NAFA's Annual Tri-Chapter Ride and Drive Offered Something for All Fleet Managers and Suppliers

Despite a bleak weather forecast and some dreary skies, the sun eventually broke through the clouds and the annual NAFA Tri-Chapter Ride and Drive went off without a hitch Monday, October 23. Taking place at The Imperia banquet hall in Somerset, N.J., the Philadelphia, New Jersey, and New York-Intercounty Chapters gathered for a great day of networking and test driving.

The Ride and Drive kicked off at 9:00 a.m. when the 150 fleet professionals in attendance gathered together for breakfast and a product showcase that featured three dozen exhibitors. This provided fleet managers the chance to meet with service providers and a number of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to discuss topics including new technologies and sustainability efforts.

The test drive began at 10:00 a.m., as everyone made their way outside to try out the latest models from some of the automotive industry’s leading manufacturers. Each car, truck, and van included a map of the five-mile test course that took drivers out of the parking lot and onto the surrounding roads. This allowed them to test features including acceleration, braking, and the overall handling and drivability of the vehicles.

At noon, those in attendance headed back inside The Imperia for a buffet lunch. During this time, NAFA CEO Phillip E. Russo, CAE, said a few words about NAFA and the ever-evolving role of the fleet manager.

Russo made mention of the current mobility revolution and how autonomous vehicles are set to become the new norm in the automotive industry. He discussed how fleet managers must become "mobility managers" and begin thinking about their job in terms of the vehicle’s entire day, not just the hours that a driver is behind the wheel.

"If you are not a part of the mobility revolution, you will be a casualty of it," said Russo. He added that NAFA is expanding its "strategic focus on mobility" and urged members in attendance to consider becoming involved in the Association on the local and national levels, to stay on the leading edge of this shift.

Following lunch, many attendees headed back outside to take a few more laps in their favorite vehicles before heading home. Chapter events such as these offer a variety of benefits for fleet managers and suppliers.

Stephanie Marsch, Fleet/Concur Coordinator, Eisai Inc., said she drove a test vehicle to the meeting site for one of the participating manufacturers. She also said that she viewed the event as an opportunity to network with fellow fleet professionals. "It was nice to catch up with old friends and colleagues," she said.

Nancy Murray, Facilities, Fleet & Travel Manager, Agfa Corporation, General Services & Facilities, said she attended the Ride and Drive to see the different vendors and vehicles, as well as network with peers.

New York-Intercounty Chapter Chair Ron Gitelman, CAFM^®, Fleet Administrator, Yale University, said he attended the Ride and Drive for several reasons – "To network and to view the information from the vendors, as well as the vehicles for future ideas for our fleet inventory."

"I gain quite a bit from this," Gitelman said.  "First, the ability to network with people throughout the New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania regions and discuss the various fleets helps me to guide my fleet recommendations on a continuous basis. Seeing all the vehicles in one spot also allows me to see what is new and what has changed in the various types of vehicles we currently use, and may or may not use in the future.

"I gain a greater understanding of the different vehicle types and (their) uses through this event," he added.

Many of the OEMs that were in attendance had vehicles that equipped with the latest and greatest in automotive technology. From blind spot monitoring and autonomous braking systems to backup and 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control, it is clear that these cars and trucks are built to reduce the costs associated with vehicle crashes and save lives should a crash occur.

Several manufacturers also touted the latest in sustainable technology. A handful of the cars and trucks present were traditional gasoline/electric hybrids, but there were also a few plug-in hybrids that attendees could take for a spin. There were also work trucks and cars that were fueled by natural gas, as opposed to traditional fossil fuels. This provides hands-on opportunities for fleet professionals looking for a way to lower their fuel costs and help make their fleet more sustainable.