NAFA Connection

NAFA News

NAFA Fleet Management Association is proud to announce that Frederick (Fritz) Henderson, President and Chief Executive Officer of General Motors, will kick off NAFA's 2010 Institute & Expo by delivering a keynote address on Sunday, April 25, in Detroit, Mich.  The I&E is NAFA's annual meeting, bringing together more than 2,000 fleet industry professionals for four days of education, trade show experience, and networking.  Henderson's keynote address is expected to discuss the future of GM and the role that fleets will play in the automotive industry the next five years.

Henderson was elected GM President and Chief Executive Officer in March 2009.  He started his career at General Motors in 1984 as a Senior Analyst and was promoted to several positions of increasing responsibility until becoming GMAC Group Vice President of Finance in Detroit in 1992.

He went on to serve as President of GM Latin America, Africa, and Middle East; President of GM Asia Pacific; and Chairman of GM Europe.  Prior to his current position, Henderson had been GM President and Chief Operating Officer since March 2008 and was Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer from January 2006 to March 2008. Henderson is a native of Detroit.

The 2010 Institute & Expo coincides with the rebirth of the American car industry.  Since many within NAFA's Membership source the majority of their vehicles from the Detroit Three (GM, Chrysler, and Ford), and primarily General Motors, the Association is very excited to have Henderson speak at I&E.

2010 I&E registration opens in early November.  Look for more details then!

NAFA Fleet Management Association continued its series of educational webinars on fleet-related topics with a session on distracted driving.  The seminar was presented by the National Safety Council on Oct. 7 and was available at no cost to Members and Affiliates of NAFA.

Today's highways are filled with drivers making phone calls, sending text messages, eating breakfast, and even putting on makeup or shaving.  All distractions are dangerous, but cell phone use, in particular, has risen to epidemic proportions in recent years.   In January, the NSC became the first organization to call for a nationwide ban on all forms of cell phone use while driving.  David Teater, who leads the NSC's advocacy initiatives to reduce deaths and injuries associated with teen driving and distracted driving, ran the webinar.

The webinar covered the following topics: 

• The history and rapid adoption of mobile communications technology and its impact on traffic safety.  
• The science of driver distraction and how mobile device use while driving degrades driver performance.  
• Misconceptions about cell phone driving.  
• Current legislative environment.  
• Corporate productivity and liability.  
• NSC call for corporate "no cell phone driving" policies.  
• Public opinion and support for cell phone driving bans.  
• Potential technology solutions.

As further proof that distracted driving has become a national problem, United States Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood took part in a national Distracted Driving Summit on Oct. 1 and pledged an administration-wide effort to combat the growing problem. LaHood pointed out that recent research by the National Transportation Safety Board showed that nearly 6,000 people died in crashes last year involving distracted or inattentive drivers. 

NAFA has embraced webinar technology as a method for promoting the Association's educational programs.  Additional webinars will be announced in the near future.

Kristofer N. Bush, Vice President Marketing, for LeasePlan USA:

A recent interview with top-level marketers in B-to-B Magazine quoted two out of three executives saying they will focus on ROI as an expected change in their 2010 budgets.  Now more than ever, companies are looking to spend their marketing dollars with the expectation of higher returns.

Through NAFA Fleet Management Association, and in particular the Institute & Exposition (I&E), your company can gain the right exposure at the right price and ultimately achieve those higher returns.

Where else can you gain access to thousands of fleet management decision-makers looking to purchase your products and services? Whether it's becoming a sponsor, an exhibitor, an advertiser, or a combination of the three, you'll be hard pressed to find a better bang for your buck than participating in NAFA's 2010 I&E. And in case you haven't heard, NAFA has listened to the requests from the Affiliates and has made significant changes to the 2010 I&E to help companies like yours realize even more exposure. See the Sept. 2, 2009, edition of Fleet Focus on www.nafa.org to learn more about those changes.

Don't miss out on your chance to deliver on your company's marketing ROI in 2010! For more details, please visit nafa@cmgexpo.com or contact Scott Groves at 770-576-4971.

Jack Gray is retiring on Nov. 6, after 33 years of dedicated service with Elk Grove Village, and 32 years as an active NAFA Member. 

Gray, whose birthday is a day before his scheduled retirement, laughs that this is his gift.

"Thank you to the NAFA Board and all the past NAFA Presidents that I have worked with, for a wonderful and fulfilling career," Gray said.

Gray has served as Chair of the Law Enforcement Group (1994-1998), Vice Chair (1992-1993) and secretary, and as a member (1993-1994, 1998-1999). He has also served as a member on the National Truck, Van & Equipment Committee (1996-1997), a member of the National Public Service Fleet Committee (1996-1997), a member of the Nominating committee (1997-1998), and a member of NAFA's Chicago Chapter.

"NAFA has helped me manage our fleet to be much more proficient, safe, and reliable.  Having the ability to call or e-mail any member of the NAFA association with a fleet question or concern and have many replies with very helpful information in minutes or just a few days is invaluable.  The website has also been very beneficial to me," Gray said. "I want to thank Phil Russo, Pat McCarren, Joanne Marsh, Dave Lefever, Pat Murtaugh, Jim Anselmi, Patsy Brownson, Milton Reid, Dave Robertson, Dave Ogilvie, Sal Giacchi, Charles Gibbens, Bob Berke,  Allen Spence, Kathe Carter, Gino D'Angelo, I.B Pickett, Dennis Harvey, and Dennis Tucker for all the cooperation, assistance, and faith in me over my 32 years with NAFA."

Gray will be staying on in a part-time capacity as a consultant/advisor.  He will continue to serve as the Village Safety Director; he has served in that capacity for more than 20 years and he plans on remaining President of MFMA (Municipal Fleet Managers Association) which he has been a member of for more than 15 years.  Gray also serves on Ford Motor Company's Police Advisory Board.

"So I will still be somewhat involved in fleet management," Gray said. "It has been a long ride, and my relationship with NAFA and all the friendships that I have made over the 32 years will be hard to forget. I certainly hope that I will remain in contact with NAFA and many of the friends my wife and I have made over the years."

Aside from his involvement in the fleet industry, Gray served as an elected official (President & Trustee ) for nine years with the Hampshire, Ill., Fire Protection District, and as a trustee for four years for the Hampshire, Ill., Township government. 

During his retirement, Gray plans on assisting his wife with a family-owned chemical distribution company,  Barson Chemical Company. In his spare time, Gray enjoys  "street rodding" with his 1929 Ford Model A roadster street rod, as well as "rebirthing" his 1929 Ford Model A Tudor sedan into a street rod.  

Elizabeth "Betty" Linck, CFM, has retired as Fleet Director for the Town of Greenwich, Conn., where she was employed for nearly two decades.

The Fleet Department for the Town of Greenwich is an ASE Blue Seal facility for the fifth year in a row and was a recipient of The Top 100 Best Fleets in North America for the fourth consecutive year and ranked number 14 in North America. 

Linck was responsible for the operation of the Vehicle Maintenance Center, a centralized facility that performs the maintenance and repairs of the town's vehicles, non-rolling stock, and seasonal equipment for all User Departments. She was also responsible for the Fleet Department's operation budget, vehicle replacement recommendations and costing, the automated fueling system, and parts control.

Prior to working in the Public Sector, she spent 14 years in the Private Sector with a Fortune 500 company. Linck joined NAFA on Jan. 1, 1980, and has been involved with Fleet Management for the past 34 years.

"When I first entered this profession, NAFA meant a network of colleagues who I could go to for advice, information, and just to share experiences. Thirty years later, I look back on the many friends in the industry that I have met throughout the country, and now I seem to be the one contacted for advice and information," Linck said.

An active member of NAFA, she has served five terms as Chapter Chair of the Inter-County Chapter and held various positions over 23 years on the National Board of Governors. 

Linck has served as Chair for the Chapter Membership Committee (1995-1997), National Truck, Van & Equipment Committee (1996-1998), Chapter Safety Committee (1996-1997), Chapter Leader (1999-2000, 2003-2004), Chair of the Chapter Public Service Fleet Committee (2003-2004), and Chapter Program Committee (2009-2010).  She has also served as Vice Chair of the National Board of Delegates (1994-1995) and Chapter Vice Chair (2004-2009) for the Inter-County Chapter.

Linck was a member of the National Public Service Fleet Committee (1992-1998), the National Truck, Van & Equipment Committee (1992-1996), National Program Committee (1992-1993, 1994-1996), National Fuels & Technology Committee (1995-1996), I&E Curriculum Committee (1996-1998, 2007-2009), National Membership Committee (2001), and Regional Trustee (1995-1996).

Linck is one of the few fleet professionals to complete the Wharton CFM program. Under tight budgetary constraints and resources, she looked at how to maximize resources and increase productivity. This brought her to promote the concept of outsourcing a non-core function, the operation of the parts room.

NAFA Member and volunteer Steve Russell has recently accepted a position with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Division of Energy Resources (DOER), in Boston as DOER's new Alternative Transportation Program Coordinator. Russell was formerly the Fleet Superintendent of Fleet Services for the City of Keene, N.H.

Though Russell is changing roles, he is planning on staying active within NAFA. Since he joined NAFA in 1997, he has served on many committees and boards.  He chaired the National Fuels & Technology Committee (2009-2010), and the Chapter Public Service Fleet Committee (2009-2010).

He also served as Vice Chair of NAFA's New England Chapter (2009-2010), as a member of the National Education Development Committee (2008-2010), and as a member of the Education Steering Board (2008-2010).

Russell has been in the fleet management industry for close to 20 years, managing both private and public fleet operations.  Prior to joining the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and prior to the City of Keene, Russell was Fleet and Procurement Manager for Windshields America, a national auto glass company.

During his career he has done corporate purchasing, worked with several leasing companies, negotiated contracts, wrote specifications for equipment, wrote a corporate travel policy for a national insurance company, established and wrote fleet polices, developed a pre-trip program for city vehicles, and has had success in retaining several grants for fleet programs. In each position, he has been responsible for pulling together various acquisitions into a centralized fleet and travel program.

"I do want to thank all the staff I have worked with over the years, because they have been great to work with, and I would not be where I am today without their support," he said.
 
Over the last five years, Russell has been asked to speak both locally and nationally on the subject of biodiesel and other green fleet programs. Recently, he traveled to Washington,  D.C., to meet with the EPA (representing NAFA) to discuss a greenhouse gas calculator that was developed with the Environmental Defense Fund. In addition, he met with the staff of Sen. Barbara Boxer to discuss fleets and their carbon footprints.

Russell is on the Board of Directors of the Granite State Clean Cities for Hew Hampshire, is the Fuel and Technology Chair for the National Association of Fleet Administrators, and is a member of the local community planning board. In addition, he has been part of the planning for the annual Alternative Wheels fleet day in Massachusetts.

Did you know that two-thirds of the oil consumed powers transportation vehicles, and half of that is used to power passenger cars and light trucks? Vehicle manufacturers are striving to make cars more fuel-efficient while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but you can do your part to conserve energy, protect the environment, and save lives by driving sensibly and keeping your vehicles properly maintained.

Aggressive driving can lower your gas mileage 33 percent on the highway and 5 percent in the city.  You can improve your gas mileage by 3 percent just by keeping your tires inflated, and depending on the condition of your vehicle, a simple engine tune-up can improve your fuel economy by up to 5 percent. Fixing larger problems such as a faulty oxygen sensor can boost your mileage by nearly 40 percent.

Tips to help you save money on gas and protect the environment:  Avoid "jackrabbit" starts and stops — Rapid acceleration and rapid braking wastes gas. Avoid excessive idling — Your vehicle gets zero miles per gallon while idling. Shift into overdrive during highway travel; overdrive decreases the car's engine speed, reducing fuel consumption and engine wear. Lighten up — Avoid carrying unneeded items, especially heavy ones. A loaded rooftop carrier reduces fuel economy by up to 5 percent, and an extra 100 pounds in the trunk reduces a typical car's fuel economy by 1-2 percent.

  
Since 1996, Drive Safely Work Week (DSWW) has been the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) annual signature workplace safety campaign, which takes place this year from Oct. 5-9. Since 2007, NAFA and NETS have partnered and promoted this campaign to offer guidance to employers in the development of workplace traffic safety programs to improve driver safety performance and minimize the risk of motor vehicle crashes and their ensuing human and financial costs. The theme for this year's campaign is "Drive Focused. Drive Smart. Get Home Safely."

In addition to concentrating on driving focused, this year's campaign also emphasizes the importance of eco-friendly driving -- driving smart to conserve fuel and reduce the impact our driving has on the environment. Many of the smart habits that maximize fuel economy also result in safer driving.  Sticking to the speed limit, maintaining proper following distances, and avoiding sudden acceleration all boost safety as well as fuel efficiency.

"NAFA's partnership with NETS is another example of wisely using our resources to focus on our core expertise, while reaching out to other groups to bolster our arsenal of products and services for our membership," said NAFA Executive Director Phillip E. Russo, CAE. "This arrangement instantly gives NAFA Members access to a safety partner with some of the best information in an easy-to-implement format without having to spend time or money developing it."

Internet-based materials for the DSWW program are available online at the NETS website, www.trafficsafety.org. Materials in the kit may be used for Drive Safely Work Week and throughout the year, as none of the materials are dated or seasonal. The DSWW tool kit has everything needed to launch a successful campaign:

Attention NAFA Members: You can receive a 20 percent discount by using the code NETS when you order a DSWW tool kit online.

So remember: Drive focused. Drive smart. Get home safely.
This course is a great stepping stone in advancing your knowledge and understanding of the dynamic fleet industry. Interactive, and a must for fleet professionals, the Fleet Management Seminar offers you answers. www.nafa.org/fms

• Network with fleet colleagues on an international level.
• Ask questions to help you address your specific projects.
• Share in this interactive and intense classroom environment.

Deadline for forms is Oct. 12, 2009. Register at www.nafa.org/exams. To reserve your seat online, click here. For more details about AFMS, please visit www.nafa.org/afms.

At NAFA's Advanced Fleet Management Seminar, Oct. 16-18, you will solve problems and discuss new ideas with NAFA's most experienced and knowledgeable expert instructors.

This intense, upper-level course immerses you in the major concepts of fleet management. This seminar covers the eight discipline modules of fleet management for both the public service and commercial sectors.

• An intense, upper-level course.
• Eight interactive sessions covering disciplines in-depth.
• A great study tool for the CAFM or CAFS exam.
• Learn from the experts themselves.

Deadline for forms is Oct. 12, 2009. Register at www.nafa.org/exams. To reserve your seat online, click here. For more details about AFMS, please visit www.nafa.org/afms.

Attention CAFM/CAFS Participants: AFMS is the best study tool out there. Who better to learn from than the expert themselves?

These expert, seasoned instructors will provide insight, answers, and individual attention, along with a Q&A at the end of each session. After the seminar, take your CAFM or CAFS exam with ease. You will be able to test upon the conclusion of the FMS/AFMS on Monday, Oct.19, at the same hotel.

"The AFMS is the single biggest help that NAFA will offer to help CAFM and CAFS candidates master the difficult concepts in the curriculum." -- NAFA President Christopher Amos, CAFM, Commissioner of Equipment Services, City of St. Louis

Take your exam immediately following the seminars. Certification participants have the opportunity to test on Monday, Oct.19, right after the FMS and AFMS. Take this chance to prep and take the exam with the information still fresh in your mind.

More than 75 exhibitors have already reserved space for NAFA's Institute & Expo, to be held April 25–26 in Detroit, Mich. NAFA's Institute & Expo is the fleet event of the year. It is the only meeting and exposition that gives you unparalleled access to North American fleet purchasers and decision makers. Meet face-to-face with hundreds of commercial and government fleet professionals at the largest fleet management event under one roof anywhere.

Benefits of Exhibiting:

• Meet hundreds of fleet managers in just 2 days under one roof. 
• Access to the best prospects for your products in all industry segments.
• Networking opportunities with your current customers, potential buyers and industry leaders.
• Listings in the Official Show Guide, which acts as a year-long buyers guide for attendees as well as online.

Whether you are a newcomer to the fleet profession, a service provider or a long-time fleet professional, I&E gives you the chance develop long-lasting relationships on both the professional and personal level. 

Some exhibitors that have already reserved space include: ADESA Specialty Auctions AmeriFleet Transportation    ARI - Automotive Resources International    AssetWorks, Inc.     Auto Driveaway         Comdata        EZ Connector, Inc.          Firestone Complete Fleet Care        Fleet Response          Ford Genuine Parts     Ford Motor Company    Fuelman      FuelMaster/Syn-Tech Systems GE Security      GM Fleet & Commercial Operations  GPS Insight        GreenDriver, Inc.         Harley-Davidson Motor Company    Insurance Auto Auctions      Rent A Toll          Safelite Auto Glass       SmartAuction     Subaru of America          Toyota Fleet           Wright Express Corp.

Be part of the premier fleet management event. Visit www.nafaiande.org.  Call our sales team at 703-934-4700 or e-mail nafa@cmgexpo.com for help selecting your booth. Look for NAFA's Exhibitor Prospectus coming soon in your mail!

There's one month left to participate in NAFA's 2009 Membership Drive. Close to 20 new Members, to date, have joined NAFA under this Drive.

Fleet managers from Union Gas/Spectra Energy, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, American Family Mutual Insurance, the State of Montana, the City of Barrie, and Cornerstone Therapeutics, among other organizations are now NAFA Members thanks to the recruitment efforts of Members and Affiliates who are always willing to spread the word on the extensive benefits of belonging to NAFA. NAFA Members know the value of membership the best.

Membership is one of NAFA's highest priorities, and the Drive is just one of the avenues NAFA uses to attract potential new Members. Current Members and Affiliates are aware of NAFA's services, and providing that information to others is a great benefit.

Networking, education, certification -- NAFA has it all. Members experience NAFA's benefits every day and in some cases, joining NAFA has led to life-changing moments.

"I would tell them that NAFA is the premier fleet organization," said Donna Bibbo, CAFM, Manager, Fleet and Employee Services, Novo Nordisk, Inc., Princeton, N.J. "NAFA has the most diversified Members, it provides the best educational opportunities, it provides the only trade show that hits everybody in the industry, so it is the association to belong to." "At I&E, the curriculum is extensive enough that I have always found it easy to find a session that pertains to our fleet," said David Lighthall, CFM/CAFM, National Fleet Supervisor for Kraft Foods, Inc. "In fact, sometimes tough choices have been made about which concurrent session to attend." "When I received my welcome packet, the exterior of the folder had quotes from Members," said Deputy John Croop, CAFM, Mechanic Assistant Fleet Manager, Geauga County Sheriff's Office, Chardon, Ohio. "One quote that caught my eye was to the effect of: NAFA gave me the ability to network and find the job I was looking for. A fleet manager approached me at the Las Vegas conference with a job offer at that time. I am still employed at my job 4-1/2 years later and enjoy it as much as ever. NAFA has helped me in my chosen profession and continues to do so."

Not only do current Members and Affiliates get to extend fellow colleagues the chance to be a part of the best fleet association out there, but those who recruit a new Member receive a bonus. They are entered in a drawing to win a FREE trip and FREE registration to NAFA's 2010 Institute & Expo, one of the biggest fleet events of the year. A win-win situation!

Last year's Membership Drive brought in 70 new Full and Associate Members, and we hope to continue the momentum for this year's drive. There are various ways to spread the word: invite a colleague to a local chapter meeting; research similar companies in your area and find out who runs their fleet; or contact your local chapter chair for prospective Members.

The 2009 Membership Drive ends Nov. 30, but don't delay -- get started today. For more information and details about the 2009 Membership Drive, visit www.nafa.org/2009drive.

Headline News

The vast majority of U.S. drivers believes handheld texting while driving is very dangerous and should be banned nationwide, according to a new national survey recently released by Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates on behalf of the Ford Motor Company.

Ford commissioned the survey as part of its efforts to understand driver perceptions related to distracted driving. Ford last week endorsed a proposed nationwide ban on handheld texting introduced by Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) and Representative Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY).

The survey showed that 86 percent of U.S. drivers believe handheld texting while driving is "very dangerous" and 93 percent support a nationwide ban on texting. At the same time, only 42 percent of respondents believe drivers would stop texting behind the wheel if the practice was banned. However, more than 75 percent believe there would be more compliance if hands-free or voice-activated technologies were widely available. Sixty-seven percent of drivers polled said they believed voice-activated technology is a safe alternative to texting, and 76 percent said such a feature would be an appealing feature in a car.

"Research shows that activity that draws drivers' eyes away from the road for an extended period while driving, such as text messaging, substantially increases the risk of accidents," said Jim Vondale, Director of Ford's Automotive Safety Office. "That is why we support a nationwide ban on handheld texting while driving and why Ford has developed hands-free and voice-activated technologies to allow drivers to remain connected, but to do so while keeping their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road."

The survey results come as the U.S. Department of Transportation is scheduled to host a summit on driver distraction in Washington, D.C., next week. Currently 18 states have enacted such bans but nearly 40 percent of drivers in these states indicated they were unaware of the ban in their own state.

According to a NHTSA-sponsored 100-car study conducted by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, driver inattention that may involve looking away from the road for more than a few seconds is a factor in nearly 80 percent of accidents.

Ford developed the Virtual Test Track Experiment (VIRTTEX), a state-of-the-art simulator that monitors and analyzes a variety of driving behaviors. Since VIRTTEX opened in 2001, Ford has completed a number of driver distraction studies that have contributed to the development of Ford's Driving Skills for Life teen driving education program, the MyKey™ programmable teen-safety feature and SYNC® hands-free communication technology.

Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced a $528.7 million conditional loan for Fisker Automotive for the development of two lines of plug-in hybrids that will save hundreds of millions gallons of gasoline and offset millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions by 2016. The project will result in approximately 5,000 jobs created or saved for domestic parts suppliers and thousands more to manufacture a plug-in hybrid in the United States.

This is the fourth conditional loan commitment the Department of Energy has entered into under the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) Loan program. The Department plans to make additional loans under this program, over the coming months, to large and small auto manufacturers and parts suppliers up and down the production supply chain.

In the first stage of the program, Fisker Automotive will use a $169.3 million ATVM loan for engineering integration costs as it works with primarily U.S. suppliers to complete the company's first vehicle, the Fisker Karma. Engineers will also design tools and equipment and develop manufacturing processes. This work will be conducted at Fisker's Pontiac, Mich., office with support from its headquarters in Irvine, Calif. While the final assembly of the Karma will be done overseas, more than 65 percent (based on cost) of the parts required for Karma will come from U.S. suppliers. The four-door Karma is scheduled to appear in showrooms in summer 2010.

The second stage includes a $359.36 million ATVM loan for Fisker's Project Nina, involving the manufacture of a plug-in hybrid in the U.S. Fisker estimates that up to 75,000-100,000 of these highly efficient vehicles will roll off assembly lines in the U.S. every year beginning in late 2012. The combined projects are anticipated to create thousands of jobs in the U.S. and provide substantial support for domestic parts suppliers saving or creating approximately 5,000 jobs.

The American Trucking Association (ATA) strongly encourages sending a letter to the U.S. Minerals Management Service (MMS) asking for regions on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) to be included in the 2010-1015 program that determines which regions may be leased for offshore oil and natural gas drilling.

"Offshore areas are home to huge, untapped resources of oil and natural gas that are crucial to lessening our dependency on foreign oil and keeping our economy and our country going strong," said ATA Vice President and Regulatory Affairs Counsel Rich Moskowitz.

The MMS estimates that the federal OCS resources, which are currently off-limits, harbor 18 billion barrels of oil and 77 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. These offshore resources represent enough natural gas to heat 15 million households for more than 77 years and oil reserves that can produce enough energy to power more than 20 million cars and heat 956,000 households for 30 years. CALSTART's Hybrid Truck Users Forum (HTUF) is bringing its 2009 HTUF National Conference and Ride and Drive to Atlanta, Ga., on Oct. 27-29, 2009.

The HTUF conference brings together leading truck manufacturers, suppliers and fleets focused on producing medium- and heavy-duty hybrid-electric, hybrid-hydraulic, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles for commercial and military use. Sessions and exhibits during the three-day event will:

• Provide details on the range of fuel-saving hybrid and advanced trucks now in production and coming to market;
• Outline funding and incentive opportunities to assist truck purchases;
• Detail military advances and needs in hybrid and advanced vehicles;
• Showcase new technology to reduce truck fuel use and emissions; and
• Provide hands-on knowledge for fleets on how best to use and afford these new vehicles, and direct experience driving them.

Position yourself in front of the key players in the advanced truck industry, and meet some of the manufacturers who typically attend HTUF: Allison Transmission, Inc. AVL Powertrain Engineering Azure Dynamics Bosch Rexroth, Corp. Cummins Engine Company Daimler Trucks North America Eaton Corporation Freightliner Trucks Hino Motors Manufacturing USA, Inc. Mack Trucks Navistar, Inc. PACCAR Parker Hannifin Peterbilt Motors Company Terex Utilities U.S. Army National Automotive Center US Hybrid

Sign up and join an international gathering of top industry and government leaders for this three-day conference on the latest in field test results, military developments, technology briefings and incentives, as well as market information.

Hotel space is limited: Remember to book your hotel room now at the Ritz Carlton Atlanta to secure the exclusive HTUF special rate of $149/night.

For more information on exhibiting, sponsorship opportunities or to feature your vehicle in the Ride and Drive and convoy, contact Debby DuBose, Event Manager at 626-744-5653 or ddubose@calstart.org or visit the conference website view a copy of the preliminary agenda and check out the list of growing sponsors. For more information about HTUF visit www.htuf.org. Chrysler Group, LLC announced it will offer a leasing option for U.S. customers on all 2010 model year Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge vehicles through Chrysler's preferred lender, GMAC Financial Services.

"We are pleased to re-enter the leasing market so we can offer customers the opportunity to lease vehicles at rates competitive with the marketplace," said Peter Fong, President and Chief Executive Officer–Chrysler Brand and Lead Executive for the Sales Organization, Chrysler Group, LLC. "Our ability to offer additional financing options will benefit consumers who have long been fans of leasing and appreciate the flexibility this financing option gives them."

Effective Sept. 17, 2009, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge will offer leasing options for all 2010 model year vehicles in the United States.

On select 2010 model Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles, limited Consumer Cash of up to $3,000 or attractive financing rates through GMAC Financial Services are available.

Current Chrysler Group vehicle owners are also eligible for $1,000 Owner Loyalty Bonus Cash available to use towards the purchase of select 2009 model year vehicles or the purchase or lease of select 2010 model year vehicles.

Chrysler Group LLC offers consumers 35 Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles from which to choose at more than 2,300 dealerships located throughout the United States.  

New Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge vehicle owners will soon have room to put gloves in their glove boxes instead of 4-pound owners' manuals.

Chrysler Group, LLC, is the first automaker to provide digital owners' manuals for its complete lineup of 2010 model-year vehicles. The switch will save 930 tons of paper, or the equivalent of 20,000 trees, on an annual basis.

Traditional owners' manuals may be longer than 500 pages and weigh nearly 4 pounds. Beginning next month, each new 2010 Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicle will come with a comprehensive DVD and a full-color printed user guide — most between 60-80 pages — that highlights commonly needed information.

"As vehicles have increased in complexity, so has the size of traditional owners' manuals," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO – Mopar® Service, Parts and Customer Care, Chrysler Group LLC. "With this new approach, we are making it much more convenient for customers to find the information they seek."

The DVD includes the owners' manual, vehicle and tire warranty information, navigation and entertainment system guides, as well as information on 24-hour towing assistance. Video tutorials also are available for commonly used features, such as folding down a Jeep Wrangler soft-top, operating the video entertainment system and setting electronic speed control. In addition, owners may search by topic rather than sifting through a 500-page book.

The printed user guide includes photos and diagrams allowing customers to quickly find assistance for emergency situations, such as changing tires, jump-starting a battery or assessing warning lights. The printed guide also covers basic operating procedures for temperature control, windshield wipers, seat adjustment and navigation systems. Customers requiring a traditional printed manual may obtain one by contacting their dealer or calling customer service.

SPOTLIGHT ON LEGISLATION

General Motors of Canada Introduces Vehicle Scrappage Initiative

Announced in September 2009, General Motors of Canada (GM) has introduced a new Canadian "Cash for Clunkers" program, offering customers up to $3,000 toward a new GM vehicle. This offer is valid to Canadians who take advantage of the Federal Government's "Retire Your Ride" program.

GM's initiative will provide customers with a rebate of $500, $1,000, $2,000 or $3,000, depending on the choice of GM vehicle. The rebates will be used towards the purchase or finance of an eligible 2009 or 2010 GM vehicle, in addition to the incentives available through the federal program.

GM is the latest automaker to offer its own rebate program to Canadian car buyers. Others include Ford, Chrysler, and Hyundai. 

To qualify for GM's program, the retiring vehicle must be a 1995 model year or older, in running condition, registered and properly insured for the last six months, or 12 months in British Columbia.

Cap and Trade Bill Introduced in the Senate

A draft cap-and-trade bill -- introduced last week by Senate Foreign Relations Chairman John Kerry (D-MA)  and Environment and Public Works Chairwoman Barbara Boxer (D-CA) -- would reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions 20 percent below 2005 levels by 2020 and is higher than a 17-percent reduction target in a House-passed bill.  The draft Senate bill gives authority to EPA to require certain fleets to report greenhouse gas emissions – fleets with annual GHG emissions of more than 25,000 metric tons of CO2. Early reactions to the legislation indicate that the legislation faces a steep road to securing enough votes to pass the Senate.

EPA Issues Final GHG Reporting Rule

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued the final Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases Rule. The final Rule requires reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from large sources and suppliers in the United States. The final rule does not require reporting by vehicle fleets. The final rule, however, specifically allows for state and regional programs to allow or require reporting by fleets. NAFA provided written comments during this rulemaking and NAFA representatives spoke at the public hearings. Additional information is available at http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ghgrulemaking.html.

Proposed Increase in UCRA Fees

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has proposed increasing the fees under the Unified Carrier Registration Agreement (UCRA). The UCR fee proposal would more than double some of the current annual fees paid by trucking fleets.The smallest motor carrier fleets would see their fees go from $39 to $83, while the largest fleets would see an increase from $37,500 to $82,983. The UCRA was enacted as part of the highway authorization bill passed in 2005, known as SAFETEA-LU (Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users). The UCRA replaced the existing Single-State Registration System, where interstate motor carriers paid fees based on the number of trucks they had in their principal place of business, or the state where the largest number of trucks were operated.

ENVIRONMENTAL UPDATE

The Obama Administration announced $100 million in Economic Recovery Act funding for 43 transit agencies that are pursuing cutting-edge environmental technologies to help reduce global warming, lessen America's dependence on oil, and create green jobs. Among the projects funded under the competitive bidding, Alabama will replace gasoline and diesel buses with electric hybrids; Massachusetts will construct wind energy generation turbines; and Vancouver, Wash., will install solar panels at transit facilities.

The 43 winning proposals were submitted by transit agencies from across the country as part of a nationwide competition for $100 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) funds. Transit agencies began submitting their proposals after the FTA announced rules for the Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) grant program as part of the Recovery Act last March.

Since President Obama signed ARRA into law on Feb. 17, 2009, grants totaling more than $7.2 billion have been made available for transit improvements throughout the nation.  The U.S. Department of Transportation is making $48.1 billion available for highway, transit, bridge, rail, shipyard and airport construction and repairs nationwide. Of that, $26.5 billion already has been obligated to fund more than 8,500 approved projects in 55 U.S. States and Territories.   

The winning project proposals are as follows: Alabama: Montgomery Area Transit System (Montomery), $2,675,000 for the purchase of 5 hybrid electric buses. California: AC Transit (Hayward, headquarters in Oakland), $6,400,000 for the installation of photovoltaic capacity to generate "green" hydrogen. City of Santa Clarita, $4,620,000 for photovoltaic modules on Transit Maintenance Facility. Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Los Angeles), $4,466,000 for Red Line Westlake Rail Wayside Energy Storage System. North County Transit District (North San Diego, headquarters in Oceanside), $2,000,000 for PV Solar Implementation at facilities.  Colorado: Denver Regional Transportation District (Aurora, headquarters in Denver), $770,000 for heating upgrades at East Metro Bus Maintenance Facility. Denver Regional Transportation District (Boulder, headquarters in Denver), $325,000 for heating upgrades at Boulder Bus Maintenance Facility. Connecticut: Connecticut Department of Transportation (statewide) $7,000,000 for stationary fuel cells and hybrid transit buses incremental costs. Delaware: Delaware Transit Corporation (statewide), $1,500,000 for the installation of solar panel installations at DTC facilities. Florida: Palm Tran (West Palm Beach), $320,000 for diesel bus efficiency improvements with thermal motor fans. Broward County Transit, $2,000,000 for diesel bus efficiency improvements/bus cooling system retrofits. Georgia: Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, $10,800,000 for Laredo Bus Facility solar canopies. Iowa: Ames Transit Agency (Ames, CyRide), $1,600,000 for hybrid bus purchase incremental costs. Illinois: Illinois Department of Transportation on behalf of seven transit agencies (statewide), $4,030,000 for statewide Paratransit Bus Hybrid Program (the purchase of 31 paratransit hybrid buses to replace 31 gas and diesel vehicles). Chicago Transit Authority (Chicago), $1,500,000 for North Park electrification. Rock Island Metro (Rock Island), $600,000 for solar thermal system. Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District – CUMTD (Champaign-Urbana), $450,000 for facility upgrade with geothermal heat pump system. Indiana: Greater Lafayette Public Transportation Corporation (Lafayette), $2,180,000 for wind energy project. Massachusetts: Lowell Regional Transit Authority (Lowell), $1,500,000 for the installation of Hale Street solar photovoltaic system. Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (Boston), $2,500,000 for the MBTA to design and construct renewable wind energy turbines in eastern Massachusetts.  Maryland: Maryland Transit Administration (statewide), $522,000 for Halon 1301 replacement. Michigan: Thunder Bay Transportation Authority – TBTA (Alpena), $2,590,000 for plug-in hybrid buses purchase (replace 4 diesel buses with 4 series plug-in hybrid buses ). Flint Mass Transportation Authority (Flint), $2,200,000 to replace two of Flint MTA diesel buses with advanced all-electric zero-emissions GTB-40 buses from Fisher Coachworks. Minnesota: Productive Alternatives/Transit Alternatives (Fergus Falls), $845,000 for energy reduction consolidated projects. Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Council (Minneapolis), $1,100,000 to replace diesel buses with gas hybrid electric buses. North Carolina: City of Charlotte/Charlotte Area Transit System (Charlotte), $3,000,000 for hybrid buses. New Jersey: NJ Transit (statewide), $250,000 for efficient air compressor systems at NJ TRANSIT facilities. Nevada: Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County (Reno), $3,000,000 to purchase low floor 6o-foot hybrid electric diesel articulated buses which will replace 40-foot and 35-foot diesel buses.  New York: Capital District Transportation Authority (Albany), $3,520,000 for the incremental cost of making transit buses hybrid electric. New York City Transit Department of Subways (New York City), $2,000,000 for remote 3rd rail heaters monitoring and control system. Ohio: Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (Cleveland), $2,257,000 for a Facility Energy Conservation Project. Oregon: Lane Transit District (Eugene), $3,000,000 for hybrid transit buses. Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (Portland), $750,000 for diesel bus efficiency improvements with bus cooling system retrofits. Pennsylvania: Red Rose Transit Authority – RRTA (Lancaster), $2,450,000 for  RRTA's Operations and Administrative Center Facility upgrades. Rhode Island: Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority – RIPTA (statewide), $345,000 for lighting conversion and upgrades for facilities. Tennessee: Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (Chattanooga), $650,000 for facility lighting upgrades. Texas: VIA Metropolitan Transit (San Antonio), $5,000,000 for composite body electric buses. Virginia: Arlington Transit – ART (Arlington), $1,500,000 for the purchase of CNG-hybrid buses in the ART fleet. Washington: Snohomish County Public Transit Benefit Area – Community Transit (Everett), $3,000,000 for hybrid bus transit incremental costs. Link Transit (Chelan-Wenatchee), $2,925,000 for the purchase of battery powered zero emission circulator buses. Clark County Public Transportation Benefit Area (Vancouver), $1,500,000 for a facility improvement project. Wisconsin: Madison Metro Transit (Madison), $150,000 for lighting upgrades in bus storage and maintenance garage areas. Milwaukee County Department of Transportation and Public Works (Milwaukee), $210,000 for the purchase gasoline-electric hybrid vans.

Hybrid Kinetic Motors (HK Motors) announced plans to construct a new green-vehicle manufacturing plant in Baldwin County, Ala.

Initial production of all model lines is expected to begin in 2013, with Phase 1 capacity of 300,000 vehicles, while creating more than 5,000 direct jobs. HK Motors aims to be the first large-scale manufacturer of environmentally-friendly vehicles, which will help revitalize the American automotive industry while protecting the environment and stimulating the local and national economy.

"Our cutting-edge multi-fuel hybrid powertrain system delivers excellent performance while reducing CO2 emissions to exceed Euro-2012 and future EPA guidelines," said Chairman Yung "Benjamin" Yeung.

By stressing mass production, HK Motors will be able to offer vehicles that are less expensive than the competition, without sacrificing driving performance, ride comfort, and safety.

"It didn't take long for Alabama to become a leader in the automotive industry.  Now as America and the world begin making a historic transition to a green economy, we look to make Alabama a leader in the production of next-generation, clean-tech automobiles," said Governor Robert Riley. "Our Alabama team, in cooperation with local officials in Baldwin County, has been working with HK Motors for several months on this project. We will continue to work with them as the company puts the financing in place to move forward."

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Ray LaHood and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa P. Jackson jointly proposed a rule establishing an historic national program that would improve vehicle fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gases.

Their proposal builds upon core principles President Obama announced with automakers, the United Auto Workers, leaders in the environmental community, governors and state officials, in May; and would provide coordinated national vehicle fuel efficiency and emissions standards.

Under the proposed program, which covers model years 2012 through 2016, automobile manufacturers would be able to build a single, light-duty national fleet that satisfies all federal requirements as well as the standards of California and other states. The proposed program includes miles per gallon requirements under NHTSA's Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards (CAFE) program and the first-ever national emissions standards under EPA's greenhouse gas program. The collaboration of federal agencies for this proposal also allows for clearer rules for all automakers, instead of three standards (DOT, EPA, and a state standard).

The proposed national program would require model year 2016 vehicles to meet an estimated combined average emission level of 250 grams of carbon dioxide per mile. Under the proposed program, the overall light-duty vehicle fleet would reach 35.5 miles per gallon (mpg) in model year 2016, if all reductions were made through fuel economy improvements. If this occurs, Congress' fuel economy goal of 35.0 mpg by 2020 will be met four years ahead of schedule. This would surpass the CAFE law passed by Congress in 2007 which required an average fuel economy of 35 mpg in 2020.

The vehicles subject to the proposed rules announced are responsible for almost 60 percent of all U.S. transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions. These will be the nation's first ever national greenhouse gas standards. The proposed standards would require model year 2016 vehicles to meet an estimated combined average emission level of 250 grams of carbon dioxide per mile under EPA's greenhouse gas program.

The combined EPA and NHTSA standards would reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the light-duty vehicle fleet by about 21 percent in 2030 over the level that would occur in the absence of any new greenhouse gas or fuel economy standards. The greenhouse gas emission reductions this program would bring about are equivalent to the emissions of 42 million cars.

More than $106 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is being awarded to 9 states to support energy efficiency and conservation activities. Under DOE's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, these states will implement programs that lower energy use, reduce carbon pollution, and create green jobs locally.

States receiving funding include: Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Indiana, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Vermont, and Virginia.

Projects eligible for support include the development of an energy efficiency and conservation strategy, energy efficiency audits and retrofits, transportation programs, the creation of financial incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements, the development and implementation of advanced building codes and inspections, and installation of renewable energy technologies on municipal buildings.

The following states recently received their state-level EECBG awards: Delaware - $9,593,500 - Delaware will use its Recovery Act EECBG funding to reduce fossil fuel emissions, decrease overall energy use, and improve energy efficiency statewide. Hawaii - $9,593,500 - Hawaii will use its Recovery Act EECBG funding to enhance energy efficiency in the buildings sector and deploy renewable energy technologies in state buildings.  Iowa - $9,593,500 - Iowa will use its Recovery Act EECBG funding to improve energy efficiency and promote the use of renewable energy across the state's economic sectors.  Indiana - $14,052,400 - Indiana will use its Recovery Act EECBG funding to help the state's local communities, small businesses, nonprofits, and others reduce their energy consumption, leading to significant cost savings and environmental benefits.  Massachusetts - $14,752,100 - Massachusetts will use its Recovery Act EECBG funds to advance efficiency and conservation goals at the community level. Oklahoma - $9,593,300 - Oklahoma will use its Recovery Act EECBG funding to support various energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. These projects will reduce the state's energy consumption and fossil fuel emissions, saving Oklahomans money in energy costs and creating green jobs across the state.  Tennessee - $13,818,200 - Tennessee will use its Recovery Act EECBG funding to enhance energy efficiency and promote the use of renewable energy across the state's economic sectors.  Vermont - $9,593,500 - Vermont will use its Recovery Act EECBG funding to undertake projects that enhance energy efficiency and expand the use of renewable energy at the state and local level. In addition to grants to smaller cities and counties, a portion of the subgrant funds will also be awarded to 11 regional planning commissions for county-level energy efficiency related projects, including energy audits, efficiency installations, and energy planning.  Virginia - $16,145,300 - Virginia will use its Recovery Act EECBG funds to improve energy efficiency and promote the use of renewable energy across the state's public and private sectors by putting in place self-sustaining energy efficiency programs and financing renewable energy systems for public facilities.

Through the Clean Cities program, the City of Fort Wayne will get cost-sharing stimulus money from the U.S. Department of Energy as part of an American Reinvestment and Recovery Act competitive grant that will reduce petroleum consumption.

In 2010, the City will receive a $2,000 reimbursement for the purchase of each hybrid vehicle, up to $18,000, through the Central Indiana Clean Cities Alliance Comprehensive Alternative Fuels Implementation Plan.  Working in cooperation with the City, Lassus Bros. Oil will get more than $200,000 to add three E85 stations, which will bring Lassus' total in the Fort Wayne area to five. E85 is an alternative fuel made from a blend of ethanol and gasoline.

The grant to Lassus requires a 50-percent match from the company. The City worked with Lassus to choose the stations at Scott and Illinois roads, Maplecrest and Rothman roads and Northbrook Plaza/Lima Road for the new E85 pumps. Fort Wayne Police will be able to refuel their E85-compatible vehicles at these stations as well as the fuel being available to the public starting in about four months at these three new locations.

The Department of Energy selected CICCA to receive $10.1 million as one of 25 recipients of this portion of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. This grant had more than 130 applicants.

Indiana's project will implement propane, compressed natural gas, and hybrid vehicles from light- to heavy-duty and includes infrastructure for CNG and E85 vehicles. The fleets involved include the state's municipality fleets, Sysco Distribution, and others. This project incorporates more than 900 alternative fuel vehicles and 13 fueling sites. DOE estimates that the initiative will help displace 1 million gallons of petroleum annually. 
 

Indicating the true start of the Green Age, Sapphire Energy joined with the team behind the award winning film "FUEL," to complete the first cross-country car tour fueled by a blend of algae-based gasoline in an unmodified engine. The Algaeus completed its 10-day, 3,750-mile U.S. tour that started in San Francisco and arrived in New York City on September 18.

Sapphire Energy provided the fuel, containing a mixture of hydrocarbons refined directly from algae-based Green Crude and extracted through Sapphire's proprietary process. The vehicle is based on a 2008 Toyota Prius that has been given an added battery pack, a plug, and an advanced energy management system. The Algaeus got an average of 147 mpg city in PHEV (plug in electric hybrid) mode, and 52 mpg highway in hybrid mode, on the cross country tour.

Sponsored by the Veggie Van Organization, the cross-country trip celebrates the nationwide premiere of "FUEL." Josh Tickell and "FUEL" Producer, Rebecca Harrell, were behind the wheel for the entire trip and reported back that the algae fuel blend provided a fun and reliable driving experience.

The second generation hydrogen fuel cell system in development by General Motors Co. is half the size, 220 pounds lighter, and uses less than half the precious metal of the current generation in the Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell electric vehicle.

In addition, the production intent fuel cell powertrain can be packaged under the hood in about the same space as a four-cylinder engine. It contains GM's fifth-generation fuel cell stack, which could be commercialized in the 2015 time frame.

"GM has invested more than $1.5 billion in fuel cell technology and we are committed to continuing to invest, but we no longer can go it alone," said Charles Freese, executive director of GM Fuel Cell Activities. "As we approach a costly part of the program, we will require government and industry partnerships to install a hydrogen infrastructure and help create a customer pull for the products."

Through Project Driveway, a demonstration fleet of more than 100 hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric Chevrolet Equinox midsize crossovers has amassed more than 1 million miles of every-day driving by ordinary citizens, celebrities and others since late 2007.

In recent weeks, a consortium of the German government and leading industrial companies has announced plans to build up to 1,000 hydrogen fueling stations by 2015, about the time several automakers expect to have hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for sale. Earlier, a group of 13 oil and gas companies in Japan announced similar plans.

"Failure to act will insure the U.S. cannot meet its long-term fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction objectives," Freese said. "We know what needs to be done. Now is the time to get started."

Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation announced the Taiwan launch of its innovative commercial vehicle hybrid system that will power two hybrid diesel-electric transit buses built by Sincere International Mass Transportation Vehicle Company. The clean energy buses are the first of a fleet of 75 to be delivered to Capital Bus Company. by early 2010.

In normal passenger transit duty in Taipei, the buses are expected to generate fuel savings of 25 to 30 percent, along with similar reductions in particulate and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.

"Vehicle makers, fleets, and users in Taiwan are looking for efficient energy solutions that will help reduce pollution and greenhouse gases in their cities," said Robert Clark, General Manager -- Eaton Vehicle Group South East Asia Region. "Hybrid power buses have a positive impact on environmental sustainability, and Eaton is pleased to apply our leading technology to serve this growing market."

Eaton is the only manufacturer to offer a full range of hybrid systems for truck and bus applications, accumulating nearly 20 million miles in road-tested service around the world. These include hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and two hybrid hydraulic power systems that are available on truck models from International, Peterbilt, Kenworth and Freightliner. Companies such as FedEx, UPS, Coca-Cola Enterprises, PepsiCo and Wal-Mart are using delivery vehicles with the Eaton system.

NAFA Online Store

October Store Sale --
Save up to 25 percent on NAFA's Request for Proposals Guide

An excellent educational resource, the Request for Proposals Guide CD-ROM is a valuable tool for experienced RFP writers and novices alike. This instructional CD-ROM provides step-by-step instruction for preparing an effective RFP -- with education focused on RFP basics, elements of an RFP, the evaluation and award process, and valuable state of work examples aligned with NAFA defined fleet management disciplines. Save time by directly accessing numerous reference documents and samples, including Process Flow and Statement of Work. Order your copy today!

Today's  fleet manager must be a "jack of all trades," often taking roles such as human resources, personnel, finance, and now, technology expert. Technological advancement is rapidly changing fleet management, and if utilized properly, technology can make fleet management easier and more time and cost-efficient.

Now available, NAFA's Information Technology Guide provides fleet managers with the tools they need to function in a data-rich, information-poor work environment, by better using technology tools they probably have at their disposal. 

"With technology becoming increasingly more important in fleet management, NAFA's Information Technology Guide is a rare gem of information for fleet managers," noted Project Leader Doug Weichman, CAFM, Director, Fleet Management, Palm Beach County, Fla. "It provides an excellent overview of the technology that we all have to interface with every day."

Detailed chapters explore all aspects of technology including:

• Information Infrastructure
• Computer Software
• Researching the Internet
• Telematics
• Security, Backup, and Recovery
• Ergonomic Computing

Information Technology Guide Saves You Time And Effort With more than 130 pages of information, the new guide is user-friendly, easy to read, and breaks down technology terminology into the most basic of terms Detailed chapters present a comprehensive topic review complete with application to fleet management Additional resources and links listed for each chapter offers you shortcuts for further research and investigation

NAFA's ITG is intended for every fleet manager, regardless of whether you work for a large corporation, a government entity, utility, university, or any other fleet sector.

Available in three formats to meet your project needs

• Available Today The e-download gives you instant access and portability -- store it virtually anywhere: in your own "NAFA document folder," on your computer, or on your flash drive to take with you! NAFA Members and Affiliates, your membership discount gives you a 30-percent savings off the nonmember price. 
• Available in late October The CD version offers the same practical abilities as the e-download and is a product ready to share with other members of your fleet management team or to add to the department's reference shelves. Please wait 3-6 weeks for delivery. NAFA Members and Affiliates, your membership discount gives you a 40-percent savings off the nonmember price.
• Available in late October The soft-cover, spiral-bound book can stay on your shelf for easy access. Please wait 3-6 weeks for delivery. NAFA Members and Affiliates, your membership discount gives you a 30-percent savings off the nonmember price.

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!
Visit NAFA's online store here.

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 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.


Are you looking for a new job or a motivated, hard-working employee? NAFA's Job Wanted Listings are 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.

Regional Fleet Sales Manager - Western Region
Equipment Mechanic III - Sacramento, CA

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 website. 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

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

More NAFA Store Items

No matter the type of fleet, fleet managers all face the same issues with maintenance. This recently published guide will enhance understanding of the essential maintenance principles of in-house, contracted, or outsourced maintenance. Whether you work for a large corporation, a government entity, utility, or university, the Fleet Maintenance Operations Guide provides valuable information and resources. More than 500 pages of information, articles, codes, checklists, and guidelines examine:

• Preventive maintenance & warranty operations.
• Shop operations.
• Environmental issues.
• Inventory management.
• Benchmarking staff performance.
• Outsourcing.
• Maintenance staffing.
  

The guide is available in two formats to meet your project needs. NAFA has received 85 orders! Order Today!

• The e-download gives you instant access and portability – store it virtually anywhere: in your own "NAFA document folder" on your computer, or on your flash drive to take with you.
• The CD version offers the same practical abilities as the e-downloadable format and is a product that's ready to be shared with other members of your fleet management team or added to the department's reference shelves.

• The guide is available in three formats to meet your project and budgetary needs.
• The e-download gives you instant access and portability – store it virtually anywhere: in your own "NAFA document folder" on your computer, or on your flash drive to take with you.
• The CD version offers the same practical abilities as the e-downloadable format and is a product ready to share with other members of your fleet management team or add to the department's reference shelves.
• The more traditional, spiral-bound, soft-cover book provides for easy use, especially when you're sharing references with colleagues. Order today!

Membership Benefits You

As a service to NAFA Members, Patrick O'Connor and Huw Williams -- NAFA's U.S. and Canadian legislative counsels, respectively -- supply monthly updates on legislative issues impacting the fleet industry. These updates, e-mailed to NAFA Members the first week of each month, are posted in PDF format at a MEMBERS ONLY SECTION on www.nafa.org.

Legislative updates are issued monthly to NAFA Members and archived online. With this e-newsletter, NAFA Members can easily check on the progress and status of current legislation. Click here for more information.
Three online, searchable networking databases will easily put you in touch with all NAFA colleagues. These databases are exclusively for NAFA members. 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 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. NAFA's FleetED is designed to help you quickly find the references and educational resources 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.