In the face of record-high gas prices, Bill Ford Jr. supports a combination of gas tax and new-vehicle purchasing incentives to spur greater fuel efficiency, he said Wednesday at the New York auto show. Reuters reported from the show that Ford has backed a gas tax of 50 cents for years, but would like to see tax breaks for consumers who buy cars with new fuel-saving technology. Ford would also like to see subsidies for fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles, such as the gas-electric hybrid Escape compact SUV. That vehicle traveled 576 miles around Manhattan on one tank of gas from Monday April 6 to Tuesday night. The test drive was designed to publicize the fuel economy and emissions benefits of hybrid electric vehicles. Other industry officials such as GM’s Vice Chairman Bob Lutz also support higher gas taxes and sales incentives, according to Reuters. Despite increases in Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, the average fuel economy of vehicles on U.S. roads has declined over the past two decades with the growth of sport utility vehicle sales. The EPA is considering revising its methodology for fuel economy tests. The new numbers would likely result in lower gas mileage estimates on new cars, which may affect how NHTSA administers CAFE. Transportation energy consumption is increasing by 1.8% per year, faster than any other major category of energy use, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.
More Small Fleet

Why Fleet Managers Are Replacing Departmental Vehicles with Shared Motor Pools
Departmentally assigned vehicles often create hidden costs through underutilization, poor visibility, and increased administrative burden. This white paper explores how shared motor pool strategies help fleets reduce costs, improve accountability, and optimize vehicle utilization.
Read More →
Boosting Last-Mile Fleet Uptime, Safety, and Value with AI Vehicle Inspections
AI-powered inspections are transforming last-mile fleets by replacing manual checks with highly accurate automated scans that detect defects in seconds. By giving fleet operations visibility into the daily condition of their vehicles, you can identify trends over the vehicle’s lifecycle that enable improved procurement decisions, route management, driver training and accountability.
Read More →Report: How AI Is Reshaping Fleet and Field Service Operations
AI is moving beyond the back office and into the driver’s seat of work truck and field service operations. New research shows fleets are using AI to improve predictive maintenance, optimize dispatch and routing, reduce downtime, and boost technician productivity, while also tackling challenges around workforce adoption and data readiness. Discover the trends, technologies, and real-world use cases shaping the future of connected work truck fleets.
Read More →
Five Ways Seat Belts Help Prevent Injuries
There are five ways seat belts protect occupants from injuries, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Read More →
It’s here: The 2026 Fleet Technology Trends Report
What does AI mean for fleets? Get the answer — and learn other top tech trends.
Read More →
Small Fleets, Big Impact: How Independent Drivers Power Wreaths Across America
Check out how small fleets and independent drivers power Wreaths Across America each December and why their impact matters more than ever.
Read More →
VMS Survey Finds 65% of Small Fleet Managers Run Operations Alone
A new VMS survey shows small fleet managers are stretched thin, with most handling operations solo and eager to adopt digital tools for relief.
Read More →
Tips for Driving Safely on Halloween Night
This video features a reminder from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, urging drivers to prioritize safety this Halloween.
Read More →
AI, Access, and Uptime: VMS’s Next Chapter with David Prusinski
VMS’s new Co-CEO, David Prusinski, shares how an AI-first approach will give small fleets and repair shops the tools to compete like big players.
Read More →
Fleet Managers Share Winter Prep Tips: It's Never Too Early!
Three fleets share best practices to prep vehicles for winter and prevent downtime when the cold sets in.
Read More →
