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LATE & BREAKING NEWS
NAFA BEGINS MEMBERSHIP PUSH:
The National Association of Fleet Administrators has kicked off its 2008 membership drive, hoping to top last year's total of 60 new members. Those participating in the drive earn NAFA dollars for each new member that signs up and up to five participants will win free registration to the 2009 Institute & Expo in New Orleans, April 25-28, 2009.
FleetOwner.com, June 30, 2008
SLUMPING SALES CLOUD BIG 3'S PROSPECTS:
This was supposed to be the year Detroit's automakers started to turn things around ... but the industry's 18.3 percent sales decline in June, with steep drops for the Big Three, capped six months of bad news. With little prospect for relief in sight, the future of Detroit's automakers has never been murkier.
The Detroit News, July 2, 2008
Videos & Voices of Significance This Week
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This Week: Gayle Pratt |
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Gayle Pratt
President
NAFA
gayle.pratt@ecolab.com
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Gayle Pratt serves a second term as president of NAFA Fleet Management Association and is also Chair of NAFA’s Institute and Expo Steering Committee. She previously served two terms as senior vice president of NAFA. Pratt is currently the Global Fleet Director with Ecolab Inc. in Minnesota. A NAFA member since 1991, her fleet career spans more than 28 years in the private and public sectors.
You have been very visible and instrumental in moving NAFA along. How would you assess the past year and what do you see ahead for NAFA in 2008 and 2009?
This has been an interesting and really progressive year. Some of the things we outlined last year was to look at our membership and harmonize the way we do business, the way we speak about NAFA and our members and affiliates and I think that is what we have accomplished this past year; really bringing that unity back together, not looking at different segments of the industry but actually showing how much we have in common. We feel really good about those accomplishments. I think the bigger issue is how we are working with our education group. One of our strategic initiatives all along has been getting the CAFM program to the level of college credit. It is a huge success and we are really pleased about that.
What do you see ahead for 2008 or 2009 for the rest of your administration?
We did quite a bit in the way of rebranding. We are revising our website to make it more user-friendly, including training and streaming video. We are revising our Fleet Executive magazine. Part of our goal was to bring about fleet solutions for fleet professionals and our new magazine, Fleet Solutions, is going to do just that. We've got several things we are working toward; working with the NAFA Foundation and launching Masters’ Seminars for international and global fleet management. There is a lot on the agenda; great initiatives.
I think what sums up our biggest initiative is our partnership and alliance with Ferris State University. For us, having our CAFM program be the cornerstone for fleet management at the university, of which they can go on and get a Bachelor's Degree in Heavy Equipment Management or Business, is a huge accomplishment.
Your participation in NAFA, particularly in the last year or so, has certainly expanded your responsibilities at EcoLab. How does your management look at what you are doing?
That's a great question. EcoLab is such a growth company. There is not a lot of extra time during the day so when I talked with my senior management, I asked them, could I participate? I mean, the nomination process is one thing, but once you take that step, you really do have to commit. It is not only nights and weekends, but I asked, can I attend the certain board meetings? Can I be a speaker on behalf of NAFA and initiatives? Can I get to Washington to do specific things? They have been very supportive.
How would you contrast your management experience from the State of Michigan to a company based in Minneapolis?
The State of Michigan, at the time I was there, had about twelve or thirteen thousand vehicles. It seemed like it was simple in the sense that there was less regulation, you could easily get your hands on the vehicles. In contrast with EcoLab, I am with the global fleet. I'll focus on the North American fleet which is about 7,500 vehicles. It is pretty diverse in the sense that we are in almost every state. Then, on a global perspective, we do try to influence all of the buying decisions from EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) as well as Latin America and Asia Pacific, so it is much more diverse in that sense. The way I look at it is that it is two very different fleets and I was privileged to get the opportunity to work with both.
You represent what most of us like to think of as the new fleet manager or at least the one for the 21st century. How has your MBA helped you?
I think having an MBA helps me look at a bigger, broader picture. We are always expanding. To plan ahead for the business units so they can keep focusing on their core business, the MBA helps me a lot in that area. I can bring to the table a good strategy. I can already have thought through what the financial impact is going to be. I can use the experience from a different division or different company. Bringing all those pieces together has helped to expedite getting us to market in certain countries as well as making good sound business decisions so that our other people can focus on their core jobs.
You are a role model not only because you are a female executive, but because of the things that you have accomplished. What sort of advice would you give to those people coming up?
I definitely think having fleet management and having it in a curriculum and college setting is the right way to go. I wish they had something like that when I was going through college. I did my Bachelor's Degree in General Business and then of course I think almost all of us as fleet managers, weaved our way through different segments, whether it was from the technical side or the business or the financial side. We all somehow got fleet involved. If I had had the opportunity to really dig into some of these core competencies up front, I think I would have landed here a lot quicker.
If I were to communicate to students, I would say this is probably the most dynamic business environment you are going to get your chance to work with. Every year new cars come out, OEMs are different, and the business dynamics change. When you look at running a fleet operation, every aspect of that operational or financial side is going to change every year. You will never become bored. You will always have a career path because there are so many kinds of companies and businesses from city, state and all the variety we see here at NAFA as members. This is the place to be. It is dynamic.
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| SIGNIFICANT NEWS |
News digested 06/23/2008 -- 06/27/2008 |
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Industry Conferences Coming Up |
PAACE Automechanika Mexico
Mexico City, Mexico, July 9 - July 11, 2008
General Motors Minority Association
LaJolla, CA, July 9 - July 12, 2008
GIADA 53 Annual Convention
Ponta Vedra Beach, FL, July 13 - July 16, 2008
Visit Calendar of Industry Events for More Information on These Events
http://www.automotivedigest.com/calendar.asp?mod=calendar
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Press Releases Worthy of Read |
This Week's FEATURED Industry Press Releases
Click here for more Industry Press Releases!
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People Going Places |
| WHO: | Trevor Warner |  |
| WHERE: | ADESA Colorado Springs |
| WHAT: | ADESA recently promoted Trevor Warner to Auction Manager of ADESA Colorado Springs. Warner has served in various roles during his time at ADESA Colorado Springs, including body shop supervisor, factory manager and, most recently, as the auction’s operations manager. Prior to joining ADESA, Warner served in management roles at Manheim's Newburgh Auto Auction in Newburgh, NY, and Manheim's Baltimore-Washington Auto Exchange. |
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What Industry Leaders are Saying |
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Wheels Has Most ASE Certifications in Fleet Industry:
- "Achieving and maintaining the World Class designation is extremely challenging and requires ongoing individual commitment at the highest level. Wheels is very proud of the dedication demonstrated by Jason Hajek and Bill Hart in order to reach the World Class level. The ASE certification program provides specific, accurate industry-recognized validation of their top-level abilities and expertise." -- Jeff Whiteside, Director of Maintenance and Collision Repair, Wheels Inc.
Sourced From: Wheels, Inc. Press Release, June 23, 2008
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Elite Wheels Vehicle Reviews |
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Stylish Altima Coupe is Fun to Drive!
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1) Wheels Has Most ASE Certifications in Fleet Industry |
Situation
- Wheels, Inc's MAP technicians Jason Hajek and Bill Hart were recognized as World Class
- Recognition came from National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
- Wheels now has 4 world-class MAP technicians, more than any other fleet management company
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Significant Points
- ASE certification is accepted standard to gauge a technician's knowledge and skills
- ASE certification needs to be renewed every 5 years
- There are over 400K ASE certified professionals, but only 271 of them are considered world-class
- Wheels' other world-class technicians are Joe Jarosz and Bob Clark
Read Quotes
Click Here for Full Digest and Source Article:
Sourced From: Wheels, Inc. Press Release, June 23, 2008
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2) California Offers Plan to Reduce Emissions; Critics Say It's Too Costly |
Situation
- California unveils plan to fight global warming, reduce emissions
- Aims to reduce pollutants by 10% from current levels by 2020
- Also has goal of driving investments in energy technologies
- Other parts of country, even world, may follow lead
- Governor Schwarzenegger supports plan
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Significant Points
- Plan calls for cap-and-trade program on CO2 emissions
- Buildings, appliances would be required to use less energy
- Oil companies make cleaner fuels; utilities use more renewable energy
- Also more hybrids, hydrogen-fuel vehicles
- Critics say plan is costly, may drive out manufacturing; some prefer more nuclear
- Officials say overall benefits should help state's economy by 1%
Read Quotes
Click Here for Full Digest and Source Article:
Sourced From: Reuters.com, June 26, 2008
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3) Condition-based Maintenance Possible with Predictive Sensor Data |
Situation
- Growing diagnostic data can be used to predict when failures are imminent
- Developers correlate sensor data w/ real-world wear patterns and failure modes
- Could alert owners and operators when breakdowns are expected
- 1st use likely for emissions systems
- Condition-based maintenance requires years of detailed data to avoid false warnings
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Significant Points
- Prognostics would be useful for reducing downtime
- Accurate data could also help avoid bringing in units except when necessary
- Military efforts focused 1st on batteries, brakes, bearings, belts, and tracks
Click Here for Full Digest and Source Article:
Sourced From: SAE.org., June 23, 2008
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4) Body Shop Employee Helps Police in Fatal Hit-and-Run Case |
Situation
- Tip from body-shop employee helps Lexington, KY, police
- Led to suspect in fatal hit-and-run case
- 18-year-old female college student was hit crossing downtown street
- Suspect hid out for days before bringing truck to body shop
- Media accounts say driver chose shop because of friends there
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Significant Points
- Employee noticed traces of body tissue on truck
- Some media accounts said driver told them he "did something bad"
- Victim's family grateful for tip but upset at Kentucky law
- Leaving scene of accident only misdemeanor at time
- Outrage over death prompted KY to pass "Connie's Law" to up penalty to felony
- Family claims driver was probably drunk but couldn't be charged w/ manslaughter
Read Quotes
Click Here for Full Digest and Source Article:
Sourced From: Auto Body Repair News, June 23, 2008
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5) Overcoming Technician Fears of Servicing Hybrid Vehicles |
Situation
- Lack of quality hybrid training classes nationwide, technician apathy have resulted in misconceptions, myths surrounding technology, says training organization
- Craig Van Batenburg, owner of Automotive Career Development Center in Worcester, MA, outlined biggest myths surrounding hybrid vehicles
- Technicians worried about electrocution, which won't happen as long as ignition switch shut off properly
- Hybrid vehicles do present safety challenges, orange-sheathed cables carry enough voltage to be considered lethal
- Another myth is that hybrid vehicle starts by itself; some techs aren't aware of Idle-Stop feature, fuel-saving software that shuts off internal combustion engine
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Significant Points
- Technicians also worried that hybrids too complicated to work on, but also true of non-hybrid; technicians must keep up with training
- Hybrids can be intimidating at first - but w/ 17 models on market today & 1M on US roads, hybrids cannot be ignored by independent service dealers
- According to JD Power, approximately 345K hybrid vehicles sold in 2007, up from 256K in 2006
- JD Power attributes sales increase to high gas prices, along w/ automakers lowering price premium, sales incentives for hybrid models
- As hybrid vehicle registrations increase, so does opportunity for aftermarket to service them
Click Here for Full Digest and Source Article:
Sourced From: Auto Body Repair News, June 23, 2008
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6) Hard Times for Detroit Automakers but They Can Survive |
Situation
- High oil prices killing demand for light truck products of Detroit automakers
- Weak dollar making problem worse
- Even Toyota caught off guard opening V8 pickup plant in San Antonio
- GM, Chrysler and Ford all likely to need infusion of cash despite drastic restructuring
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Significant Points
- Big 3 better off now than 2005, 1991, 1979 or 1974 to handle current economic downturn
- Were more heavily encumbered by costly, inflexible labor agreements in 2005 than today
- Product mix includes more cars and crossovers today than 2005
Read Background
Click Here for Full Digest and Source Article:
Sourced From: Detroit News, June 27, 2008
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7) New Transmission Flush Unit Gets It All in 10-minutes or Less |
Situation
- Wynn's recently introduced its new TranServe(R) III Automatic Transmission Service Machine
- Portable unit operates off vehicle battery
- Traditional systems can leave up to 75% of contaminated fluid in the system
- Leave fluid from the torque converter, transmission coolers or lines
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Significant Points
- TranServe III connects to transmission through cooler lines so most of old, contaminated fluid is removed
- Flushes transmission, torque converter, transmission cooler and cooler lines; refills them in 10 min or less
- Automatically adds same amount of fluid as removed
- Use of unit provides free 210K miles or 8 model years warranty coverage
Click Here for Full Digest and Source Article:
Sourced From: Hot Auto Products.com, June19, 2008
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8) Gasoline Demand at Lowest Level Since 1991 |
Situation
- US gasoline demand down 1.4% in May vs. year prior levels, according to API statistical report
- Decline in apparent consumption dragged gasoline demand down 1% for 1st 5 months of year - 1st time since 1991
- Gasoline demand weakened by higher prices, but diesel demand more resilient as fuel needed by highway freight transportation
- US oil deliveries from Jan through May averaged 20.6M bpd, 2.5% below 1st 5 months of 2007
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Significant Points
- May deliveries of distillate fuel rose 5.5% from 2007 levels to record 4.3M bpd because of increase in low-sulfur diesel demand
- API reported record amount of ultra-low sulfur diesel production in May at more than 3.2M bpd, surging nearly 14% from year ago
- Crude oil down 11M bbl from April's levels, leaving supply nearly 40.0M bbl below May 2007 - lowest level for month of May since 2004
- Jet fuel demand rose 5.1% in May vs. year ago - highest level since Aug 2007, 1st year-to-year increase in 7 months
Click Here for Full Digest and Source Article:
Sourced From: DTN Oilspot, June 19, 2008
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FLD's Andy Mahoney and Brent Huisman on the state of fleet vehicle remarketing.
