NAFA Connection

The NAFA Board of Governors approved the Association's 2010 fiscal year operating budget, which will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2010.

The budget, developed by NAFA Treasurer Bryan Flansburg, CAFM, anticipates revenue and expenses at $3,090,395, which is just slightly below 2009 levels. The only significant changes in revenue line items from 2009 to 2010 are a reduction in certification program exam fees collected, and a reduction in interest earned.  On the expense side, only the certification programs, seminars, and space occupancy line items will see significant (9 percent or more) increases in 2010, while all other expenses will be below or at 2009 levels. 

The 2010 budget also includes many new non-dues revenue opportunities, including:

• Development and launch of an Online "Buyers Guide" for Affiliates
• Web advertising opportunities for nafa.org
• Sectional e-newsletters
• Enhanced mailing list/e-mail list purchase options
• E-newspapers for I&E dailies

The NAFA Board of Trustees reviewed every line item in the budget, which was presented by Flansburg in two meetings.  

Other notable items in the 2010 budget include:

• Holding I&E Registration fees at 2009 levels, except for non-members/affiliates
• New one- and three-day passes at I&E for fleet managers
• Adding breakfast and lunch on Saturday at I&E while eliminating the Tuesday Closing Dinner
• A $15 (3 percent) increase in dues/fees for members/affiliates
• 75 new participants in the CAFM program
• Three offerings of the Fleet Management Seminar and two offerings of the Advanced Fleet Management Seminar
• Completion and launch of four new products, including the Global Fleet Manager's Manual, Organizational Effectiveness Guide, Fleet Law Guide, and Fleet Insurance Guide
• Holding all staff salaries at 2009 levels and decreasing 401k contribution
• Funding the following high-priority items in Strategic Plan:
  • Enhancing and implementing web video capabilities
  • Developing green/sustainable fleet certification standards
  • Researching government grant programs

There are only 12 days left to participate in NAFA's 2009 Membership Drive. Don't miss your chance to enter a drawing to win a FREE trip and FREE registration to NAFA's 2010 Institute & Expo.

• The show floor will be the focus of all the fleet managers. All education sessions, workshops, the Public Safety Group's Roadeo, and the Ride and Drive will occur either before or after show hours.
• The Grand Celebration, NAFA's annual opening-night party, will take place on the Expo floor, so business can be done while attendees relax with great food and drink.
• Hotel rates have been slashed by 25 percent from 2009, and the registration fees have been held across the board.
• We will have three Keynote Addresses (Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday) from high-level, industry-specific executives. Confirmed at press time is the President and CEO of General Motors, Frederick (Fritz) Henderson. We've also invited executives from Ford and Chrysler.

NAFA's I&E Website Has It All, Too!

• At A Glance provides a quick overview of the I&E schedule. 
• Detailed program with a list of educational courses and sessions, networking events, and Expo Floor details. To view the detailed program, click here.
• A new interactive feature called Map Your Show that allows attendees to see who is exhibiting and what products are being showcased. 
• Information on hotel accommodations, making reservations, airline discounts, and other travel details. Government rates are now available at both hotels! 
• How to participate and sign up for NAFA's Habitat for Humanity Day in Detroit.
• Plus so much more! 

Register Today! Click here to register online! Check out NAFA's website at www.nafaiande.org for schedules, the detailed program, hotel and travel rates, and more!

NAFA's I&E attendees come from a wide range of corporations, governments, law enforcement agencies, and utilities. Last year, attendees at I&E managed more than 1.1 million vehicles.

More than 87 exhibitors have already reserved space for NAFA's Institute & Expo, to be held April 24-27 in Detroit, Mich. I&E 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 two 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.

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 or sponsorship opportunity. Look for NAFA's Exhibitor Prospectus coming soon in your mail!

Flexible Options for I&E Sponsorships!

• Reinforce name and brand recognition for your company
• Gain more visibility for your company on the exhibit floor
• Increase worldwide exposure
• Stand out from your competitors and give your products and services an edge
• Maximize your budget options with the many levels to choose from
• Enhance your company's goodwill and standing in the industry

Pledge your support today and let everyone know you actively support the industry's preeminent association for fleet solutions for all fleet professionals. Request your pledge sponsorship form and return it today. Please contact Scott Groves at 770-576-4971 or e-mail nafa@cmgexpo.com.

Navistar Financial Corporation has issued $350 million in three-year asset-backed securities to support its dealer inventory funding. This transaction brings NFC's total wholesale capacity to more than $1 billion when combined with previously issued public and private funding.

The deal is eligible for funding under the U.S. Federal Reserve's TALF (Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility) program, which offers loans to investors to support the purchase of asset-backed securities.

In addition, Navistar Financial has signed an agreement extending its $100 million retail accounts conduit funding facility through Oct. 29, 2010. This facility is used to support purchase of fleet accounts receivable.

"The completion of these initiatives supports our strategy to complete our refinancing by the end of the year, and reflects the market's continued confidence in Navistar," said David Johanneson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Navistar Financial. "As the economic recovery continues, we're well-positioned to support the profitable growth of Navistar and our dealer network."

GM is actively taking steps to improve supplier relationships and developing ways to engage strategic suppliers earlier in the vehicle development process, Mark Reuss, GM Vice President of Global Vehicle Engineering, told automotives supplier executives at the Original Equipment Suppliers Association's 2009 Outlook Conference.

"We understand we must significantly improve supplier working relationships, and we need to move the needle fast," Reuss said. "We want to be the manufacturer of choice, and we will work to earn the trust of our supply base."

GM recently has taken several steps to improve supplier relationships, including revising its supplier cost reduction suggestion program to let suppliers keep a larger share of savings generated from cost reduction ideas that are implemented.  In addition, GM recently announced that later this year, it will begin paying direct material suppliers weekly instead of monthly.  This move will allow suppliers to better manage their cash flow and reduce the need to borrow money to run their buinesses.

In another first, Reuss and Dan Hancock, GM's Vice President of Powertrain Engineering, have joined the GM Supplier Council to directly engage with suppliers on a variety of important issues.

Ford Motor Company is bringing to market the world's first automotive inflatable seat belts, combining attributes of traditional seat belts and air bags to provide an added level of crash safety protection for rear seat occupants.

The advanced restraint system is designed to help reduce head, neck, and chest injuries for rear seat passengers. Ford will introduce inflatable rear seat belts on the next-generation Ford Explorer, and over time, Ford plans to offer the technology in vehicles globally.

"Ford's rear inflatable seat belt technology will enhance safety for rear-seat passengers of all ages, especially for young children who are more vulnerable in crashes," said Sue Cischke, Ford group Vice President of Sustainability, Environmental and Safety Engineering.  "This is another unique family technology that builds on our safety leadership, including the most top safety ratings of any automaker." 

Advances in air bag inflation and seat belt construction methods have enabled Ford and its suppliers to develop inflatable seat belts that are designed to deploy over a vehicle occupant's torso and shoulder in 40 milliseconds in the event of a crash.

"Ford is pioneering inflatable seat belt technology to help enhance crash safety protection, while encouraging more people to buckle up with a more comfortable belt," said Paul Mascarenas, Ford Vice President, Engineering, Global Product Development. 

In the event of a frontal or side crash, the inflatable belt's increased diameter more effectively holds the occupant in the appropriate seating position, helping to reduce the risk of injury.

Vehicle safety sensors determine the severity of the collision in the blink of an eye and deploy the inflatable belts' air bags.  Each belt's tubular air bag inflates with cold compressed gas, which flows through a specially designed buckle from a cylinder housed below the seat. 

The inflatable belt's accordion-folded bag breaks through the belt fabric as it fills with air, expanding sideways across the occupant's body in about the same amount of time it takes a car traveling at highway speed to cover a yard of distance. 

In Ford's research, more than 90 percent of those who tested the inflatable seat belts found them to be similar to, or more comfortable than, a conventional belt because they feel padded and softer.  That comfort factor could help improve the 61 percent rear belt usage rate in the United States, which compares to 82 percent usage by front seat passengers, according National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data.

Nick Reilly, GM Executive Vice President -- and President, GM International Operations -- will immediately assume responsibility for the operations of Opel/Vauxhall Europe, while an external search for a new CEO commences. 

Reilly, with extensive prior experience in Europe with the Opel and Vauxhall brands, will support the European leadership team in running the business and will oversee the creation of a strategy to position Opel/Vauxhall for long-term success.  Reilly maintains overall direction of GM's International Operations based in Shanghai, China, but day-to-day operations of the various international subsidiaries in his organization will be handled by the respective country managing directors while he serves in Europe.  

"As we announced last Tuesday, Opel/Vauxhall will remain a fully integrated member of the New GM family, a decision that is in the best interests of Opel/Vauxhall, its customers, employees, other stakeholders, and GM," said Fritz Henderson, GM President and CEO.  "With his deep experience with the Opel and Vauxhall brands, Nick is well suited to lead this transition and to work toward the earliest possible normalization of the business." 

Electric Transit Connect Van Coming to Canada

Ford will be delivering a pure battery electric Transit Connect van to Canada (as well as the United States) in 2010.  Announced in November by Nancy Gioia, Ford Director of Global Electrification, this project will be done in collaboration with Azure Dynamics Corporation.

Azure will be incorporating its Force Drive battery electric drivetrain in the Transit Connect for commercial fleet and retail use.  The Transit Connect will be the first of four electrified vehicles that will be available in Canada and the United States over the next three years.  The other available vehicles will be the Ford Focus in 2011, a next-generation hybrid vehicle in 2012, and a plug-in hybrid in 2012.

Gioia highlighted that this initiative will allow Ford to offer its commercial customers an additional option for environmentally friendly transportation.

Ontario Government Introduces "Green" Licence Plate

A new 'Green' licence plate, which will encourage consumers to switch to environmentally friendly vehicles, has been selected by Ontarians.  The new plate will have green lettering on a white background with a picture of a trillium in the middle. 

The winning licence plate design received more than 47 percent of the 14,000 votes cast online in a poll that ran from July to October.  There were four design choices in total.

By sporting the new plates on a plug-in hybrid or battery electric vehicle, drivers will be able to:

• Use Ontario's High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes until 2015, even if there is just one person in the vehicle.
• Access recharging facilities at GO Transit and other provincially operated parking lots.
• Use designated parking spots at the University of Toronto and private companies such as Walmart Canada.

The new licence plate is expected to become available in 2010.  Ontario's Minister of Transportation Jim Bradley announced that the government's plan is for one out of every 20 passenger vehicles on Ontario's roads to be an electric vehicle by the year 2020.

Senate Committee Passes Climate Bill

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has passed the "Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act" (S. 1733) without amendments and over the objections of panel Republicans. Committee Republicans objected on the grounds that a full analysis had not been completed by the Environmental Protection Agency. Consequently, they boycotted the proceedings. Regardless, Environment and Public Works Chairwoman Barbara Boxer (D-CA) moved the measure through the committee, and it ultimately was approved Oct. 1. No Republicans were present for the vote, and all Democrats except Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus voted to approve it. The environment committee is one of six Senate committees with jurisdiction over various portions of the legislation.

DOT to Reconsider Hours of Service Rule

Federal truck driver hours of service rules will be revised and a new rule proposed within nine months under an agreement between the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Teamsters union and other parties to a lawsuit to overturn the current rules.

In return for FMCSA's commitment to reconsider the current rules and issue a new final rule, the Teamsters and Public Citizen put a lawsuit challenging the rule on hold. The U.S. District Court of Appeals was scheduled to hear arguments in the case next January.

The agreement raises the possibility that the rules will be changed to reduce the number of hours a driver may operate a truck per day. The FMCSA raised the limit from 10 hours to 11 hours per day in 2003, while shortening the total hours drivers may work per day from 15 to 14 hours.

Senators Introduce Distracted Driving Legislation

Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Senator Frank R. Lautenberg, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security, have introduced  legislation (S. 1938) to address distracted driving in both passenger and commercial vehicles.

The legislation creates a new program to send grants to states that enact a ban on texting while driving; require drivers using a cell phone to use a hands-free device; and prohibit novice drivers under age 18 from using any cell phone while driving.

For commercial vehicles, within one year of enactment, the Secretary of Transportation is to issue regulations on the use of electronic or wireless devices — including cell phones and other distracting devices — by commercial motor vehicle and school bus drivers during the performance of their duties.  The regulations would cover commercial motor vehicles, including large trucks (gross vehicle weight greater than 10,000 pounds), buses with more than 10 passengers (including the driver), vehicles used to transport hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placarding, and certain school buses.

Azure Dynamics Corporation announced that FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp., has purchased 51 additional Azure Balance™ Hybrid Electric walk-in vans, to be delivered in November and December. Most of the 51 vehicles will be put into service at the first FedEx all-hybrid facility in Bronx, N.Y. FedEx has had 20 previously purchased Azure walk-in vans in active service at a number of California stations for the past year.

"We're always looking to broaden our customer base, but earning large re-orders from customers like FedEx Express is sometimes even more rewarding," said Scott Harrison, Azure Dynamics CEO. "FedEx is an incredibly astute fleet operation with 274 hybrid electric and electric vehicles among its 1,800 alternative fuel vehicles. The fact that the performance of our vehicles has met their rigorous demands and encouraged this additional large order is particularly gratifying."

"FedEx now operates seven different hybrid or electric truck models around the globe, demonstrating that commercial delivery vans can reduce pollution and increase efficiency without any sacrifice in performance and durability," said John Formisano, Vice President of Global Vehicles, FedEx Express.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is providing a grant to FedEx for the Azure hybrids. NYSERDA, in part, aims to maintain momentum for the State's efforts to develop competitive markets for energy efficiency.

Smith Electric Vehicles (SEV) US Corp, together with AM General is developing a prototype electric version of the gasoline-powered Long Life Vehicle for the United States Postal Service (USPS). There are currently approximately 178,000 Long Life Vehicles in service with the USPS. AM General will manufacture the chassis and SEV US Corp will supply the electric drive train, including the motor, battery pack, electronics, and ancillary systems.

Darren Kell, CEO of The Tanfield Group Plc, said, "With AM General we combine a global leader in specialist vehicles with a world leader in electric vehicle integration. The goal is to deliver an electric vehicle that is perfect for the United States Postal Service; a vehicle that is energy efficient, cost-effective, reduces U.S. reliance on oil, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions."

SEV U.S. Corp won $10 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE), to facilitate its growth toward volume production and to build a demonstration fleet of electric trucks. In addition, SEV U.S. Corp customers have been awarded funding for 65 Smith Newton electric trucks, amounting to $4.5 million, through the U.S. Clean Cities Program. SEV U.S. Corp is applying for more funding through the U.S. government "green vehicles" programs.

Dana Holding Corporation has developed a Long® heat exchanger designed to extend battery life in hybrid and electric vehicles. The technology, the first of its kind, recently debuted on Tesla Motors' 2010 all-electric Roadster Sport.

Dana's unique heat-exchange technology cools the Roadster's battery by transferring heat generated within the battery to the vehicle's climate-control system. In addition, a temperature sensor mount provides continuous feedback to the climate-control system. This interface helps to maintain the battery's ideal temperature during operation, thus helping to extend battery life.

Dana engineers constructed the heat exchanger using a patented aluminum brazing process, ensuring cleanliness of both the climate control and battery coolant fluids. The use of high-strength aluminum alloys provides greater material strength and contributes to weight savings. Additionally, the chiller's compact design also provides significant space savings - critical for helping engineers accommodate the Roadster's 6,800-cell battery pack.

"Advanced manufacturing capabilities such as our unique brazing process, combined with our research commitment to the hybrid and electric segment, position Dana as a valued contributor to hybrid-vehicle battery technology," said Ted Zielinski, director of engineering, Dana Thermal Products Group.

Dana developed and is manufacturing the heat exchanger at its advanced engineering center in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.

The comprehensive approach to advancing transportation and clean energy technologies embodied in the energy spending bill signed by President Obama is the best way to assure that the nation ends its dependence on imported fuels and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, according to the statements by three international trade associations.

"The FY 2010 Energy & Water Development Appropriation funds a full portfolio of advanced technologies and fuels for power generation and vehicles, including fuel cells, hydrogen, and batteries," the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA), National Hydrogen Association (NHA) and U.S. Fuel Cell Council (USFCC) said in a joint statement. "Congress and the Administration are wisely investing in all the most promising advanced transportation and low carbon electricity options. All these pathways work cooperatively with renewable and traditional domestic energy sources."

The bill allocates $311 million to vehicle electrification and advanced combustion systems, $220 million for advanced biofuels, and $283 million for hydrogen and fuel cells in all applications. 

"While vehicle options may enter the marketplace at different times and serve different early market segments, pursuing the full range of options gives America its best chance overall of meeting its energy security and environmental goals," the organizations said.  "The National Research Council has recently concluded, in fact, that a successful portfolio approach could reduce passenger car demand for gasoline nearly to zero by 2050 with comparable reductions in emissions.  A multipronged approach will leverage complementary development pathways and accelerate the use of domestic resources."

EDTA, NHA and USFCC collectively represent more than 200 companies and organizations.

NAFA's FIMG is intended for fleet managers at a large corporation, a government entity, utility, university, or any other fleet sector.

Available in three formats to meet your project needs.

• The e-download gives you instant access and portability. Store it virtually anywhere - in a "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 non-member price. 
• The CD version offers the same practical abilities as the e-download and is a product ready to share with members of your fleet management team or add to the department's reference shelves. Please wait three to six weeks for delivery. NAFA Members and Affiliates, your membership discount gives you a 40-percent savings off the non-member price.
• The soft-cover, spiral-bound book can stay on your shelf for easy access. Please wait three to six weeks for delivery. NAFA Members and Affiliates, your membership discount gives you a 30-percent savings off the non-member price.

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

November Store Sale --
Save up to 40 Percent on NAFA's Personal Use for Fleets CD-ROM

The NAFA Personal Use for Fleets CD-ROM is a comprehensive tool to instruct and assist in gaining a greater understanding of this core competency for successful fleet management. The CD-ROM format proves easy navigation and access to many samples, reference documents, and complicated IRS rules and regulations. Order your copy today!

NAFA has provided space in each issue of the FleetFOCUS for companies and organizations to advertise career opportunities in the fleet industry. Members also can 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 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.

Fleet Manager - Contra Costa County, 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. For a small cost, employers will be provided with new, up-to-date resumes that fit the job.

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).

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

• 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.

Fuel Management Guide

Designed with you in mind, the guide will help you understand fuel supply and demand dynamics to better anticipate price changes; understand key fuel standards; and identify appropriate policies, activities, and technologies to improve fuel efficiency. A valuable appendix, comprised of additional references, makes this an "evergreen" learning tool, as links to current websites provide direct access to current information on fuels and pricing, as well as from government authorities, non-profit and Association websites, and manufacturers.

Information is easily accessible, as detailed chapters explore the issues associated with the centralized fuel management of conventional fuels, a variety of tools to fuel decentralized fleets, and alternative fuels and advanced technology vehicles, including forms of hybrid drive trains currently available.

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 easy use, especially when you're sharing references with colleagues. Order today!

• 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.