NAFA Connection
NAFA Fleet Management Association
In the beginning of 2008, NAFA launched a dynamic new logo for the Association. In the months that followed, the rebranding continued by leading the way in fleet education and environmental issues, providing new and improved communications, and even moving towards a more global outlook. Looking back, the steps taken in 2008 have signaled a new era for NAFA, one that will carry the Association forward through its next 50 years.
Education
NAFA achieved one of its most sought-after goals in the Strategic Plan through the creation of a partnership with Ferris State University of Michigan. The arrangement, announced at a press conference in Salt Lake City during the Institute & Expo in May, includes a four-step degree plan that begins with awarding CAFM program participants 12 semester hours of college credit for successful completion of the program and ends with a Bachelor of Science Degree with a minor in Fleet Management.
The Association remained on the forefront of fleet education with the introduction of the Advanced Fleet Management Seminar. Designed to cover the tougher concepts in the CAFM curriculum and fielded by some of NAFA's best CAFM instructors, the seminar provides an environment where interactive discussion with subject matter experts and practical exercises in two disciplines let attendees gain simulated experience to ensure mastery of fleet management.
In addition to these accomplishments, the number of active participants in the CAFM program climbed to well over 500.And while the CAFM program remains the premier certification for the fleet industry, a new Certified Automotive Fleet Supervisor (CAFS) certification program was established for those in fleet who have successfully completed the first four disciplines: Fleet Information Management, Maintenance Management, Professional Development, and Vehicle Fuel Management.
Environment
NAFA's standing in the fleet industry was apparent when representatives from the Association met with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in April to provide fleet perspectives on EPA's pending regulation for mandatory reporting of greenhouse gases. There was extended discussion on several issues, including many different fueling scenarios used by fleets, from central fueling to credit card purchases to remote fueling facilities. NAFA was encouraged to learn that EPA was very interested in better understanding the challenges that a reporting requirement might cause for fleets and looks forward to similar meetings in the future.
The Association also created the Green Fleet Awards to honor individuals who have implemented pioneering, innovative, and creative programs to help with their company's overall "going green" initiative. The first awards were handed out at the I&E in front of a sprawling audience that was much larger than expected. The Green Fleet Awards will be handed out annually and help further NAFA's commitment to environmental issues.
The Association more recently held its first-ever webinar on "EPA Clean Diesel Funding 2009: How To Take Advantage of DERA Funds to Apply for the Purchase of Hybrid Trucks." This webinar, held in conjunction with the Environmental Defense Fund, gave insight and provided valuable information regarding criteria for funding, estimated timeline, and next steps for interested fleets.
Communications
Changing the Association's logo was only the first step; NAFA also replaced Fleet Executive with FLEETSolutions as its official publication and gave it a new, contemporary design, a new digital version, and editorial that focuses on the eight core disciplines of fleet management. FleetFOCUS, the Association's email newsletter, was also revamped as well. In addition, NAFA launched a new website specifically for the annual Institute & Expo (www.nafaIandE.org) and introduced a completely redesigned main website (www.NAFA.org).
Going Global
In September, NAFA broke new ground when it presented its first ever Fleet Management Seminar in both French and English. Held in Montreal, the sold-out FMS attracted fleet managers from all across Canada. The development of a French version of the FMS showed NAFA's commitment to opening the doors to quality fleet management education to everyone.
And, in October, NAFA began soliciting bids for a new International Fleet Management Seminar, which will eventually take the Association across the globe. The timing of the announcement was just a few weeks before Gayle Pratt, NAFA's President, was among the final candidates for the 2008 International Fleet Manager of the Year award presented by MMM Business Media International (publisher of Fleet Europe Magazine.)
Now, the Association's Institute & Expo is just weeks away. Attended annually by thousands of fleet professionals, this event is to be held in New Orleans, Louisiana, at the Morial Convention Center, running from April 25-28. The conference and exhibit hall are sure to be the launching point for even more announcements of future endeavors to elevate the fleet professional and industry.
NAFA has changed the layout of our newsletter for the benefit of our membership. Stories relating to the "What's Green in the Industry" section will now be incorporated into the body of the newsletter. Information on chapter highlights, NAFA's online store, and Membership Benefits You can be found on the right-hand side of the FleetFOCUS.Did you know NAFA's I&E is the best industry event to network, build your resources, receive cutting-edge training and education, and be exposed to a powerhouse of fleet knowledge and expertise? Thirty-five percent of attendees will have a fleet size of 501-2,000 vehicles and 32% have an annual budget of $1,000,001-$5,000,000. You can't afford to miss this year's I&E with over 201 exhibitors showcasing their products and dozens of sessions to help improve your fleet!
Attendees' fleet composition for the 2009 I&E is comprised of:
- 95% Cars/Station Wagons/SUV's
- 85% Passenger/Cargo Vans
- 81% Trucks <16,000 gvw
- 66% Trucks 16,001-26,000 gvw
- 52% Trucks >26,000 gvw
- 46% Law Enforcement/Emergency Vehicles
- 43% Equipment (Highway and Non-Highway Vehicles)
The Green Zone, Green Fleet Ride-and-Drive, and the Public Safety Group Roadeo will provide attendees with the latest technologies and most current, cost-efficient ways to green their fleets. Whether you come to network, attend valuable sessions, or see the latest services and products, NAFA's I&E will have it for you all under one roof! Click here to register!
NAFA's 2009 Institute & Expo, the largest fleet management event of the year, is just one month away. Exhibitors are anxious to get their products and services in front of the hundreds of fleet managers who will be in attendance at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans from April 25-28.
"This is GPS Insight's third year attending NAFA I&E, and we consider it our most important event each year," said Rob Donat, President of GPS Insight, one of more than 200 companies that will be exhibiting at this year's I&E. GPS Insight, a leading supplier of GPS tracking hardware and software solutions for commercial and municipal fleet vehicles, will be displaying its best of breed GPS tracking solutions and multiple hardware and service options. "We invite all attendees to stop by to see what has changed at GPS Insight for 2009. This year we have 10 hardware offerings, including the right configuration for every fleet type and requirement. We continually enhance GPS Insight's software platform, which is scalable and can accommodate fleets of any size."
NAFA's I&E is the one event companies that do business with fleet managers cannot afford to miss. Fleet managers from all across the United States and Canada will be in attendance. The attendees range from those with less than five years of fleet management experience to those who have been fleet managers for a decade or more. The I&E offers the rare opportunity to meet face-to-face with fleet managers who are responsible for vehicle selection, maintenance, management services, fleet management systems, fuel management systems, vehicle uplifting, vehicle auction, safety management, leasing company services, accident management systems, training programs, short-term rentals, auto transport, and used vehicle grade publications.
NAFA hired NaylorCMG to manage exhibit sales this year and the results have been impressive. While many expos have been forced to cancel or downsize, NAFA's Expo is larger this year than last -- both in terms of the number of exhibitors and the total square footage of exhibit space sold. In addition, NAFA has kept a full program of educational sessions and speakers in place as in years past. The combination is leading many to call this year's I&E the fleet event of the year.
Manufacturers such as American Honda Motor Company, Audi of America, Ford Motor Company, General Motors Fleet and Commercial Operations, Harley Davidson Motor Company, Mazda North American Operations, Mercedes-Benz Fleet Operations, Subaru of America/Canada, and Toyota Fleet will be exhibiting this year, while Chrysler remains a major sponsor. Some of the larger service providers on the floor will be Reading Fleet Services, Insurance Auto Auctions, Flexible Marketing, Magna-SVE Commercial Services, Wright Express, ARI, Adrian Steel, AmeriFleet, Comdata, and GE Capital.
For a complete list of exhibitors, please visit www.nafaiande.com. For information on exhibiting and I&E sponsorships, contact Mark Miller at 703-934-4700 x 1107, email: nafa@cmgexpo.com.
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.
NAFA's Institute and Expo
New Orleans
April 25-28
Click here to register!
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 yourself 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 group 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
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 in to 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! The Word is in - Your Colleagues Say the ROI is Great!
"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
I&E is just around the corner, and you may still be fighting for the time off and budget money to make the trek. Here is more information on why I&E is a necessary investment and how you can get your money's worth of networking and innovative ideas!
- Strengthen your fleet knowledge and skills with a wealth of NAFA training and knowledge created BY fleet managers, FOR fleet managers!
- Become a more marketable and essential fleet professional by sharing and learning from colleagues in different fields and sectors.
- Track the winds of change! New technology, new rules and regulations, and higher costs are just a few of the issues that will be covered this year. Through sessions and speaker, see where the industry is headed in the future, something you can't afford to miss! Click here to register!
Going green is on everyone's task list, and NAFA is providing the education and tools to make your transition to green as smooth as possible.
Arrive a day early for the Pre-I&E Masters' Seminar: Carbon Footprint Calculation and Management and get more bang for your buck. Learn how to calculate a carbon footprint of your fleet and how to track your fleet's environmental performance over time. Be there for the rollout and demonstration of the EDF-NAFA carbon emissions calculator, and listen to an explanation of US EPA fleet mandates. Please note there is a separate fee for this Seminar, and you must pre-register.
Monday's Emerging Clean Fuel and Vehicle Technology Options for Fleets will outline the steps for quantifying fleet carbon or green footprint and review best practices for their successful use.
Greening Your Fleet: Learn From the Winners, offered on Tuesday, allows you to learn the secrets of creating an environmentally-friendly fleet from winners of the Green Fleet Awards.
What is your government doing regarding alternative fuels and energy? Find out at NAFA's U.S. Legislative Update and Canadian Legislative Update offered Tuesday. You will receive the latest updates and insights from NAFA's legislative counsels on topics such as climate change, alternative fuels, and the environment and how it impacts YOUR fleet.
Take a Look at Our Essential Green Events!
Our Green Zone on the Expo Floor features the latest products and services designed for a cleaner, green fleet. Get behind the wheel of the latest alternative fuel vehicles at our Green Fleet Ride-and-Drive. Those fleet managers that are going green will be recognized at NAFA's 2nd Annual Green Fleet Awards. Don't miss these great events!
NAFA's Institute and Expo
New Orleans
April 25-28
Click here to register!
The Ride-and-Drive will take place on Monday, April 27, from 1:30 to 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. Companies confirmed for the event include: Altech-Eco (Transeco Energy), American Honda, Columbia ParCar, Diesel Technology Forum, Dueco, e-ride Industries, Miles Electric Vehicles, Inc., ROUSH Performance, Ultra Motor USA, and PERC.
This event is open to all registered I&E 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 or click here to register.
Public Safety Group (PSG) Roadeo
Join your fellow Public Safety Fleet Managers at the PSG Roadeo on April 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 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 and 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, from 8:00 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 and what the future holds for law enforcement vehicles; and you'll 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 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.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 27, 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 28, from 9:45 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.
NAFA's Institute and Expo
New Orleans
April 25-28
Click here to register!
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. 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 participants the CAFM designation. Successfully testing in all four disciplines of the lower tier during a full CAFM program or lower-tier enrollment period earns participants 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 six 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.
NAFA's Institute and Expo
New Orleans
April 25-28
Click here to register!
LeasePlan will be helping sponsor NAFA's Habitat for Humanity project taking place before the Institute & Expo in New Orleans. All volunteers will be given a t-shirt for the event provided by LeasePlan. In addition, LeasePlan volunteers, including Louisiana natives Mike Pitcher, President and CEO, and Jon Toups, Senior Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Client Services, are grabbing a hammer and helping Team NAFA rebuild New Orleans on April 24.
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, 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 5 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 - For phone reservations, call Continental Airlines' 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 - For phone reservations, call (800) 328-1111 and 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 to $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. NAFA will be providing shuttle service between the hotels and convention center.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced a new program to help stabilize the auto supply base and restore credit flows in a critical sector of the American economy. As the President's Task Force on the Auto Industry continues to review restructuring plans submitted by General Motors and Chrysler, the Treasury announced an Auto Supplier Support Program that will provide up to $5 billion in financing, giving suppliers the confidence they need to continue shipping parts, pay their employees, and continue their operations.
The announcement will support an industry employing more than 500,000 American workers across the country. Many of the nation's auto parts suppliers are unable to access credit and are facing growing uncertainty about the prospects for their businesses and for the auto companies that rely on the parts they ship because of the credit crisis and rapid decline in auto sales. This program will help break this cycle and provide confidence in the supplier base at an important time for the domestic auto industry. It is part of the Administration's broader efforts to ensure that our Financial Stability Plan reaches the main street businesses that create good jobs for American workers.
"The Supplier Support Program will help stabilize a critical component of the American auto industry during the difficult period of restructuring the lies ahead, " said Treasury Secretary Geithner. "The program will provide supply companies with much needed access to liquidity to assist them in meeting payrolls and covering their expenses, while giving the domestic auto companies reliable access to the parts they need. "
An overview of the Auto Supplier Support Program is below. A full fact sheet on the program can be found here: http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/docs/supplier_support_program_3_18.pdf.
State Treasurer Bill Lockyer today announced his office will team with the California Air Resources Board (ARB) on a $48 million loan guarantee program to help California truckers comply with new diesel emissions regulations.
"This program gives California a double benefit at a critical time," said Lockyer. "It will help the state implement groundbreaking regulations to improve air quality and help fight climate change, and protect jobs by giving truckers access to capital they need to stay on the road in these tough economic times."
"We applaud this partnership loan program that will help truckers meet the state's clean air standards, rules that set the high bar for other states to follow," said ARB chairman Mary D. Nichols. "These funds bring California a step closer in protecting the health of 38 million Californians."
The California Pollution Control Finance Authority (CPCFA), chaired by Lockyer, approved an agreement with the ARB that will govern the new diesel emissions program. The agreement calls for the diesel loan initiative to be operated as part of CPCFA's existing small business loan guarantee program, the California Capital Access Program (CalCAP). CalCAP aims to encourage banks and other financial institutions to make loans to small businesses and CalCAP puts money into loan loss reserves for each participating financial institution.
Under CPCFA's partnership with ARB on the diesel initiative, the ARB will contribute a percentage of the loan principal into lending institutions' loan loss reserve accounts. The agreement caps the ARB's total CalCAP contribution at $48 million. The $48 million could leverage roughly $350 million in loans to truckers and small trucking fleets. The loan proceeds can be used to purchase new trucks, used trucks, smartway products and exhaust retrofits. Pursuant to CalCAP regulations, the maximum loan amount will be $1.5 million, and the recipient businesses must have fewer than 100 employees and less than $10 million in annual revenues. The CPCFA and CARB anticipate launching the program later this spring.
The two agencies also provide a loan guarantee program through CalCAP to owners of off-road diesel vehicles for assistance with exhaust retrofits necessary to comply with recently adopted off-road diesel vehicle regulations. For more information about CPCFA and the loan gaurantee programs, visit www.treasurer.ca.gov/cpcfa.
Take a guess – how long are the dashed lines that are painted down the middle of a road? If you're like most people, you answered, "Two feet."
The real answer is 10 feet. That's the federal guideline for every street, highway, and rural road in the United States, where dashed lines separate traffic lanes or indicate where passing is allowed.
A new study has found that people grossly underestimate the length of these lines – a finding that implies we're all misjudging distances as we drive and are driving too fast as a result.
Dennis Shaffer, assistant professor of psychology at Ohio State University's Mansfield campus, led the study, which appeared in the journal Perception & Psychophysics. Shaffer and his colleagues tested more than 400 college students in three experiments. When asked to guess the length of the lines from memory, most answered 2 feet. Even when the students were standing some distance away from actual 10-foot lines or riding by them in a car, they judged the size to be the same: 2 feet.
The finding holds implications for traffic safety. Each dashed line measures 10 feet, and the empty spaces in-between measure 30 feet. So every time a car passes a new dashed line, the car has traveled 40 feet. But in this study, people consistently judged the lines and the empty spaces to be the same size, claiming that both were two feet.
"This means that to most people, 40 feet looks like a lot less than 40 feet when they're on the road," Shaffer said. "People cover more ground than they think in a given period of time, so they are probably underestimating their speed."
One possible explanation: As we drive, we look out far ahead the car for safety reasons, so the only lines we really see are faraway lines that look small.
Robbins Auto Parts, serving New Hampshire for more than 76 years, has announced it is joining forces with Fisher Auto Parts of Staunton, Virginia. The announcement was made jointly by Robert Weisner, Stanley Robbins, and Rick Robbins, second-generation owners of Robbins Auto Parts, and Bo Fisher, the third generation owner and CEO of Fisher Auto Parts.
Robbins Auto Parts was founded more than 76 years ago and joined the Federated Auto Parts programmed distribution group in 1985. 2008 sales from 12 large stores and a centralized distribution center were roughly $30 million.
In coordination with its 80th Anniversary, Fisher Auto Parts' acquisition of Robbins is in addition to other early 2009 new store openings planned in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Further expansion by Fisher Auto Parts is projected in the near future, including two new distribution centers.
Retail new-vehicle sales during the first 17 selling days of March were down by 40 percent compared with the same period one year ago, according to J.D. Power and Associates, which gathers real-time transaction data from more than 10,000 dealerships across the United States.
New-vehicle retail sales for the entire month of March are projected to come in at 633,000 units, compared with 1.07 million units a year ago. To better reflect consumer demand for new vehicles, J.D. Power and Associates focuses on retail sales, which include only dealership sales and leases to private parties and does not include fleet sales. Total sales for the month of March, including fleet sales, are projected to come in at 798,000 units, which translates to a SAAR of 9.2 million units.
The crossover utility vehicle (CUV) segment is generating the greatest year-over-year segment share growth, up by 3 percentage points since March 2008. In contrast, the traditional utility vehicle, compact car, and midsize car segments are generating the greatest year-over-year declines in segment share. A proliferation of new CUV models has been introduced to capitalize on this shift in consumer demand. A total of nine new models have been introduced since February 2008.
Automotive Resources International (ARI) announced enhanced capabilities to track odometers and driver compliance within ARI insights, the company's web-based fleet management system.
Fleet personnel using the ARI system are now alerted to drivers who have not entered their end-of-month odometers. They can also track odometers as of a specific day of the month or week to help track driver compliance. A separate alert shows active vehicles with no odometer entries for a customizable period of time, which can help identify vehicles that may be idle or down.
"Knowledge of vehicle odometers is vital to ensuring driver compliance to preventative maintenance schedules and driving routes and also in analyzing cost factors that contribute to replacement cycling decisions such as vehicle utilization and wear and tear. These two new features add to the fleet manager's ability to control total cost of ownership," said Dan O'Callahan, Director, Client Information Systems.
Terrafugia, Inc., a game-changing aircraft company, announced the first flight of its Transition Roadable Aircraft Proof of Concept. Often referred to as a "flying car," the Transition is a two-seat aircraft designed to take off and land at local airports and drive on any road. Transforming from plane to car takes the pilot less than 30 seconds.
An historic milestone for aviation, the flight comes after six months of static, road, and taxi testing. The Transition cruises up to 450 mi at over 115 mph, can drive at highway speeds on the road, and fits in a standard household garage. The vehicle has front wheel drive on the road and a propeller for flight. Both modes are powered by unleaded gasoline from a regular gas station.
Categorized as a Light Sport Aircraft, the Transition requires a Sport Pilot license to fly. The Proof of Concept will undergo additional advanced flight and drive testing and a pre-production prototype will be built and certified before first delivery. The Transition will temporarily be on exhibit at the Museum of Science, Boston, on March 18.
Ontario Budget 2009
On March 26, Ontario Minister of Finance Dwight Duncan unveiled the 2009 Ontario Budget.
A key focus for this budget is to help Canadian families who have been affected by the economic crisis. It also hopes to position Ontario as a more competitive province and plan for a more prosperous future.
To that effect, the Ontario government is investing $34 billion over two years to stimulate the economy.
Of particular importance to NAFA Members, the budget highlights proposed regulations as they relate to the private transfers of motor vehicles. Similar to the tax treatment in other provinces, Ontario would retain a sales tax on private transfers of used motor vehicles. This step would assist in making sure that there is a balance between used vehicles sold through dealerships and private sales.
NAFA Leader to Appear Before EPA
Stephen Russell will represent NAFA at an April 6 hearing being held by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Russell is Fleet Services Superintendent for the City of Keene, New Hampshire, and Chair of NAFA's Fuels and Technology Advisory Council. The hearing will be on EPA's proposed mandatory greenhouse gas reporting rule. EPA is seeking comment on whether to require fleets to submit emissions data as part of the rule.
New Fuel Economy Standards for Model Year 2011 Cars and Trucks Announced
The U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, has issued new fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks for the 2011 model year. The new standards will raise the industry-wide combined average to 27.3 miles per gallon (a 2.0 mpg increase over the 2010 model year average), as estimated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to NHTSA, the new standards will save about 887 million gallons of fuel and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 8.3 million metric tons.
EPA Delays SPCC Compliance Date
EPA has delayed the effective date of the final rule that amends the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations promulgated in the Federal Register on Dec. 5, 2008. The amendments will now become effective on Jan. 14, 2010. Additionally, EPA is requesting public comment on whether a further delay of the effective date may be warranted.
The December 2008 amendments to the SPCC rule clarified regulatory requirements, tailored requirements to particular industry sectors, and streamlined certain requirements for facility owners or operators subject to the rule. With these changes, EPA expects to encourage greater compliance with the SPCC regulations, thus resulting in increased protection of human health and the environment.
The amendments did not remove any regulatory requirement for owners or operators of facilities in operation before Aug. 16, 2002, to develop, implement, and maintain an SPCC plan in accordance with the SPCC regulations then in effect. Such facilities are still required to maintain their plans during the interim until the applicable date for revising and implementing their plans under the new amendments.
Information on the SPCC Rule is available at: http://www.epa.gov/emergencies/content/spcc/index.htm
Automobile Voucher Program
United States Representatives Donald Manzullo, R-Ill., and Timothy Ryan, D-Ohio, have introduced legislation to encourage vehicle sales to fleets and consumers in 2009. The New Automobile Voucher Act of 2009, H.R. 1606, would provide an electronic voucher of $5,000 for any new vehicle purchase for a six-month introductory period. After that first 180-day period, the voucher would be reduced to $2,500 until the end of 2010 or until the authorization amount is exhausted, whichever comes first. The vouchers could only be used on vehicles that cost less than $50,000, and the bill is capped at $75 billion.
The bill allows the vouchers to be used in conjunction with other tax incentives, including the recently restored tax deduction for state and local sales tax paid on the purchase of a new vehicle and those credits designed to encourage the purchase of alternative-fueled vehicles.
A new initiative from the Environmental Protection Agency designed to reduce diesel emissions and improve air quality could help drum up business for the nation's struggling medium and heavy-duty truck dealers.
The EPA's National Clean Diesel Campaign has launched a competitive grant program to help public agencies, such as state governments and municipalities with jurisdiction over transportation and air quality issues, reduce diesel emissions from their fleets.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, signed into law by President Barack Obama on Feb. 17, includes $300 million to support clean diesel activities to retrofit or replace not only commercial trucks, but also buses, marine engines, locomotives, and non-road engines; and vehicles used for construction, cargo handling (including ports and airports), agriculture, mining, and energy production.
The Recovery Act funding for the initiative provides money to reduce emissions from existing diesel engines through several strategies, such as exhaust controls, engine upgrades, cleaner fuel use, idle reduction technologies, SmartWay truck upgrade kits, engine repowers, and vehicle/equipment replacement. Funding will be available through three separate assistance programs: National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program ($156 million), SmartWay Clean Diesel Finance Program ($30 million), and National Emerging Technology Program ($20 million).
President Obama Previews First Plug-In Hybrid Electric Utility Truck System Developed by Eaton and EPRI for Southern California Edison
President Barack Obama recently previewed an innovative plug-in hybrid electric utility truck with a power system developed by diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). The president visited the Electric Vehicle Technical Center of Southern California Edison to view an array of advanced technology vehicles.
The plug-in hybrid truck, which is estimated to deliver fuel economy improvements of up to 70 percent compared to a conventionally powered truck, with corresponding reductions in harmful emissions, was developed for Southern California Edison. Eaton is in the early test phase of the plug-in system and is considering it as a potential future offering.
The plug-in hybrid truck is the first of five "boom and bucket" trucks based on a Ford F-550 chassis that will be provided by Eaton, EPRI, and Ford to public and private utility fleets in the United States for use and evaluation. The entire system can be recharged by plugging it into a standard 120- or 240-volt electrical outlet. Once charged, the battery energy can be used to supplement engine power and also provide power to operate auxiliaries, such as the utility truck boom. Companies such as FedEx, UPS, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Wal-Mart are using delivery vehicles with the Eaton system.
President Barack Obama announced the launch of two major programs that will drive the development of the next generation of electric vehicles in the United States and support the growth of domestic jobs. As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the U.S. Department of Energy announced the release of two competitive solicitations for up to $2 billion in federal funding for competitively awarded cost-shared agreements for manufacturing of advanced batteries and related drive components as well as up to $400 million for transportation electrification demonstration and deployment projects.
By contributing to the reduction of petroleum use and greenhouse gas emissions, these projects will advance the United States' economic recovery, national energy security, and environmental sustainability. Today's announcement will also help meet the president's goal of putting 1 million plug-in hybrid vehicles on the road by 2015.
This funding has been divided between two new Funding Opportunity Announcements:
Recovery Act - Transportation Electrification (DE-FOA-0000026) http://e-center.doe.gov/iips/faopor.nsf/8df825feb86675de852564650046faea/03edd121ca4bfeaf8625757e006a2045?OpenDocument
Recovery Act - Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative (DE-FOA-0000028) http://e-center.doe.gov/iips/faopor.nsf/8df825feb86675de852564650046faea/23b0e2fc7c3f00f38625757e006988b7?OpenDocument
The Renault-Nissan Alliance announced that Nissan and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) are forming a partnership to advance zero-emission mobility by promoting the development of an electric vehicle charging network.
Nissan will introduce ZEVs in the United States in 2010 and will mass market ZEVs globally two years later. The announcement coincides with the first stop on a coast-to-coast tour of Nissan's EV Prototype, a vehicle that's powered by Nissan's lithium-ion battery pack and zero-emission electric motor. While this vehicle does not represent the design of Nissan's electric vehicle that will be sold in 2010, the EV Prototype is an indicator of what's to come in zero-emission mobility.
As part of the agreement, Nissan will assist SDG&E in EV acquisition as well as work with SDG&E to develop plans to promote a charging infrastructure for EVs. Together, Nissan and SDG&E will form a working team with area agencies, institutions, and companies to work towards the implementation and maintenance of a battery charging network and establish and support education activities designed to promote the use of EVs.
"SDG&E's partnership with Nissan is another step toward making San Diego a national center for clean technology and green practices," said San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders. "The public and private sectors in this region are working hand-in-hand to promote innovation and adoption of environmentally friendly technologies."
Atlanta, Georgia Mayor Shirley Franklin released Atlanta city government's first report on greenhouse gas emissions as the first step towards the goal of reducing emissions in the city 7 percent by 2012. Also known as the "carbon footprint," the figure establishes a baseline to measure progress in Atlanta's sustainability efforts.
Produced by Sustainable Atlanta (a non-governmental partner to the city's Office of Sustainability), the report compiles readily available data to create benchmarks for measuring Atlanta's sustainability efforts, including the city's carbon footprint. Launched in 2008, the Atlanta Office of Sustainability is working across city departments to "green" operations and at the same time, maximize efficiencies. With the municipal carbon footprint established, the next step will be to develop the Atlanta Climate Action Plan.
"The Climate Action Plan will be our blueprint to guide all city departments so that current initiatives and near-term objectives are aligned with achieving the 2012 emissions reduction goal," said Mandy Schmitt, Atlanta's Director of Sustainability. "This strategic effort to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions supports the ultimate goal of making Atlanta a community that lives within the self-perpetuating limits of its environment, while maintaining high standards for economic growth, environmental integrity, and social justice."
According to Schmitt, near-term goals for Atlanta city government to achieve by the end of 2009 include a 3 percent drop in fossil fuels used by municipal fleet yielding $267,000 in annual savings and a 10 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in general fund facilities. For more information on the report, log onto www.sustainableatlanta.org.
Order by March 31 and Save 25 Percent 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.
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 website 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.
April Job Postings
Fleet Manager - Modesto, CA
Fleet Manager - Wenatchee, WA
Maintenance Coordinator - Norcross, GA
Manager of Supply Services - Regina, SK
Manager of Fleet Operations - Regina, SK
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).
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!
April is a busy month for NAFA Chapters! Chapter meetings will take place, including:
April 9
Southwest Chapter - Meeting
Location: Maria Selma restaurant, Houston, TX
Contact: Jackie Austin, Shell Oil Products US, One Shell Plaza, 910 Louisiana Street, Houston, TX 77002, P: 713.241.6639
April 14
New York Chapter - New York International Auto Show
Location: Jacob Javits Convention Center
Contact: Arthur Kappel, P: 516.803.1822, akappel@cablevision.com
April 16
Chicago Chapter - Meeting and Speaker
Location: TBD in DuPage County Area
Contact: Julie J. McDowell, P: 224.212.2652, julie.mcdowell@hospira.com
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 website 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.