Friday, October 29, 2010

AirPlus Survey Highlights Emerging Markets as a Challenge for Global Corporate Travel Programs

AirPlus International (Alexandria, Va.), a global provider of corporate travel payment solutions, has released October’s The Wire…from AirPlus entitled: Travel Programs Grapple with Emerging Markets. More than 78 percent of corporate travel professionals surveyed run global or multinational travel programs and said that obtaining visas, collecting and normalizing data and getting access to supplier content were the biggest challenges in Brazil, Russia, India and China (the BRIC countries). For more details, including a complimentary .PDF of the results, please visit the AirPlus Community.

“We found that payment was also an issue for nearly 70 percent of travel managers covering China. A small percentage of Chinese business travelers use cards as a form of payment in the region. However, as the only lodged card in the region, offered in collaboration with Air China and our co-branded China Merchant Bank’s corporate card, AirPlus provides companies in China with a solution today. Read more about Travel Management in China in our recent white paper launched on the topic,” said Richard Crum, president and CEO of AirPlus International Inc.

For more information, visit www.airplus.com.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Neutral Tandem Launches New Web Portal for Ethernet Exchange Customers

Neutral Tandem Inc. (Chicago)(Nasdaq: TNDM), a leading provider of global interconnection services, has announced the launch of its new, custom-developed online web portal – a tool designed to streamline and automate business conducted over its Ethernet Exchange in a secure manner.

"Neutral Tandem's online web portal was designed to enhance the overall customer experience and simplify the manner in which customers conduct business over the Exchange," said Surendra Saboo, president and CEO of Neutral Tandem. "The portal serves to empower our Ethernet Exchange customers, allowing them to find Ethernet connectivity solutions for their global off-net needs, place orders, view order status, as well as monitor service levels and trouble tickets on an end-to-end basis."

The new portal offers custom security layers allowing customers to control which user groups are permitted to view, edit, and update content. The reporting module of the portal offers the ability to view order status, reporting metrics on circuits, and more. Additionally, the state-of-the-art tool will help drive sales activity for Exchange members by providing their building locations and service capabilities in a secure and streamlined fashion to Service Providers, as well as accept orders for tail circuits on their behalf.

"We believe that the new online web portal will be a staple tool for all of our Ethernet Exchange customers going forward," continued Saboo. "It will enrich our customer experience, further illustrating Neutral Tandem's objective to help its customers interconnect in a simplified and efficient manner."

To learn more about Neutral Tandem's Ethernet Exchange, visit //www.neutraltandem.com/prodServices/ethernet-exchange.htm.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

RMI Increases Benefits and Reduces Fees

RMI Corporation (Avon, Conn.) has announced that its cloud based ADVANTAGE Solution now includes Microsoft Dynamics NAV ‘ALa-Carte’ functionality, retailing at over $200,000, at no additional charge. The additions include Service Management, Jobs Suite, Manufacturing Suite, advanced Warehouse Management and more. Today’s announcement also signals a reduction in fees to RMI’s existing ADVANTAGE Cloud customers who had previously chosen to include these optional granules.

“Some businesses have expressed concern that a cloud solution might lock them into a system where prices increase year over year. However, with Cloud solutions, there are economies of scale gained over time and RMI is committed to passing along those price reductions when they occur. For clients using the advanced functionality, this represents the second price reduction that RMI has extended this year.” said Lauren Dorman, VP of product development at RMI.

Most business solutions are purchased in a granular format. On the surface it seems reasonable to choose only the functionality required today. However, businesses evolve and expand into new markets. Traditional on-premise business software requires additional purchases of functionality and services to meet changing business conditions. The ADVANTAGE Cloud delivers all RMI and Microsoft Dynamics NAV functionality in one simple, low monthly fee allowing our clients to expand their business in new directions without the purchase of new software or services.

About Microsoft Dynamics

Microsoft Dynamics is a line of financial, customer-relationship and supply-chain management solution that helps businesses work more effectively. Delivered through a network of channel partners providing specialized services, these integrated, adaptable business management solutions work like and with familiar Microsoft software to streamline processes across an entire business.

About RMI

Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Avon, CT; RMI Corporation is the leader in Enterprise Rental, Sales and Service Solutions delivered on a SAAS model for mid-market companies. RMI is fully dedicated to the equipment rental, sales and service industry and offers an industry standard solution including software, implementation, training, data conversion, consultation and support to help their clients maximize efficiencies and reach their full business potential. RMI currently has thousands of users, representing various segments of the industry, managing their business with ADVANTAGE. For more information on the ADVANTAGE Solution and RMI Corporation, please visit their website at www.rmiusa.com.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Intuit Offers Solution for iPhone

Small businesses can now get everything they need in one package to quickly start processing credit cards on their iPhone.

Intuit Inc. (Mountain View, Calif.)(Nasdaq: INTU) and mophie today announced the availability of the Complete Credit Card Solution, an all-in-one product that enables small businesses to easily process credit card payments via the Apple iPhone. It integrates Intuit’s GoPayment credit card processing app and quick-to-activate merchant account with the mophie marketplace iPhone credit card reader.

This package is now available in Apple Retail Stores and soon on Apple.com
As part of this solution, Intuit GoPayment offers a quick and easy application process that is designed to let merchants start processing credit cards on their iPhones in as few as 15 minutes. As an option, GoPayment is also compatible with QuickBooks® Mac to help save time in keeping business financial files up to date.

“We designed this to meet the needs of small businesses who want a complete credit card solution that works with their iPhone,” said Chris Hylen, general manager of Intuit’s Payment Solutions division. “Now we have a best-in-class solution from Intuit and mophie to meet that need. This means that a business owner only needs to buy one package to get set up with everything they need to start taking mobile payments even before they leave the store.”

Doing more with mobile devices is key for small businesses on the go.
“mophie designs products that enable consumers to do more with their Apple devices and that deliver additional convenience and freedom for all types of mobile activity,” said Shawn Dougherty, COO of mophie. “This integrated hardware and software mobile payment solution enables immediate and secure financial transactions on the go for a vast audience of small business owners and their employees.”

Enhanced GoPayment Features for the iPhone

GoPayment has been on the market for more than a year and has already processed $35 million in transactions for small businesses. In addition to faster merchant account activation and integration with QuickBooks Mac, this latest version offers easier navigation with the ability for customers to sign their bill via the iPhone touch screen.

It’s also possible to now add inventory items to receipts, which can instantly be e-mailed or sent by text to a customer for their records. To make GoPayment affordable for the smallest of small businesses, it also offers new simplified pricing with competitive discount rates and transaction fees.

How it Works

The speedy new Intuit Merchant Account application process is designed to let small business owners easily and quickly apply and be approved to start processing credit cards. A user can apply from the GoPayment App, online or by calling Intuit right from their iPhone.

By adding the sleek, clip-on mophie marketplace card reader, merchants can save time by securely swiping credit cards instead of entering numbers by hand. After swiping the card, data is immediately encrypted using Intuit’s industry-standard security methods.

Customers authorize the payment by signing their name on the iPhone touch screen. The merchant can then send them an e-mail or text receipt. GoPayment processes the credit card within seconds and funds are deposited into the businesses’ bank account.

An additional option lets businesses integrate GoPayment with QuickBooks Mac to easily and quickly match the right customer and invoice in QuickBooks.

More information is available at: www.mophie.intuit.com and www.mophie.com.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Webinars, webinars, webinars...

Courier Magazine is currently in the process of planning their 2011 webinar series and we are currently taking presenter submissions.

Webinars are a great way to connect with other courier and messenger professionals in the industry as well as enhance the name of your company. Over the past couple of years, Courier Magazine has featured webinars covering many major topics in the expedited delivery industry, including medical services, driver training and independent contractor issues.

If you would like to be a presenter during an upcoming webinar hosted by Courier Magazine or have an idea for a webinar topic, contact Editor Vincent Brennan at vince@robstan.com.

Friday, October 22, 2010

OSHA Targets High-Hazard Worksites for Inspection

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued its annual inspection plan under the Site-Specific Targeting 2010 (SST-10) program in August to help the agency direct enforcement resources to high-hazard workplaces where the highest rates of injuries and illnesses occur.

The SST program is OSHA’s main programmed inspection plan for non-construction workplaces that have 40 or more workers. This inspection plan is based on work-related injury and illness data collected from a 2009 OSHA Data Initiative survey from 80,000 larger establishments in selected high-hazard industries. Establishments are randomly selected for inspection from an initial list of 4,100 manufacturing, non-manufacturing, and nursing and personal care facilities. The plan focuses on several variables such as the number of injury and illness cases and number of days a worker has to stay away from work, or the number of workers who received job transfers or work restrictions due to injury or illness.

“Our goal is to prevent worker injuries and illnesses and save lives,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA David Michaels. “The Site Specific Targeting program helps OSHA focus its enforcement resources to high-risk employers who are endangering their workers’ health and safety.”

In addition to SST, OSHA implements both national and local emphasis inspection programs to target high-risk hazards and industries. OSHA currently has 13 National Emphasis Programs that intensify the focus on topics including amputations, lead, crystalline silica, shipbreaking, trenching/excavations, petroleum refinery process safety management, process safety management covered chemical facilities, hexavalent chromium, diacetyl, recordkeeping, combustible dust, federal agency targeting inspection and FAA air traffic control tower monitoring.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to assure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

ACT: Class 8 Truck Orders Jump 37 Percent

According to ACT Research Co., September orders of Class 8 trucks totaled 15,231 — up 37% from a year ago, according to a report released Thursday.

For the entire story, visit the Transport Topic website here.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

SBA Web Chat Will Focus on Regulatory Fairness for Small Business Owners

Small business owners, who feel they are subject to excessive or unfair federal enforcement actions, like repetitive audits or investigations, excessive fines, threats, retaliation or some other unfair enforcement action by a federal agency, can seek help from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

WHO: SBA National Ombudsman Esther Vassar will host the October Web chat on “Regulatory Fairness: What Every Small Business Should Know.”

Vassar, who is also the assistant administrator for Regulatory Enforcement Fairness, leads the SBA’s national effort to ensure fairness in federal regulations on small business while working to lessen disputes between small businesses and federal regulatory agencies. Chat participants can get answers to their questions about how the Office of the National Ombudsman can help small business owners with excessive and unfair federal regulatory enforcements, and how the national ombudsman can be an important resource for a small business.

WHAT: SBA’s web chat series provides small business owners with an opportunity to discuss relevant business issues online with experts, industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs. Chat participants have direct, real-time access to the web chats via questions they submit online in advance, and during the live session.

WHEN: October 25, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. ET
Vassar will answer questions for one hour.

HOW: Participants can join the live Web chat by going online to http://web.sba.gov/livemeeting/Oct10. Web chat participants may also post questions before the October 25th chat by visiting www.sba.gov, and clicking “Online Business Chat.”

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Red Arrow Logistics Ranked Again

The Puget Sound Business Journal has announced that Red Arrow Logistics is ranked No. 47 on the 100 Fastest-Growing Private Companies list. The event, which drew nearly 500 people, announced and honored all 100 companies on the list and revealed each company’s ranking. The 100 Fastest-Growing Private Companies are listed, with select companies profiled, in a special publication of the Business Journal released on Oct. 15.

"The companies that make this list are, by definition, among the most dynamic in our region," said Business Journal Publisher Emory Thomas Jr. "Especially this year, they have beaten the odds imposed by the Great Recession, making membership on this elite list all the more impressive. These companies are showing all of us what qualities it takes to grow in challenging times."

Since 2003, Red Arrow has provided logistics and transportation services and expertise to Fortune 100 companies and others with fast growing, complex and high value supply chains in the technology, food & beverage, consumer products, federal government, public works and renewable energy sectors, working in both the international and domestic arenas. Its primary services are in the areas of freight transportation, freight forwarding, warehousing and distribution services, and custom retail programs. Red Arrow has bucked the trend of acquisition and grown one customer at a time.

Monday, October 18, 2010

DHL Expands International Capabilities

After successfully rebuilding its business to focus exclusively on its core international shipping competencies, DHL Express is now focused on targeting growth as it announces the launch of an entirely new selection of Time Definite import and export express services, coupled with a comprehensive advertising and promotional campaign to help drive market awareness about its country-specific expertise.

“We’ve built a rock solid platform in the U.S. to help companies connect to the global marketplace, with ‘international’ steeped in everything we do from our training programs to how we engage our workforce,” said Ian Clough, CEO of DHL Express US. “We are sending a clear message to ensure importers and exporters fully understand the depth and breadth of our local, country specific expertise and are empowered with the right set of services to help them compete on a global scale.”

A new portfolio of premium door-to-door Time Definite guaranteed services recently launched by the company now enables businesses to send shipments by 9:00 a.m. (10:30 a.m. to Mexico) or 12:00 noon to major business centers in Europe, the Americas, and parts of the Middle East, Africa and Asia, as well as import from those regions to the U.S by 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 noon. Customers can also use their Import Express account for shipments moving between two countries outside of the U.S., but billed in the U.S and guaranteed by 9:00 a.m. or 12:00 noon.

DHL’s knowledge of local customs and cultures in the over 220 countries and territories in which it operates helps empower its customers to succeed on a global scale. Launching today, the “No One Delivers” advertising campaign helps drive home the message about DHL’s strong country-specific expertise and the new international Time Definite express delivery offerings. Advertising will run in major newspapers, various small and medium-sized business magazines, and on prominent websites as well as through out-of-home placements at major U.S. airports, on digital screens in office buildings and at bus shelters in metro markets. DHL has also partnered with VISA to offer special incentives to current and prospective customers to use the new Time Definite express services.

DHL’s Time Definite express services reach all major and mid-sized cities in Europe, leveraging DHL’s extensive regional ground coverage network and local expertise. DHL Express U.S. also offers, on average, the fastest transit times to South America, providing the industry’s only Time Definite morning delivery to the continent. DHL’s secure, globally integrated network offers unparalleled regional capabilities with fast and reliable transit times – 1-2 days in most cases.

Customers of the new Time Definite express services have complete visibility for every shipment through proactive delivery notifications via email or SMS text message from DHL’s state-of-the art system, ProView®. In addition, DHL Express’ pioneering Quality Control Center in Cincinnati, combined with 5 others around the world, monitors about 90 million global checkpoints daily to spot and prevent potential situations that might impact shipment delivery deadlines.

DHL EXPRESS 9:00 is currently available from the U.S. to approximately 20 airport or IATA locations, and DHL EXPRESS 12:00 is currently available from the U.S. to approximately 99 airport or IATA destinations. DHL IMPORT EXPRESS 10:30 is available to the U.S. from about 500 airport or IATA origins, and DHL Import Express 12:00 is available to the U.S. from about 600 airport or IATA origins.

For more information about DHL’s Time Definite guaranteed delivery services, visit www.dhl-usa.com/services.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Zipp Express now serving St. Louis

JMW Delivery is now ZIPP EXPRESS, a 24/7 solution for deliveries within the St. Louis area.

The combined resources and personnel make Zipp Express a popular delivery solution for St. Louis clients. JMW owners Jeff Wilmsmeier and Dennis Rynders have brought their experience to the new endeavor.

Among the services Zipp Express offers include:
• 24/7/365 service – on the phone and on the ground – to handle your time sensitive needs
• Local air freight pick-up and delivery- from a small box to a full trailer/flatbed load
• Specialized “last mile” services- white glove, two-man, three-man, residential, & minor assembly
• Experience with specialty items- medical equipment, copiers, trade show displays
• Short term and long term warehousing with cross dock, convenient location near airport
• Courier services within a 100 mile radius of STL
• Expedited services throughout the Midwest using Tractor-trailers, dock-highs, vans, or cars
• Dispatch powered by Xcelerator offering on line order entry, real time tracking and tracing, email notification throughout the delivery and itemized billing based on your needs
• Fully staffed office to scheduling and updates are completed in your time frame
• TSA & HAZMAT certified drivers

For Quotes, Order Placement or to set up an account, call 800-337-6219 or email info@zippdelivers.com. For more information, visit www.zippdelivers.com

Monday, October 11, 2010

Space Deliveries? A Reality Sooner Than You Think

Space ... the final frontier. That introductory line to the original "Star Trek" TV series may sound corny, but it also may soon be a reality.

Boeing is working on a deal with Space Adventures Ltd. to develop transportation services--potentially including freight--to destinations in low Earth orbit (LEO).

The website www.handyshippingguide.com reports that the first cargoes are likely to include "the ashes of dearly departed who wish to be disposed of as far from their earth bound relatives as possible."

The service is still a ways off (it's not expected to be operational until 2015), but the fact that Boeing and Space Adventures have signed a memo of understanding indicates that commercial shipping into space is likely to become a reality in the near future.

Read the full story here: http://www.handyshippingguide.com/shipping-news/ultimate-express-courier-service-now-possible_2095

Thursday, October 7, 2010

CVSA Enforcement Week Set for Oct. 17-23

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance has set Oct. 17-23 as Operation Safe Driver week, in which enforcement of road safety rules will be stepped up throughout North America.

The campaign is being organized by CVSA and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. CVSA is a coalition of commercial vehicle law enforcement agencies in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

The stepped-up enforcement for both commercial and passenger vehicles will include safety-belt checks, roadside commercial vehicle and driver safety inspections and educational and awareness programs about safe automobile operations around large trucks.

“Inattention, poor awareness of traffic conditions and unsafe maneuvers by drivers are leading causes of fatal crashes between passenger cars and commercial vehicles,” CVSA Executive Director Stephen Keppler said in a statement.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Major Organizations Deploy Descartes’ Wireless Solutions to Make Mobile Workforces More Productive

Descartes Systems Group has announced that it has successfully completed several large scale deployments ranging between 1,000 and 10,000 mobile resources in major enterprises.

Industry leaders in utility, food service, and gas transporter markets have deployed Descartes’ on-demand mobile resource management (MRM) 2.0 solution. The solution helps the organizations improve their already industry-leading services to their customers, increasing productivity and safety for employees.

“The rate of success customers are having is resulting in a dramatic increase in our subscribers for wireless solutions,” said Art Mesher, CEO at Descartes. “Our extensive footprint and ability to get customers up and running quickly drives an immediate impact on our customers’ operations resulting in accelerated time-to-value and the ability to be differentiated in their market.”

Descartes’ MRM 2.0 solution provides an easier and more affordable way to track and monitor field workers and delivery fleets in real-time on Descartes’ federated network. This software-as-a-service (Saas) solution combines sophisticated real-time tracking, planning and optimization functionality with the simplicity of Web-based service to provide dispatchers, managers and support agents with a real-time view of field worker, driver movement and job service status across an entire fleet of workers and vehicles. This solution helps drive operational efficiencies, cut costs and improve customer service.

“Tracking of field personnel is integral to ensuring high quality customer service and support for large scale service operations with mobile workforces. Having real-time insight into field operations is also an essential foundation for improving productivity, reducing costs and ensuring overall efficiency,” said Ken Wood, Senior Vice President, Product Strategy for Mobile Resource Management Solutions at Descartes. “Descartes’ MRM 2.0 on-demand solution not only enables organizations to maximize the operational performance of its field workers, but also helps to ensure that the safety and service for their customers is first and foremost by monitoring activities in the field.”

Visit www.descartes.com/usergroup for more information.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

ECA Launches New Educational Series as Part of the Annual MarketPlace Event

The Express Carriers Association (ECA), whose goal is to foster innovative networking between local/regional carriers and national shippers or vendors, will launch a Educational Series as part of the annual Marketplace Event beginning with the 2011 MarketPlace in Atlanta.

Jim Bernecker of Relay Express, who serves as the chair of the association's Education Committee made the announcement. "I am pleased to announce the launch of our Educational Series beginning in 2011. Our objective is to specially center these sessions around providing our membership additional tools to assist with their direct selling and retention efforts."

This year, sessions will be offered on "How to Present Your Company in 15 Minutes" and "How to Build and Maintain Long-Term Business Relationships." Bernecker also announced that Satish Jindel, of SJ Consulting Group, has been retained to lead the initial series.

"I am thrilled to have Mr. Jindel lead the launch of this series. Having had the privilege of hearing him speak in 2007, I was very impressed with his ideas and observations; he left a lasting impression with me."

Jindel has worked in the transportation/logistics industry for 25 years and is the principal of SJ Consulting Group. His industry experience includes having a major role in the successful start-up and expansion of RPS (now FedEx Ground) into a nationwide package carrier. Other SJC services include corporate turnaround, industry benchmark studies, new products and services, and valuation on M&A deals for strategic and private equity investors. He has correctly forecast many industry trends and is frequently quoted in national and local media, and has published numerous articles. Jindel has three masters degrees from The University of Pennsylvania including a MBA from the Wharton School. For more information visit their website at www.jindel.com

ECA President Stuart Hyden added, "The launch of our Educational Series is a direct result of our strategic planning process and is a fundamental component of our initiatives to continue to increase value to our membership. We are excited to have Mr. Jindel initiate this series."

The ECA offers a unique experience at the ECA MarketPlace pairing shippers and carriers in one-on-one interviews to create business. The 2011 ECA MarketPlace is scheduled to take place April 19-21, 2011, in Atlanta at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel. Visit www.expresscarriers.com for more information.

Monday, October 4, 2010

US Courier & Logistics Announces 2 New Texas Facility Expansions

US Courier & Logistics, a leader in the Courier and Delivery Industry since 1984, has announced the opening of two new expanded facilities in Dallas and Austin, Texas.

“Here we grow again,” said John DiTucci, vice president of operations. “Our relationships with large third party logistics companies have been very beneficial this year. The 3PL’s are bringing us Texas regional work in all of our current markets. As a result, our Austin and Dallas buildings are bursting at the seams."

USC’s Austin hub currently operates from two sites with a total of 43,500 square feet. The move to the new building located at 4101 Smith School Road adds an additional 33,300 square feet, for a total of 76,800, plus 18 docks and two bays. USC-Dallas is adding a warehouse located at 4560 Leston Avenue, which boasts 32,400 square feet and 10 docks. The new Dallas warehouse will serve as USC’s main small package sort facility.

“Good things are happening. We are beginning to see the economy turn (and) people are spending again and as a result, more packages and freight are being moved across the state," Di Tucci said. "We’re anticipating that 2010 will end well and give the New Year a push into a productive and profitable one."

USC, a certified woman-owned business, currently operates nine Texas hubs with more than 215,000 square feet of space and 275-plus vehicles on the road. USC provides same-day, next-day and on-demand package delivery, as well as bobtail services, cross-docking and warehousing throughout the state. For more information, visit www.uscouriertexas.com.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Higher Fuel Economy Standards Will Increase Clean Diesel Car and Truck Choices for Consumers

Allen Schaeffer, the executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum, today issued the following statement on the Obama Administration’s announcement that it was beginning the process of developing “tougher” greenhouse gas and fuel efficiency requirements for cars and light trucks for model years 2017 through 2025.

European Drivers Already Rely On Diesel Cars for Increased Fuel Efficiency

“Meeting the pending ‘tougher’ fuel efficiency targets will require many different solutions and we’re more confident than ever that clean diesel technology is going to be one of those solutions. Only time will tell if the American consumer is ready for plug-in electric vehicles, but they are already telling us loud and clear today that they are ready for more clean diesel technology.

“In Europe, over 50 percent of all the automobiles on the streets today are diesel cars due to their high fuel efficiency, low emissions and long-term durability. While a more modest three percent of cars and light trucks in America are diesel at this moment, these new fuel efficiency targets will dramatically increase the importance of clean diesel cars to U.S. drivers.

Diesel Car Sales Were Up A Whopping 52 Percent in August 2010 - In The U.S.
“Diesel car sales in August 2010 were up a whopping 52 percent from the previous August, and up by 20 percent over July 2010, highlighting American consumers growing recognition of the benefits of clean diesel technology as a new fuel efficient, economical choice with proven long-term value.

“Now more than ever, consumers are cautious with their automotive investment dollars looking more for long-term value, performance and confidence, all of which they get with a diesel vehicle. The technology is proven and clean diesel fuel is now available alongside gasoline blends at more than half of all service stations throughout the country. In addition, the resale value of diesel vehicles has traditionally been higher than for comparable gasoline models. And there are still federal tax credits available for many diesel cars through the end of this year.

“Even with fewer choices for consumers, clean diesel car sales indicate a growing consumer acceptance. Today, U.S. consumers can choose from 14 cars, trucks or SUVs with a clean diesel engine, compared to 34 choices of hybrid technologies. The next diesel entry into the U.S. market will be Mazda, which announced earlier this year that its SKY-D clean diesel engine will be available here in the 2012 timeframe as a new option in one or more vehicles.

“The national clean car program and the pending GHG and fuel efficiency standards will certainly make the diesel engine a much more attractive alternative in that it achieves higher fuel efficiency without sacrificing vehicle tradeoffs like size and performance.

“Clean diesel engines will allow manufacturers to continue to provide consumers with the full range of vehicles they want, from fuel efficient family sedans and crossover SUVs, to full size pickup trucks, which continue to rank in the top five best selling vehicles in the U.S. – all this without sacrificing performance for fuel economy.”