Dan Grossman, Principal Advisor at Automotive and Shared Mobility Advisors, joined Zeti in October 2024 as a strategic advisor, bringing his extensive expertise in automotive, shared mobility, and technology start-ups. With a focus on emerging markets, fleet expansion, and innovative business strategies, Grossman supports Zeti in navigating new opportunities and accelerating its growth. As an advisor, Grossman provides comprehensive services ranging from go-to-market execution and talent acquisition to infrastructure partner introductions, fleet management, and insurance solutions. His vast experience in fundraising and operational support positions him as a key asset in helping Zeti refine its strategy and scale its offerings. Grossman’s role as an entrepreneur-in-residence further strengthens his ability to guide companies through market shifts, ensuring they stay ahead of industry trends. His collaboration with Zeti underscores a shared commitment to innovation and sustainable mobility solutions. With Grossman’s strategic insights, Zeti is expanding its impact in the mobility sector, leveraging new opportunities for growth and operational excellence.
In this month's newsletter:
This month, we examine how financial stability is fueling innovation, from quality-driven equipment finance to EV expansion and smarter infrastructure. In uncertain times, adaptability and a focus on quality will define the future of equipment lending.
According to First Horizon Bank, the equipment finance capital markets are experiencing a return to stability following 18 months of economic turbulence. First Horizon Bank believes many banks and investors that had paused activity are now re-engaging, signaling a shift back to business as usual. This resurgence is being driven by the natural cycle of capital markets, where temporary downturns are followed by renewed participation once uncertainty subsides. A key trend is the flight to quality, with investors prioritizing high-quality assets as competition intensifies and pricing tightens. However, challenges remain, particularly in sectors like trucking and chemicals, which face financing difficulties due to economic volatility, tariffs, and geopolitical instability. These uncertainties are causing businesses to delay growth investments and instead focus on replacement capital expenditures. First Horizon Bank emphasizes the importance of consistency and long-term relationships in navigating these cycles. Institutions that maintained lending activity during downturns are now better positioned to capitalize on the recovery. Overall, the capital markets in equipment finance are stabilizing, but success will depend on adaptability, risk management, and a focus on quality. As the industry continues to evolve, firms that remain agile and committed to their clients are more likely to thrive amid ongoing uncertainty.
Cox Automotive has published its Q2 2025 Cox Automotive Dealer Sentiment Index, which reveals a mixed outlook for the U.S. auto market. There are signs of short-term momentum tempered by growing long-term uncertainty. The current market index dropped slightly to 42 from 44 in Q1, indicating that more dealers still view the market as weak. However, franchised dealers reported improved conditions (index at 56), while independent dealers remained cautious (index at 37). The market outlook index fell sharply from 58 to 45, reflecting increased concern about economic conditions, tariffs, and political uncertainty. Independent dealers saw the steepest decline in outlook, dropping 15 points. Despite the cautious sentiment, customer traffic rose to 37, with franchised dealers reporting the largest increase in in-person visits since 2022. The profitability index also improved to 39, the highest in over a year, driven by franchised dealers, whose profit index rose from 41 to 52. Sales performance showed modest gains, with both new- and used-vehicle sales indices improving. The used-vehicle index marked its sixth consecutive quarter of growth.
The Port of Los Angeles’ Pier 400, operated by APM Terminals, has announced it will deploy 20 Orange EV electric terminal tractors, marking a significant step toward decarbonizing port operations. This deployment is part of a broader initiative to reduce emissions and improve air quality in one of the busiest cargo hubs in the U.S. Orange EV’s Class 8 electric yard trucks are designed for heavy-duty, off-road container handling and are known for their zero-emission performance, lower maintenance costs, and reduced noise pollution. The vehicles will replace diesel-powered counterparts, supporting APM Terminals’ goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. The deployment is supported by funding from the California Energy Commission and the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee. These grants help offset the cost of clean technology adoption and align with California’s broader climate and air quality goals. Orange EV has already deployed over 1,400 electric yard trucks across the U.S., and this project further cements its role in the transition to sustainable freight logistics. The Pier 400 initiative demonstrates how public-private partnerships can accelerate the adoption of clean transportation technologies in high-impact industrial settings.
HUB International has published its 2025 Transportation Outlook, highlighting a year of cautious optimism amid persistent challenges for commercial transportation companies. Key themes include rising insurance costs, regulatory pressures, and economic uncertainty, all of which are reshaping how fleets operate and manage risk. One of the most pressing issues is nuclear verdicts, extremely high jury awards in liability cases, which continue to drive up insurance premiums. As a result, insurers are becoming more selective, and transportation companies must demonstrate strong safety records and risk management practices to secure favorable coverage. Driver shortages remain a critical concern, with high turnover and an aging workforce exacerbating the problem. Companies are responding by investing in driver retention programs, training, and technology to improve working conditions and safety. The report also emphasizes the growing role of technology and telematics in fleet management. Tools that monitor driver behavior, vehicle performance, and route efficiency are becoming essential for reducing costs and improving safety outcomes. However, the adoption of these technologies must be balanced with data privacy and regulatory compliance. Sustainability is another emerging priority. With increasing pressure to reduce emissions, many fleets are exploring EVs and alternative fuels. To navigate 2025 successfully, HUB advises transportation firms to focus on proactive risk management, optimize their insurance programs, and make strategic investments in technology and workforce development. Companies that adapt to these evolving dynamics will be better positioned to thrive in a competitive and regulated environment.
Blue Bird, a leading U.S. school bus manufacturer known for its electric buses, has announced it is expanding into the electric medium-duty truck market with the launch of a Class 5–6 electric step van chassis. This marks the company’s first major diversification beyond school buses since it began building its own chassis in 1952. The move targets a competitive segment used for urban deliveries, one that is ripe for disruption as last-mile logistics continues to grow. Unveiled at the ACT Expo, the new electric step van features a 23,000-lb GVWR, a 140 kWh LFP battery, and a range of up to 130 miles, depending on load and route. It supports fast charging (124 kW DC in about an hour) and Level 2 AC charging (12 hours at 19.2 kW). Blue Bird emphasizes durability, safety, and driver convenience, offering features like hill hold, electric creep, and a best-in-class wheel cut for tight urban maneuvering. The truck also supports over-the-air software updates, a feature still rare in commercial vehicles. Blue Bird aims to leverage its manufacturing expertise and reputation for reliability to stand out in a crowded market, with production scheduled to begin in Q1 2026. This strategic expansion reflects Blue Bird’s ambition to become a broader player in the commercial EV space, building on its success in electrifying school transportation and responding to growing demand for clean, efficient urban delivery solutions.
Windrose Technology and Terawatt Infrastructure have deepened their strategic partnership to accelerate the deployment of high-power EV charging solutions for commercial fleets. A key milestone was achieved at Terawatt’s Rancho Dominguez site in California, where Windrose successfully demonstrated its dual-gun charging system, delivering over 650 kW using two 350 kW Delta Electronics chargers. This enabled a 240-mile range recharge in just 40 minutes, showcasing readiness for high-utilization fleet operations. The collaboration extends beyond hardware, focusing on software integration between Windrose’s vehicle systems and Terawatt’s site and energy management platforms. The goal is to optimize charging efficiency, reduce total cost of ownership, and maximize uptime for fleet operators. The companies are also launching joint customer programs for both local and long-haul deployments, particularly along Terawatt’s I-10 corridor. Additional testing and pilot programs are planned for this summer, with broader deployments expected by year-end. Windrose emphasized the importance of aligning vehicle and infrastructure platforms to deliver real-world solutions, while Terawatt highlighted the role of integrated site design and fast-charging infrastructure in unlocking new electric freight corridors.
Rivian has announced a $120 million investment to establish a new supplier park near its existing plant in Normal, Illinois. This strategic move aims to enhance production capabilities for Rivian’s EVs, including the R1S SUV, R1T truck, Amazon Electric Delivery Van, and Rivian Commercial Van. The supplier park will bring key suppliers closer to the main plant, improving supply chain efficiency and reducing shipping, logistics, and warehousing costs. The knock-on impact of this project is expected to create several hundred supplier jobs and approximately 100 direct Rivian jobs. An underground tunnel will connect the supplier park to the main plant, streamlining part transfers and minimizing local traffic impact. The 1.2-million-square-foot facility is already under construction, with completion scheduled for 2026. Furthermore, Rivian is expanding its main plant by 1.1 million square feet to prepare for R2 model production starting in 2026. The State of Illinois is supporting the project with incentives and tax credits, while the Town of Normal is contributing through road upgrades and utility cost assistance. This expansion is set to bolster Rivian’s role in the clean energy economy and drive economic growth in Central Illinois.
Pando Electric has secured a $5.4 million grant from the California Energy Commission to expand its EV charging infrastructure. The funding will enable the deployment of over 1,600 smart EV charging stations across California, focusing on multifamily housing. This initiative aims to address the critical need for accessible and affordable EV charging solutions in these communities. Pando Electric’s approach offers high-power, smart Level 2 charging outlets that reduce installation and maintenance costs, making EV charging more affordable and reliable. The project is supported by partnerships with Prospect Silicon Valley, Redwood Energy, Community Boss, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, ensuring high-quality installations and integration with property management solutions. The deployment of these charging stations is set to begin later this year, with installations planned in both urban and rural communities across the state. This expansion will help future-proof properties, meet rising tenant expectations, and support California’s transition to zero-emission vehicles. Pando Electric emphasized the importance of making EV infrastructure scalable and accessible for all Californians.