Category: Read

Letter From the Editor: Successful Connections

Building Your Book For those in sales, the phrase “building your book of business” is likely a familiar phrase. But even if you’re not in sales, you have a “book” too. Essentially, your book is that list of people you know and interact with; they might be prospects, customers, colleagues, acquaintances, industry experts you’ve met, mentors, and the list goes on and on.  The important point here is that we all have a book, no matter what business we’re in, and regardless of our role...

The Way We Were – Thoughts from Work Truck Week 2024

In the recent past for the automotive world (both commercial and retail), the world of selling was very different. With scarce inventory, customers were clamoring for darn near any vehicle they could get their hands on. And this meant prices that were higher (often significantly so) than usual, along with multiple customers competing for the same vehicle. As a result, many new to the vehicle business thought the process was simply taking an order, frequently from the person willing to pay the highest amount.  Oh,...

WTW24 | Safety Central -A Safe Bet: You Couldn’t Have Missed Booth 5321 at Work Truck Week 2024 Even If You Tried

Was it the carefully aligned, polished vehicles that you spotted from across the floor?  Or the high-tech touch screens, bright lights, and chrome-finished storage solutions you noticed upon closer inspection? Maybe it was the group of onlookers by the high-roof van hypnotized by another smooth ErgoRack demo?  No matter what pulled you into Booth 5321, it wouldn’t have taken long to notice the precise attention to details given to the souped-up vehicles, product displays, and engaging Experts covering the booth. After all, an exhibit at...

Driving Connections: One Nexus Acquires Commercial Truck Training

This industry is all about making connections, and you see evidence of that everywhere. It is an honor to share details on one such connection in this admired publication. Our job is to help a business grow by connecting them to the tools that can assist in their everyday efforts. Maybe that’s enhancing efficiency, making transportation safer, providing unprecedented convenience, or simply allowing the bottom line to tilt more in their favor. To succeed anywhere in the commercial and fleet world, you have to love...

COACH KEN : Working Trade Shows Without a Booth

Working a trade show for commercial auto can be a very lucrative event regarding both appointments and sales. Most dealerships feel like they have to buy a booth in order to make it worthwhile, but nothing could be further from the truth.  Here is why: One day walking the booths at a trade show or other business event is like five days of sales calls! Here is a short guide to working the show, including the word track. 1.  Be casual and friendly and whatever...

DEALERSHIP SUCCESS | Connecting the Dots: A Strategy for Success in a Brave New World

The commercial vehicle industry stands at the crossroads of innovation and tradition, facing a future where net-zero operations are not just ideal but often required by regulations. And beyond the net-zero conversation, there are many other challenges encountered by those in our commercial ecosystem, and they all need solutions.  The complex and interconnected nature of this industry, combined with the urgent push toward sustainability, requires a strategic approach that goes beyond the conventional. Success in this brave new world hinges on the ability of commercial...

ALTFUEL | Connect for Success: Easing the Stress of Net-Zero Adoption

As the push towards climate-friendly commerce intensifies, business owners and commercial fleet managers find themselves at the forefront of a significant change—moving towards net-zero emissions. However, despite the clearly defined objective, the uncertainty about the process and fears about the associated complexities often create a high-stress environment for these professionals. Transitioning commercial vehicle fleets to net-zero emissions involves dealing with numerous issues, such as choosing the right vehicles, upgrading infrastructure, and organizing appropriate driver training. Financing these changes is another significant stress point, as is...

Driverge Vehicle Innovations Expands Internationally Through Acquisition of Canadian Wheelchair Van Conversion Business

Driverge Vehicle Innovations, one of the country’s leading builders of wheelchair accessible vans, shuttles and transporters, announced today that it has recently acquired Van-Action (2005) Inc. and Freedom Motors Inc., Savaria Corporation’s Canadian wheelchair van conversion manufacturing business. In addition to increasing its production capabilities, this strategic step establishes Driverge’s international presence, marking a significant milestone in the company’s history. This acquisition expands Driverge’s footprint by adding two manufacturing locations in Canada. The addition of the Freedom Motors Inc. and Van-Action (2005) Inc. operations aligns...

WTW24: Morgan Olson and EAVX celebrate development milestone in next-generation PROXIMA step van with Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp.

Innovation-focused business unit of JB Poindexter makes inaugural appearance at NTEA’s premier industry event STURGIS, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Morgan Olson, LLC (Morgan Olson) has achieved another innovation milestone in developing the next-generation walk-in step van: Proxima. This version of Proxima has evolved with a new, radically streamlined body design by J.B. Poindexter & Co., Inc. d/b/a EAVX (EAVX) – the innovation hub for J.B. Poindexter & Co., Inc. (JBPCO). The next-generation step van Proxima features a number of innovative body design highlights from Morgan Olson, including: Inside...

WTW24: Adrian Steel Unveils Revolutionary Truck Solutions

Adrian Steel, a market leader in cargo management solutions for commercial vans, proudly introduces an innovative lineup of truck solutions at this year’s Work Truck Show. Celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2023, Adrian Steel has embarked on a journey to extend its expertise into the commercial pickup upfitting sector, with the experience and success of their history in cargo vans. A New Era for Commercial Pickup Upfitting Since 2022, Adrian Steel has been focused on transforming the commercial pickup upfitting landscape, leveraging its strong foundation...