NAFA Connection

The NAFA Board of Trustees is recommending amendments to the Association's bylaws that would enable the Association to take advantage of technology and save money in the Association's annual election process. 

The recommendation would allow NAFA to present election ballots, and for Members to cast their votes on those ballots in various methods, not just via printed materials.  This means, for example, that NAFA will be allowed to send ballots out through email or fax, and Members will be able to use those same methods for returning their ballots.

"This will not only speed up delivery of such information, but reduce costs," said NAFA President Chris Amos, CAFM.  "It's kind of a no-brainer in this day and age to enable a faster, better way of transmitting information."

A second part of the recommendation would eliminate the need for ballots altogether in the case of uncontested elections for the Board of Trustees positions.  In situations where there is only one person running for a seat, the NAFA Secretary will be empowered to cast one vote in favor of the one candidate, rather than mailing ballots to every Member. 

"In a case where two or more people are running for the same seat," explained Phil Russo, NAFA's Executive Director, "NAFA will still be required to produce some form of a ballot on which Members can cast their votes.  However, in NAFA's 52-year history, the Nominating Committee has never nominated more than one person for any position and, in that same time span, there has been only one Member nominated by petition."

The Board of Trustees are not recommending any changes to the nomination process, which includes the formation of an independent Nominating Committee and the ability for Members to run for national office by petition.  (Click here to read NAFA's Policy for Nomination & Election of Officers and Trustees.).  NAFA will still be required to announce the slate of officers selected by the Nominating Committees well in advance of their taking office.

All NAFA Members in good standing as of November 20, 2009 were mailed an explanatory letter and ballot.  Completed ballots are due back at NAFA by December 30, 2009.  You may send your questions or comments to NAFA's Executive Director Phil Russo at:  prusso@nafa.org.

The recommended amendments are:

1.  Second paragraph, Article XIII – Conduct of Elections, amended as shown by underlined text:

"The nominating committee shall report said names to the President and, at least ninety (90) days prior to the Annual Meeting, the President shall cause the Secretary to mail or to send by overnight delivery service, telefax, e-mail, or other electronic means now or hereinafter in existence ballots for the elections to all Full Members and Associate Members of record as of the date of mailing or delivery or transmission as aforesaid.  The ballots shall be returned promptly by any means set forth above."

2.  The following text added to Article XIII – Conduct of Elections (all new text):

"If there is no contest for any office, there shall be no need to send ballots for that office and the Secretary shall be instructed to cast one vote on behalf of the persons entitled to vote in favor of the person nominated by the nominating committee for that office."

After only eight months as Chief Executive Officer for General Motors Co., Fritz Henderson resigned.

The news came after a 100-day review on his performance since the company's July bankruptcy.  Henderson, a 25- year GM employee, became CEO in March when the task force asked Rick Wagoner to leave as part of a U.S. rescue.

It has been reported that some board members felt Henderson hadn't done enough to fix GM's finances.

The statement attributed to Chairman Ed Whitacre read:

"At its monthly meeting in Detroit today, the General Motors Board of Directors accepted the resignation of Fritz Henderson as Director, President and CEO of the company.

Fritz has done a remarkable job in leading the company through an unprecedented period of challenge and change.  While momentum has been building over the past several months, all involved agree that changes needed to be made.  To this end, I have taken over the role of Chairman and CEO while an international search for a new president and CEO begins immediately.  With these new duties, I will begin working in the Renaissance Center headquarters on a daily basis.  The leadership team – many who are with me today – are united and committed to the task at hand.

I want to assure all of our employees, dealers, suppliers, union partners and most of all, our customers, that GM's daily business operations will continue as normal. I remain more convinced than ever that our company is on the right path and that we will continue to be a leader in offering the worldwide buying public the highest quality, highest value cars and trucks.  We now need to accelerate our progress toward that goal, which will also mean a return to profitability and repaying the American and Canadian tax payers as soon as possible.

In closing, I want to once again thank Fritz Henderson for his years of leadership and service to General Motors; we're grateful for his many contributions.  I look forward to working with the entire GM team as we now begin the next chapter of this great company."

Henderson was slated to deliver one of three Keynote Addresses at NAFA's 2010 I&E in Detroit next April.  Ford has confirmed that Mark Fields, Executive Vice President of the Americas, will deliver one Keynote, while Chrysler has committed a senior level executive to deliver the third Keynote. 

Henderson's resignation came at a stressful time after the automaker reported $88 billion in losses since the end of 2004, cut its U.S. brands from eight to four, and aborted deals to sell the Saturn, Saab, and Opel units, among several other changes.

"Whether it was the sale of Opel or the timing of a GM IPO, it had become clear in recent months that the board and the CEO were not always on the same page," Himanshu Patel, a JPMorgan Chase & Co. analyst in New York, wrote in a report late yesterday.

The disagreements were "useful in some cases, but probably unhealthy for any company longer term," Patel wrote.

Whitacre told reporters that Henderson "has done a remarkable job leading the company through a time of challenge, and momentum has been building over the past several months, but we all agreed changes needed to be made."

After an extensive nationwide search, NAFA is proud to announce the hiring of Hanan Bedri as Associate Director of Education.  Bedri comes to NAFA with a strong background in developing educational efforts for not-for-profit organizations, including previous positions with the Core Competency Group, National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America, and the Regulatory Affairs Professional Society.
 
"Hanan brings an extremely diverse background to NAFA, which should be a great asset to our efforts," said NAFA's Executive Director, Phillip E. Russo, CAE.  "After attending college in Sudan, she did community health work in that country for several years before transferring to Southern New Hampshire University to study Community Economic Development.  She then attained her Masters degree in Education and Human Resource Development from George Washington University in Washington, DC, which was her stepping stone into the not-for-profit education world."

Bedri most recently worked as a consultant with the Core Competency Group designing training programs for Associations, as well as instituting competency models for clients.  Before that, she was employed by the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America, where she was in charge of the education division, including their online certification program, webcasts, and training programs.  She also worked for the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society, developing and managing all of their education programs.

"For me this is a wonderful opportunity to help the Association provide fleet professionals with a worthwhile educational experience that not only contributes to the knowledge base of the individuals involved but also to the overall professionalism of our industry," Ms. Bedri said.

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 many enhancements in store for I&E 2010. Suffice to say it's not the "same old, same old" at NAFA. Think of all the business you can do in two days with nearly 1,000 fleet managers surrounding you.

• 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.

Join us at the FMS (February 24 - 25) and AFMS (February 26 - 28) at the M Resort in Henderson, Nev. Whether you are new to the fleet industry or a seasoned professional, NAFA provides you with the best education and the latest information.

Fleet Management Seminar
February 24 - 25, 2010

If you are a fleet professional, are you new to fleet? Have less than five years of experience? 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.

Register at www.nafa.org/exams.  To reserve your seat online, click here. For more details about FMS, please visit www.nafa.org/fms.

Advanced Fleet Management Seminar
February 26 - 28, 2010

At NAFA's Advanced Fleet Management Seminar 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.

To reserve your seat online, click here. For more details about AFMS, please visit www.nafa.org/afms.

The hotel for the FMS and AFMS is the M Resort in Nevada. For more information on group rates, making reservations and transportation, visit the hotel accommodations page.

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

"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.

Cumulative sales of hybrid vehicles in the fleet sector will total nearly 4 million worldwide between 2009 and 2015.  The cleantech market intelligence firm forecasts that hybrid fleet sales will increase from 300,000 in 2009 to more than 830,000 in 2015, according to a recent report from Pike Research.

"The biggest growth categories for fleet hybrids are medium/heavy duty trucks and buses," says Managing Director Clint Wheelock.  "Manufacturers are beginning to turn their attention beyond light duty vehicles to the efficiency opportunities for hybrid drive in heavy trucks.  For example, in North America nearly 10% of buses sold in 2015 will be hybrids."

Wheelock adds that North America will be the leading region in terms of hybrid fleet penetration, with hybrids reaching 8% of all fleet sales in the next five years.  Early adopters will include government, university, and utility company fleets.  Asia Pacific will be the leader in terms of unit volumes by that time, reaching 420,000 fleet hybrids sold per year, though the hybrid penetration will be somewhat lower than North America's.

Pike Research's study, "Hybrid Electric Vehicles for Fleet Markets," analyzes the opportunities and challenges for HEVs and PHEVs in fleet markets around the world, including light cars and trucks as well as the medium/heavy duty truck segments. The study examines global growth drivers and business case considerations for fleet managers, and includes detailed 7-year market forecasts as well as profiles for key industry players.  An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download at www.pikeresearch.com.

While November new-vehicle retail sales are expected to decline slightly compared with one year ago, total vehicle sales are projected to increase marginally, according to J.D. Power and Associates.  

November new-vehicle retail sales are expected to come in at 547,800 units, which represents a seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) of 8.2 million units. Total sales for November are projected to come in at 687,800 units, up 0.4 percent from November 2008, with fleet volume expected to increase by 3.5 percent from one year ago.

"The expected November selling rate of 10.2 million units is higher compared with one year ago, driven by a stable retail environment and higher fleet volume," said Gary Dilts, Senior Vice President of Global Automotive Operations at J.D. Power and Associates. "On a selling day-adjusted basis, total sales are forecasted to be up slightly compared with last year-further signaling an industry on the mend."

In November, vehicles in the crossover utility vehicle (CUV) segment are expected to account for one-fourth of all retail sales-the highest level since the segment emerged in 1995. The share of trucks within the retail segment mix has increased to 51 percent in November, up from an 18-month low of 43 percent in August, despite the recent attention surrounding small cars.

"As expected, the recovery has been slow, but is progressing," said Jeff Schuster, Executive Director of Global Forecasting at J.D. Power and Associates. "The industry is exhibiting a higher level of discipline, as there is a favorable sales ratio of 2010 models to 2009 models and a diminished risk of excess inventory. As a result, transaction prices are at their highest levels in years, indicating a healthier close for the fourth quarter." 

J.D. Power and Associates is adjusting its forecast for 2009 slightly, maintaining total sales at 10.3 million units but decreasing retail sales to 8.5 million units from 8.6 million units. The 2010 forecast remains at 11.5 million units for total sales and 9.5 million units for retail sales.

Four Chrysler Group LLC vehicles have earned 2010 Top Safety Pick Status. Chrysler Group announced that the 2010 Dodge Journey, the 2010 Chrysler Sebring when equipped with available Electronic Stability Control (ESC), the 2010 Dodge Avenger when equipped with available ESC, and the 2010 Jeep® Patriot with available seat mounted air bag, are 2010 Top Safety Picks according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger, and Dodge Journey have been awarded IIHS Top Safety Picks for both the 2009 and 2010 model years. The 2010 Jeep Patriot joins the trio in the highest possible rating from the nonprofit research organization.

For the 2010 model year, Chrysler Group products comprise almost 15 percent of the total vehicles awarded Top Safety Pick status by the IIHS to automakers. The award recognizes automobiles with ESC that perform well in the Institute's front-impact, side-impact, rear-impact and, new for 2010, roof-strength evaluations.

"With the addition of the Jeep® Patriot, Chrysler Group has received four Top Safety Picks in the 2010 model year—a great accomplishment for our company," said Scott Kunselman, Senior Vice President—Engineering, Chrysler Group LLC. "IIHS recognition of our products underscores Chrysler Group's engineering capability and leadership in occupant protection."

The 2010 Jeep® Patriot, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010 Dodge Avenger, and 2010 Dodge Journey encompass a two-fold approach to safety—passive features combined with accident-avoidance features. Available safety and security features on all four vehicles include ESC with traction control, Brake Assist and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), driver and front-passenger active head restraints, front seat-mounted side airbags and advanced multi-stage front airbags.

"Chrysler showed the most improvement of any automaker for 2010," said IIHS President Adrian Lund. "These Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge models are part of an elite group that afford the best overall crash protection and have electronic stability control, which can help keep drivers out of crashes altogether."

Chrysler Group's four Top Safety Picks all feature the company's new active head restraint system for front-seat occupants. This new system augments the head restraints ability to minimize neck injuries caused by rear-impact accidents. In the event of a rear impact, the head restraints deploy to remove the space between the occupants head and the restraint to help minimize whiplash type injuries.

Energy efficient products for use at home, at work, on the road, and more are showcased in Eaton Sustainable Community, the new Web feature from diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation.

"Eaton Sustainable Community is a natural resource for telling our sustainability story," said Jeff Krakowiak, senior vice president Sales and Marketing. "It gathers together the wide range of Eaton products and solutions that help our customers manage their power needs and serves as a 'one-stop shop' to learn more."

Visitors to Eaton Sustainable Community (www.eaton.com) can click through the company's most sustainable products in familiar applications. Dozens of products are featured, including hybrid power systems for commercial vehicles and superchargers for passenger cars.

Tele Atlas and QA Technologies have announced a multi-year license agreement whereby QA Technologies will use Tele Atlas maps and location content to power its fleet monitoring and management systems.

Through the agreement, QA Technologies fleet management solutions will leverage Tele Atlas digital maps and Address Points for the United States. These products provide users with exact street names and addresses, zip codes, longitudes and latitudes and other critical information to allow for accurate, efficient, location-based vehicle tracking. With Tele Atlas maps and content, QA Technologies' fleet vehicle tracking service can report vehicle locations to the nearest address and provide a summary of each vehicle's data, including total daily running time, number of stops and improved dispatching.  

"As we strive to provide flexible fleet management solutions for both major enterprises and the millions of independent truck drivers, we are excited to work with Tele Atlas to leverage the newest maps and content," said Brock Eidem, CEO, QA Technologies. "By ensuring our tools have the most powerful location content, we can enable our customers to save fuel costs and increase the visibility and efficiency of their mobile workers, which will also help to improve customer service."

QA Technologies offers two core fleet management solutions, AccutrAVL and AccutreQ.net, along with recently released AccuFreight.net. AccutrAVL's fleet knowledge tools are designed to fit commercial service fleets by providing owners with real-time, downloadable reports to identify expenditures. The AccutreQ.net enterprise software and reporting system provides a full suite of features designed for less-than-truckload (LTL), truck load and multi modal carriers. It builds on the AccutrAVL offering with additional reporting and functionality and provides automated electronic driver logs, tracks fuel consumption, and allows for real-time communication with drivers.

Milestone Reached Under Canada's Vehicle Scrappage Program

An important milestone has been recognized as part of Canada's National Vehicle Scrappage Program, Retire Your Ride.  Announced in November by the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment, more than 50,000 vehicles have now been registered for the program since it was first launched in January 2009.

The Minister highlighted that through these registrations, approximately 2,250 tonnes of smog-forming pollutants will be removed from the atmosphere.

The Scrappage Program offers incentives to those Canadians who retire their older vehicle models, from the year 1995 or earlier.  Compared to newer model years (2004 and onwards), these older vehicles are 19 times more polluting and harmful to the environment.

Examples of rewards provided through this program include free public transit passes, rebates on bicycles, memberships in car-sharing programs, or $300 cash per vehicle.  In addition, a selection of individual vehicle manufacturers may also offer rebates on the purchase of new vehicles to participants.

The California Air Resources Board released a preliminary draft version of California's greenhouse gas cap-and-trade regulation.

Release of the Preliminary Draft Regulation marks the beginning of the next phase of the cap-and-trade rulemaking, culminating in ARB's consideration in 2010 of the first broad based cap-and-trade program in the nation. The rule will be in effect by January 1, 2012.

"As world leaders prepare for another conference at which no new international treaty will be signed, it is important that the public understand that progress in reducing emissions continues," said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. "By releasing the first draft of a cap-and-trade system that California will put into effect in 2012, we are demonstrating the state's determination to push ahead, continue to work with other states in the U.S. and abroad, and invite others to join us."

The document released combines in one place the results of a year-long public process involving 21 workshops on issues related to cap-and-trade program design, and builds on more than two years of collaboration with the partners of the Western Climate Initiative. 

The cap-and-trade program is one of the major building blocks of California's far-reaching plan to address the state's contribution to climate change. The preliminary draft covers the full range of elements for the cap-and-trade program outlined in the Scoping Plan, adopted in December 2008. These include:

• Requiring sources of GHG emissions to manage their emissions under an aggregate declining emissions cap that supports achieving the 2020 emissions target mandated by AB 32.
• Starting the program in 2012 with about 600 of the state's largest GHG-emitting stationary sources (primarily industrial sources and electricity generators), along with electricity imports.
• Including emissions from transportation fuel combustion (e.g., gasoline, diesel, ethanol), and from fuel combustion at stationary sources that fall below the threshold for direct inclusion in the program (e.g., residential and commercial natural gas combustion) by covering the suppliers of fuel to these sources.
• Requiring a minimum number of allowances to be auctioned at program start.
• Allowing limited use of high quality offsets outside of capped sectors to cover a portion of the overall emissions reductions.
• Establishing clear rules for emissions trading, monitoring and enforcement.

Once adopted, a California cap-and-trade program that links with similarly rigorous programs implemented by partners of the Western Climate Initiative will include a stringent declining emissions cap along with trading and the limited use of offsets to provide flexibility for covered entities to comply.

When fully implemented, the program would cover 85 percent of California's greenhouse gas emissions, including emissions from electricity generation, large industrial sources, transportation fuels, and residential and commercial use of natural gas.

The program development is being supported through the advice and review of a blue ribbon committee of outside experts (the Economic and Allocation Advisory Committee) http://www.climatechange.ca.gov/eaac/. The Preliminary Draft Regulation is available at http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/capandtrade/capandtrade.htm.

A new four-cylinder engine will help power Hyundai's drive towards becoming the fuel economy leader when it launches in the company's most popular car, the 2011 Sonata.

Hyundai unveiled the engine, which is built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing of Alabama, at its Hyundai America Technical Center in Superior Township, Michigan, where it engineers, designs, tests, and certifies vehicles sold in the U.S.

The 2.4-liter Theta II GDI engine features gasoline direct injection (GDI) technology which operates with greater efficiency using less fuel, creating fewer emissions and delivering improved throttle response, all while making more power than a traditional port-injected engine. In the all-new 2011 Sonata, consumers can expect an estimated best-in-class fuel economy of 35 miles per gallon in highway driving (EPA certification pending).

Hyundai announced in late 2008 that it would lead the industry in meeting newly proposed Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, that would have required a fleet average of 35 mpg by 2020, five years early through a combination of new technologies, including hybrids and gasoline direct injection. Since that time, the industry has agreed to work with the more aggressive standard. The Obama administration has since proposed more aggressive standards of 35.5 mpg by 2016, which Hyundai supports and also plans to meet ahead of schedule in its quest to become the most fuel efficient brand in the U.S.

Nissan North America Inc. announced the lease of a X-TRAIL Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) to Sacramento Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Inc. Nissan, which began development of fuel cell vehicle technology in 1996, has previously used FCVs in demonstration fleets in Japan and in California through the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP), but this is Nissan's first commercial FCV lease in North America. The Sacramento Coca-Cola lease is for one year, with an option for two additional years.

The zero emissions X-TRAIL FCV is being used by the bottler for sales calls and public events in the Sacramento area in promotion of its Coca-Cola Zero® soft drink.

Nissan's comprehensive fuel cell research and development program is part of a range of eco-friendly technologies -- including FCVs, electric vehicles, hybrid and improved internal combustion engines -- being pursued under the Nissan Green Program 2010, a plan focused on developing new technologies, products and services leading to real-world reductions in CO2 emissions, cleaner emissions, and expanded recycling of resources.

The Nissan X-TRAIL FCV is based on the X-TRAIL SUV, which is available in Mexico, Japan and Europe. It is fitted with a Nissan-developed compact fuel cell stack, a compact Lithium-ion battery and a high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder.  Sacramento-based Nissan X-TRAIL FCVs have already logged nearly 300,000 miles in ongoing internal tests, with one vehicle very close to the 100,000-mile mark.

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!

Driver Transportation Options (Print & e-Download)

This 154-page compilation of information was developed for a manager's review and evaluation of providing business transportation to employees. (An updated version of the former Driver Reimbursement Option).

Lifecycle Cost Analysis for Fleets (CD-ROM)

A narrated CD-ROM, Lifecycle Cost Analysis for Fleets is intended to assist fleet managers in implementing the use of analytical financial modeling. This intensive, comprehensive 2 1/2 hour presentation features vehicle lifecycle cost analysis (LCA) materials and features engaging visual and auditory aids. The LCA technique forces consideration of all the relevant costs incurred over the lifetime of a vehicle or activity.

NAFA Vehicle Classification System (e-Download)

Comprehensive and flexible enough to apply to any fleet application, the NAFA Standard Vehicle & Equipment Classification Code addresses the deficiencies of the various classification schemes in use today. With the NAFA system, any given vehicle or equipment fits only one category - and other classification schemes can be cross referenced into it.

Fleet Maintenance Job Descriptions (e-Download)

This convenient e-download presents a collection of 15 model job descriptions for positions typical to many fleet maintenance organizations, with a matrix connecting positions to ASE tests. Job descriptions are not NAFA-endorsed, but Member-collected samples conveniently provided in Word format.

Request for Proposals Guide (CD-ROM)

Instructional CD-ROM with step-by-step instruction for preparing an effective RFP. Save time by directly accessing numerous reference documents and samples, including Process Flow and Statement of Work. Valuable tool for experienced RFP writers and novices alike.

Data Management (Audio CD)

Audio CD Course offered at FMI 2004- featured faculty: Christopher Amos.

Managing Managed Competition (Audio CD)

Managing Managed Competition - Audio CD Course offered at FMI 2004 - featured faculty: Paul Lauria and Randy Owen

MVR Program in Compliance (Audio CD)

Is Your MVR Program in Compliance with the FCRA? Two CD Set - Audio CD Course offered at FMI 2004 - featured faculty: Luanne Peterpaul, Esq.

New Diesel Emission (Audio CD)

New Diesel Emission Requirements and Impacts on Fleet Managers - Two CD Set Audio CD Course offered at FMI 2004 - featured faculty: Craig Weerts

"With technology becoming increasingly more important in fleet management, NAFA's Fleet Information Management Guide is a rare gem of information for fleet managers," said 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

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.

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.

Corporate Yard Facilities/Fleet Services Manager - Santa Ana, CA
Fleet Maintenance Superintendent - Mesa, AZ

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.