NAFA Connection

NAFA News

To all NAFA Affiliates,

First, thank you for your continued support of NAFA. You, and all the NAFA Affiliates, have long been a wealth of resources for the association.

This year, NAFA is making a concerted effort to begin leveraging one of our greatest assets: the knowledge, expertise, and resources of all of our Affiliates. We would like every Affiliate to get more involved in every aspect of our operations, including:

• Writing articles for our magazine, FLEETSolutions
• Helping develop new educational products
• Providing technical reviews of new or existing products
• Being speakers at our I&E and chapter meetings
• Assisting with legislative activities and advocacy programs
• Participating in governance issues
• Becoming a member of your local Chapter Board
• Being active on the National Affiliates Committee

If any of these opportunities interest you, I ask that you go online and give us more information about you and your particular areas of interest and expertise. Please fill out the "survey" at the following link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=wC8ywj_2brGY_2fVCgqfgZKKMg_3d_3d

The survey is organized according to NAFA's eight disciplines of fleet management, which groups common areas of expertise. This should make it very easy for you to choose the very specific area in which you would like to get involved.

On behalf of the entire NAFA Board of Trustees, the National Affiliates Committee, and the NAFA staff, I thank you again for your support. I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to not only support NAFA but to also get some nice recognition for yourself and your company.

Phillip E. Russo, CAE
Executive Director
NAFA Fleet Management Association

I am writing to you to make sure you get this message from the proverbial horse's mouth, and to ask your help in making the NAFA 2009 I&E the most successful event it can be.

NAFA's Institute and Expo
New Orleans
April 25-28
Click here to register!

First, I have heard there are rumors circulating through the industry that NAFA's I&E is going to be canceled. Nothing could be further from the truth. Here are the facts:

• Fleet manager registration for this year's I&E, at this point in time, is on par with where we were last year. In the end, we expect about 1,000 fleet managers to be on hand in New Orleans. This is slightly less than the 1,100 average fleet manager attendance at I&E over the past four years, but is still a significant number. I don't know of any other show in the world that delivers 1,000 fleet managers in one location for four days.
• The Expo is actually larger than last year, both in terms of the number of exhibitors and the total square footage of exhibit space sold. Naylor CMG, our sales arm, is doing an outstanding job of convincing companies to exhibit for the first time and getting returning companies to expand their presence. Sales have continued on their strong pace since January, despite the economic slide, and the past two weeks have seen more than two dozen new companies come on board!
• Every speaker has been confirmed and every meal function has been planned and booked. We are moving full steam ahead and expect another outstanding conference.

While I've heard that "flat" is the new "growth" in terms of conference attendance, I am not satisfied with that for NAFA. That is why we have planned major "last minute" marketing pushes over the next few weeks.

I know you may be facing budget and travel restrictions, but if there's only one conference you can attend this year, it should be the NAFA I&E. It is the world's largest conference for fleet managers like you. There are more than 60 educational training sessions to choose from, all of which have been planned and will be delivered by fleet managers who do what you do every day.

The NAFA I&E is a tremendous value. In addition to all the education available to you, and all the networking you can do, you also receive access to every speaker handout; free Internet at the CyberCafe; breakfast and lunch for three days; dinner on two evenings; and a cocktail reception. The cost of these items alone is worth the price of admission!

For a detailed schedule, or to register online, go to www.nafaiande.org.

I hope to see you in New Orleans next month!

Phillip E. Russo, CAE
Executive Director
NAFA Fleet Management Association

NAFA's first webinar held March 10th was a success! Over 70 NAFA Members and Affiliates called in to hear Emily Norton, a consultant with the Environmental Defense Fund, discuss "EPA Clean Diesel Funding 2009: How to Take Advantage of DERA Funds to Apply for the Purchase of Hybrid Trucks."

Hosted by NAFA Deputy Executive Director Patrick McCarren, moderated by Pat O'Connor, President of Kent & O'Connor and U.S. Legislative Counsel, and Norton, this webinar gave insight into the EPA Clean Diesel Funding and provided valuable information to attendees.

Extremely informative; the webinar covered the benefits of hybrid trucks and gave background information on the EPA Clean Diesel program as well as provided criteria for funding, estimated timeline, and the next steps for interested fleets.  Specific to the DERA grant program and acquisition of medium, and heavy-duty hybrid vehicles, the webinar allowed attendees to type questions, submit them, and have their questions answered by the speaker at the end of the webinar. 

"The webinar was a fantastic success," said J. J. Keig, CAFM, Director of Fleet Maintenance for Brink's, Inc. "Both myself and our corporate council who joined me were very impressed with the whole operation, and especially due to the very short 'production time.'"

Registration was limited to specific NAFA Members and Affiliates. Since this webinar was such a success, NAFA is looking into using webinars for chapter meetings, updates, and certification and education sessions.

 "(This was) another value added service of which you simply cannot put a price tag on," Keig said.

For those of you who are interested in getting a copy of the webinar, please follow this link:
https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/nafa/view. (Additional information needed for login: Recording ID: 9H3C7B-1; Attendee Key: NAFA3/11)

NAFA does not use a housing bureau. You should be making your reservations directly with the hotels. There are several companies who may call you asking to assist with your hotel reservations. Please do not use these companies. They do not represent NAFA.

Go to www.nafaiande.org for the direct phone number of the hotels and more information on your hotel options. Please contact Angela Kogut at 703-934-4700 ext 1124 or e-mail nafa@cmgexpo.com with questions.

NAFA's Institute and Expo
New Orleans
April 25-28
Register Now!

If you attend only one event this year, make it NAFA's I&E! The Institute & Expo is just around the corner. Register now and make this a necessary investment well worth it!

• Arm yourself with cutting-edge training and education
• Stay connected: network with thousands of fleet professionals
• Plug into the latest services and products on the expo floor
• Become a more marketable fleet professional by sharing and learning from colleagues in different fields and sectors
• Strengthen your skills with training created BY fleet managers, FOR fleet managers

In this economic climate, you need to build your resources, strengthen your networks, and fortify your fleet knowledge! The NAFA I&E offers you four days of opportunities that will last you the whole year through! Review below what your NAFA colleagues are saying about I&E:

"We can't stop learning, particularly in a field as dynamic as what fleet has become. If a fleet professional wants to be a leader, one needs to go to I&E. To date, the knowledge, information, and expertise that I've gained at I&E has been readily apparent to my employer and has contributed to helping us save millions of dollars."

                    - Dave Schiller, CAFM, Fleet Safety & Materials Manager, Department of Natural Resources, State of Minnesota

"The I&E is the only place to achieve training for my position. I know I will walk away with at least one new idea, and in truth, many new ideas to pursue within my company. Whether it be cost savings ideas, driver issues, organizational skills, technology insights, or kicking the tires of a new product, my company gains."

                    - Sheryl Grossman, Fleet Manager, GE Healthcare

Last year, the topic of soaring gas prices was the drive behind the Green Fleet Ride-and-Drive. But the need to look into alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles, has become even more valuable to fleet managers, especially since the decline of the economy and the Detroit 3's plans to make smaller, more fuel efficient cars.

At NAFA's 2009 Institute & Expo in New Orleans, fleet managers will once again have the opportunity to see and ride some of the latest in green vehicles, during the Green Fleet Ride-and-Drive. Companies confirmed for the event include: Altech-Eco (Transeco Energy), American Honda, Diesel Technology Forum, Dueco, Ultra Motor USA, and PERC.

NAFA's Green Zone, featuring the Green Fleet Ride-and-Drive, has been a hit two years in a row! The Ride-and-Drive will take place on Monday, April 27th, from 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. It's a chance for I&E attendees to see and drive the latest alt-fuel vehicles powered by natural gas, propane, ethanol and biodiesel.

The Ride-and-Drive is open to all registered Institute & Expo fleet managers showing a valid driver's license.  If you've ever wondered what it's like to drive an electric car or are interested in seeing the latest green technology, don't miss the Green Zone. For more information, visit www.nafaiande.org.

Public Safety Group (PSG) Roadeo

Join your fellow Public Safety Fleet Managers at the PSG Roadeo on April 25th, from 11:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Test your prowess behind the wheel and try to beat your peers at timed events. Vehicles to be provided by: Chrysler LLC, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors Corporation. Specialty vehicles available to drive will be supplied by American Chariot; T3 Motion, Inc.; and Pierce Manufacturing will provide a fire engine to test drive.

This event will provide information on how to skillfully maneuver your vehicle through different courses while being timed for speed and accuracy, highlight new accessories and equipment available from OEMs to best serve the public safety community, and show how each manufacturer's vehicle differs in the way it handles in various situations.

This special event is restricted to registrants with a Public Safety badge and OEM manufacturers who bring vehicles, equipment, and apparatus to the Roadeo for driving or static display. Click here for more information.

PSG Sessions at the I&E

New Product Information: Light Duty Public Safety Vehicles, offered Saturday, April 25, 2009, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., provides insight from major manufacturers of what the future will bring. You will learn about new products that are available from each manufacturer, what the future holds for law enforcement vehicles; and find out about new accessories and equipment that are available from OEMs. Click here for more information.

New Product Information: Fire & EMS Vehicles, offered Sunday, April 26th, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., outlines what's new in the Fire/EMS vehicle market. Learn directly from the manufacturers about new trends, new products and technologies that are available, and how to incorporate new products into vehicle specifications. Click here for more information.

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Problem Report Dialogue, offered Monday, April 27th, from 9:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., will provide you with the chance to listen to the problems other Public Safety Group colleagues have with the vehicles specifically designed for Public Safety operations. The manufacturers will review each problem identified in advance, and provide information about each, with the recommended action to be taken when experiencing a like condition. In addition, you will learn about the problems manufacturers have detected with their products and what type of corrective action is being recommended. Click here for more information.

On Tuesday, April 28th, from 9:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., Impact of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Regulations on Fleet Operations will discuss the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) regulations and provide the skills needed to write specifications for fire/rescue apparatus. Also, learn how to apply these standards to your public safety fleet operation. Click here for more information.

For CAFM or CAFS candidates who want instructor-led training, the best investment is NAFA's annual Institute & Expo, held in New Orleans, April 25-28, 2009. Attendees enrolled in the CAFM or CAFS programs are encouraged to study in advance; test on Friday, April 24; attend CAFM Boot Camp sessions on those disciplines they haven't yet passed; and stay to retest on Wednesday, April 29, if necessary.

CAFM Boot Camp sessions review those concepts in the curriculum with which most candidates have difficulty, based on test result analysis. The double test at this event is offered for a single testing fee and saves candidates $200.

When not attending CAFM Boot Camp sessions, candidates can take advantage of unique expositions, and educational and networking offerings. Be sure to attend the CAFM reception on Saturday afternoon to meet NAFA's Certification Board and hear useful tips over refreshments. There might even be time to unwind in the beautiful "Crescent City" of New Orleans, where Jazz Fest will be in full swing.

Take the CAFM Exam and Receive Results the Next Day!

Results of Friday's testing will be provided by Saturday morning. Those candidates who pass the remainder of their exams, and thereby complete the program, are encouraged to participate in the ceremony at the CAFM breakfast on Tuesday morning. Dress for the certification ceremony is business attire — coat and tie suggested for men.

Costs may be tax deductible as a professional expense, if not covered by an employer. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has recently approved the CAFM program for test fee reimbursement to eligible service members and their families.

NAFA's CAFM and CAFS Certification Programs

The CAFM program is divided into eight disciplines, covering the essential core competencies of fleet management. The eight disciplines are now grouped into two tiers. The lower-tier consists of Fleet Information Management, Maintenance Management, Professional Development, and Vehicle Fuel Management. The upper-tier consists of Asset Management, Business Management, Financial Management, and Risk Management.

Successfully testing in all eight disciplines while enrolled in the full CAFM program, earns the CAFM designation. Successfully testing in all four disciplines of the lower-tier during a full CAFM program or lower-tier enrollment period, earns the Certified Automotive Fleet Supervisor (CAFS) designation, which is new for 2009. Those who have earned the CAFS designation and keep it active through recertification, may subsequently enroll in the upper-tier and earn the CAFM designation by successfully testing in the remaining four disciplines during that enrollment period.

Those completing the CAFM program may apply to Ferris State University (FSU) in Big Rapids, Michigan, for 12 college credits at $85 per credit and use that toward a degree there or transfer credits to another school. Those completing the CAFS may apply for 6 college credits. The college credit is offered through the FSU Colleges of Business and Engineering Technology. Contact NAFA at certification@nafa.org with questions or for more information.

In 2009, make your mark by lending a hand with NAFA's I&E Habitat for Humanity project. With the help of many different groups and communities, New Orleans is coming back stronger than ever, and now NAFA has a chance to help in that transformation!

How can you help? Plan to arrive a day early and join with other NAFA community volunteers to assist in a New Orleans Habitat for Humanity community project. On Friday, April 24, 2009, Team NAFA will partner and work with Habitat for Humanity on a local project. The work-day schedule is from 7:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., and buses will depart from the Hilton New Orleans Riverside and Doubletree New Orleans Hotels at 7 a.m.

If you would like to be part of the Habitat for Humanity team, just fill out your I&E Registration Form, or register online and check the "Habitat For Humanity" box to participate. Exhibitors may consult their service kit for more information. For additional information on New Orleans Habitat for Humanity, visit www.habitat-nola.org.

In addition to the team of NAFA volunteers and their contribution, the NAFA Fleet Management Association is making a contribution to help continue Habitat for Humanity projects after I&E leaves the crescent city.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to give not only to the fleet management community, but also to the New Orleans community. We are grateful for your support!

Save money and gain knowledge at this year's I&E. Take advantage of several airline and rental car discounts by clicking on "Attendee Information" and then "General Information" on the left hand side at www.nafaiande.org.

Airline Discounts:

American Airlines is offering five percent off the lowest applicable published air fare. For phone reservations: Call (800) 433-1790 and refer to authorization code: A7949AG (a $20 ticketing fee will be added to phone reservations). To book online: Log on to www.AA.com and refer to promotion code A7949AG. For tickets purchased at an airport, a $30 ticketing fee will be added. This amount is subject to change. International originating guests need to call their local reservations number and refer to NAFA's Promotion Code A7949AG.

Continental Airlines - Phone reservations: call Continental Airline's Meeting Works at (800) 468-7022 and provide the Z Code ZEYP and Agreement Code CMNM59 to save 2 to 15 percent off published fares (excluding tax). There will be a $15 service fee collected, per ticket, for all tickets issued through Meeting Works Reservations or any Continental Airlines ticketing facility. The service fee is non-refundable and applies to all itineraries one-way or round trip.

NorthWest Airlines - Phone Reservations: call (800) 328-1111, provide Worldfile number NYVFD. Book online: www.nwa.com.

Car Rental Discounts:

Enterprise has been named the "official car rental company" for NAFA's 2009 Institute & Expo. To arrange your car rental reservation, follow this link: http://www.enterprise.com/billboard/page.do?dspg=6948. For telephone reservations, call Enterprise at (800) 261-7331 and mention our Corporate Number 24E2998 for a discount. Please note: Online reservations may cost less than telephone reservations.  

Book Your Hotel Reservations Today!

The New Orleans Hilton Riverside will serve as the headquarters hotel, and registrants are encouraged to make their hotel reservations early, as the I&E takes place the same time as New Orleans's famous Jazz Fest! Early hotel reservations can be made through NAFA's I&E Web site at www.NAFAIandE.org. For hotel information, online reservations and forms, visit the Hotel and Travel page.

The Hilton New Orleans Riverside, which is next to the New Orleans Morial Convention Center, offers group rates of $226 - $276. Online reservations can be made at http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/groups/personalized/MSYNHHH-AFA-20090418/index.jhtml.

The DoubleTree New Orleans is four blocks from the New Orleans Morial Convention Center and offers a group rate of $226. Online reservations can be made at http://www.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/personalized/MSYTCDT-AFA-20090419/index.jhtml.
 
The first night's room rate is required as an advance deposit for all reservations. Credit cards will be charged at the same time that the reservation is made. The cut-off date for reservations is April 1, 2009. NAFA will be providing shuttle service between the hotels and convention center.

Attendance numbers for NAFA's I&E are significantly up – a 20% increase from this time last year. Register now! You still have time to secure a prime location at the largest fleet management event under one roof, anywhere! To reserve your booth or request more information, contact Mark Miller at 703-934-4700, ext. 1107, or exhibits@nafa.org.

Here are the forms you will need to reserve your booth space today:

2009 NAFA Institute & Expo Floor Plan
2009 NAFA I&E Exhibit Space Application
Look at the vendors already signed up!

Sponsorships are also at the same number from last year and on the rise. We have 24 current sponsors and continue to grow by the day! Click here to view sponsors. I&E sponsorship packages are designed with maximum return on investment in mind. We have designed valuable sponsorship packages that consider budgets of all sizes. Become an I&E sponsor! Contact Mark Miller at 703-934-4700, ext. 1107, or exhibits@nafa.org.

Affiliates Forum

The Affiliates Committee met during the recent NAFA Board of Governors Meeting in Orlando, Florida. They reviewed all information and results from the 2008 Institute & Expo (I&E) and the Grand Celebration. An update was given regarding the 2009 I&E and planning for the 2009 Grand Celebration was concluded.

The Grand Celebration looks like it will fit right in with the festivities surrounding us in New Orleans. There will be plenty of food and beverages, along with a band to keep us moving. There will also be a quiet room set up this year for those who would like to network. Affiliates are encouraged to support those sponsoring the Grand Celebration.

As the primary sponsor of the Grand Celebration, the Manufacturers and Affiliates play an important part in the success of the evening as well as the Keynote Speaker. Please keep this in mind. This is also a nice way of thanking your customers and supporting NAFA. This year's Keynote Speaker will be Graeme Maxton. On April 26th, 11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., he will discuss how other countries are doing economically and the strengths of the international automotive business.

The Affiliates Committee is once again asking all Affiliates for help in working on NAFA's education projects. Please see the notice from NAFA's Executive Director, Phil Russo, in this issue of FLEETFocus to learn how you can get involved and share your expertise. We hope to see you all at the NAFA I&E in New Orleans, April 25-28, 2009. Please plan on attending. You will benefit and have fun doing it!

Headline News

Ford Motor Company announced its Board of Directors and the Board of Directors of Ford Motor Credit Company have approved a plan to restructure Ford's debt through a combination of a conversion offer by Ford and cash tender offers by Ford Credit.

By using a combination of Ford and Ford Credit cash on hand and Ford equity to retire certain long-term debt early, Ford would reduce its debt obligations and annual interest expense. The amount of the debt and interest expense reductions will be dependent upon the level of participation by debt holders.

As part of the ongoing implementation of its Viability Plan and in response to the continued deterioration of automotive sales, Chrysler LLC announced the elimination of the third shift at Windsor Assembly Plant in Windsor, Ontario.

"Given today's severe economic environment and continued lack of consumer credit, which has affected the minivan market as well, we cannot sustain a three-shift operation at Windsor as we continue to work towards the appropriate level of plant utilization," said Frank J. Ewasyshyn, Executive Vice President – Manufacturing. "We will work closely with the Canadian Auto Workers union to manage the shift reduction in a socially responsible manner."

Approximately 1,200 employees will be put on indefinite layoff as a result of the shift reduction that will take place no sooner than June 24, 2009. Chrysler is also in discussions with the Canadian federal and Ontario provincial governments regarding assistance for the Company's Canadian operations. Windsor Assembly Plant was constructed in 1928 and began production of Chrysler minivans in 1983. The plant currently employs approximately 4,450 hourly workers.

The California Air Resources Board approved over $700,000 in grants to bolster the commercialization of three clean air technologies. The projects, funded under the ARB's Innovative Clean Air Technologies program, include demonstrations of a big-rig truck trailer aerodynamic device, a specialized drivetrain for commercial vehicles, and a stationary biogas engine.

Three projects were selected for their potential to support ARB programs and initiatives, and lead to emission reductions in California: Advanced Transit Dynamics, Inc. (South San Francisco) will receive $249,194 to demonstrate its active flow control technology to improve the fuel economy of Class 8 tractor-trailers by 6-10%;  Eaton Corp. will receive $214,401 to demonstrate its series hybrid hydraulic drivetrain on a package delivery vehicle to cut greenhouse gas emissions generated from commercial vehicles; and, Sacramento Municipal Utility District will receive $246,309 to demonstrate the use of a system using dairy digester gases that will significantly reduce emissions from stationary biogas engines.

The Renault-Nissan Alliance announced that Nissan and Pima Association of Governments (PAG), which represents the Tucson region, are forming a partnership to advance zero-emission mobility by promoting the development of an electric vehicle charging network. ECOtality, Inc., a Scottsdale, Arizona, clean electric transportation and storage technologies company, also will participate in the partnership by working to facilitate the process of helping make the Tucson Metro Area EV-ready.

The Alliance has committed to being a global leader in zero-emission vehicles. Nissan will introduce ZEVs in the United States in 2010 and will mass market ZEVs globally two years later. As part of the agreement, Nissan will assist PAG and its member jurisdictions in EV acquisition as well as work with PAG to develop plans to promote a charging infrastructure for EVs.

SPOTLIGHT ON LEGISLATION

Government of Canada Proposes New Life-Saving Technology for Canadian Vehicles

The Government of Canada has endorsed a new safety regulation for Canadian vehicles.  Being proposed is the requirement that Electronic Stability Control (ESC) be installed as standard equipment on all light-duty vehicles for sale in Canada, starting September 1st, 2011.

Federal Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities John Baird highlighted the government's recognition that ESC saves lives. The minister also mentioned that the safety feature is already available on many new models, and increases the safety of all Canadians.

ESC is a technology that is crafted to support drivers in keeping control of their vehicle in situations such as emergency manoeuvres and travelling on slippery surfaces. Transport Canada data shows that vehicles equipped with ESC were involved in roughly 30 percent fewer severe collisions involving loss of control than non-ESC equipped vehicles.

The proposed regulation was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I on March 14, 2009.  A 75-day response period is now in progress, where interested parties may provide their comments to Transport Canada.

EPA Proposes Green House Gas Rule

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed the first comprehensive national system for reporting emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases produced by major sources in the United States. Although EPA is not proposing reporting requirements by fleets at this time, it is requesting comments on several fleet issues, leaving open the possibility that EPA could mandate reporting by fleets in a final regulation. Additional information is available at http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ghgrulemaking.html.

Public hearings on the EPA proposal will be held on April 6th and 7th, in Washington, DC and April 16th, in Sacramento. NAFA will participate in the hearings.

EPA is inviting comments from fleets on several issues:

• Should fleet operators be required to report to EPA outside of voluntary participation in the SmartWay or Climate Leaders programs?
• Are there certain categories of mobile sources that should be included or excluded in potential reporting requirements (e.g., commercial light-duty vehicles, heavy-duty trucks)?
• Should one or more minimum emissions thresholds apply based on the mobile source category, and what would be appropriate annual thresholds?
• Are there certain categories of fleets that should be included or excluded from potential reporting requirements (e.g. public fleets versus private fleets)?
• If reporting requirements were to be introduced, what types of data should fleet operators report (e.g., fuel consumption for estimating CO₂ and non-road N₂O and CH₄ emissions; mileage and vehicle technology for estimating on-road N₂O and CH₄ emissions; efficiency metrics such as emissions per tons carried?
• What type of data verification or quality control should EPA require in any potential reporting requirements?
• For potential reporting requirements, are there preferred emissions quantification methods other than those presented in the SmartWay Freight Logistics Environmental and Energy Tracking model or the Climate Leaders reporting protocol?

California Waiver Hearing

EPA held a public hearing on Thursday, March 5, regarding the agency's reconsideration of California's request to regulate greenhouse gases from automobiles. Written comments will be accepted until April 6, 2009.

ENVIRONMENTAL UPDATE

The Air Resources Board released a proposed regulation that would implement Governor Schwarzenegger's Low Carbon Fuel Standard, a policy to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from California's transportation fuels by 10 percent by 2020 and more thereafter. The proposed regulation would diversify the variety of fuels and boost the market for alternative-fuel vehicles. It is one of the most important early actions called for under AB 32, California's pioneering climate change legislation, and will achieve 16 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emission reductions by 2020.

"The new standard will promote the development of alternative fuels that can provide economic opportunities, slash greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce criteria pollutants and toxic air contaminants," said ARB Chairman Mary Nichols.

Gov. Schwarzenegger issued the LCFS Executive Order in early 2007 directing the state to drive down greenhouse gas emissions from transportation fuels. The transportation sector alone accounts for 40 percent of the state's total greenhouse gas emissions. California is providing funding to assist in the early development and deployment of the most promising low-carbon fuels to enhance private sector and federal investment into alternative fuel production and distribution.

TransLink, the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority, has awarded Clean Energy Fuels Corp. a new contract to expand and maintain the compressed natural gas fuel station that supports TransLink's current fleet of 60 clean-burning CNG buses.

Located at the agency's Port Coquitlam Transit Centre, in a suburb of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, the Clean Energy-operated, high-volume station will be upgraded and reconfigured to accommodate potential fleet growth of up to 125 buses.

"The North American transit industry's transition from diesel to natural gas power is accelerating in response to the need to curtail emissions, decrease fuel costs and reduce dependence on imported oil," said James Harger, Clean Energy Senior Vice President.

Clean Energy Fuels Corp. announced they strongly support AT&T in its commitment to natural gas vehicles in its fleet nationwide.

AT&T chairman and CEO, Randall Stephenson, announced that the company plans to invest up to $565 million as part of a long-term strategy to deploy more than 15,000 alternative-fuel vehicles over the next 10 years. AT&T expects to spend an estimated $350 million of that amount over five years to purchase about 8,000 natural gas (CNG) vehicles. This represents the largest corporate commitment to CNG vehicles to date.

"AT&T and other U.S. corporations have a unique opportunity to partner with the new administration as it works to lead the country out of this economic downturn," said Stephenson.

Over the next five years, AT&T will replace about 8,000 gasoline-powered service vehicles with vehicles powered by domestically available CNG. The company also expects to replace 7,100 passenger cars over the next 10 years and during the initial phase of the deployment, gasoline-powered passenger vehicles will be replaced with hybrid models. In 2009, AT&T will deploy nearly 800 of the CNG and hybrid electric vehicles.

AT&T's investment represents the largest U.S. corporate commitment to CNG vehicles to date. The new deployments will bring AT&T's alternative-fuel fleet to more than 15,000 vehicles by 2019.

Coca-Cola Enterprises orded 150 Kenworth T370 diesel-electric tractors and 35 Kenworth T370 hybrid trucks from Kenworth Truck Company – its largest ever hybrid truck order.

All of the tractors and trucks will be on the road this year. The Kenworth T370 tractors are the largest hybrid delivery truck on the road in North America. Coca-Cola Enterprises plans to deploy the Kenworth hybrid tractors to Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Montreal, New Orleans, New York, Portland (Ore.), San Antonio, San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa, Toronto, Vancouver, and Washington, D.C.

The Kenworth T370 hybrid trucks will be deployed to Albuquerque, Boston, Cincinnati, Columbus (Ohio), Jacksonville (Fla.), Knoxville, Las Vegas, Missoula, New Orleans, and Seattle, joining CCE's fleet of 120 Kenworth 12-bay hybrid delivery trucks.

Ford Motor Company intends to expand its share of the mid-size sedan market and strengthen its car portfolio with the launch of the new 2010 Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid. The U.S. mid-size sedan market is one of the largest segments in the automotive industry, second only to the small cars. In 2008, industry-wide sales of mid-size cars totaled more than 2 million units. The all-new Fusion Hybrid achieves a 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. Ford plans on using a season-long consumer promotion, the "Fusion Music Video Challenge," during the American Idol show to get customers interested in the new Fusion Hybrid. A digital campaign also will launch to draw consumers to find out more about the 2010 Fusion. Reinforcing "We Speak Car," the campaign will use the 2010 Fusion fuel economy facts and the American Idol promotion to draw customers to the www.fordvehicles.com Web site.

Toyota plans to make even more eco-friendly changes to their Prius with an all new 2010 Toyota Prius to have a combined EPA estimated fuel efficiency rating of 50 miles-per-gallon. The company's exclusive Hybrid Synergy Drive System was introduced in 2004 on the second-generation Prius and since then, more than 700,000 have been sold in the U.S.

The new Prius will be certified as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) and an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) in California, as well as those states adopting California emission standards.

Tesla Motors Inc. will start selling cars in Canada and the automaker will begin delivering cars to Canadian customers starting in the fourth quarter.

Canada is uniquely positioned to become a premier showcase for Tesla, which has delivered more than 200 cars to U.S. customers. Canada and Norway are the only two countries worldwide where the majority of electricity comes from renewable resources, including run-of-river small hydro, wind, biomass, geothermal and solar energy.

An EV recharged from the current Canadian grid, on average, would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 85 percent compared to an equivalent gasoline-powered vehicle. In hydro-dominant British Columbia, Quebec and Manitoba, the reduction would be an impressive 98 percent.

Initially, Tesla will deliver cars to Canadian customers through regional centers in Seattle and New York. Eventually, Tesla hopes to open facilities in Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec.

Vantage Vehicle International, Inc., a California-based manufacturer of mini-vehicles, announced the national release of its PRIMO 4WD heavy duty, all terrain, utility truck and passenger and cargo van line through a national network of distributors.

The Vantage PRIMO 4WD line includes: the Standard Cab Truck, the Panel Van, and the Window Van. Applications include: airports, resorts, colleges and universities, golf courses, government facilities, military bases, construction sites, state and national parks, sports stadiums, hotels, highway construction and agriculture.

"We know that fleet buyers are looking for reliable, all-terrain vehicles that deliver the maximum payload. Unlike many used right hand drive vehicles with limited capacity, and unreliable shifting and powerplants, our trucks and vans are rugged on and off road, and feature one touch 4WD access," said Michael Pak, founder and CEO of Vantage.

NAFA Online Store

Order by March 31 and Save 25% on NAFA's Personal Use for Fleets CD-ROM

 

 

Personal Use for Fleets CD-ROM

 

NAFA's Personal Use CD-ROM is a comprehensive tool to instruct and assist you in gaining a greater understanding of this core competency for successful fleet management. The CD offers examples of various plans, data structures, IRS guidelines and rules, liability exposure, how to identify and gather critical information, policy development and personal use management. The CD-ROM format proves easy navigation and access to many samples, reference documents and complicated IRS rules and regulations.

 

Did you know about NAFA's other products, such as the NAFA Vehicle Classification System or Personal Use for Fleets CD, or Request for Proposals Guide CD? Review all NAFA products at the online store (www.nafa.org/store), or to download the current catalog, click here. Get the most from your NAFA membership by taking advantage of substantial discounts on all products in our online store.

Career Corner

 

NAFA has provided space in each issue of the FleetFOCUS for companies and organizations to advertise career opportunities in the fleet industry. Members can also market themselves to potential employers. If you're interested in this opportunity, make your listings 200 words or fewer. Links to complete job descriptions on the company's Web site are suggested. Please note all of the materials a candidate must supply in order to be considered for the position (e.g., resume, salary history, municipal application, etc.). To take advantage of this service, e-mail your ad to Patrick McCarren at pmccarren@nafa.org.

 

Job Wanted Listings Provide New Networking Opportunities!

Are you looking for a new job or a motivated, hard-working employee? NAFA's Job Wanted Listings is an exclusive benefit for Members and Affiliates who are looking to make a career change. PLEASE NOTE: This new and exclusive benefit is FREE! To take advantage of this service, e-mail your Job Wanted posting to Maureen Smith at msmith@nafa.org.

March Job Postings

Senior Engineer - Surrey, BC

Fleet Management Administrator - Washington, DC
National Fleet Manager - Romeoville, IL
Fleet Superintendent - Greenville, NC

Resume Bank

NAFA is going one step further to help those in the industry gain employment. For a small fee, NAFA will send resumes to any prospective employer who places an ad on the Career Network Section of the NAFA Web site. Employers will be provided with new, up-to-date resumes that fit the job, for a small cost.

There is still no charge to submit a resume to the Resume Bank. To be included in the Resume Bank, please send a current version of your resume to Maureen Smith, NAFA, Inc., 125 Village Blvd., Suite 200, Princeton, NJ 08540, or fax it to 609-452-8004. Resumes can also be e-mailed to Maureen Smith at msmith@nafa.org. A few tips and reminders: If you would like to include a generic cover letter to be sent to potential employers, please include that as part of your resume. Make sure your home address, home phone or cell phone and personal e-mail address are included on your resume. Potential employers will contact you directly. NAFA has a number of fleet-related job openings on the Jobs Wanted/Available page (click here).

Chapter Highlights

Industry Calendar
Click here

NAFA's 34 local chapters across Canada and the United States, offer you numerous opportunities to meet colleagues and receive valuable fleet management education to keep you informed! Each year, more than 100 NAFA Chapter meetings provide top level education and training on a wide variety of timely topics!

March is a busy month for NAFA Chapters! Chapter meetings will take place, including:

March 18
New England Chapter - Driver and Vehicle Safety
Location: Liberty Mutual Group Research Institute for Safety, Hopkinton, MA
Contact: Karen Kearns, karen.kearns@gtech.com 
 
March 19
Chesapeake Chapter - Meeting
Location: Rose Restaurant
Contact: Donna Kelly, donna.j.kelly@firstgroup.com, P: 410.879.6220
 
March 19
Nation's Capital Chapter - Virginia Propane Engine Road Show
Location: Fairfax County Government Center
Contact: Rick Hilmer, P: 301.808.1721, rghilmer@co.pg.md.us

March 19
Arizona Chapter Meeting
Location: Redburn Tire Company, Phoenix, AZ
Contact: Mark Manney, P: 602.484.7055, mark@nationalautomart.com

March 19
Atlanta Chapter Meeting
Location: Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA
Contact: Patsy Brownson, P: 404.313.3323, patsy.brownson@comcast.net
 
March 24
St. Louis Gateway Chapter - Green Fleets Conference and Expo
Location: St. Charles Convention Center, Charles, MO
Contact: Kevin Herdler, 314.822.5831
 
March 25
North Central Chapter - Minneapolis/St. Paul Auto Show
Location: MPLS Convention Center
Contact: Greg Hodgdon at ghodgdon@easween.com and Stuart Olson at stuart.olson@tennantco.com

March 26
New York Chapter - Green East Expo and Natural Gas Informational Meeting
Green East Expo, Pier 92 at the New York Cruise Terminal
Contact: Arthur Kappel, P: 516.803.1822, akappel@cablevision.com
RSVP by March 19, 2009

Membership Benefits You

NAFA's FleetED is designed to help you quickly find references and educational resources that you need now.

From asset management to maintenance management, benchmarking and shop operations, NAFA's FleetED covers all fleet management disciplines and competencies, making this free Web site your fast online portal to all fleet management education.
 
Easily look up available resources, while scanning an overview of a particular fleet management discipline. Complete a brief self-assessment test, selected by discipline, to confirm your strengths and discover what areas may need a little more concentration. These quizzes provide real-time feedback, with suggested education content according to your assessment results.

Whether you are looking for something specific, or just trying to figure out what you need to know, NAFA's FleetED will guide you to valuable, comprehensive education content and reference materials. Visit FleetED at www.nafa.org/fleeted or www.fleeted.org.

Three online, searchable networking databases will put you in easy touch with all your NAFA colleagues. Exclusively for the use of the NAFA membership! Our three databases help YOU find:

• Fellow Members and Affiliates based on name, geographic area, or chapter.
• An expert who has volunteered to answer questions from colleagues on specific topics that are important to you.
• An Affiliate product or service; you can choose from more than 50 categories!

You must be a Member or Affiliate to utilize the online networking databases. To start your search, click here.

Have you been promoted? Is your company moving? Did you get a new job? Are you retiring? Remember to notify NAFA about these and other changes.

If you are retiring, please contact NAFA, as you may be eligible to become a NAFA alumnus and stay in touch with your NAFA colleagues and friends.

There are two easy ways to both help your colleagues keep in touch and make changes to your membership record: 1) click on "My Profile" on the NAFA homepage and submit changes, or 2) e-mail info@nafa.org.

e-Communities offers members the chance to reach colleagues and share ideas when they need to - anytime, anywhere! These virtual neighborhoods allow members to easily e-mail others within that community, with specific fleet questions. As a subscriber to e-Communities, you can:

• View real-time activity between other subscribed members within the group(s) you subscribe to.
• Share your knowledge and assist a fellow member in need, access lists of subscribers for each group and access a history of inquiries posted to e-Communities.
• Some of the topics include alternative fuels, disaster relief, fleet maintenance, global fleet, law enforcement and many more! Come be a part of NAFA's community!

To visit e-Communities, please click here.

NAFA cares about your privacy. As such, NAFA does not sell or rent e-mail addresses or phone numbers of its members or affiliates. NAFA also does not endorse any particular product or service provided by fleet suppliers. If you receive an e-mail (or any other form of communication) from a supplier that implies a NAFA endorsement or uses the NAFA name or likeness to imply endorsement, please notify NAFA immediately. We will issue a "cease and desist" notice and pursue action as necessary. (You should know that e-mail addresses are part of the online pdf files NAFA posts each month for communication among NAFA members and affiliates. Access to these files is restricted to NAFA Members and Affiliates.)

For NAFA's complete privacy policy, please click here:  http://www.nafa.org/Template.cfm?Section=Privacy_Policy.