The OEM Fireside Chat Brings Vehicle Leaders To NAFA Membership

 

The keynote event of Wednesday morning, April 15, saw the return of the OEM Fireside Chat.This opportunity brought together NAFA Immediate Past President Claude Masters, CAFM^® and four executives in auto manufacture's fleet segment in a thought-provoking conversation.

Automaker representatives Fritz Ahadi, General Manager, Ford Motor Company; Frank Dankovich, FCA USA LLC.; Paul Jontig, National Fleet Sales Manager, Toyota Motor Company; and Edward Peper, General Motors. participated in this panel discussion, informing attendees of their companies' vision for the future of the auto industry and the role the fleet segment plays.  

Subjects that were discussed included programs that support maintenance plans, new equipment to boost safety technology like upgraded trims that aid backup camera visibility, and much more. Masters brought up a subject that is close to his heart: alternative fuel vehicles.

Ahadi said that Ford would be introducing three MY 2016 vehicles including a Focus battery electric with a 70 mile-per-charge range.

Dankovich said FCA USA expects to add an electric minivan to their offerings next year, adding that FCA has seen great numbers in the electric vehicle segment.

Peper said GM intends to release the 200-mile-range Bolt soon. Also, the new Malibu, which debuted at the New York Auto Show, is expected to have a hybrid version.

Jontig, of Toyota, stated that their hydrogen fuel cell powered Mirai will hit California roads this year, and also let attendees know that it would be on the I&E Expo Floor on the day, so that I&E attendees could get a close-up look.  

The morning's session was enlightening and surely offered each attendee with a greater perspective into the vehicles they may be adding to their selector lists in the near future.