Congress has passed legislation that, among other things, will extend several expired tax credits of great importance for the U.S. alternative fuel vehicle industry. The tax bill will [highlight style=”default”]extend dozens of federal tax credits[/highlight] that expired at the end of 2014 and make some subsidies permanent. The package includes a two-year extension through Dec. 31, 2016, for various alternative fuel incentives.

Google’s autonomous vehicle program has achieved a significant milestone as it moves closer to being production-ready, as NHTSA has told the high-tech firm that the [highlight style=”default”]artificial intelligence system used in its prototype vehicles can be considered the same as a human driver[/highlight] according to federal regulations. The high-tech project is in the midst of rolling out about 100 specially designed prototypes designed to test the latest version of Google self-driving technology under real-world conditions. The company wants to remove even the traditional steering wheel and pedals from some of those prototypes.

Register now for the ACT Expo and get an [highlight style=”default”]early bird discount[/highlight]. The early bird discount is good through February 26, so be sure to take advantage of the special pricing. The show will be in Long Beach, May 2-5.

Nominations for [highlight style=”default”]Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year[/highlight] are now open. The winner will be announced at the [highlight style=”default”]Government Fleet Expo & Conference (GFX)[/highlight], which takes place June 20-23 in Nashville. Applications are also being accepted for the [highlight style=”default”]Leading Fleet Awards[/highlight]. Many MEMA members have been recognized for their excellent practices. This could be your year!

 

Takata airbag inflator recalls are expanding. [highlight style=”default”]Daimler, Volkswagen, and Audi will recall nearly 1.7 million total vehicles[/highlight] in the US to replace their Takata airbag inflators. The Japanese parts supplier and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced in late January that several automakers would need to fix around five million more vehicles, and the various companies have been releasing the details since then. Honda has announced [highlight style=”default”]additional Takata airbag recalls for Honda and Acura[/highlight] vehicles. 2.23 million vehicles are affected by the driver side airbag inflator recall.

General Motors is recalling 426,573 2015-2016 model-year Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD and Chevrolet Tahoe police vehicles in the U.S. because of [highlight style=”default”]potential brake pedal failure[/highlight]. Because of a faulty brake pedal pivot nut, the brake pedal may loosen or become inoperative. However, GM noted it is unaware of any injuries or crashes tied to the problem.

Google’s autonomous vehicle program has achieved a significant milestone as it moves closer to being production-ready, as NHTSA has told the high-tech firm that the [highlight style=”default”]artificial intelligence system used in its prototype vehicles can be considered the same as a human driver[/highlight] according to federal regulations. The high-tech project is in the midst of rolling out about 100 specially designed prototypes designed to test the latest version of Google self-driving technology under real-world conditions. The company wants to remove even the traditional steering wheel and pedals from some of those prototypes.

The [highlight style=”default”]new edition of the Truck Blue Book’s “Commercial Truck Monthly Report”[/highlight] reviews December 2015 data and is available as a free [highlight style=”default”]download[/highlight]. The report analyzes heavy and medium duty truck activity by price, region and manufacturer. It provides a quick snapshot of industry trending by all major metrics.

The [highlight style=”default”]4th Annual Clean, Low-Carbon Fuels Summit[/highlight] takes place on February 23 in Sacramento, California, heart of the world’s most advanced market for alternative fuels. It brings together leaders representing a wide array of clean fuel and vehicle technologies to discuss opportunities and challenges with state policymakers. This is an invitation-only summit and reception, so [highlight style=”default”]click here[/highlight] to request your invitation.