Advanced driver assistance systems are making vehicles safer, but they’re also changing the economics of collision repair.
An IIHS Highway Loss Data Institute evaluation compared similar 2017-2022 model-year vehicles with and with no bundle of driver-assistance technologies. Collision claim severity was about 10% higher for ADAS-equipped vehicles, reflecting the added complexity of repairing cameras, sensors, wiring, and other technology.
But looking only on the repair bill misses a vital a part of the equation. ADAS-equipped vehicles also had about 10% fewer collision claims and nearly 40% fewer property damage liability claims. Once frequency and severity were combined, overall losses were about 5% lower for collision coverage and nearly 30% lower for property damage liability coverage.
For fleets, downtime adds one other layer. ADAS repairs can require specialized parts and calibration, and a vehicle that’s otherwise drivable may remain sidelined while waiting for a sensor or calibration appointment.
Subaru is expanding its hybrid offerings with the Forester Wilderness Hybrid. The 2027 model combines a 194-hp hybrid powertrain with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, 9.3 inches of ground clearance, dual-mode X-MODE, and all-terrain tires. Pricing starts at $40,495, while the general 2027 Forester lineup begins at $29,995.
Nissan is taking a special approach to hybridization with the 2027 Rogue Hybrid. Its e-POWER system uses a gasoline engine to generate electricity, but unlike a standard hybrid, the engine doesn’t mechanically drive the wheels. Propulsion comes exclusively from the electrical motors, giving drivers an EV-like powertrain without plugging in.
It comes standard with dual-motor all-wheel drive, carries an estimated 40-mpg fuel economy rating, and can start at $35,490 when the complete lineup arrives in early 2027.
And eventually, Calstart is now Catalyst Mobility. The clean transportation nonprofit modified its name after greater than three a long time as its work expanded beyond its California roots to a national and international footprint.
The organization may even mix with transportation electrification nonprofit Forth in the beginning of 2027. Catalyst Mobility says the move will expand its expertise, funding opportunities, programs, and geographic reach, including a brand new regional presence in Oregon.
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This Article First Appeared At www.automotive-fleet.com
