NAFA Urges Fleet Managers to Take the Lead in Mobility Management
The overarching theme at its annual Institute and Exposition and International Fleet Academy
By Mark Boada, Executive Editor
As usual, there were breakout sessions on scores of topics at NAFA Fleet Management Association’s annual, week-long get-together in Anaheim, California this year, but the event’s dominant theme was introduced by President Bryan Flansburg in the remarks he made to open the event: the mobility revolution.
“We are all witnessing and living through one of the biggest, most significant, changes the auto industry has ever seen,” he told more than 2,000 fleet professionals packing the hall for breakfast and NAFA’s business meeting last Tuesday. “We as fleet managers are experiencing a paradigm shift from managing assets – four wheels on the road – to a wider perspective of mobility management. “The event was held at the Anaheim Convention Center and Marriott Hotel April 23-27.
“We must get out of the mindset of ‘doing’ fleet management and consider all of the possible ways to move things, which may or may not include a vehicle,” said Flansburg. “That may sound like heresy to some of us who have been ‘doing’ fleet management for so long, but we have to change.”
The Rehumanization of Remarketing
As technology continues to evolve, it’s more important than ever to be able to connect on a human level. This is why Fleet Street Remarketing is driving a culture change that they call “The Rehumanization Experience.”
Wheels Partners with Uber for Business to Expand Mobility Options for Fleets
Wheels, Inc.is pleased to announce its partnership with Uber for Business, a platform that allows companies to manage ground transportation with Uber. The new partnership offers a solution that enables fleets to gain visibility into their ride-hailing activity.
“We have been in the mobility business for nearly 80 years. From robust surplus management to being the only fleet management company to offer both vehicle lease and mileage reimbursement programs, we continue to lead the industry with innovative solutions,” said Dan Frank, CEO and President of Wheels.
Wheels will maintain and finance an Uber for Business company profile on behalf of their clients. Participating fleet drivers will use the Wheels’ account for their business travel needs.
Volkswagen Ex-CEO Faces Criminal Charges in Diesel Emissions Fraud
Martin Winterkorn, the former chief executive of Volkswagen has been charged with conspiracy in the company’s rigging of diesel vehicles to feign compliance with federal pollution standards.
The charges contradict the German carmaker’s steadfast insistence that no members of its management board were involved in the emissions fraud.
"If it is proven that Mr. Winterkorn was a party to the conspiracy, Volkswagen would be significantly more vulnerable to lawsuits brought by shareholders who accuse top managers of shirking their obligation to inform them of the risks the company was taking. The shareholders are seeking some $10 billion in damages, which would be on top of the roughly $26 billion in fines and civil damages that the carmaker has already paid."
Read the article at The New York Times.
UK Auto Industry Concerned About Reports Banning Hybrids
Unconfirmed UK reports hint that as a part of a new emissions crackdown, new cars unable to do at least 50 miles on electric power may be banned by 2040, a ruling that would hit the UK's best-selling hybrid, Toyota's Prius.
If the government stipulates that all cars must be able to travel at least 50 miles on electric power, then even the performance of most so-called plug-in hybrids, which can already travel at least some distance on battery power, will not be good enough.
"Unrealistic targets and misleading messaging on bans will only undermine our efforts to realize this future, confusing consumers and wreaking havoc on the new car market and the thousands of jobs it supports," said Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
Read the article at BBC News.
