictive forward collision warning. The addition of sound dampening materials helps reduce both road noise as well as the droning sound that’s typical of the CVT, helping the cabin to be noticeable quieter. And although the interior cabin will be nice and quiet, look for the 2017 Nissan Altima to make some noise in the midsize sedan segment.
Oct 2016
Michael Braude Inducted Into Fleet Hall of Fame
We are extremely proud to announce that one of EMKAY’s founders, the late Michael Braude, has been inducted into the Automotive Fleet Hall of Fame. Braude played an integral part in growing EMKAY’s presence during the early years and helped the company grow into the premier fleet management provider that it is today.
Michael Braude joins two other inductees in the 2016 HOF class. For quick a look at EMKAY’s vast history and how Braude helped to get the company, and the fleet management industry as a whole, up and running, click the link below.
EMKAY recently participated in an Automotive Fleet article that details the order to delivery times (OTD) for 2016 model year vehicles. The overall consensus within the fleet industry is that OTD times remained relatively comparable to the 2015 model year vehicles. Factors such as increased demand, severe weather, and rail car shortages were the main causes that worked increase OTD times during the year. However, the decrease in quality holds during 2016 helped to bring the overall OTD times back to the norm.
Read the full article on the 2016 Order to Delivery times:
Fiat Chrysler has released details and images of the completely revamped Jeep Compass. The updated Compass will act as the replacement for both the outgoing Compass and the overly boxy Patriot.
Based off the few images released along with the announcement, the all-new Compass has strong resemblances of the current Grand Cherokee. While the outgoing Compass looked a little like a baby Grand Cherokee, the updated version looks more like the little brother, with a powerful front-end and stance.
Jeep made sure to note that a TrailHawk trim level will be available, while they also hinted that the MySky removable roof panels will be available as well. The one interior photo clearly displays and upgraded infotainment system and an interior resembling that of the Cherokee. It’s expected that the many improvements, including better fuel economy, will result in a higher price.
The initial photos are creating a lot of buzz, and I have to say it’s gotten us excited to see the final product first-hand. However, production has just gotten underway, so expect to start seeing these all-new vehicles at dealers in spring of 2017.
Sep 2016
2018 Chevrolet Equinox to Offer Turbo, Diesel Engines
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox will have three new engine options to go along with a refreshed look and feel. The announcement of the updated Equinox with the new engine offerings is the first step of Chevrolet’s plan to completely revamp their SUV lineup.
The 2018 Equinox engine offerings are as follows:
Base: 1.5L direct-injected DOHC with 170hp and 203 lb.-ft. of torque (Est. 31 MPG hwy)
2.0L direct-Injected DOHC with 252hp and 206 lb.-ft. of torque (Est. 28 MPG hwy)
1.6L turbo-diesel with 136hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque (Est. 40 MPG hwy)
Both the interior and exterior have received styling updates as well. The redesign shortened the Equinox by 4 inches and took cues from the all-new Malibu from a styling standpoint. The headlights have been narrowed and the grille widened to give the front end the aggressive look that is becoming increasingly popular. Chevy has also cut down the protruding wheel hubs for a more streamlined look along the side panels.
In addition to the new engine offerings, the 2018 Equinox will be 400 pounds lighter and will have an available AWD system that can be turned on and off. Added safety features include Surround Vision, collision alert, lane-keep assist, blind zone alert, a Safety Alert Seat, and rear cross traffic alert.
It’s anticipated that the 2018 Equinox will go on sale in early 2017.
Sep 2016
Ford Announces Future Plans for Electric & Self-Driving Vehicles
Ford will focus on becoming a leader in “electrification, autonomy, and mobility,” the manufacturer announced in a recent press release. Relying on nearly two decades of experience in electrification, “Ford is investing $4.5 billion in electrified solutions and introducing 13 new electrified vehicles – representing 40 percent of its lineup – by 2020,” the release states.
This move should position Ford as a leader in the electric vehicle market, as the number of electrified offerings is predicted to exceed conventional combustion vehicle offerings within the 2030 timeframe.
In addition to the electric segment, Ford will also focus on growing its presence in the self-driving and autonomous vehicle industry. The company plans to produce a vehicle that is able to operate fully autonomous by 2021. The vehicle is being designed for commercial services and will not be equipped with a steering wheel or gas and brake pedals. Ford forecasts that autonomous vehicles could comprise up to 20% of vehicle sales by 2030.
Ford is also focusing on its core segments to act as pillars to support the future investments in “emerging opportunities.” They will continue to concentrate on building their global leadership in the truck, van, commercial, & performance vehicle segments.
“We expect Ford’s performance to be strong through 2018 — with our core business improving, allowing us to invest in the emerging opportunities that will ensure our future success,” said Ford CFO Bob Shanks.
Aug 2016
2017 Selector Guide Now Available!
The building of the vehicle selector is a very important aspect of successful fleet management. With the field of options continuing to grow and change on a yearly basis, it can be difficult to stay up-to-date on what each vehicle has to offer. That’s where we come in.
EMKAY’s 2017 Vehicle Selector Guide is now available for review. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on a wide array of vehicles, broken down by vehicle segment. These side-by-side comparisons will help to ensure you have the in-depth information required to build the ideal selector to fit your fleet’s needs.
For additional assistance with using this document or determining the ideal fit for your fleet, please contact your Strategic Account Manager. Click the following link in order to open the EMKAY Vehicle Selector Guide:
Chevrolet’s return to the medium-duty market is official as the new Chevrolet Low Cab Forward trucks are on the way to dealers across the country. These trucks are ideal for commercial companies that frequently haul sizable payloads, especially in urban environments. Their excellent maneuverability and visibility make the driving experience safe, simple, and enjoyable.
There are three different engine offerings, a 6.0L V8 gas, a 3.0L turbo-diesel, and a 5.2L turbo-diesel. The trucks are available in both regular and crew cab styles and entry-level MSRP is $40,900 for gas engines, while the MSRP for the diesel engine starts at $48,375.
The following link will direct you to the Low Cab Forward section of Chevrolet’s website.
We are proud to announce that EMKAY has once again received the honor of being named one of the Best Places to Work in IL by the Daily Herald Business Ledger. EMKAY prides itself on fostering an environment in which employees can excel both personally and professionally. Awards such as this help to reinforce our corporate goal of utilizing highly satisfied employees to support highly satisfied customers.
Thank you to everyone who voted and helped EMKAY to achieve this outstanding recognition!
Thank you for your interest in EMKAY, we will try and get back to as shortly as possible.
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