NAFA Connection

NAFA is pleased to announce that Pat O'Connor, NAFA's U.S. Legislative Counsel, will be offering his first quarterly webinar on Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 1:00 p.m.  

This 1-hour webinar will highlight specific issues that effect the fleet industry. Time will be allotted during this webinar for questions. If there is a particular topic that you want our legislative counsel to cover, or have a question that you would like Pat O'Connor to prepare an answer for, please send an e-mail directly to Pat at: poconnor@nafa.org.
 
This FREE webinar is only open to NAFA Members and Affiliates and is a great precursor to Pat's popular session at I&E.

To register for the webinar please go to https://www.nafa.org/onlineforms/WEB/?ID=4217. You will need your NAFA ID (member) number. If you do not know your NAFA ID number, please contact Maureen Smith at msmith@nafa.org.

NAFA has a limited number of rooms still available in its I&E block for the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center.  The rooms are available for $164 per night for non-government fleet managers and $104 at the government rate.  This is a significant savings over the current rates found online. 

A quick search at Travelocity on March 22 found the rate set at $229 per night - a full $65 more than in NAFA's block!  Government fleet managers save even more with a $125 discount through NAFA.

Time is running out and we only have a limited number of rooms, so reserve your room today! The cut off date for room reservations within NAFA's block in Wednesday, March 31.

You Have One Week to Reserve a Room for NAFA's 2010 I&E!
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/ Two Queens
Reservation Form PDF

The cut-off date for room reservations 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.

Ford's all-new Police Interceptor sedan will be showcased on the expo floor at NAFA's 2010 I&E in Detroit. The new sedan was designed to handle the rigors of police work, including industry-leading powertrain, safety, and technology innovations. Ford plans to also add a second Police Interceptor to the lineup, a utility vehicle to provide customers a choice depending on their needs. 

"Police nationwide asked for a new kind of weapon in the battle for public safety, and Ford is answering the call with a purpose-built vehicle – engineered and built in America – that's as dynamic as it is durable," said Mark Fields, Ford President of The Americas, who is one of the Keynote Speakers for this year's I&E. 

To develop the all-new Police Interceptor, Ford engineers worked hand-in-hand with Ford's Police Advisory Board of law enforcement professionals.

"Their feedback mattered to us," said Scott Tobin, Ford Vehicle Line Director for Cars and Crossovers. "Safety and durability were at the top of their list. So safety and durability were at the top of ours."

The Police Interceptor will pass 75-mph rear-end crash tests and will feature Ford's Safety Canopy (side-curtain air bag rollover protection system), the a new fuel-efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 twin-turbocharged, direct-injection engine, and a high-capacity six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission.

The front seats have also been specially designed, with a lower bolster removed to better accommodate officers' utility belts. Inserted into the seatback are anti-stab plates, designed to protect front-seat occupants.

"Ford remains committed to leading the police vehicle market, and our new Police Interceptor demonstrates how much engineering and innovation we're willing to invest to address the unique needs of those who protect and serve communities throughout America," Fields said.

The new Police Interceptor will be manufactured at Ford's Chicago (Ill.) Assembly Plant and will be offered when production of the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor ends in late 2011.

NAFA is seeking your help by providing a monthly poll question in each issue of the FleetFOCUS. Your input can help decide what we offer at our annual Institute & Expo, educational materials, meeting locations, and how frequently we broadcast information among other uses. It literally takes a few seconds to click on the poll and cast your vote. Every vote counts!

Wyoming recently became the twentieth state to enact a statewide ban prohibiting drivers from texting while behind the wheel.  The new ban will allow law enforcement officials to ticket anyone caught texting while driving in this state.

"Wyoming has taken an important step to eliminate distracted driving," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "Texting while driving, like talking on cell phones while driving, is dangerous to the driver doing it and all of those around them."

According to research by the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA), nearly 6,000 people died in 2008 in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver, and more than half a million were injured.

In 2009, more than 200 distracted driving bills were considered by state legislatures and legislative activity is expected to remain strong in 2010.  On February 22, Secretary LaHood unveiled sample legislation developed by NHTSA to be used as a starting point for crafting new state laws to prohibit texting while behind the wheel.

The sample state law is patterned on the Executive Order issued by President Obama on October 1, 2009, directing federal employees not to engage in text messaging while driving government-owned vehicles or with government-owned equipment.  Federal employees were required to comply with the ban starting on December 30, 2009.

In addition, on January 26, Secretary LaHood announced federal guidance to prohibit texting by drivers of commercial vehicles such as large trucks and buses.  Truck and bus drivers who text while driving commercial vehicles may be subject to civil or criminal penalties of up to $2,750.  The department recently launched a federal website, distraction.gov, as a forum and information clearinghouse. 

Cost-cutting and efficiency initiatives by Ohio Governor Ted Strickland's administration led to state savings in the operations of the state's vehicle fleet in 2009 while increasing the use of alternative fuels to power those vehicles, according to a report from the Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS).

The report on state fleet operations for 2009 (PDF) shows state workers are driving less for work and the state's switch to compact versus mid-sized automobiles for new vehicle purchases is beginning to save the state money. DAS also has received two national awards -- including NAFA's own Larry Goill Memorial Quality Fleet Management Idea Award -- for Ohio's initiative to use more E85 and biodiesel fuels in the state's fleet.

"The state's fleet management operation coupled with cost cuts implemented by Governor Ted Strickland show that state government is moving the bar on efficiency and reduced spending," DAS Director Hugh Quill said. "We are particularly proud at DAS of the fact that we're helping state agencies save money while being 'green' and promoting energy independence."

Click here for more information on the report.

J.D. Power and Associates recently announced their 2010 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) which found 25 of 36 vehicle brands have improved in long-term dependability in 2010, compared with their performance in 2009, continuing a steady trend of industry-wide improvement.  However, for some of these brands, consumer perceptions have not kept pace with their actual performance, according to the the study.

The study measured problems experienced by original owners of three-year-old (2007 model year) vehicles, includes 198 different problem symptoms across all areas of the vehicle.  Overall dependability is determined by the level of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality.

The study finds that several brands that perform well in long-term dependability in 2010 are avoided at relatively high rates due to consumer concerns about dependability. Among brands included in VDS, Cadillac, Ford, Hyundai, Lincoln and Mercury have the greatest lags between dependability performance and consumer perception.

"Producing vehicles with world-class quality is just part of the battle for automakers; convincing consumers to believe in their quality is equally as important," said David Sargent, Vice President of Global Vehicle Research at J.D. Power and Associates. "It takes considerable time to positively change consumer perceptions of quality and dependability -- sometimes a decade or more -- so it is vital for manufacturers to continually improve quality and also to convince consumers of these gains."

According to Sargent, approaches that can help reinforce perceptions of high quality in consumers' minds include: providing extended warranties, which demonstrates a brand's faith in its products; incorporating features, materials and finishes in vehicles that have a rich feel; and ensuring that new models launch with better quality than their predecessors.  In addition, automakers need to increase communication efforts about their high quality and dependability through social media channels.

Toyota continues to perform well in long-term dependability and garners four segment awards -- more than any other nameplate in 2010 -- for the Highlander, Prius, Sequoia, and Tundra. Honda receives three segment awards for the CR-V, Fit, and Ridgeline. Lincoln captures two awards for the Mark LT and MKZ. In addition, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, and Mercury each receive a model segment award.

Rounding out the top five nameplates are Buick, Lexus, and Mercury. In addition, seven of the 10 models with the lowest incidence of problems in the industry are from Ford and General Motors, including the 2007 model-year Buick Lacrosse, Buick Lucerne, Cadillac DTS, Ford Five Hundred, Lincoln MKZ, Mercury Milan, and Mercury Montego. The Cadillac DTS has the fewest problems in the industry, with just 76 problems per 100 vehicles. This marks the first time in more than a decade that a model from a domestic automaker has achieved the lowest PP100 score in the Vehicle Dependability Study.

The 2010 Vehicle Dependability Study is based on responses from more than 52,000 original owners of 2007 model-year vehicles. The study was fielded between October and December 2009.  Find more detailed findings on vehicle dependability as well as model photos and specs by reading an article and reviewing brand and segment dependability ratings at JDPower.com.

Former Ferrellgas, Inc. Fleet Manager,  Scott J. Beeson, was sentenced in federal court for wire fraud and money laundering, related to his embezzlement of $3.5 million from the company.

Beeson, 53, of North Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced to four years and three months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Beeson to pay restitution to Ferrellgas. On April 22, 2009, Beeson pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering. Beeson admitted that he engaged in a fraudulent scheme to embezzle $3.5 million from Ferrellgas between January 2002 and March 2008.

Beeson was employed at the Ferrellgas office in Liberty, Mo., as manager of the fleet department from August 1995 to March 2008. He admitted that he created invoices purportedly from a Ferrellgas vendor, Helgers Trucking and Sales, for work that was not done. Beeson, in his position as fleet manager, approved and submitted the false invoices from Helgers Trucking to the accounts payable department. When Ferrellgas issued checks to Helgers Trucking, the company returned 95 percent of the funds to Beeson. Beeson then deposited or had funds credited to his personal bank account or to the bank account of Prominent Youth, Inc., a non-profit organization founded and controlled by Beeson. The total amount that Beeson caused to be falsely billed to Ferrellgas was approximately $3.5 million.

Beeson also admitted that he requested or created invoices from Ferrellgas vendor Ideal Solutions for work that was not done. When Ferrellgas paid those false invoices, Ideal Solutions returned funds to Beeson for deposit into his personal bank account or to the Prominent Youth bank account.

Eleven of the best and brightest corporate fleet managers were named as the nominees for Automotive Fleet magazine's Professional Fleet Manager of the Year Award and eight of those chosen are NAFA Members. The list of nominees will be pared down to just three fleet managers with the winner announced at NAFA's 2010 Institute & Expo on Sunday, April 25. 

The initial list of nominees includes NAFA Members Bob Adamsky, Fleet Manager, Del-Air Heat and Air Conditioning; Theresa Belding, Senior Manager – Fleet Services, Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Louise Davis-Lopez, CFM/CAFM, Fleet Manager, Johnson & Johnson; Suzen Moye, CAFM, Head, Fleet and Travel U.S., Sanofi-Aventis; Lee Miller, Manager, Fleet Services, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Mike Butsch, Director of Fleet Operations, Joy Global; Jason Pucely, Senior Manager, Transportation & Logistics, Best Buy; and Phil Schreiber, Fleet Manager North America, Otis Elevator.

"We are very proud that eight of the eleven corporate fleet nominees this year are members of the NAFA family," said NAFA's Executive Director, Phillip E. Russo, CAE. "Most of them have served NAFA on the national and chapter levels, so we know and are grateful for their contributions to the entire fleet community. We think they are all winners in our book!"

Automotive Fleet's Professional Fleet Manager of the Year Award is recognized as one of the most prestigious honors in the industry. This year's award ceremony will take place immediately prior to the Keynote Speech by Robert A. Lutz, Vice Chairman of General Motors. Lutz, who will be retiring on May 1, will be making one of the final public appearances in his illustrious career in front of hundreds of fleet managers from throughout the United States and Canada.

Senate Votes Extension of Tax Credit

The U.S. Senate has approved a bill that reinstates the vehicle fuel tax credits for biodiesel, propane, and natural gas which expired at the end of 2009.  The American Workers, State and Business Relief Act, included H.R. 4213, the Extenders Package which contains the extension of the tax credit.  The House passed a similar bill late last year and now both bills will need to be reconciled in conference. Timing for final passage and presidential signature remains uncertain.

IRS Sets Personal Use Limits

The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued a revenue procedure (Revenue Procedure 2010-10) which provides: (1) the maximum value of employer-provided vehicles first made available to employees for personal use in calendar year 2010 for which the vehicle cents-per-mile valuation rule for computing personal use  is $15,300 for a passenger automobile and $16,000 for a truck or van; (2) the maximum value of employer-provided vehicles first made available to employees for personal use in calendar year 2010 for which the fleet-average valuation rule may be applicable is $20,300 for a passenger automobile and $21,000 for a truck or van.

Hybrid Buses Arrive in Nova Scotia

Two new hybrid buses have been unveiled in Halifax Regional Municipality.  Announced by Bill Estabrooks, Minister responsible for Conserve Nova Scotia, and Peter Kelly, Mayor of Halifax Regional Municipality, the new hybrid technology has the potential to save money and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.

The total cost of the project is $2.4 million, which Conserve Nova Scotia contributed $600,000 to Metro Transit's investment.  Mayor Kelly highlighted that the buses will primarily be used in the downtown area.  Together, the two vehicles could save more than 49,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide per year.

Minister Estabrooks reiterated the importance of the environment to Halifax Regional Municipality, and emphasized that bus riders will enjoy a quieter and more comfortable ride, and all will benefit from cleaner air.

By Tom Webb
Chief Economist for Manheim Consulting and author of "Manheim's 2010 Used Car Market Report"

It is a truth as old as the wholesale auction industry itself, but one that's well worth remembering: Dealers might sell less than half of the vehicles sold at auctions, but they buy 100 percent of them.

For commercial consignors, that fact translated into 5.4 million wholesale used vehicle sales to dealers in 2009. With the demands of a sagging economy creating additional challenges for fleet managers, an increasing number of fleet remarketers took steps to maximize their vehicles' exposure in order to save time and optimize pricing. As a result, the use of online sales channels reached unprecedented heights in 2009, creating a classic win/win situation for buyers and sellers alike.

As sellers of fleet vehicles sought new efficiencies online, buying dealers turned to online sources in order to find just the right inventory for their retail customers. Let's take a look at some of the numbers from Manheim that illustrate this fact:

• Manheim.com currently receives almost 900,000 visits per week.
• Almost 20 percent of all the vehicles Manheim sells are sold to an online buyer, a percentage that increases annually.
• Manheim's average monthly online volume through December 2009 was up 21 percent over 2008's average monthly volume, including a 52 percent average monthly increase in volume on OVE.com (Manheim's 24/7 online wholesale marketplace).
• More than 100,000 vehicles are searchable each day via Manheim.com's PowerSearch, giving dealers access to exactly the vehicles they need.
• As online volume has increased, so has the number of online buyers. For example, the average number of buyers purchasing online at Manheim in December increased 23 percent over 2008's monthly average, with the increase in dealers purchasing on OVE.com coming in at a whopping 62 percent.

Just as in real estate, it's all about location, location, location, and the prime real estate in the remarketing business today is the "virtual lots" of online inventory.

By Dennis Christina
Fleet Manager, Fairlane Ford

The Affiliates Committee met in February for the BOG meeting and the main topic of discussion was the upcoming 2010 I&E to be held in Detroit, April 24-27.  Everyone is excited about this year's conference as some important changes are being made to the conference itself, as well as some great speakers in attendance, so make sure that you are signed up to attend this important event.

An update of the Affiliate "Networking Event" was done with very high expectations, as this year's event will be taking place on the Expo Floor.  There will be tables and chairs throughout the Expo Floor Area so you can enjoy food and beverages as well as networking with your fellow attendees and exhibitors alike.  There will also be character artists, magicians, and a chance to have your picture taken with a background of Detroit to add to your NAFA memories.  As of the meeting, 94 percent of the Expo Floor has been sold with several new exhibitors.  All NAFA Affiliates and Exhibitors, there is still time to maximize your exposure at the I&E.  I&E sponsorship packages are designed with your return on investment in mind.  Pledge your support today!  Let everyone know you actively support the industry's preeminent association for fleet solutions for all fleet professionals.

Another change will be a "Silent Auction" on the Expo Floor.  Items donated by exhibitors will be displayed at individual booths, with proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  Bidding will begin at 10:45 a.m. and end at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, April 26.  Items will be on display both Sunday, April 25, and Monday, April 26.  Make sure you get your list of items and booth numbers!

It's time to make your plans!  Come in a day early and participate in Habitat for Humanity.  Don't miss the Keynote speakers:  Bob Lutz, Vice President of General Motors, and Mark Fields, Vice President Ford Motor Company.  Attend the Network Welcome Reception on the Expo Floor.  Take advantage of all the Education sessions and have yourself a great time!  See you in Detroit!

The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) praised the U.S. Senate for passing H.R. 4213, the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010 by a 62 to 36 margin. Among its provisions, the legislation provides a one-year retroactive extension of the biodiesel tax incentive.

"The domestic biodiesel industry is pleased that that the Senate has approved a retroactive extension of the biodiesel tax incentive," noted Manning Feraci, NBB Vice President of Federal Affairs. "The lapse in the biodiesel tax credit has been extremely disruptive to the domestic biodiesel industry, and a retroactive extension of this worthwhile incentive will help America realize the job creation, energy security and environmental benefits associated with biodiesel."

The biodiesel tax incentive has played a critical role in allowing the U.S. to achieve commercial scale production of biodiesel, an advanced biofuel that meets a commercial fuel specification, and is used to displace petroleum diesel fuel. This incentive is designed to make biodiesel price competitive with conventional diesel fuel, and is structured in a manner that allows the value of the incentive to be recognized immediately in the market price of the biodiesel. Since the lapse in the tax credit, the U.S. biodiesel industry has seen a dramatic drop in demand and production, leading to additional job losses in this difficult economy. The 23,000 jobs currently supported by the U.S. biodiesel industry are in jeopardy if the incentive continues to lapse.

With passage of H.R. 4213, the U.S. House and U.S. Senate must reconcile the differences between the two versions of the bill approved by the respective chambers. H.R. 4213 as approved by the U.S. House in December 2009 also provides for a one-year retroactive extension of the biodiesel tax incentive.

"The NBB strongly encourages House and Senate to work quickly and get legislation retroactively extending the biodiesel incentive to the president's desk for signature. Quick action will allow the nation to again reap the substantial benefits associated with a healthy domestic biodiesel industry," concluded Feraci.

Chrysler Group, LLC, has announced plans to engineer and produce a pure electric vehicle using the Fiat 500 platform. Shown earlier this year at the 2010 North American International Auto Show, the Fiat 500EV demonstrates the immediate benefits of the alliance between Chrysler Group and the Fiat Group as well as the speed at which the two companies can work together on advanced vehicle programs.

"The alliance with Fiat presented new opportunities to merge Chrysler Group engineering knowledge with new platforms and the Fiat 500EV is an outstanding example of our efforts," said Scott Kunselman, Senior Vice President Engineering--Chrysler Group, LLC. "The Fiat 500 is a small, lightweight platform perfect for integrating electric-vehicle technology."

The Fiat 500EV powertrain is comprised of three main systems; high power electric powertrain module, advance lithium ion battery, and an EV control unit to manage power flows. Beginning in 2012, Chrysler Group will manufacture the Fiat 500EV for the United States market. All powertrain engineering and vehicle development will take place at Chrysler Group headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich. Pricing will be announced closer to launch, but will be competitive with similar electric vehicles in the market.

Chrysler Group is the vehicle electrification center of competence for both Chrysler Group and Fiat Group. The company is exploring ways to promote zero-emission transportation and the development of an electric-vehicle charging infrastructure through partnerships to be announced in the future.

Last year Chrysler Group announced the company's intention to build the Fiat 500 with a combustion engine for North America. The vehicle will debut in late 2010.

Ram Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

Chrysler Group has been selected for a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant of up to $48 million as part of a $2.4 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act DOE Vehicle Electrification program. Chrysler Group is planning to build a total of 140 Ram PHEVs for a three-year demonstration project that includes various geographic and climatic locations across the United States.

"This initiative represents how government, automotive industry, suppliers and key partners are reaching common goals and demonstrates how rapidly this type of advanced technology can be brought to market," said Paolo Ferrero, Senior Vice President--Powertrain, Chrysler Group, LLC. "DOE-support for domestic advanced technology is an important enabler for Chrysler Group and its key suppliers in order to understand and test customer acceptance and the capability of PHEV systems in a variety of real-world conditions."

The Ram PHEV features Chrysler Group's 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with a two mode hybrid transmission and a 12KwHr lithium ion battery. The vehicle is capable of up to 20 miles of zero-emission, pure-electric range without the need for gasoline. An overall fuel economy improvement more than 65 percent is expected for average drive cycles. Chrysler Group has partnered with Electrovaya Inc. to supply the advanced lithium Ion batteries for the Ram PHEV test fleet.

The DOE grant will expedite the development of vehicle-electrification technology. More than 21 Chrysler Group partners across the U.S., including utility companies, government agencies and Universities will independently test the Ram PHEV and provide valuable data for the advancement of the technology.

In 2008, Chrysler Group announced the company's intention to bring a Ram Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) to market. After closely evaluating the response to hybrid pickups in the marketplace, the company could not formulate an appropriate business case and has decided to cancel development work on the 2011 Ram HEV.

Chrysler Group's alliance with Fiat Group brings new platforms and technologies that allow the company to create an improved long-term product strategy with greater fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Chrysler Group's five-year plan has an uncompromising product schedule, including a progressive vehicle electrification strategy.

President Barack Obama has called on the U.S. to put 1 million electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids on the road by 2015. But the country won't get anywhere close to that number until drivers are confident they can find recharging stations.

How best to deploy a network of charging stations and jump-start the market for EVs are questions at the heart of the EV Project, a two-year study in five states that will put drivers in thousands of all-electric cars starting late this year. The U.S. Department of Energy announced a $99.8 million grant to the project in August 2009.

While an efficient gas-powered car can run 350 miles or more on a 12-gallon fill up, a battery charge will take an all-electric vehicle only 100 to 200 miles. Most electric car drivers will recharge them at home or work, but if they want to use their vehicles for more than just local trips, they will need to plug them in while out and about.

Fear of getting stranded if they drive too far makes many people leery of electric cars. "People already have 'range anxiety,'" said Colleen Crowninshield, Manager of the Clean Cities Program at the Pima Association of Governments (PAG), in Tucson, Ariz., one of more than 40 partners in the EV Project.

Electric Transportation Engineering Corp. (eTec), a Phoenix-based developer of vehicle charging stations that heads the project consortium, will install 4,700 chargers in the homes and businesses of drivers who participate in the study, as well as 6,510 chargers in commercial and public locations.

For the study, Nissan North America will provide 4,700 of its new Nissan Leaf electric cars to consumers and fleet owners. Other partners include state and local governments, energy companies and other corporations and nonprofits, plus the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Idaho National Laboratory. Participating regions are: Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz.; San Diego; Portland, Eugene, Salem and Corvallis, Ore.; Seattle; and Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga, Tenn.

Canada Post has selected Ford Transit Connect to begin replacing its aging national fleet of light vehicles and modernize its business. In total this year, 1,175 Ford Transit Connect vans will be purchased, making it the largest fleet sale of Ford Transit Connect vehicles in Canada to date.

Criteria such as environmental impact, employee health and safety requirements, performance, capacity, and total lifecycle costs (purchase, fuel consumption, and maintenance) were essential in order to find a vehicle that best met Canada Post's needs. The Ford Transit Connect is used by a number of Post Offices around the world and is well-suited for Canadian roads and winters.

It was named the 2010 North American Truck of the Year at the North American International Auto Show and has won numerous international awards.

"We are pleased with the outcome and look forward to the delivery of our first vehicles as we begin to replace many of our aging light vehicles, with vehicles that are much more efficient and environmentally-friendly," says Bill Michalopulos, General Manager, Sourcing, at Canada Post. "It will also help our efforts to modernize our operations as we introduce motorization to our delivery routes."

AT&T's first all-electric cargo truck, the Smith Newton, is servicing the St. Louis, Missouri, area as part of the company's commercial fleet.  AT&T first accepted the keys to the Smith Newton in 2009 and is now using the truck primarily to transport cargo to various AT&T locations within its St. Louis service territory.

AT&T will also be one of the first purchasers of the Ford Transit Connect Electric, the first fully-electric commercial vehicle to be widely sold in the United States.

"We are focused on driving down our dependence on imported sources of fuel and are open to alternative fuel resources that can reliably power our expanding fleet," said Jerome Webber, Vice President, AT&T Fleet Operations. "This is an investment that will pay off by reducing our emissions and boosting our fuel savings, and we're proud to take these first steps in Missouri."

AT&T operates more than 77,000 vehicles in its commercial fleet. The Smith Newton and, by the end of 2010; the Ford Transit Connect Electric, are part of a $565 million planned investment an­nounced in March 2009. AT&T expects to spend an estimated $350 million to purchase about 8,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, and approximately $215 million to replace 7,100 fleet passenger cars with alternative-fuel models.

etrac, a division of PS Energy Group, Inc., will help utility companies throughout North America continue to boost fleet productivity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the use of customized intelligent vehicle technologies now powered by Microlise.

This is just one of the latest etrac solutions offered by PS Energy Group to help customers manage their fixed and mobile assets, including their workforce and fleets. Microlise is an Independent Software Vendor supplying telematics to Ford Motor Company for its vehicles.

"This wireless solution takes the guesswork out of heavy fleet operations," said Livia Whisenhunt, President and CEO of PS Energy Group, an energy and transportation solutions company. "We can automate the process for gathering data about mileage, speed, driver style, idling, fuel consumption, engine problems, tire pressure, and more to improve fleet operations."

For the past six months, a U.S. utility has been testing a customized device attached to the computer of a fleet vehicle, which then transmits wireless data to an office computer. Results from the pilot project will help lead the way for other utilities to burn less fuel and improve air quality.

"Real-time monitoring can help utility companies better serve their customers and improve fleet and driver performance, resulting in a reduction of the cost and environmental impact of fleet operations," said Steven Walsh, Vice President of U.S. Operations for Microlise.

Michael Ferrara believes safety is paramount in the fleet industry. Now he's teaching teenagers the same safety lessons.

Behind the scenes at The Driving Center, Ferrara's New Jersey-based company, are many similarities to the corporate fleet world he once knew. Orientations, one-on-one meetings, evaluations, tests, discussion groups, networking opportunities, and a driving simulator are all tools used in fleet training, but they're also key components in Ferrara's company. 

Unlike adults who are fine-tuning their driving skills, Ferrara is teaching his young students the foundation of safe driving – tools they will use for a lifetime.

"When I was at Johnson & Johnson and saw how many lives we saved on the corporate side, there was no reason to not apply this to the teen side," Ferrara said. "The whole purpose of what we do here is giving your kid the advantage. We don't teach them how to drive here – we teach them how to manage."

Click here to read full story.

NAFA's 2010 I&E in Detroit will give you everything pertinent to today's fleet professional -- every fuel, every vehicle, every industry segment: whatever your industry, whatever vehicles comprise your fleet, whatever fleet service you need, whatever your experience level, I&E is your answer! This is the one conference that has it all for you!

So what should you be doing right now to prepare for your I&E experience?

First, use NAFA's Justification Toolkit to help you convince your supervisor and organization to approve the costs of attending NAFA's I&E.  The toolkit has everything you need to present your business case. There's even a letter template which you can simply fill out and drop off with your supervisor. Click here for more information.

Then reserve your room for NAFA's 2010 I&E as soon as possible since the cutoff date for room reservations is Wednesday, March 31, 2010. Reserve a room at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, the headquarter hotel, or the Courtyard by Marriot Detroit Downtown. Both hotel's are only three city blocks from Cobo Convention and Conference Center. Hotel reservations can be made through NAFA's I&E website at www.NAFAIandE.org. Click here for more information.

Next, log onto Map Your Show at www.nafaiande.org to make the most of your I&E experience while saving valuable time. This interactive tool will provide you with an interactive floor plan, 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 floor plan. You will be prompted to create an account to utilize this revolutionary feature.

Make sure you take advantage of exclusive sponsorship opportunities that are available to supplement our sponsorship partners. Your company can get maximum exposure and more for its money through I&E sponsorship. Sponsorship packages are designed with your maximum return on investment in mind. We have designed valuable sponsorship packages that consider budgets of all sizes. NAFA's 2010 Institute & Expo is the ideal way to reach the largest gathering of fleet managers this year. For more information, contact Scott Groves at 770-576-4971 or nafa@cmgexpo.com.

And finally, look for NAFA's new electronic editions of the I&E News, in addition to the onsite, printed editions. 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. To advertise, contact our publishing partner CustomNEWS for more details: John Carter, 800-627-8723 or jcarter@showdailies.com.

There's no better place for a fleet manager to be this April than NAFA's 2010 Institute & Expo (I&E) in Detroit. With more than 200 of the leading fleet and automotive industry companies exhibiting their products and services, it's a great opportunity to meet and do business with vendors on a one-on-one basis.  And, thanks to the support of NAFA's Affiliates, all qualified fleet managers can now attend the Expo Hall for free!

The Expo Hall, which takes place at the Cobo Center in Detroit, opens on Sunday, April 25 at noon.  Fleet managers will see and experience the latest in fleet products and services from national exhibitors, including top vehicle manufacturers, leasing companies, software suppliers, service providers, maintenance and repair companies, and many others.  The Expo Hall is also the home of the Green Zone, a special section where vendors spotlight the latest technology for clean diesel, alternative/renewable fuels, hybrid cars and trucks, electric cars, and other advanced technology designed for a cleaner, more environmentally friendly fleet.

Fleet managers are encouraged to join us Sunday for a special Networking Welcome Reception on the Expo Floor from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Affiliates and Manufacturers sponsor the reception, which provides great food and beverages and the opportunity to network with fellow fleet managers from throughout North America. 

Qualified fleet managers are welcome to attend the Expo Hall on both Sunday and Monday at no cost.  In order to qualify, a person must either manage a fleet or be involved with the managing of a fleet; those who provide a service or product do not qualify for free entry.

The Expo Hall is only one part of NAFA's Institute & Expo. Thousands of fleet professionals from all across the United States and Canada come to the I&E for more than 60 hours of fleet training, education, and workshops; events such as the Public Safety Roadeo and Ride-and-Drive; presentations of some of the most prestigious awards in the fleet industry; and countless hours of networking with the best and brightest of their peers.

Fleet managers are encouraged to take advantage of quick and easy online registration at http://www.nafaiande.org, but may also show a business card and driver's license (or other form of identification) at the Expo Hall for entry.

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 now has over 200 exhibitors ready to provide attendees with the latest information and products. 

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! NAFA currently has 25 sponsors!

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.

NAFA is proud to announce that Bobit Business Media, publisher of Automotive Fleet and other leading fleet management publications, will present their three industry awards at NAFA's 2010 Institute & Expo in Detroit on Sunday, April 25.  Awards will be presented to the Fleet Manager of the Year, Fleet Executive of the Year, and Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year in a special presentation preceding the Keynote Speech from Robert A. Lutz, Vice President of General Motors.  These awards add to the prestige of the I&E, which also features the presentations of NAFA's Larry Goill Memorial Quality Fleet Management Idea Award and NAFA's Sustainable Fleet Award -- two of the industry's most coveted honors.
 
"NAFA is pleased to share the I&E spotlight with the Bobit organization to help them present their annual awards," said NAFA Executive Director Phil Russo.  "We believe Bobit's desire to present their awards at the NAFA I&E is further testament to the high position that I&E holds in the industry.  Ed Bobit said it best a few years ago when he noted that 'no other meeting attracts so many true buying influences in the business.'  We hope we can continue to work with Bobit on this project so that we can continue to strengthen NAFA's position as the source for the fleet industry."

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.

NAFA Fleet Management Association has lined up many of the leading fleet industry publications as media sponsors for its 2010 Institute & Expo (I&E), which takes place at the Cobo Center in Detroit, April 24-27.  This is the first time NAFA has offered official media sponsorships for its annual conference and the initial list includes publications from the United States, Canada, and Europe.

"The number and scope of media outlets endorsing and sponsoring the I&E is testament to the event's magnitude and stature in the industry," said NAFA's Executive Director, Phillip E. Russo, CAE.  "I&E is the place where things happen in this industry and anyone who wants to be at the front of that knows they need to be there."

Media sponsors include Fleet Owner (www.fleetowner.com), Automotive Digest (www.automotivedigest.com), International Fleet World (www.internationalfleetworld.com), Fleet Maintenance (www.fleetmag.com), Fleets & Fuels (www.fleetsandfuels.com), Automotive Fleet (www.automotive-fleet.com), Fleet Digest (http://www.autosphere.ca), Fleet Financials (www.fleetfinancials.com), Government Fleet (www.government-fleet.com), CAMAUTO (http://www.autosphere.ca), and Canadian Automotive Fleet (www.fleetbusiness.com).

The goal of the NAFA Fleet Information Management Guide is to provide fleet managers with the tools they need to function in a data-rich, information-poor work environment by better using the technology tools they probably already have at their disposal.  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.

Regional Business Manager - Eastern Canada/USA

Field Sales Operations Specialist - Cambridge, MA

Regional Fleet Sales Manager - Western Region

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.

March is busy with meetings!

March 23, 2010
Mid-West Chapter - 2010-2011 Planning Meeting
Location: Embers Restaurant, Avoca, IA

March 25, 2010
New York Chapter - Meeting
Location: Hoftras University Club
Contact: Mike McDonough, F: 201.216.2187

March 25, 2010
Arizona Chapter - Meeting
Location: TBD
Contact: Mark Manney, P: 602.484.7055, F: 602.484.0194

April 1, 2010
Ontario Chapter Meeting
Location: Royal Botanical Gardens, Auditorium B, Burlington, ON
Contact: Fran MacKenzie-Peacock, 905.459.1810, fran@bramptonchrysler.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, composed of additional references, makes this an "evergreen" learning tool. 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 of importance 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.