Verizon’s latest push in connected cars will include more than just Wifi.
“The connected vehicle ecosystem is so much more than that,” Andrés Irlando, CEO of Verizon Connect, told Cheddar. “What we do is essentially help customers to optimize their connection to their vehicles and their mobile resources more generally.”
The telecom giant invested $5 billion to launch “Verizon Connect” for consumers and companies on Tuesday. It’s a merger of three fleet management and mobile software brands, Telematics, Fleetmatics, and Telogis, which together will provide logistics and data analytics.
Irlando said the technology has already helped clients boost safety and productivity. He pointed to one customer in particular, online grocer FreshDirect.
“To improve driver behavior, they’re able to track speeding, harsh braking, harsh turns, seatbelt usage,” he said. “We provide solutions that are focused on safety and security, so think about solutions like automatic crash notifications.”
Folks are starting to book summer travel despite inflation concerns. Hayley Berg, chief economist at online travel agency Hopper, joined Cheddar News to provide tips on how to save when planning your trip.
Cheddar News is highlighting companies with a focus on sustainability for Earth Month. Ashley Allen, chief sustainability officer with Oatly, joined Cheddar News to discuss her company's mission to deliver products that have a minimal environmental impact. "We want to make it easy for people to eat better and live healthier lives without recklessly taxing the planet's resources," she said.
Anthony Saccaro, founder and president of Providence Financial, joined Cheddar News to discuss Thursday's trading session as stocks and indexes showed positive gains following some economic data but fears of a recession continue to grow.
Some well-known iconic and historic cars are getting a modern twist this year. Cheddar News' Michelle Castillo checked in with some high-profile car executives to discuss the upgrades to some of the cars folks have loved for decades.