NAFA Connection

By Phil Russo, CAE
Executive Director, NAFA

This time of year, it's "all things I&E" here at NAFA Headquarters.  The entire staff is focusing on making sure the fleet industry's biggest event of the year goes off without a hitch.
 
Our meetings department is busy finalizing menus, diagramming room set-ups, confirming audio/visual needs for all speakers, arranging the "Silent Auction" on the Expo floor, directing the Habitat for Humanity effort before I&E opens, and generally making sure all "eyes" are dotted and "teas" are crossed (actually, their "eyes" are crossed and "teas" are dotted with a fine spirit or two to help them make it through all the details!).
 
The marketing/communications folks are full of activity, from weekly e-mail announcements, postcard promotions, coordinating advertising and publicity, updating the I&E website, and press releases to on-site publications and printed pieces, including the Final Program & Show Guide, the useful I&E Pocket Guide, FLEETSolutions magazine, contest maps, silent auction pieces,  and I&E newspapers (both digital and print versions).  At a moment's notice, they take on coordinating press conferences, speaker interviews, and other requests from local and national press covering I&E. They're also the lead group for planning and executing all the details of NAFA's booth at the Expo.
 
The education department is scheduling and prepping for on-site CAFM and CAFS exams both before and after I&E, helping coordinate the eight ever-popular "Boot Camp" sessions, and getting all I&E speaker handouts online so you can download them year-round.
 
The membership department is bustling, planning the Welcome Reception for New Members/Affiliates and First-time Attendees, preparing "kits" of information and literature for potential Members and Affiliates to pick up at the NAFA booth, and administering both the Sustainable Fleet and Quality Idea awards programs.

As for me, I'm immersed in writing speeches and scripts for the general sessions and Keynote Presentations, making sure the OEM and leasing company panel sessions are on track, and shepherding this amazing staff team to ensure everyone at I&E has a great experience.
 
And we must be doing something right. 
 
Booth space at the I&E Expo is nearly sold out, with only 10 spaces remaining as of April 1.  The Green Zone is completely sold out.  There are more than 200 exhibitors at the show, up 10 percent from last year.  We have nearly three dozen vehicles in the Ride and Drive – the most ever! Press credential requests are coming in on a close to daily basis. More than 400 fleet managers have already registered, and registrations continue to arrive at a good clip.  If we hold true to our pattern from the past four years, we will nearly double that number in the next three weeks, eclipsing our anticipated 750 fleet manager level and 1,500 total registration level.
 
All this to say  we are working long and hard to make sure I&E is an absolute success for everyone.  I believe every fleet manager should be there.  We have lots of ways to attend, including free passes to the Expo and Keynote Presentations, free passes for your boss or colleague, and low-cost, one-day and two-day passes.  Check out the I&E website, www.nafaiande.org, or send me an e-mail (prusso@nafa.org) if you want details.  

Peter Grady, Vice President – Network Development & Fleet, Chrysler Group LLC, will deliver a keynote address at the 2010 I&E in Detroit.  Grady joins fellow Detroit Three executives Robert A. Lutz (Vice Chairman of General Motors) and Mark Fields (Executive Vice President of Ford Motor Company) as Keynote Speakers.   Each high-level executive will provide a Keynote Address on continuous days of the conference.

"NAFA is thrilled to have Mr. Grady round out its slate of Keynote Speakers for the 2010 I&E," said NAFA's Executive Director, Phillip E. Russo, CAE. "Peter's long and varied history with Chrysler, across the United States and across the globe, give him a unique perspective that will be invaluable for all fleet managers.  Plus, his leading role in Chrysler's recent reorganization will enable him to speak on a number of subjects of interest to NAFA membership."

Grady, who reports directly to Sergio Marchionne (Chief Executive Officer of Chrysler Group LLC) has been steadily climbing the corporate ladder at Chrysler since first starting out as a District Sales Manager of American Motors Corporation in 1984.  Since then he has held numerous positions of increasing responsibility in the company's field and sales organization, President of Chrysler Taiwan, Ltd, and Director of Dealer Operations.  He was named to his current post in June 2009.  Grady has a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts, Management, Marketing and Finance from John Carroll University.

Grady is responsible for managing Chrysler Group's fleet sales organization.  In addition, his responsibilities also include ensuring that the Chrysler Group's restructured dealer network operates at the highest possible level to ensure optimal sales volumes for Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram Truck products.

NAFA's Fleet Management Seminars are now being offered in Alaska. Mercury Associates Inc. will be presenting NAFA's Fleet Management Seminar (FMS) and Advanced Fleet Management Seminar (AFMS) this May at the University of Alaska Anchorage Conference Center.

• On May 11-12, develop basic understanding of successful fleet management at the FMS.
• On May 13-15, receive a deeper level of fleet instruction and scholarship at AFMS.

Attend both seminars with our package deal!

Sign up today. Registration is now open at: www.nafa.org/seminars/alaska.

To help alleviate the $55 expense of a cab ride to the hotel, members of the Michigan Chapter will be stationed in the baggage claim area at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) on Friday, April 23, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. to help pair you up with other I&E attendees to share a ride. So look for the NAFA sign held by smiling Michigan Chapter members wearing burgundy shirts.

Detroit Now Has Airport Shuttle Service

Cobo Center signed an agreement a few days ago with Trinity Transportation for airport shuttle service to downtown Detroit. Trinity is offering NAFA a discounted rate of $30 one way, $60 round trip. Reservations can be made online. Go to  
http://trinitytransportation.com/main/reservations/airport_shuttle.aspx

Directions: Select shuttle bus, enter your personal information, and in the additional information field, type NAFA. This will get you the discounted rate.

To facilitate networking, planning, and camaraderie for spouses and guests, NAFA's Michigan Chapter will host a Spouse & Guest Hospitality Room on Level 5 of the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center in the Joliet Room during NAFA's I&E. Make this your gathering place to pick up visitor's guides, coupons and brochures, maps, and a schedule of current local events. Continental breakfast will be provided for spouses and guests compliments of NAFA's Michigan Chapter.

Spouse & Guest Activities Planned by the Michigan Chapter:

On Saturday, April 24: Complimentary transportation will take spouses and guests to the Somerset Collection Mall in Troy, Michigan, and bring everyone back to the Detroit Renaissance at the end of the day. Somerset Collection is a premier, upscale shopping mall with more than 180 specialty shops and restaurants. Click here for mall information.

On Sunday, April 25: Complimentary transportation will take spouses and guests to the Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village and bring everyone back to the Detroit Marriott in time to join the 4 p.m. Networking Welcoming Reception at Cobo Hall. Click here for admission information.

On Monday, April 26: Stop by the Hospitality Room between 7:30 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. to pick up your complimentary Detroit People Mover tokens and a Detroit People Mover Guide listing the fun attractions you can visit on your own. The Detroit People Mover is an above-ground transit system that loops around downtown Detroit. Many of Downtown Detroit's attractions are within walking distance of the system's 13, artfully decorated stations. Click here for more information on the Detroit People Mover.

NAFA hopes the information provided during the U.S. Legislative Update Webinar was helpful. We are offering both the audio recording as well as the slide presentation for your convenience.

Microsoft Office Live Meeting recording: view recording

Recording Details:

    Subject: Legislative Update
    Recording URL: https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/nafa/view
    Recording ID: LegislativeUpdate
    Attendee Key: MarchLU2010

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!

Responding to one of the first major directives of the Obama Administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) jointly established historic new federal rules that set the first-ever national greenhouse gas emissions standards and will significantly increase the fuel economy of all new passenger cars and light trucks sold in the United States.

The rules could potentially save the average buyer of a 2016 model-year car $3,000 over the life of the vehicle and, nationally, will conserve about 1.8 billion barrels of oil and reduce nearly a billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions over the lives of the vehicles covered.

This action is one important step in fulfilling the Obama Administration's commitment to moving towards a clean energy, climate friendly economy.

"These historic new standards set ambitious, but achievable, fuel economy requirements for the automotive industry that will also encourage new and emerging technologies," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.  "We will be helping American motorists save money at the pump while putting less pollution in the air."

DOT and EPA received more than 130,000 public comments on the September 2009 proposed rules, with overwhelming support for the strong national policy. Manufacturers will be able to build a single, light-duty national fleet that satisfies all federal requirements as well as the standards of California and other states. The collaboration of federal agencies also allows for clearer rules for all automakers, instead of three standards (DOT, EPA, and a state standard).

The final rules, issued by DOT's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and EPA, establish increasingly stringent fuel economy standards under NHTSA's Corporate Average Fuel Economy program and greenhouse gas emission standards under the Clean Air Act for 2012 through 2016 model-year vehicles.

Starting with 2012 model-year vehicles, the rules together require automakers to improve fleet-wide fuel economy and reduce fleet-wide greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 5 percent every year.  NHTSA has established fuel economy standards that strengthen each year, reaching an estimated 34.1 mpg for the combined industry-wide fleet for model year 2016.

Because credits for air-conditioning improvements can be used to meet the EPA standards but not the NHTSA standards, the EPA standards require that by the 2016 model-year, manufacturers must achieve a combined average vehicle emission level of 250 grams of carbon dioxide per mile.  The EPA standard would be equivalent to 35.5 miles per gallon if all reductions came from fuel economy improvements.

Specifically, the new national program:

• Reduces carbon dioxide emissions by about 960 million metric tons over the lifetime of the vehicles regulated, equivalent to taking 50 million cars and light trucks off the road in 2030.
• Conserves about 1.8 billion barrels of oil over the lifetime of the vehicles regulated.
• Enables the average car buyer of a 2016 model-year vehicle to enjoy a net savings of $3,000 over the lifetime of the vehicle, as upfront technology costs are offset by lower fuel costs

"These are the first national standards ever to address climate change," said EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation Gina McCarthy. "Over the coming years, America will witness an amazing leap forward in vehicle technologies, delivering fuel efficiency that will save us money and protect the environment."

NHTSA and EPA expect automobile manufacturers will meet these standards by more widespread adoption of conventional technologies that are already in commercial use, such as more efficient engines, transmissions, tires, aerodynamics, and materials, as well as improvements in air conditioning systems. EPA and NHTSA expect that some manufacturers may choose to pursue more advanced fuel-saving technologies like hybrid vehicles clean diesel engines, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and electric vehicles.

In conjunction with the United States, Canada is also announcing Light Duty Vehicle GHG-Emissions regulations today. U.S. EPA and NHTSA have worked closely with Environment Canada to ensure a common North American approach.

General Motors Co. is conducting a safety recall of about 5,000 heavy-duty Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana passenger and cargo vans and halting production and sale of the trucks until a fix for a suspected faulty alternator can be determined.

Retail and fleet customers who purchased these vans, which were built in February and March this year, are being urged to stop driving the vans, park them outside away from buildings and other vehicles, and, if possible, disconnect both battery cables.

Vehicles affected by the recall and Stop Sale fall in these ranges of Vehicle Identification Numbers (last eight digits shown):

Relatively few of the affected vans are in retail customer possession. About 1,300 are in rental and other fleets, and a Stop Sale order was issued Friday, preventing the fleet-owned vans from being rented or those on dealer lots from being sold. Others are being held at dealerships or in ports before being exported.

Only the 2500 (three-quarter ton) and 3500 (one-ton) Series vans are affected. Light-duty (half-ton) Express and Savana vans use a different alternator. The light-duty vans are still being built and shipped from the plant in Wentzville, Mo. Typical production at the plant is about 60 percent heavy-duty models.

"The Stop Sale and production halt are measures being taken to assure customer safety until we have a repair procedure," said Jeff Boyer, GM Executive Director of Safety and Interiors.

AC Delco Alternators Also Affected

About 1,400 AC Delco aftermarket parts also are affected by the recall. The affected part numbers are: 15200110; 15288861; 15263859, and 15847291. Customers who had a heavy-duty alternator replaced in February or March in a 2005-2010 heavy-duty Express or Savana van or other 2005-2009 GM truck or SUV also are being urged to check their repair order receipts to determine if a suspect part was involved. If it was, or the part used is unknown, they are urged to stop driving their vehicles, park them away from buildings and other vehicles, and, if possible, disconnect both battery cables. These owners also are asked to contact their Customer Assistance Center to provide their contact information.

March new-vehicle retail sales are projected to increase by 25 percent, compared with the same period one year ago, according to J.D. Power and Associates. 

Retail Light-Vehicle Sales

March new-vehicle retail sales are expected to come in at 883,300 units, which represents a seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) of 9.9 million units. This reflects a retail SAAR increase of nearly 2 million units, compared with February 2010. Compared with March 2009, retail sales are projected to increase by 2.3 million units.

Total Light-Vehicle Sales (Including Fleet Sales)

Fleet sales continue to increase from historic lows in 2009 and are expected to increase by 13 percent from March 2009 to come in at 209,000 units in March 2010. Total light-vehicle sales for March are projected to come in at 1,092,000 units -- an increase of 23 percent compared with one year ago. March total SAAR is projected to reach 12.1 million units for the first time since September of 2008 (with the exception of the boost provided by the CARS program in August 2009), which reflects significant progress in the industry's recovery.

North American Production

North American production is continuing to increase, with volume in February 2010 reaching 922,000 units, up 57 percent from February 2009. For the first quarter of 2010, production is on target to reach 2.8 million units, an increase of 70 percent from the same period one year ago. Production volume for 2010 overall is expected to increase by 25 percent to 10.6 million from 8.5 million in 2009. At the beginning of March, vehicle inventory was at a 67-day supply, compared with 101 days in March 2009.  Capacity utilization in North America has improved from 2009 due to the recovery in production levels, as well as reductions in capacity, and is forecasted to reach 61 percent in 2010, compared with 47 percent in 2009.

Industry Outlook

Despite ongoing issues with unemployment, consumer spending has been stronger than expected during the first two months of the year, and the automotive market is continuing to improve. J.D. Power and Associates' 2010 forecast remains at 11.7 million units for total sales and 9.6 million units for retail sales. "Due to improving economic conditions, downside risk appears to be subsiding," said Schuster. "However, the market remains very dynamic, and it will be critical for sales momentum to be sustained as the market heads into the spring selling season."

Ford Motor Company announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Volvo Car Corporation and related assets to Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Company Limited. The sale is expected to close in the third quarter of 2010 and is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory approvals.

The purchase price for Volvo Cars and related assets (primarily intellectual property) is $1.8 billion (U.S.), which will be paid in the form of a note in the amount of $200 million (U.S.), and the remainder in cash.

"Volvo is a great brand with an excellent product lineup. This agreement provides a solid foundation for Volvo to continue to build its business under Geely's ownership," said Alan Mulally, Ford's President and CEO. "At the same time, the sale of Volvo will allow us to further sharpen our focus on building the Ford brand around the world and continue to deliver on our One Ford plan serving our customers with the very best cars and trucks in the world."

Ford will continue to cooperate with Volvo Cars in several areas after the sale has been completed in order to ensure a smooth transition but will not retain any ownership in the Volvo Cars business.  Following completion of the sale, Ford will continue to supply Volvo Cars with, for differing periods, powertrains, stampings, and other vehicle components.

Stephen Odell, CEO of Volvo Cars, added, "The Volvo management team fully endorses Ford's sale of Volvo Cars to Geely. We believe this is the right outcome for the business, and will provide Volvo Cars with the necessary resources, including the capital investment, to strengthen the business and to continue to move it forward in the future.

"Geely has been very supportive of Volvo Cars' business plans and management team. We look forward to building a strong relationship between Volvo Cars and Geely and to maintaining a strong relationship with Ford in those areas where we will continue to work together to ensure a smooth transition."

Vice President Joe Biden announced 10,000 transportation projects are now under way in all 50 states and the District of Columbia thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). This milestone comes just over a year after the Recovery Act was signed into law and as the spring construction season is getting into full swing.

The announcement was made as part of a visit to North Carolina where ground was broken for the 10,000th project, the Sanford Bypass.

"The 10,000 transportation projects under way are already helping put us on the road to economic recovery, but there is even more to come," said Vice President Biden. "This spring, Recovery Act projects will pick up the pace across the country, providing even more jobs improving America's roads, highways, and bridges."

In just one year, the Recovery Act has improved more than 33,000 miles of pavement across the United States; helped purchase nearly 12,000 buses, vans, and rail vehicles, and helped construct or renovate more than 850 transit facilities and provided more than $620 million in preventive maintenance.

In addition to the Sanford Bypass Project, some other major Recovery Act-funded projects under construction include: I-4/Selmon Expressway in Tampa,  DART Orange Line in Dallas,  Nelsonville Bypass in Southeast Ohio, Merritt Parkway, near Fairfield, Conn., and the  South Westnedge Avenue Interchange on I-94 near Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Safety belt usage among commercial truck and bus drivers significantly increased to 74 percent in 2009 from 65 percent in 2007, according to new data released by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The increase demonstrates the effectiveness of safety initiatives by the American Trucking Associations (ATA), the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), and FMCSA that aim to improve safety on our nation's highways.

"The increasing trend in safety belt usage among commercial drivers is encouraging," said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves. "However, our advocacy won't rest until every driver is buckling up."

The 2009 survey observed 20,818 commercial drivers operating medium-duty trucks, heavy-duty trucks, and buses at 827 roadside locations across the country. The study found that usage rates were over 10 percent higher in states with strict safety belt laws.

According the FMCSA, safety belt use was at 78 percent in states with primary safety belt laws, which allow law enforcement to stop drivers for not using a safety belt, versus 67 percent in states with weaker laws. Also, the study found that national and regional fleet drivers showed a 78 percent use rate compared to owner operators, whose usage rate was 64 percent.

The new "Allure of the Automobile" exhibit at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta showcases 18 reasons why cars have inspired passion and created economic growth for over a century.  These rare masterworks of automotive design reflect an industry that was built on a heritage of pride, artistic beauty, and resilience – qualities that endure, despite the unprecedented business challenges the industry has faced.  That's a view shared by Manheim where supporting the automotive industry and its customers has inspired growth and innovation for 65 years.
 
"Our company is celebrating 65 years in business this year.  I can't think of a better way to celebrate the history of our company and the vital importance of the auto industry than through this unique exhibit," said Dean Eisner, President and CEO, Manheim. "We are extremely proud to be part of this industry and look forward to the innovations we'll continue to see in the years ahead."

The 18 exclusive automobiles featured in "Allure of the Automobile" were destined for a privileged few, including celebrities like Clark Gable and Steve McQueen, and they represent some of the rarest machines in the world.  Breathtaking to both automotive and art aficionados, the collection features iconic brands like Aston-Martin, Bugatti, Duesenberg, Ferrari, and Porsche.   
 
Manheim and AutoTrader Classics are supporting sponsors of the "Allure of the Automobile" exhibit at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia that will run from March 21 through June 20, 2010.  For more information about this exhibit, go to www.high.org/autos.

GE Capital announced the appointment of NAFA Affiliate Deb Frodl as Chief Strategy and Product Development Leader of GE Capital's Fleet Services business. Frodl will be responsible for driving strategy, product development, marketing, and strategic alliances.

"We are committed to being at the forefront of innovation within the fleet industry," said Clarence Nunn, President and CEO of GE Capital Fleet Services. "The creation of this new role allows us to continue delivering comprehensive financing and fleet management solutions while accelerating near-term innovation opportunities to benefit our customers. We plan on leveraging the entirety of GE to solve our customers' toughest fleet management challenges in key areas such as operations, data management, and environmental sustainability. One example is making available to customers a direct link to GE's latest technologies and expertise on batteries, motors, and systems development for electric vehicles."

Most recently, Frodl served as chief commercial officer for GE Capital Fleet Services. Since joining GE in 1989, she has held progressive leadership roles in sales, marketing, and general management within GE at its Fleet Services, Public Finance, and Commercial Equipment Finance businesses. Frodl holds a bachelor's degree in Business from Minnesota State University and received her Master of Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas.

DOT Announces Investigation into Vehicle Acceleration

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has announced two major investigations designed to answer questions surrounding the issue of unintended vehicle acceleration.  The National Academy of Sciences – an independent body using top scientific experts – will examine the broad subject of unintended acceleration and electronic vehicle controls across the entire automotive industry. Separately, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is the Department of Transportation's auto safety agency, has enlisted NASA engineers with expertise in areas such as computer controlled electronic systems, electromagnetic interference, and software integrity to help tackle the issue of unintended vehicle acceleration in Toyotas.

Secretary LaHood has also asked the U.S. Department of Transportation Inspector General (IG) to review whether NHTSA's Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) has the necessary resources and systems to identify and address safety defects as it moves forward.

DOT Proposes Rule to Ban Texting for Truck and Bus Drivers

The U.S Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced a federal rule that proposes to specifically prohibit texting by interstate commercial truck and bus drivers. The proposed rule would make permanent an interim ban announced in January 2010 that applied existing safety rules to the specific issue of texting. According to U.S. DOT, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration research shows that drivers who send and receive text messages take their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds out of every 6 seconds while texting.  At 55 miles per hour, this means that the driver is traveling the length of a football field, including the end zones, without looking at the road. 

Fuel Economy Standards Set

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Transportation have issued a final rule setting average fuel economy targets of 35.5 miles per gallon for 2016 car models.  The rules supplant a 2007 law that set a target of 35 average mpg by 2020, which itself is about 10 mpg higher than current standards.

Government of Canada Unveils Regulations to Reduce
Greenhouse Gas Emissions

On April 1, 2010, the Government of Canada released strict new proposed regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).  Announced by Environment Minister Jim Prentice, the proposed Passenger Automobile and Light Truck Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations would complement the mandatory national standards of the United States, beginning with the 2011 model year.

The Minister highlighted that the Government of Canada has been working with the United States to implement tough North American standards for regulating greenhouse gas emissions from new vehicles.  This is a positive step in the right direction to help protect the environment and level the playing field for the automotive industry.

Through the proposed regulations, it is anticipated that the average GHG emission performance of new vehicles of the 2016 model year will be about 25 percent lower than the vehicles that were sold in Canada in 2008.  The expectation is a cumulative reduction over the lifetime of the 2011-2016 model year vehicles sold in Canada.  Vehicles will require significant technological improvements to reduce GHG emissions.

The proposed regulations have been posted at www.ec.gc.ca/vehicle-regs and will be published in the Gazette on April 17, 2010.  At the conclusion of a 60-day formal public comment period, final regulations are projected to be published in the Canada Gazette Part II in the summer of 2010 and to come into effect for the 2011 model year.

The National Partnership for Environmental Priorities awarded the City of Oxnard, California; the City of Reno, Nevada; and Cobb County, Georgia Fleet Management, for successfully eliminating the use of lead wheel weights in their fleet operations.

The City of Reno eliminated 400 lbs. of lead wheel weights from the public works fleet, Cobb County Fleet Management converted and recycle 2,500 lbs. of lead wheel weights, and the City of Oxnard eliminated the use of lead wheel weights in favor of steel weights, at a rate of approximately 260 lbs. of replacement lead weights annually.
 
The NPEP is an EPA program focused on reducing the use of potentially hazardous chemicals from products and processes. By partnering with the EPA, NPEP partners from industry, business and municipalities are recycling and reducing the use of toxic chemicals. NPEP is part of the EPA's Resource Conservation Challenge (RCC), a national effort to conserve natural resources and energy by managing materials more efficiently.

Lincoln introduced its first hybrid – the new 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid – a premium midsize car poised to be the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America.

Ford Motor Company is further broadening its aggressive electrification plan and second generation of hybrid technology with the new Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.

"Lincoln's hallmarks are design, technology, and comfort. Now, Lincoln also delivers the best fuel efficiency of any luxury sedan in America," said Mark Fields, Ford's President of The Americas, who will be one of three Keynote Speakers at NAFA's 2010 Institute & Expo this April.

Lincoln's first-ever hybrid is expected to deliver at least 41 miles per gallon in the city when it goes on sale this fall. The new premium midsize sedan hybrid joins Ford Motor Company's growing lineup of hybrids, including the Ford Fusion Hybrid – 2010 North American Car of the Year and America's most fuel-efficient sedan – plus the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Milan and Mariner hybrids.  The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid's projected fuel economy tops its nearest competitor – the 2010 Lexus HS 250h – by six mpg. It also trumps the Lexus with room for one more passenger and more standard luxury and segment-exclusive safety features.

FedEx Corp. announced the expansion of its alternative-energy vehicle fleet with the first all-electric FedEx parcel delivery trucks in the United States. Four purpose-built electric trucks "optimized for electric operation from the wheels up" are slated to hit the road in the Los Angeles area starting in June 2010, joining more than 1,800 alternative-energy vehicles already in service for FedEx around the world.

"FedEx has a history of changing what's possible, both in the innovative services we offer customers and in the way we offer those services," said John Formisano, Vice President, Global Vehicles, FedEx Express. "In 2004, we were the first global company to invest in hybrid-electric commercial trucks, and now we're introducing the even cleaner all-electric parcel delivery truck. We're making these investments and invite others to join us, so that together we can speed the transition to a cleaner transportation system."

Rather than creating its own proprietary technology, FedEx is again turning to the marketplace to spur solutions that can rapidly be scaled up to provide affordable and reliable service to a wide range of delivery truck operators. It is purchasing its first North American all-electric vehicles from two different suppliers to evaluate the robustness of this technology for demanding daily FedEx Express deliveries in the Los Angeles area and provide information to help guide future FedEx vehicle purchases.

Two of the new all-electric trucks come from Navistar and are being assembled in Indiana. These are based on the Modec design already operated by FedEx in Europe. Ten such Modec vehicles serve FedEx routes in London and five more are on order for Paris.

Another pair of electric vehicles is being purchased from a different manufacturer for delivery to the Los Angeles area later in 2010. Both sets of electric vehicles are designed with a range that allows many FedEx Express couriers to make a full eight-hour shift of deliveries before their vehicles need recharging.

By the end of June, the FedEx alternative energy fleet will have grown to 1,869 vehicles in service around the world, helping to diversify and expand the all-electric and hybrid-electric vehicle market. Beyond the nine new electric trucks to be deployed in Los Angeles and Paris, FedEx has purchased ten additional hybrid-electric vehicles that will be added to its California fleet throughout the spring, based in Oakland.

Kraft Foods will take delivery of 2,500 2010 Ford Fusions for its U.S. sales fleet as part of their goal to reduce fuel use and C02 emissions.

"The company has realized substantial fuel and cost savings over the last several years by switching from six- to four-cylinder engines," said NAFA Member, John Dmochowsky, CAFM, Sales Fleet Manager, Kraft Foods. "It comes down to total cost of ownership and the right vehicle for the job, and we hit both elements with the Ford Fusion. In addition to being fuel efficient, the Fusion has a comfortable, spacious interior and an attractive design. It's a good reflection on Kraft Foods."

Over the past two years, Kraft Food's U.S. sales fleet has reduced its C02 emissions by 6.5 percent. After conducting a thorough lifecycle cost analysis of dozens of vehicles from various manufacturers, the company decided on the Fusion for its U.S. sales fleet. Dmochowsky said he expects the Ford Fusions to completely replace Kraft's fleet of 5,200 around the summer of 2011.

"We're always focusing on opportunities with vehicles showing incremental fuel savings. We will continue to do that throughout the future," Dmochowsky said. 

For Ford, the company's fleet share through December 2009 was 24.8 percent – a 1.9-point increase over the same period in 2008 – and Ford's share of commercial and government fleets was the highest of any vehicle manufacturer, with F-Series trucks, E-Series vans, Focus, Fusion, and Escape as top sellers.

"Fleet customers are giving Ford more consideration because they're watching their costs carefully, and they know that our residual values, fuel economy, and quality have improved significantly," said Ford Sales Analyst George Pipas. "The projected resale value of Ford vehicles from the 2009 to 2010 model year increased by more than $1,300 per vehicle – that's more than any other full-line manufacturer."

UPS announced a new cost-effective and convenient "green" pickup option for small- to medium-sized businesses, becoming the first in its industry to automate the process of having drivers stop at customer locations to pick up packages.

UPS Smart Pickup is the latest in a series of UPS's Decision Green efforts and is designed for customers who want the convenience of a scheduled pickup but who may not ship a package every day. The service uses UPS technology to ensure that a UPS driver stops at a customer location to pick up a package only when a package is, in fact, being shipped.

This new service is expected to eliminate 8 million miles from the total driven by UPS each year in the United States and will save an estimated 793,000 gallons of fuel and 7,800 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions.

"Before UPS Smart Pickup, UPS would often arrive at a customer's location only to discover that the customer had no packages for pickup that day," said Chief Information Officer David Barnes. "For the first time, a UPS service integrates the company's operational and customer-facing technology to eliminate unnecessary stops. UPS Smart Pickup is particularly compelling for customers who are interested in cost-effective ways to make environmentally responsible choices, while at the same time helping UPS reduce miles and lessen our carbon footprint."

For customers, the entire process is convenient, automated and transparent. A customer uses a UPS shipping system, such as UPS WorldShip 2010, UPS CampusShip or UPS Internet Shipping, to process a package prior to a predetermined cut-off time. That shipping system then communicates with internal operations systems at UPS to notify drivers via their wireless, handheld computers that a pickup is required. The result is that a pickup is only scheduled when a customer processes a package in a UPS shipping system.

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., announced the Nissan LEAF will be manufactured at its plant in Sunderland, UK.

Nissan also said that construction of its advanced lithium-ion battery plant, announced last year, will begin this April. The facility, which will be located at Sunderland, will have a production capacity of 60,000 units a year and will start manufacturing batteries in 2012 for both Nissan and its Alliance partner Renault.

"The world is at the dawn of a new era in automotive transport. Nissan LEAF, which will go on sale later this year, is a five-seater hatchback that offers the same space, practicality and performance of a similar car in its class - minus the tailpipe emissions," said Andy Palmer, Senior Vice President at Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Production of Nissan LEAF will begin in Oppama, Japan, later this year followed by Smyrna, Tennessee, in 2012. Sunderland will come on-line in early 2013 with an initial annual production capacity of about 50,000 units.

A consortium formed between the Victorian State Government and a group of leading companies including General Motors, Holden, Caltex, Veolia, Mitsui, and Coskata will investigate the viability of establishing Australia's first ethanol plant. The plant would be capable of turning materials (such as waste) into more than 200 million litres (1,729,697 barrel [U.S., dry]) of ethanol a year which would be blended into alternative fuel E85. 

"Our vision is that this technology will, in time, cut Australia's dependence on petrol by up to 30 percent and make a major contribution to sustainable motoring and greenhouse gas reduction," said Richard Marshall, Holden Energy and Environment Director.

Holden would introduce Australia's first locally produced flex-fuel vehicles capable of running on the high-ethanol fuel later this year.  In the United States, GM is the leading producer of flex-fuel vehicles with more than 3.5 million E85-capable GM cars on the road.  Holden's leadership in alternative fuels in Australia is part of GM's global sustainability and energy diversity strategy.

To ensure availability of the fuel for Holden's vehicles, Caltex Australia's General Manager Marketing Andy Walz said the company had signed an agreement with Holden that committed to installing pumps in 30 metropolitan and regional service stations later this year, increasing to 100 within 12 months.

The plant would produce ethanol using a process developed by leading U.S. biofuel company Coskata, Inc., which last year unveiled one of the world's few plants capable of producing ethanol from material such as agricultural and household waste.

Dresser Wayne recently announced their Ovation Eco Fuel model dispenser has been certified by the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) for use with ethanol blends up to E25. This approval comes as the market prepares for potential approval of E15 later this year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  Increasing the blend level to 15 percent ethanol would help fuel retailers meet state and federal Renewable Fuels Standards.

"We're now another step closer to rapidly offering E15 to Iowa motorists once this higher ethanol blend receives approval by U.S. EPA," said Lucy Norton, IRFA Managing Director.  "Having the proper infrastructure in place is key to giving motorists additional fuel choices that are more economically priced than gasoline." 

Iowa currently has regulations that allow for the dispensing of high blend ethanol, such as E30, E50, or E85, absent of equipment certification.  State-specific compliance measures for these higher blends enable Iowa retailers to offer these fuels today. 

Retailers interested in installing an E85 or biodiesel pump can receive a grant from the Iowa Department of Economic Development. Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production.  Iowa has 39 ethanol refineries capable of producing nearly 3.3 billion gallons annually. In addition, Iowa has 14 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce over 315 million gallons annually.

NAFA Members comprise seven of the final nine finalists for three important industry awards.   The awards will be presented on Sunday, April 25 at NAFA's 2010 Institute & Expo in Detroit. 

NAFA congratulates the following Members:

Professional Fleet Manager of the Year

• Theresa Belding, Senior Manager - Fleet Services, Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
• Louise Davis-Lopez, Fleet Manager, Johnson & Johnson

Fleet Executive of the Year

• Mike Lisi, AVP, Office Services Division at The Motorists Mutual Insurance Companies
• Fred Turco, Senior Director, Team Lead of Global Fleet at Pfizer

Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year

• John Alley, CAFM, Deputy Director, Fleet Services, City of San Diego, Calif.
• Larry Campbell, CPFP, Director of Fleet Management, City of Fort Wayne, Ind.
• Sharon Subadan, CAFM, CPFP, CPM, Fleet Director, Hillsborough County, Fla.

Call it green, call it sustainability, but being environmentally savvy is not a trend. It's an important business practice that's here to stay and NAFA is personally getting involved. 

We have taken several steps to be greener, especially during our Institute and Expo in Detroit.

• The Show Guide & Final Program will be printed on paper stock that complies with the highest social and environmental standards set forth by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
• Speaker handouts will be available on the website only and attendees will be encouraged to print out only what they absolutely must.  No handouts will be produced by NAFA.
• All paper provided at the Print Stations will be 100 percent recycled copy paper.
• Plastic name badges will be recycled at the 2010 I&E and will be reused for 2011.
• Bottled water will not be provided by NAFA, eliminating the use of more than 2,500 plastic bottles.

We are working with our various partners such as Marriott and Cobo Center to increase the number of green options and recycling opportunities.  Here is what they are doing:

The Cobo Center, the facility where our I&E will be held, is involved in "green" practices. Their lighting system was replaced with more energy efficient fixtures, paper recycling stations are located throughout the building, cardboard, cans, and plastic are also collected separately and picked up by a recycling company, and any waste not included above is incinerated by the Greater Detroit Resource Recovery Authority to create waste-derived fuel energy products. Air conditioning at Cobo Center is accomplished through the pumping of Detroit River water through "chillers" which then send the cool water to various air handlers that provide cooling to zoned areas of the building.

Marriott Hotels and Resorts have replaced light bulbs with energy-efficient bulbs, installed low-flow showerheads and toilets, introduced water/energy saving linen program, and as part of Marriott's portfolio of brands they involve their global workforce in eco-volunteerism.

Click here to read more about NAFA's green initiative and see how you can be involved.

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 220 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 over 35 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.

Thank you to the many sponsors who make I&E possible including:

Click here to view a complete list of 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. 

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.

The CAFM Boot Camp sessions review the concepts in the curriculum with which most candidates have difficulty, based on their test results. CAFM and CAFS program participants can use this opportunity to reinforce their existing expertise and obtain assistance for concepts that might be problematic. The Boot Camp program covers the certification program's eight disciplines with a focus on exam preparation. The program is held at NAFA's Annual Institute & Expo scheduled for April 24 - 27, 2010. Attendees enrolled in the CAFM or CAFS programs are encouraged to study in advance and test on Friday, April 23, and/or Wednesday, April 28.

NAFA's CAFM and CAFS Certification Programs

The CAFM program is divided into eight disciplines, covering the essential core competencies of fleet management. The eight disciplines are now grouped into two tiers. The lower-tier consists of Fleet Information Management, Maintenance Management, Professional Development, and Vehicle Fuel Management. The upper-tier consists of Asset Management, Business Management, Financial Management, and Risk Management.

Successfully testing in all eight disciplines while enrolled in the full CAFM program earns the Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM) designation. Successfully testing in all four disciplines of the lower-tier during a full CAFM program or lower-tier enrollment period earns the Certified Automotive Fleet Specialist (CAFS) designation. Those who have earned the CAFS designation and keep it active through recertification may subsequently enroll in the upper-tier and earn the CAFM designation by successfully testing in the remaining four disciplines during that enrollment period.

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 by Monday, April 5, 2010.

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 Monday, April 5, 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.

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.

Fleet Operations Specialist - St. Paul, MN

Service Advisor - Bethpage, NY

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 addresses 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.

April is busy with meetings!

April 9, 2010
Rocky Mountain Chapter - Meeting and Election
Location: Xcel Energy Technical Service Building, Denver, CO
Contact: Linda George, linda.george@ch2m.com 
  
April 13, 2010
Wisconsin Chapter Meeting
Location: ADAMM, Milwaukee, WI
Contact: Mary Daniel, 414-385-5212, F: 414-384-1950, mdaniel@sssf.org

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.

Easily access NAFA colleagues with our directory files. Same content information as found on the Networking Databases, just downloadable! Print these files for use when you are traveling or save them to your computer for times when you'll be without Internet access.

Information for these directory files was gathered from NAFA's membership database on Jan. 31, 2009. New members or record changes after this date may not be reflected in the files found here. Alumni, as well as Distinguished Service Award recipients and Honorary Members, are found within the Directory of Members.

e-Communities offers members the chance to reach colleagues and share ideas when they need to -- anytime, anywhere! These virtual neighborhoods allow members to easily e-mail others within that community with specific fleet questions. As a subscriber to e-Communities, you can:

• View real-time activity between other subscribed members within the group(s) you subscribe to.
• Share your knowledge and assist a fellow member in need, access lists of subscribers for each group, and access a history of inquiries posted to e-Communities.
• Some of the topics include alternative fuels, disaster relief, fleet maintenance, global fleet, law enforcement, and many more! Come be a part of NAFA's community!

To visit e-Communities, please click here.

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.

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.