| Video News & Views
PEOPLE & IDEAS TO WATCH | Global Fleets: Green is Not Just About Image Anymore | | Looming taxation will become increasingly more important as global fleets seek to reduce their carbon footprint |
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December 16, 2010
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| Fleet Trends & Issues |
Opportunities & Successful Fleet Management |
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ARIBuyDirectTM Program Puts Cash on the Books at Year’s End Automotive Resources International (ARI®) , a leading global provider of complex car and truck fleet services, reminds fleets that its direct vehicle and equipment purchase program, ARIBuyDirect, offers guaranteed resale proceeds with 48 hour access to funds. "This remarketing strategy is especially powerful when timing and control are an overriding factor for the client," explained Bob Graham, ARI director of vehicle remarketing, "Fleets with ARI or non-ARI vehicles and equipment can approve individual or bulk sales and receive funds from ARI in a matter of days." The unique ARIBuyDirect direct purchase program offers a guaranteed price upfront. Additionally, ARI can help companies that are transitioning to a sole fleet management provider and reduce up to 45 days of ownership exposure. ARIBuyDirect.com is one of the many tools that form the comprehensive ARI remarketing strategy. The combination of ARI technology and expertise generates some of the best remarketing results in the industry today.
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| Managing Your Fleet Selector |
OEM & Equipment Manufacturer
Products & Services
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2011 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 The 2011 Ram Heavy Duty models, the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500, are comfortable and highly capable, ready for serious towing or heavy-duty hauling. For 2011, the biggest change is the introduction of the new Outdoorsman, a Ram packaged for use by hunters, fisherman, campers, and boaters. The Ram Outdoorsman replaces the TRX and is available in many Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 configurations. Read more
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2011 Ford Explorer The 2011 Ford Explorer will mark the nameplate's biggest changes since the first Explorer. A few inches longer and more than five inches wider than before, the 2011 Explorer is larger outside than all previous Explorers. Explorer will be powered by a 290-hp 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic, with maximum towing of 5000 pounds. We estimate fuel economy will be rated around 17/24 mpg for frontwheel- drive models. Read more
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2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon The 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon breaks the mold set by recent luxury brand crossover introductions. The TSX Sport Wagon will be a tidy, stylish wagon in the European tradition, rather than a bulky, SUV-inspired wanna-be truck, Expect the new Acura TSX Sport Wagon to cover all the bases. It will deliver spry, driver-oriented performance, good fuel economy, luxury trim and features. Read more
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| Association News & Views |
Activities, Events & Success Stories |
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NAFA Becomes Charter Member of The Center For Professional Fleet Certification NAFA Fleet Management Association is proud to announce it is among the initial members of The Center for Professional Fleet Certification ("The Center"), an alliance of fleet industry associations, entities, and universities formed to advance the fleet management profession by establishing standards of educational excellence. This new alliance endorses and promotes the Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM) and Certified Automotive Fleet Specialist (CAFS) programs – both originally designed by NAFA -- as the individual certification programs of choice in the fleet industry. "The Center provides a means for diverse organizations, with fleet management related common interests, to work together in the continuing pursuit of professional excellence in the fleet management profession for both individuals and organizations,” explained NAFA Member Marvin Fletcher, CAFM, who was elected President of The Center. "It is a unique resource to aide these groups in their commitments to continuing education and to promote the establishment of widely accepted standards of achievement by members and allied schools. These efforts will promote recognition of these achievements in the fleet profession to employers and others benefiting from the accomplishment of individual and organization fleet management certifications." Read more
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Janice Sutton, Editor
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We're pleased to bring you three new interviews this week in The Fleet Spot. When we met charming South African native Rob Hill at the recent AFLA conference, we were most interested to hear his take on managing global fleets. He has a globe-trotting position with ARI and counsels a good many fleets in a number of far-flung nations. We admit it, we love Helene Kamon and were so tickled to witness her induction into AFLA's Fleet Hall of Fame. She has been a mentor to many women - and men - in the fleet industry and we finally got to sit down with her and find out more about her brilliant career and her work with AmeriFleet. My colleague and editor of Automotive Digest Weekly (Mostly) Green Edition, Jon LeSage, interviewed Rick Sikes this fall and gained some insight into how this fleet manager is greening a famous (and famously beautiful) city's fleet. Keeping veteran, experienced corporate fleet professionals interested in NAFA I&E's educational offerings is clearly on the minds of NAFA's staff. In Conference Planning Guide this week you will see some new sessions targeted at this seasoned group. If you haven't already marked your calendars, the 2011 Institute & Expo will be in Charlotte, NC, April 9-12, at the Charlotte Convention Center. Here's a terrific money-saving incentive: Register before December 31 and save $100. We wish all of our readers the very merriest holiday season and a healthy, happy and prosperous 2011! Janice Sutton
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| Places, Sites, and People for New Ideas
& Applications |
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10 Reasons Sales People Fail There is something you can do to counter these reasons and traits, but the first thing is to know what the failing sales traits are. When hiring sales people you should also use this list to identify whether this person is cut out to be a sales person or, at the very least, to understand what type of sales training the applicant will need to be an excellent sales pro. Read more
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Beggs on the Used Car Market. This week, the strength was in the truck market. The average truck segment was up $8.00. This is the first overall average increase since the week of May 21st. Full-size Crossovers were the biggest movers, increasing $72. As the holidays approach, auction volume is expected to ease up, but the fierce bidding is poised to resume as the calendar switches to 2011. Click here to view Ricky Beggs' video blog.
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Rob Hill
ARI Global Fleet Consulting
Manager, Global Sales & Consultation
Looking at the Big (Global) Picture
Rob knows a thing or two about global fleet management. He says the best global solution is not "one size fits all," but by implementing best practices that are applicable to cultural difference within each country, a fleet can achieve real savings.
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Helene Kamon
AmeriFleet Transportation
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Fleet Hall of Fame!
Helene was inducted into AFLA's Fleet Hall of Fame last September. We asked her to tell us how she fared in the early years of her career when Fleet was a male-dominated business, and how she views the industry now as a senior exec at AmeriFleet.
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Rick Sikes, CAFM
City of Santa Monica, California
Fleet Superintendent
Environmental Stewardship in Action
The City of Santa Monica is a beautiful town on the Pacific and they take environmental sustainability seriously. The City's fleet is now 87% alternative fuel and Rick gives us some background on the fleet and the choices they have made.
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North American International Auto Show
COBO Center
Detroit, MI
January 10-23, 2011
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NADA Convention & Expo
Moscone Center
San Francisco, CA
February 4-7, 2011
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Green Truck Summit-The Future of Clean Commercial Vehicles
Indiana Convention Center
Indianapolis, IN
March 7-8, 2011
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The Work Truck Show® 2011
Indiana Convention Center
Indianapolis, IN
March 8-10, 2011
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NAFA 2011 Institute & Expo
Charlotte Convention Center
Charlotte, NC
April 9-12, 2011
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| Conference Planning Guide |
Exhibitors, Educational Sessions, & Events |
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New Educational Sessions for Veteran Corporate Fleet Managers NAFA has added several new educational sessions designed specifically for the veteran corporate fleet manager at the 2011 Institute & Expo in Charlotte, NC (April 9-12 at Charlotte Convention Center.) These sessions were designed by NAFA Fleet Management Association to meet the higher-level needs of veteran industry professionals. The new sessions designed for veteran corporate fleet managers include such offerings as: - The Mobilization of Fleet Management - Discover how to apply technology through an integrated approach that ensures a successful transition from a web-based system to a hybrid of web- and mobilized systems.
- How Do You Get Remote Drivers to Change Behaviors? - Experts share ideas that have been proven effective, including initiatives that will have a positive impact on safety, costs, and operational efficiency.
- Congratulations, You’re the Global Fleet Manager! Now What? - Top executives share how they identified and overcame obstacles to effective global management, including dizzying regulations, privacy laws, accounting standards, cultures, business practices, labor skills, and technology levels.
- Managing through Merger, Acquisitions, and Divestitures - More than just case studies, this session features expert direction and strategies for a successful transition of fleet asset from one company to another.
Click here for more information. REGISTER BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND SAVE $100
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Stats and Smart Charts
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Shopper Behavior for Chevrolet Cruze and Volt Vs. Competitors
[Click to enlarge graphic]
 - Key new models from Chevrolet – recently launched Cruze and new Volt – are critical models that showcase what’s new in design, technology, and marketing from GM
- Compete assessed how both vehicles are doing in early stages of launch versus some key competitive new vehicle launches that are going on right now
- Analyzed shopper behavior of in-market prospects via Compete’s proprietary measure of new vehicle demand
- Derived from observing online shopping activity on 3rd party auto web sites such as kbb.com and edmunds.com
- Early results for both models are very encouraging
- Cruze especially has come out of gate very fast as reported heavy ad spend behind launch appears to be producing results
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Last Minute News
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New Puzzle: Why Fewer are Killed in Car Crashes The number of drivers involved in fatal accidents who were eating, talking on a phone or otherwise distracted rose 42% from 2005 to 2008. But that's just one way to read a new study of highway deaths. Read more Kelley Blue Book Announces Winners of 2011 Best Resale Value Awards Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com announces the all-new 2011 model-year vehicle winners of its annual Best Resale Value Awards, which recognize current and forthcoming vehicles for their projected retained value five years from now. Read more Feds probe '06 GM medium-duty trucks Federal safety regulators are investigating 57,000 General Motors-built medium-duty commercial trucks over concerns the fan blades could eject when the hood is opened. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a notice posted on its website that it was investigating 57,366 2006 GMT-560 trucks — the Chevrolet Kodiak, GMC TopKick and Isuzu 4500 and 5000 Series — after getting four complaints of cooling fan blade fractures and ejection. Read more
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Fleet People Going Places
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Matt Harjama
FLD, Inc.
Director of Business Development
Matt Harjama has been named Director of Business Development at FLD, Inc. and its sister company, ActionAssets.com, a newly formed online auction company that connects clients directly with potential buyers.
Harjama assumed the position in September. Previously, Harjama worked for The Hershey Company from 2007 to 2010, during which time he oversaw an 18% increase in total sales in his territory. "Matt’s proven ability to create and grow market share will enable FLD and ActionAssets.com to not only meet but exceed the goals of our clients," said Ron Sanders, the President of FLD.
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Kara Paciorek
ADESA
Executive Sales Director
ADESA announced Kara Paciorek has been named executive sales director, effective immediately. Paciorek joined the KAR Auction Services family of companies in 2004. She has served in numerous management functions, including her most recent position as financial controller for ADESA. "Kara has a unique understanding of the financial side of the business combined with years of relationship-building experience," said Jeff Bescher, senior vice president of commercial sales and operations.
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| Managing Your FleetTrends, Issues & Opportunities |
Electric Delivery Trucks Beat Electric Cars to U.S. Roadways
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Battery-powered cars will begin appearing soon in driveways of consumers, but electric vehicles already are gaining early traction in another realm: commercial delivery fleets. Staples Inc., the Frito-Lay, FedEx Corp., AT&T Inc. and a few other companies have begun purchasing electric delivery trucks. Proponents say they make more sense in many ways than electric cars. That's because delivery trucks generally drive short, defined routes each day, which are better suited to the limited range of battery power.
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Could Gas Prices Reach $4.00 in 2011?
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Regardless of whether gas prices are the result of supply and demand, an improving world economy, or the result of Wall St. speculators, experts believe gas will continue to rise in 2011, reaching $3.50 and maybe $4.00 before the year is out. Cold weather in Europe and the U.S., as well as improving economic activity, and a weak dollar are causing crude oil prices to rise. Beginning the year at $70.00, crude oil has recently traded around $90.00 per barrel.
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| Manufacturer DevelopmentsDesign, Production, & Services |
Ford, Honda Score Big in Customer Retention Survey
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While retaining customers has always been vital, if possible, this plays an even larger role in today's marketplace as automakers strive to eke out the highest sales totals possible. J.D. Power and Associates recently set out to find out which automakers are most successful. Ford and Honda led the pack with a customer retention rate of 62 percent.
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40 MPG is the New 30
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40 mpg, only attainable by expensive hybrid or diesel technology, is now being attained by a combination of weight reduction, engine changes, and six speed transmissions. Hyundai, Chevrolet, as well as Ford are all selling vehicles which reach 40 mpg on the highway. Sales to date have been light as a result of cheap gas, but manufacturers do not want to be caught short of high mileage vehicles should gas creep past the benchmark of $3.00 per gallon.
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| Driving Green Initiatives, Actions, & Implementations |
UK Survey: Hybrids to Easily Outsell Gas Engines in 10 Years
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A new study of finance directors and company car drivers in the UK reveals very little market for gas engines in England. Most say diesel continues in popularity, and hybrids and EVs will be the vehicle of choice in 10 years.
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Commercial Trucks Next Under Emissions Regulation Gun
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The commercial truck sector begins preparing for the first effort to limit fuel use and carbon emissions at one time. Commercial vehicles will become cleaner, more fuel-efficient - and more expensive - when fuel economy and carbon emission standards that the federal government proposed in October begin to take effect.
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| The Intelligent Vehicle Telematics, Telecommunications, &
Technology |
Telematics Providers Prepare for More Robust Applications
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Sturdy cellular network connections are becoming ever more crucial to the delivery of advanced infotainment services. People regularly trade in their cell phones after two years and don't hold onto their laptops for much longer. While consumer electronics devices are designed to be reasonably tough, it's doubtful that any smartphone could meet the durability requirements laid out in the typical OEM or tier 1 RFQ.
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Smarter Sensors Sought for Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
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New vehicles in the U.S. are required to have tire pressure monitor sensors, and similar regulations are coming to Europe. But some TPMS systems have problems with false readings, so engineers are working on advanced, smarter sensors that are also more convenient.
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| Driver Safety Management Practices, Policy, & Training |
Electronic Coffee Cup
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We all know it is wrong to drive drunk, but sleep impaired or tired driving can be the equivalent. Manufacturers and entrepreneurs are developing electronic aids to prevent accidents by sleep deprived drivers. Maybe the most interesting product is a portable, battery-powered, dash mounted device called ASP or Anti-Sleep Pilot. Only available in Scandinavia, currently ASP uses questions and behavior measurements to warn a driver to stop driving.
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Ford Back-Up Cameras Available By End of Next Year
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Government-mandated changes hinted at by DOT and NHTSA on rearview cameras won't take effect until the 2014 model year. Ford says its Rear View Camera System will be available on almost all models by the end of 2011 and owners will have a choice in systems.
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| Fleet Vehicle Remarketing Marketing Strategies, Channels,
& Sales Data |
Quality Has Sold Consumers on Older Vehicles, Banks Says
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Jonathan Banks, automotive analyst for NADA Used Car Guide, says older vehicle models are growing in value, due to ever-improving quality, plus advancements in vehicle history reports, and are a growing opportunity for auto dealers.
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Chrysler Targets Resale Value Improvements
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Chrysler wants to improve the resale value of its products to increase lease revenue and improve company image. The new Grand Cherokee exemplifies the strategy with improved features and different pricing. ALG says residual value went from 35% to 45% in the 3rd quarter.
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