NAFA Connection
NAFA Fleet Management Association
Last year, dozens of I&E attendees came out and made the Habitat for Humanity project in New Orleans a success. This year, let's make our volunteer effort just as successful in Detroit!
This is your chance to roll up your sleeves and pick up a paint brush, rake, hammer, or whatever it takes to make the difference in the life of a family. Volunteers like you are the reason that Habitat for Humanity has been able to make home ownership possible for families in need across the city.
How can you help? For this Institute & Expo, plan to arrive a day early and join with other NAFA community volunteers to assist in a Detroit Habitat for Humanity community project. On Friday, April 23, Team NAFA will partner and work with Habitat for Humanity on a local project. Buses will depart from the Marriott Detroit at Renaissance Center and Courtyard by Marriott at 7:30 a.m.
If you would like to be part of the Habitat for Humanity team, just fill out your I&E Registration Form, or register online and check the "Habitat For Humanity" box to participate. Click here for more information.
NAFA Fleet Management Association is making a contribution to help continue Habitat for Humanity projects after NAFA Institute & Expo leaves Michigan. Thank you for considering this opportunity to give not only to the fleet management community, but also to the Detroit community. We are grateful for your support!
NAFA has implemented many changes to improve our Institute and Expo and this year we will hold our first Silent Auction.
Items donated by our exhibitors will be displayed at individual booths, with proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. This facility is internationally recognized for their pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases.
Bidding will begin at 10:45 a.m. and end at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, April 26. Items will be on display on both Sunday, April 25, and Monday, April 26. All I&E attendees and exhibitors are eligible to bid and will receive a list of items, the exhibit booth number, and company name. Winning bidders will be notified to pick up and pay for items at conference registration. Click here for more information.
You still have four days to send in your submissions for NAFA's annual Sustainable Fleet Awards (formerly known as the Green Fleet Awards)! This award honors individuals who have implemented pioneering, innovative, and creative programs to help with their company's overall sustainable or green initiative. The deadline for submissions is Feb. 26, and awards will be presented during NAFA's 2010 Institute & Expo in Detroit, April 24-27.
"The Sustainable Fleet Award goes to those whose sustainable practices are providing for the sustainability of the environment for future generations," explained Stephen B. Russell, Alternative Transportation Program Coordinator for Massachusetts Clean Cities and Chair of NAFA's Fuels & Technology Advisory Council.
Four awards will be handed out: two for a sedan/light truck fleet and two for a truck/equipment fleet. Awards are offered for those in mandated areas and non-mandates areas.
Mandated Areas:
- Sedans/light truck fleets with trucks less than 10,000 GVWR located in EPAct and clean air mandated areas of the United States for clean air, or in Pollution Emission Management Area (PEMA) mandated areas in Canada.
- Truck/heavy equipment fleets located in EPAct and clean air mandated areas of the United States for clean air, or in Pollution Emission Management Area (PEMA) mandated areas in Canada.
Non-Mandated Areas
- Sedans/light duty fleet located in non-mandated areas of the United States or Canada.
- Truck/heavy equipment located in non-mandated attainment areas of the United States or Canada.
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DEADLINE is Four Days Away! No applications will be accepted for judging after Feb. 26. Submit entry forms via e-mail only. This year's winners will be honored on the Expo floor in the Green Zone Monday at NAFA's 2010 Institute and Expo in Detroit. |
Entrants must be Members of NAFA Fleet Management Association to qualify. Applications may be submitted by any individual who is directly employed in a vehicle management role by any company, utility, government agency, or not-for-profit organization in the United States or Canada. NAFA Members can nominate themselves and/or their fleet teams. NAFA Members and Affiliates may nominate other fleet managers for their work in this area; however, such nominations must be verified by the person being nominated.
Entries are judged by a distinguished panel that includes representatives from OEM manufacturers, automotive publishing companies, leasing companies, and fleet managers from both private and public sectors. The criteria for judging includes originality, innovativeness, and demonstrated accomplishment for reducing energy consumption.
For more information, visit http://www.nafa.org/sustainablefleetawards.
Send Your Goill Award Submissions to NAFA by March 12!
For more information, visit http://www.nafa.org/goillawards.
Each year, NAFA honors those individuals with innovative ideas with the Larry Goill Memorial Quality Fleet Management Idea Award – one of the most prestigious awards in the fleet management industry. The awards will be presented at NAFA's 2010 Institute & Expo in Detroit, April 24-27.
Recent winning ideas have included innovative uses of Internet technology; the formation of both internal and external strategic alliances; cost and efficiency savings realized by restructuring personnel; the design of unique vehicles to meet special needs; creative lifecycle analysis and decision making; and unique hiring and retention practices.
"The Goill Awards are an opportunity for fleet managers to get recognized for their innovation and problem-solving techniques," explained NAFA's Executive Director, Phillip E. Russo, CAE. "They showcase how fleet professionals turn situations into solutions. They are among the best ideas in today's fleet management profession. I am sure with the many situations the industry faced in 2009 there are abundant solutions that fleet managers will be submitting for this year's awards."
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Last year's winners included: Mark Bellamy, CAFM, County of York, VA |
"I look forward to the Goill Awards presentation every year to see the new and creative ways the winners have solved tough fleet problems that many of us face," said NAFA President Christopher Amos, CAFM. "Sometimes the recipients make a valuable incremental improvement to industry best practices. Sometimes they shove old paradigms aside and come up with something completely new that gives the rest of us one of those 'aha' moments. In either case, they do credit to Larry Goill's memory by moving our profession forward as they selflessly share their quality fleet management ideas with their peers."
With just a click of a button, there are several simple things you can do to get the best return on investment at this year's I&E in Detroit.
NAFA will provide two electronic editions of the I&E News, in addition to the onsite, printed editions that attendees look for at the annual meeting. The digital preview edition will be packed with information about programs planned for Detroit, helping attendees make the most of their I&E experience. This edition will be sent to the entire NAFA membership, not just meeting registrants, dramatically expanding the audience and increasing the value for advertisers. The wrap-up issue will share highlights from the 2010 I&E experience, reminding attendees of the value of the meeting and prompting others to consider attending in 2011. All onsite issues will also be produced and shared electronically. To advertise, contact our publishing partner CustomNEWS for more details: John Carter, 800-627-8723 or jcarter@showdailies.com.
Make the most of your I&E experience while saving valuable time and money by logging onto Map Your Show at www.nafaiande.org. This interactive tool will provide you with an interactive floorplan, companies and products of interest, and enough information to help plan out your sessions and events. You will even be able to print a detailed day-by-day event schedule as I&E draws near. Visit www.nafaiande.org or click here to begin. Start by searching for exhibitors, products, sessions, or the floorplan. You will be prompted to create an account to utilize this revolutionary feature.
Your company can get maximum exposure and more for their money through I&E sponsorship. I&E sponsorship packages consider budgets of all sizes to offer the extraordinary opportunity to reach this targeted fleet management audience with vital purchasing power. Benefits of sponsoring include: r
einforcing name and brand recognition for your company, increasing worldwide exposure, and enhancing your company's goodwill and standing in the industry. For more information, contact Scott Groves at 770-576-4971 or nafa@cmgexpo.com.
When Lee Anne Barry was 5 years old, she was hit by a car, spent months in a coma, and later underwent brain surgery, according to Joey Holleman McClatchy Newspapers. She went on to establish The B.I.G. Ride to educate the public about brain injuries.
It was while on a ride to raise awareness that Barry and fellow biker Tom Hoskins were struck and killed by Sharon Snipes King of Greensboro, N.C. King was apparently talking on her cell phone and in a Chrysler Pacifica company car at the time of the 2007 crash, the Associated Press reported.
King was charged with reckless homicide and later pleaded guilty to reckless driving. She was fined the maximum, $200, but it was the company's insurance at stake. In December, a judge approved a $2.5 million settlement in state civil court for Barry's death, and a federal judge recently ordered an insurance company to pay $5 million to the family of Hoskins, according to The State newspaper.
This particular accident put more weight on several bills, especially House Bill 4282, which aims to ban cell phone usage while driving in the state of South Carolina. Currently South Carolina has a distracted/inattention attribute under Contributing Factors and is in the process of examining several laws to ban handheld cell phone usage while driving. House Bill 4282 was approved by the Education and Public Works Committee and would ban both text messaging and talking on a hand-held phone. This bill is currently heading to the House floor and would ultimatly cost offenders up to $100 and add two points on their licenses. School bus drivers who use a cell or text would face harsher penalties and lose their school bus certifications.
A jurisdiction-wide ban on driving while talking on a hand-held cell phone is in place in seven states (California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Utah, which has named the offense "careless driving," and Washington). Text messaging is banned for all drivers in 19 states and the District of Columbia, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Cellular phone distractions have caused 2,600 deaths and 330,000 injuries in the United States each year, according to the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
Sherri Hoskins, Tom Hoskins' widow, later told The State that "She (King) was totally not paying attention," and hopes lawmakers take a lesson from her case.
If you would like to comment on this story or share your company's policy on cell phone usage, please e-mail Tina Perrotta, NAFA Communications Assistant, at tperrotta@nafa.org.
Toyota has retained Exponent to conduct a comprehensive, independent analysis of Toyota and Lexus vehicles using the ETCS-i system (Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence) for concerns related to unintended acceleration.
Toyota has provided members of Congress with an interim, first-phase report from Exponent on its evaluation of the ETCS-i system, consistent with the company's commitment to increased transparency regarding the quality and safety of its vehicles.
The interim report, dated Feb. 4, 2010, notes that Exponent was unable to induce unintended acceleration in any of the ETCS-i equipped Toyota and Lexus vehicles it tested. In all cases, the vehicle either behaved normally or entered a fail-safe mode where engine power was significantly reduced or shut off. Exponent's testing and evaluation is ongoing.
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc, also announced it plans to conduct a voluntary safety recall to inspect the front drive shaft on a small production run of certain 2010 model year Tacoma 4WD trucks. The front shaft in approximately 8,000 vehicles may include a component that contains cracks that developed during the manufacturing process. As those vehicles are used, the cracks may eventually lead to the separation of the drive shaft at the joint portion.
This condition involves two specific front drive shaft production lot numbers installed in certain 2010 model year Tacoma 4WD vehicles. No other Toyota or Lexus vehicles are involved, and the company plans to notify owners by first-class mail starting in mid-March.
Dealers will be instructed to perform an inspection to identify the specific lot numbers located on the front drive shaft. Based upon the inspection results, in a limited number of cases, the front drive shaft may need to be replaced. The inspection is estimated to take 10 minutes. The inspection and/or replacement will be performed at no cost to the vehicle owner.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that it is using its statutory authority to obtain documents from Toyota to determine if the automaker conducted three of its recent recalls in a timely manner. Federal law requires all auto manufacturers to notify NHTSA within five days of determining that a safety defect exists and promptly conduct a recall.
The auto safety agency is requiring Toyota to provide documents showing when and how it learned of the defects affecting approximately 6 million vehicles in the United States alone. The probe will examine how the manufacturer learned of these defects, such as through consumer complaints or factory testing. Investigators are also looking into whether Toyota discovered the problems during pre-production or post-production of the affected vehicles.
Officials are checking whether Toyota has covered all affected models in its recent recalls to ensure Toyota did not miss any problems. The agency will obtain information on production data, incidents, complaints, warranty complaints, copies of tests, dates of meetings, timelines, and supplier information.
The three recalls in question involve various Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Two of the recalls are related to the entrapment of gas pedals by floor mats. The first recall was announced on Sept. 26, 2007, and was followed by a subsequent one on Oct. 6, 2009. The October recall was expanded on Jan. 29, 2010, to include additional vehicles. The third recall, involving sticking gas pedals, was announced on Jan. 21, 2010. Please visit http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ for more information.
"Our top priority is safety, and we expect that all manufacturers address automotive safety issues quickly and in a forthright manner," said David Strickland, Administrator for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Enterprise Holdings announced that almost 8,000 of its approximately 35,000 recalled Toyota and Pontiac Vibe vehicles have had their accelerator pedals fixed and have been returned to service at its Alamo Rent A Car, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and National Car Rental locations in North America.
The vehicles, identified for recall and suspension of sales due to potential problems with sticking accelerator pedals, represent about 4 percent of the company's entire North American fleet. Enterprise Holdings is working closely with Toyota to repair all affected vehicles and return them to service as soon as possible.
Further, in response to Toyota's recall, Enterprise Holdings also took model year 2010 Prius vehicles out of service temporarily so that the anti-lock brake systems can be repaired in accordance with Toyota's instructions. The company is coordinating with Toyota to expedite the recall work in a number of ways. In some cases, the repairs are being made at local dealerships, while in other locations Toyota technicians are doing the work on site at Alamo, Enterprise, and National locations. In some airport locations that have on-site service centers, Toyota technicians are training company technicians to make the repairs.
None of the vehicles in the company's car-sharing fleet, operated under the WeCar brand, have been affected by either of these safety recalls. The WeCar brand, a natural extension of Enterprise Rent-A-Car's local business rental program, offers mostly hybrids and plug-in vehicles to business customers looking to enhance their fleet management operations and sustainability initiatives.
Meanwhile, the company has suspended sales of the models affected by the accelerator issue and will not sell or put any affected Toyota vehicles into service under the Alamo, Enterprise, or National car rental brands until all necessary repairs have been made. Further, Enterprise Fleet Management is working closely with Toyota and its leasing customers on plans to make the needed repairs to any leased vehicles subject to the recalls.
America's reliance on foreign energy will grow by 19 percent over the next 20 years, expanding the transfer of U.S. wealth to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) by more than $600 billion, according to a report by the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC). The two-year study broadly examined the social, economic, and environmental impacts of continued restrictions on developing America's oil and gas resources, the American Trucking Association reported.
The study predicts the economic results of maintaining current restrictions on accessing America's federally owned onshore and offshore energy resources. The results, when compared with the effects that could be expected from a reasonable energy policy on federal energy resources, will include:
- Import costs for crude oil, petroleum products, and natural gas will be $1.6 trillion higher.
- Imports from OPEC nations will be 4.1 billion barrels higher, resulting in increased payments to OPEC of $607 billion.
- U.S. production of crude oil will be 9.9 billion barrels lower.
- U.S. production of natural gas will be 46 trillion cubic feet lower.
- Energy-intensive industries will produce nearly 13 million fewer jobs.
- Housing starts will be 200,000 fewer.
- Annual average natural gas prices will be 17 percent higher.
- Annual average electricity prices will be 5 percent higher.
- Real disposable income will be a total of $2.34 trillion less.
- Energy costs to consumers will be $2.35 trillion higher.
- Gross Domestic Product will be $2.36 trillion lower.
The report was assembled by experts from the Science Applications International Corp. and the Gas Technology Institute and provides the most up-to-date assessment of America's oil and natural gas resources. Utilizing the National Energy Modeling System, the study renders a quantitative summary of the jobs, revenue, and number of housing starts that Americans should expect to surrender in the future under the restrictive energy policies currently in place.
General Motors will invest more than $494 million and create nearly 550 jobs in three U.S. plants to produce the next generation fuel efficient Ecotec engine. The project consists of the following:
- Tonawanda -- $425 million site investment will add capacity for the next generation Ecotec engine at 370,000 per year and bring about 470 jobs to that community.
- Defiance – $59 million site investment will support precision sand cast block at a capacity of 188,000 annually and result in about 80 jobs to that community.
- Bay City – $10.5 million site investment will bring new product to the plant (Ecotec connecting rod) and will create about 15 jobs for that plant.
The investment includes facility renovation, new machinery, equipment, and special tooling to support this engine program at the three plants.
The investment in Tonawanda, supported by the investments at Defiance and Bay City, will go toward producing two next-generation Ecotec engines. The new engines will have additional capabilities to improve fuel efficiency and improve performance through advanced design and by adding technology.
"This investment is important because it supports manufacturing in the United States," said Cal Rapson, Vice President and Director, UAW International Union. "All three plants have a strong reputation for building quality and focusing on the needs of our customers."
U.S. Senate Delays Extension of Fuel and Vehicle Incentives
The U.S. Senate has delayed consideration of legislation to restore tax incentives for alternative fuel vehicles, as well as for biodiesel, renewable diesel and other alternative fuels which expired on December 31, 2009. On February 11, 2010, Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) and Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA) unveiled the Hiring Employees to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act, legislation that among other things provides for the extension of the expired tax provisions. Subsequent to this, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) announced his decision to move forward with a scaled-down jobs package that did not include an extension of the tax incentives, indicating that the expired provisions would be addressed at some undetermined point in the future.
Canadian International Auto Show Goes Green
During the Canadian International Auto Show, which ran from February 12 – 21, 2010 in Toronto, manufacturers continuously displayed environmentally-friendly technology. A key focus for major automotive companies remained "green" cars – such as electric or hybrid vehicles.
Peter Kent, Federal Minister of State of Foreign Affairs, was on hand at the show, handing out ecoENERGY Vehicle Awards for the most fuel efficient new cars and light trucks. The Minister reiterated the Government of Canada's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting that car and truck emissions account for 12 per cent of the greenhouse gas emissions in Canada every year.
Transport Canada officials were also present at the show, and announced an upcoming new partnership with Mitsubishi to test its new electric car, as part of the government's ongoing plan to reach its goal of reducing emissions.
These days, any chance to talk about good news in the automotive industry is an opportunity I don't take lightly.
For those who manage fleet inventories, I'm happy to say there is some good news on the horizon. Namely, a classic confluence of supply and demand has made fleet vehicles more attractive than ever in the wholesale marketplace. A reduced supply of used vehicles from several other sources has increased – and will continue to increase -- the demand for high-quality, attractively priced fleet vehicles.
Reduced Supply
- Generating adequate wholesale supplies will remain a challenge for the remarketing industry in 2010. In fact, two segments of commercial consignments that grew in 2009 (repossessions and off-lease) are set to begin declining in 2010 and beyond. Click here to view Auction Volumes graphic.
Off-lease Volumes Set to Plunge
- A modest decline in off-lease volumes will occur in 2010, and that will be followed by large declines in 2011 and 2012. Click here to view Off-lease Volumes graphic.
- Although the unit decline in off-lease volumes during this cycle will be slightly less than what occurred between 2002 and 2006, percentage-wise the fall-off will be greater. It is important to note that, in the last cycle, lower lease originations were solely the result of lower lease penetration rates – total retail new unit sales remained high. Thus, although off-lease volumes were down, the total supply of three- and four-year-old vehicles was little changed.
- In this cycle, there will be a substantial reduction in the potential supply of three- and four-year-old vehicles simply because overall new vehicle sales have been so low recently. From 2008 through 2010, an estimated 35.4 million new vehicles will be sold. Contrast that to the 51.4 million that were sold from 2000 to 2002.
Repo Volumes Will Fall
- Total repossessions in the U.S. reached a record 1.9 million in 2009, an increase of five per cent from 2008. This came after double-digit increases in 2007 and 2008. As is typical in a recession cycle, the initial increase was driven by defaults on subprime loans, whereas the more recent rise came from prime contracts. Click here to view Repossession Volumes graphic.
- Reduced loan originations and the tighter lending standards imposed in 2008 and 2009 are expected to reduce total repossession volumes in the coming years.
Fewer New Vehicle Sales Means Fewer Trade-ins
- Many analysts speak of a "new normal" where it will take many years to get back to a level of more than 16 million new unit sales a year. We agree with their forecast, but disagree with their terminology.
- A future moderation in underlying new vehicle demand would represent a continuation of decades-long trends, not a "new normal." That is true whether you are looking at new vehicle sales per household, growth of vehicles in operation, or scrappage as a per cent of vehicles in operation.
- That last measure suggests that 12.5 million (250 million vehicles in operation times five per cent) is a reasonable estimate of pure replacement demand. With fewer new vehicle sales come fewer trade-ins, reducing dealer consignment volumes at auction.
Increased Demand
End-of-service Fleet Vehicles are Sought After by Used Vehicle Dealers
- Commercial fleet vehicles in the wholesale market are highly desired by used vehicle dealers. They generally average about three years old and have more miles than usual for their age. That means a lower wholesale price, which results in an affordable retail price. As a commercial fleet vehicle, dealers know that it has undergone scheduled maintenance during its service life. Click here to view New Vehicle Sales Into Commercial and Government Fleets graphic.
- The supply of fleet vehicles increased in the auction lanes in the first half of 2009. In the second half of 2009, fleet replacement followed a more normal pattern; however, the vehicles were remarketed with higher mileage due to service life extension. Used vehicle dealers actively sought commercial fleet vehicles in auction channels throughout the year.
- The average midsize sedan remarketed at auction had 66,125 miles and sold for $7,125 in 2009. On a mileage- and seasonally adjusted basis, prices rose in the second half of 2009, which was consistent with the overall strength in the wholesale market. Click here to view Average Auction Price Midsize Fleet Cars graphic.
Wholesale Pricing Remains Strong
- With reduced supply and increased demand for fleet vehicles comes strong wholesale pricing.
- Wholesale used vehicle prices showed a strong upward movement throughout 2009 for a variety of reasons. First, there was the inevitable bounce back from the plunge taken in the fourth quarter of 2008. But after that, prices continued to rise on the basis of fundamental factors, such as supply/demand dynamics in the wholesale marketplace, relative stabilization in retail demand, and a fall in vehicle inventory levels.
- On an annual average basis, wholesale used vehicle prices (mix and mileage adjusted) rose 5.1 per cent in 2009, and we expect prices to remain strong in 2010. Click here to view Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index.
All told, despite the hardships facing all players in the automotive industry, the good news for those managing the remarketing of fleet vehicles is that dealers are seeking these vehicles with increased vigor. With a strategic approach in place, remarketing successes can be optimized. As always, Manheim is here to help.
Tom Webb is chief economist for Manheim Consulting. Contact him at Thomas.webb@manheim.com, follow him via Twitter at www.twitter.com/TomWebb_Manheim, and read his blog at www.manheimconsulting.typepad.com.
General Motors recently told biodiesel supporters at the National Biodiesel Conference that the company's 2011 model year Duramax 6.6L turbo diesel engines will be fully compatible with a 20 per cent blend of biodiesel (B20). The company made the announcement, which covers all 2011 GM heavy-duty products including Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana, after extensive evaluation of B20.
GM joins Ford and Chrysler in formalizing its support for B20, providing a big boost to the biodiesel industry. These three companies produce more than 80 per cent of the diesel light vehicles sold in North America.
"B20 capability in our new heavy-duty trucks is the latest addition to a growing number of alternate fuel options offered by General Motors," said Mike Robinson, Vice President, Environment, Energy and Safety Policy. "We are seeking different paths to fuel solutions in order to maximize efficiency, reduce emissions and minimize the dependence on petroleum."
Previously, GM offered B20 capability as a special equipment option for fleets. GM announced several upgrades for 2011, such as upgraded seal and gasket materials, an upgraded fuel filter, and additional heating to the fuel circuit to make the new diesel vehicles B20 compatible with standard equipment.
The NBB and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory spent more than $10 million testing B20 during the last five years to ensure the fuel's compatibility in new diesel engines and after-treatment technology. Most of the NBB funding for the testing was provided by U.S. soybean farmers through the soybean checkoff program.
Chrysler was the first of the three major U.S. auto makers to formally support B20 use by fleet customers in its Dodge Ram pickups starting in 2007, along with implementing B5 factory fills in the Dodge Ram and Jeep Liberty. This past fall, Ford announced that its model year 2011 Ford F-series Super Duty diesel pickup line will be fully approved for use with B20.
The Hertz Corporation has entered a joint commitment with Nissan to bring zero-emission mobility to car rentals in the US and Europe by early 2011.
Under the terms of their Memorandum of Understanding, Hertz will develop a program for the roll-out of Nissan LEAF at select rental sites in those two major markets. The car will go on sale in Japan, the US, and Europe in late 2010 and will be available in Hertz's rental fleet beginning in early 2011.
"The partnership with Nissan seals Hertz's commitment to green-car rentals and firmly demonstrates our mission to advancing zero-emission mobility on a global scale," said Mark P. Frissora, Hertz Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "With unique solutions like the Hertz Green Collection already available to our customers, we believe in continuously providing innovative mobility solutions to sustain the growing demand for eco-travel," he added.
In the future, Hertz and Nissan plan to expand Nissan LEAF electric vehicles into Hertz's global car share service, "Connect by Hertz." By applying the same innovative model to car sharing, this would allow the Renault-Nissan Alliance to scale up availability and acceptance of electric vehicles across a wide consumer base in some of the world's most densely populated cities.
The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has developed a video providing simple steps companies with vehicle fleets can use to cut costs and carbon pollution. The video, titled "The Power of Scale," visually depicts how small actions done by many can result in big changes for the corporate bottom line and the health of the planet.
"Companies need clear and compelling tools to help 'green' their operations," said Jason Mathers, Project Manager at EDF. "Innovation is a cornerstone of our work at EDF, and we're constantly working on new ways to help companies move towards sustainability. With this new video, we're able to communicate a complex message in a creative way and bring the notion of 'green fleets' to life."
There are currently more than 3 million corporate fleet vehicles in the United States emitting 45 million metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. "The Power of Scale" demonstrates that companies can reduce their corporate fleet emissions by 6 million metric tons per year and collectively save more than $2 billion.
"Our goal was to present the core message around fleet efficiency in a meaningful, impactful way," says Justin Evans, founder at stresslimitdesign. "We want people to watch this video and have a better sense of the steps they can take – as professionals or consumers – to incorporate sustainability into their everyday lives."
The video is accessible at EDF's website: http://edf.org/greenfleet.
The list has grown to 156 exhibitors at this years I&E. Below are 41 exhibitors new to NAFA's Institute & Expo:
| Agile Fleet Commander American Transportation Company BACKRACK Inc. Baltimore Auto Supply Company (The) Bartec USA, LLC Bauer Compressors Inc. Belle Tire Distributors Berger Chevrolet Centric Parts CPRN Software Elreg Distributors Ltd. Fleet Owner Force for Earth Gandrud Chevrolet-Dodge Institute of Information Technology, Inc. Interactive Driving Systems, Inc. Lucas Oil Products Inc. McNutt Auto Transport New Image Technologies, Inc. ODYSSEY Batteries by EnerSys PALTEC Truck Equipment |
Polaris Industries QEK Global Solutions (US) Inc. Quest Towing Services Redline Detection Richporter Technology RMP Powertrain Solutions Road Rage Designs RVI Group Sears Automotive Smith & Solomon Training Solutions Southfield Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep SSBC - Performance Steelweld Equipment Company The Spare Shield Total Automotive Inc. U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities Uni-Select UPS Logistics Technologies Volkswagen of America Walker Products, Inc. |
Should Your Company Be Exhibiting?
Exhibiting at NAFA's I&E will help you:
- Meet hundreds of fleet managers in just two days under one roof.
- Access the best prospects for your products in all industry segments.
- Gain networking opportunities with your current customers, potential buyers, and industry leaders.
- Obtain 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 to develop long-lasting relationships on both the professional and personal level. 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.
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.
How Can ALL NAFA Affiliates and I&E Exhibitors Gain More Exposure?
Maximize your exposure at I&E and get more for your money through sponsorship!
Benefits of Sponsorship:
- 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.
Click Here To View 2010 Sponsors
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.
The CAFM Boot Camp sessions review the concepts in the curriculum with which most candidates have difficulty, based on test result analysis. CAFM and CAFS program participants can use this opportunity to reinforce their existing expertise and obtain assistance for concepts that might be problematic. The Boot Camp program covers the certification program's eight disciplines with a focus on exam preparation. The program is held at NAFA's Annual Institute & Expo scheduled for April 24 - 27, 2010. Attendees enrolled in the CAFM or CAFS programs are encouraged to study in advance and test on Friday, April 23 and/or Wednesday, April 28.
CAFM Boot Camp Sessions at NAFA's 2010 I&E Saturday Sessions: Sunday Sessions: Monday Sessions: Tuesday Sessions:
NAFA's CAFM and CAFS Certification Programs
The CAFM program is divided into eight disciplines, covering the essential core competencies of fleet management. The eight disciplines are now grouped into two tiers. The lower-tier consists of Fleet Information Management, Maintenance Management, Professional Development, and Vehicle Fuel Management. The upper-tier consists of Asset Management, Business Management, Financial Management, and Risk Management.
Successfully testing in all eight disciplines while enrolled in the full CAFM program, earns the CAFM designation. Successfully testing in all four disciplines of the lower-tier during a full CAFM program or lower-tier enrollment period, earns the Certified Automotive Fleet Specialist (CAFS) designation, which is new for 2009. Those who have earned the CAFS designation and keep it active through recertification, may subsequently enroll in the upper-tier and earn the CAFM designation by successfully testing in the remaining four disciplines during that enrollment period.
Every year, NAFA gathers the best in the automotive industry to speak at our Institute & Expo. All of our speakers are highly qualified and ready to share valuable information. Below are a few highlighted presenters. Don't miss out on your chance to obtain the best advice out there — sign up for the I&E today!
Click here to view a list of featured I&E speakers.
University Fleets
Patrick T. Barrett, CAFM, Director of Transportation for the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, has more than 30 years experience at various levels administering the UNL fleet of 850 licensed vehicles. Duties include fleet credit card management for the University system, risk management for UNL vehicles, and manage courier services for UNL.
Experience
Mark Bernard has 25 years experience in fleet leasing, fleet management, and fleet systems businesses in Australia and the United Kingdom. Mark's fleet consultancy business focuses on fleet reviews, vehicle use analytics using telematics, intelligent vehicle remarketing and vehicle valuation software, designing and development of fleet planning systems, and running fleet management master classes in Australia, Thailand, and China.
Consulting
Paul Lauria, President of Mercury Associates, Inc., has provided consulting services to federal, state, provincial, and local government jurisdictions, public transit authorities, utility companies, research and higher education institutions, school districts, trade associations, investment firms, and a wide array of commercial enterprises touching on virtually every facet of fleet management and operation over the last 26 years. He also has conducted presentations and workshops on fleet management best practices for thousands of fleet and transportation industry professionals in the Carribean, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia.
Transportation Deployment
Margo Melendez, Senior Supervisor who specializes in advanced transportation deployment at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, has worked on a variety of issues related to the transition of the transportation sector to alternative fuels and advanced technologies, on topics ranging from EPAct regulatory incentives, consumer education and outreach, engine and infrastructure technology research, and alternative fuel and hydrogen transition analysis since joining NREL in 1999. Prior to working at NREL, Margo worked in environmental compliance and regulatory affairs at Ford Motor Company.
Save money and gain knowledge at this year's I&E. Take advantage of several airline and rental car discounts by clicking on "Attendee Information" and then "Hotel and Travel Information" on the left-hand side at www.nafaiande.org.
Airline Discounts
American Airlines:
American Airlines is offering 5% off the lowest applicable published airfare. To book online: log on to www.AA.com and refer to promotion code A7640AE. For phone reservations: call (800) 433-1790 and refer to authorization code A7640AE (a $20 ticketing fee will be added to phone reservations). For tickets purchased at an airport, a $30 ticketing fee will be added. These amounts are subject to change. International originating guests need to call their local reservations number and refer to NAFA's promotion code A7640AE.
Continental Airlines
Phone reservations: call Continental Airline's Meeting Works at (800) 468-7022 and provide the Z Code ZGCK and discount code DCH1HK to save 2% -10% off published fares. There will be a service fee collected per ticket for all tickets issued through Meeting Works Reservations or any Continental Airlines ticketing facility. The service fee is non refundable and applies to all itineraries one-way or round trip.
To avoid a service fee, book your reservations online. To book online, go to www.continental.com and enter both the Z code ZGCK followed by the discount code DCH1HK (without a space) in the Offer Code Box when searching for flights.
Northwest Airlines:
For phone Reservations: call (800) 328-1111 and provide Worldfile number NM4AF. To book online visit www.nwa.com. Complete the information on the Flights tab page. Before choosing "Search Flights," double click "Do you have an NWA Discount Travel E-Cert or other voucher?" which appears under the City Name/ Airport Code section. Navigate to the bottom of the next page where you will see"'Do you have an E-Cert, NWA Discount Travel, Electronic Credit Voucher or Meeting Agreement or NWA Extras Voucher?" Select type (i.e. Meeting agreement [WorldFile number]) and then enter the WorldFile number NM4AF in the Meeting WorldFile Number box and complete your transaction.
Air Canada:
Air Canada is offering a 10% discount on Tango Plus, Latitude and Executive Class tickets when tickets are purchased online at www.aircanada.com using promotion code FXQDEQA1.
Car Rental Discounts
Enterprise is the "official car rental company" for NAFA's 2010 Institute & Expo. To arrange a car rental reservation with a discount, follow this link and enter NAFA's corporate number 24E2998 in box 3. For telephone reservations, call Enterprise at (800) 261-7331 and mention our corporate number 24E2998. Please note, online reservations may cost less than telephone reservations. Enterprise has rental offices conveniently located at Detroit's Metro Airport, (734) 942-8990, and inside the Renaissance Center, (313) 259-3946.
Reserve Your Room Now and SAVE!
Book your hotel room now and save with the government rate.
Click here for more information.
The Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center will serve as the headquarters hotel and is located three city blocks from Cobo Convention and Conference Center. Registrants are encouraged to make their hotel reservations early to take advantage of special limited offers. Early hotel reservations can be made through NAFA's I&E website at www.NAFAIandE.org. 
Online Reservations: Government Rate
Online Reservations: Standard Room Rate
Reservation Form PDF
The Courtyard by Marriott Detroit Downtown is also located three city blocks from Cobo Convention and Conference Center. Click here for Government Room Rate.
Online Reservations: Government Rate
Online Reservations: Standard Rate w/ King Bed
Online Reservations: Standard Rate w/ 2 Queens
Reservation Form PDF
The cutoff date for room reservation is Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Note: You need to mention you're with NAFA to get the Government Room Rate. If you experience any problems getting room reservations please contact Gladys Reyes at 609-986-1051 or greyes@nafa.org.
Pre-registration is now closed for the FMS (Feb. 24-25) and AFMS (Feb. 26-28). However, seats are still available for both sessions. Please register in person at the M. Resort in Henderson, Nevada.
Fleet Management Seminar Advanced Fleet Management Seminar If you are a fleet professional, are you new to fleet? Do you 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. It's interactive and a must for fleet professionals, the Fleet Management Seminar offers you answers. www.nafa.org/fms. Seminar Agenda This course is designed for experienced fleet professionals who are looking to gain a deeper level of instruction and scholarship. The AFMS is also particularly useful to CAFM/CAFS participants. The AFMS is broken down into eight interactive sessions with each session covering one of the disciplines of fleet management in-depth. Participants will leave with their own binder of materials featuring printouts, sample forms, valuable charts, and informative articles. Seminar Agenda
Feb. 24 - 25, 2010
Feb. 26 - 28, 2010
Hotel Reservations
CAFM/CAFS Exam Testing
More details about FMS
Hotel Reservations
CAFM/CAFS Exam Testing
More details on NAFA's Advanced Seminar
On December 2009, NAFA's New Jersey Chapter met for their annual holiday meeting. Below is a picture of their gathering held at Birchwood Manor, East Hanover, NJ.
Clockwise: Susanna Brennan, PHH, Linda Fleming, Sealed Air, Angela Gregorowicz, Roche, Michael Kay, YES Network announcer, Wendy Kupper, Siemens, Donna Bibbo, CAFM, Novo Nordisk and Marianne Garvey, Sealed Air.
If you have any photos, updates, or chapter information you would like published in the FleetFOCUS please send it to Tina Perrotta, NAFA Communications Assistant, at tperrotta@nafa.org.
Fleet Maintenance Operations Guide
CD-ROM and e-Download
This is an expanded update of our Fleet Maintenance Staffing Guide and is an in-depth coverage of the essential maintenance principles of in-house, contracted or outsourced maintenance. (e-Download is almost 540 pages.) Due to its size, it is not available in print. Order Today!
NAFA provides space in each issue of FleetFOCUS for companies and organizations to advertise career opportunities in the fleet industry and for members to market themselves to potential employers. If you're interested in this opportunity, make your listings 200 words or less. 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 Maureen Smith at msmith@nafa.org.
Are you looking for a new job or a motivated, hardworking 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 Patrick McCarren at pmccarren@nafa.org.
Heavy Truck Equipment Technician I - Sarasota, FL
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 also can 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 addreses 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).
NAFA's local Chapters across Canada and the United States offer Members and Affiliates 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 opportunities on a wide variety of timely topics.
February and March are busy with meetings!
February 23, 2010
Wisconsin Chapter - Meeting and Auto Show
Location: Hilton Milwaukee City Center (Meeting & Lunch) and the Midwest Airlines Center (Auto Show)
Contact: Mary Daniel, mdaniel@sssf.org, P: 414.385.5212, F: 414.384.1950
February 24, 2010
New York Chapter - Dual Topic Educational Meeting
Location: NYPD Museum, 100 Old Slip, New York, NY
Contact: Mike McDonough, F: 201.216.2187 or log onto http://www.nafa.org/Source/ACF6F4.pdf
February 24, 2010
Mid-America Chapter - Tour of the Ford Assembly Plant
Location: Highway 69, Claycomo, MO
Contact: Becky Hanna, bhanna1@hallmark.com, P: 816.274.4288
February 25, 2010
San Francisco Chapter - Meeting and Shop Tour
Location: Central Shop, Jerrold Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Contact: Terence Kyaw, tkyaw@redwoodcity.org, P: 650.780.7485
March 2, 2010
Tri-State Chapter - Meeting and Chapter Elections
Location: Worthington Holiday Inn, Worthington, OH
Contact: Kimberly A.Fisher, P: 614.757.3141
March 9, 2010
New Jersey Chapter - Port Tour
Location: Port Newark, Newark, NJ
Contact: Julia McIver, jmciver@horizonblue.com, 973.466.4556
March 9, 2010
Mid-West Chapter - Fuel Management Presentation / Ethanol Plant Tour
Location: TBD - Iowa
March 10, 2010
St. Louis Gateway Chapter - NETA Show
Location: America's Center, St. Louis, MO
Contact: Bob Hornsey, RHornsey@stlouisco.com, (314) 615-5333
March 10, 2010
North Central Chapter - AutoShow
Location: TBD, http://www.twincitiesautoshow.com/
Contact: Leroy Pavek, 952.997.1276, Leroy.pavek@agstar.com
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!
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 in the MEMBERS ONLY SECTION on www.nafa.org.
Legislative updates are issued monthly to NAFA Members and are archived online. With this e-newsletter, NAFA Members can easily check on the progress and status of current legislation. Click here for more information.
Congratulations—you just got a promotion! Best wishes on your retirement!
Now what do you do?
Remember to notify NAFA about these and other changes. Notifying us will help you in many ways. If you are retiring, you may be eligible to become a NAFA alumnus and stay in touch with your NAFA colleagues and friends. Membership in the NAFA Fleet Management Association will follow you wherever you go, whether you change your position or place of work, or retire.
Just two easy steps can help colleagues keep in touch. To make changes to your membership record: 1) click on "My Profile" on the NAFA homepage and submit changes; or 2) e-mail info@nafa.org.
Three online, searchable networking databases will easily put you in touch with all your 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.
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 educational 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 educational content and reference materials. Visit FleetED at www.nafa.org/fleeted.
NAFA cares about your privacy. As such, NAFA does not sell or rent e-mail addresses or phone numbers of its Members or Affiliates.
NAFA also does not endorse any particular product or service provided by fleet suppliers. If you receive an e-mail (or any other form of communication) from a supplier that implies a NAFA endorsement or uses the NAFA name or likeness to imply endorsement, please notify NAFA immediately. We will issue a cease-and-desist notice and pursue action as necessary. (You should know that e-mail addresses are part of the online PDF files NAFA posts each month for communication among NAFA Members and Affiliates. Access to these files is restricted to NAFA Members and Affiliates.)
For NAFA's complete privacy policy, please click here: http://www.nafa.org/Template.cfm?Section=Privacy_Policy.