The Feds may call a pickup, some crossovers, and even vans "cars," but no matter the label, these vehicles take special knowledge to manage.
Work truck fleets run fewer miles than the typical car fleet, but companies hold these vehicles longer until they get into the costly area of maintenance, including preventive maintenance intervals. Every part of a work truck is driven harder. READ MORE
Tags: Pickup Trucks, Passenger Cars, Preventative Maintenance
Author: Ed Bobit | Posted @ Friday, June 13, 2014 12:00 AM | » Comments(2)
Memories can help, just like friendships, in how we recall what we've learned over the years.
Even though I have been critical (constructively so, I hope) in past years, after a good deal of thought, it occurs to me that NAFA needs strong continued support from the entire industry. READ MORE
Tags: NAFA, NAFA Institute & Expo, Fleet Events
Author: Ed Bobit | Posted @ Tuesday, May 20, 2014 12:00 AM | » Comments(1)
After the recent NAFA Fleet Management Association reorganization, some feel left with more questions than answers.
In late February, virtually every member of the NAFA office staff received a new or additional assignment and a new title to go with it. All to meet the goals of their "very aggressive strategic plans" (no specifics identified). READ MORE
Tags: NAFA, Leadership, Promotion, Fleet Associations, C-Suite
Author: Ed Bobit | Posted @ Tuesday, April 22, 2014 12:00 AM | » Comments(4)
Is the often-ignored, mid-size pickup truck segment on a rebound? OEMs are picking up the pace in this potentially red-hot segment.
Despite the compact truck market diving from 2 million sales to 250,000, there appears to be ample competition coming. Most believe the compact truck market is now expanding and will continue. READ MORE
Tags: GMC Canyon, Chevrolet Colorado, Mid-Size Pickups
Author: Ed Bobit | Posted @ Friday, February 21, 2014 12:00 AM | » Comments(0)
Weighing the importance of your various duties in complying with budget, keeping safety first, and still allowing time to grow in knowledge should head your 2014 list.
Make sure that you not only learn about resale values, but you should be getting a free (customary for dealers and fleets) lunch at your favorite auction. Maybe your FMC is taking it for you. READ MORE
Author: Ed Bobit | Posted @ Monday, December 16, 2013 12:00 AM | » Comments(0)
Education of the fleet manager is essential, and fully available. Transferring those values into the select execs in the commercial sector is the object. New strategic and creative process is vitally needed.
From my own experience, nothing gets an exec's attention more than a testimonial on a potential money-saving idea. And, why not make the benefit come back to the fleet manager? READ MORE
Tags: Fleet Management, Wheels Inc., Fleet Executives
Author: Ed Bobit | Posted @ Friday, November 8, 2013 12:00 AM | » Comments(0)
"Street smarts" and reliable research can help us bring better direction to improving the "respect" gap between the two factions. Plus, the unintended (good) results would mean key savings for the company.
Ever since the NAFA Fleet Management Association announced its Beyond Fleet (many hats) initiative about two years ago, I (and our entire staff) have been 100-percent supportive of the program. We've been working closely with NAFA to make the campaign as effective as possible. READ MORE
Tags: NAFA
Author: Ed Bobit | Posted @ Thursday, October 31, 2013 12:00 AM | » Comments(0)
The world has changed since we presented our first Green Fleet Conference six years ago. Today, fleet managers are looking for facts. That’s where we come in.
The world has changed since we presented our first Green Fleet Conference six years ago. Today, fleet managers are looking for facts. That’s where we come in. READ MORE
Tags: Green Fleet Conference
Author: Ed Bobit | Posted @ Tuesday, September 10, 2013 12:00 AM | » Comments(0)
I kept looking at the two-page promo for what we internally call our “F&I Show.” It’s successful and regularly draws nearly 1,000 dealer and dealer-related managers. Still, the ad bothered me. READ MORE
Tags: AFLA, Bobit Business Media, Industry Event
Author: Ed Bobit | Posted @ Thursday, August 1, 2013 12:00 AM | » Comments(0)
It’s not in any study book; you won’t earn a certificate to verify your status from any NAFA test. You may not even realize how you are finally recognized and honored to join that special group known as professional fleet managers.
It’s not in any study book; you won’t earn a certificate to verify your status from any NAFA test. You may not even realize how you are finally recognized and honored to join that special group known as professional fleet managers. READ MORE
Tags: Best Practices
Author: Ed Bobit | Posted @ Tuesday, July 2, 2013 12:00 AM | » Comments(0)
Everyone has a budget these days. Everyone has a CFO or boss of some kind who wants you to do more with less. You’re expected to defend your turf. Here’s how to become a star.
Everyone has a budget these days. Everyone has a CFO or boss of some kind who wants you to do more with less. You’re expected to defend your turf. Here’s how to become a star. READ MORE
Tags: Fleet Sales, Commercial Fleets
Author: Ed Bobit | Posted @ Tuesday, June 4, 2013 12:00 AM | » Comments(0)
Maybe “yes” if you believe the experts who say that up to 30 percent of a vehicle’s efficiency is impacted by driver behavior. Maybe “no” if you are not influencing your drivers.
Maybe “yes” if you believe the experts who say that up to 30 percent of a vehicle’s efficiency is impacted by driver behavior. Maybe “no” if you are not influencing your drivers. READ MORE
Tags: Drivers, Fuel Economy, Ed Bobit
Author: Ed Bobit | Posted @ Tuesday, May 7, 2013 12:00 AM | » Comments(0)
With no apologies to Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman who starred in the movie, I present my own (fantasy/real-life) wishes. They reflect reader feedback on associations serving fleets.
With no apologies to Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman who starred in the movie, I present my own (fantasy/real-life) wishes. They reflect reader feedback on associations serving fleets. READ MORE
Tags: AFLA, NAFA, AALA, Fleet Associations
Author: Ed Bobit | Posted @ Tuesday, April 2, 2013 12:00 AM | » Comments(0)
Factory leadership and training, thin profits vs. retail, and the sheer systemic “retail orientation” at all marketing levels makes “fleet” a near orphan.
Factory leadership and training, thin profits vs. retail, and the sheer systemic “retail orientation” at all marketing levels makes “fleet” a near orphan. READ MORE
Tags: dealerships, Fleet Maintenance, Fleet Dealers, out of stock purchases
Author: Ed Bobit | Posted @ Wednesday, February 27, 2013 12:00 AM | » Comments(1)
A number of firms have attempted to eliminate their entire fleet department in favor of outsourcing. There are sound reasons why these companies inevitably reinstall a fleet manager.
A number of firms have attempted to eliminate their entire fleet department in favor of outsourcing. There are sound reasons why these companies inevitably reinstall a fleet manager. READ MORE
Tags: Fleet Manager
Author: Ed Bobit | Posted @ Tuesday, February 5, 2013 12:00 AM | » Comments(0)
The old cliché of “the more things change, the more they remain the same” doesn’t fit anymore. The birth was of ingenuity and necessity. Today, it’s efficiency, economics, and increasingly high-tech. READ MORE
Tags: Fleet History
Author: Ed Bobit | Posted @ Friday, January 4, 2013 12:00 AM | » Comments(3)
Your test score depends heavily on whether you have set and implemented multi-faceted policies and strategies to reduce fuel costs. Today, it calls for a critical approach, ranging from vehicle selection to modifying driver behavior. READ MORE
Tags: Fuel Economy, Ed Bobit
Author: Ed Bobit | Posted @ Friday, December 21, 2012 12:00 AM | » Comments(3)
Your key corporate responsibility is your competency to view, analyze, evaluate, and report on industry forces that affect the fleet operation.
Your key corporate responsibility is your competency to view, analyze, evaluate, and report on industry forces that affect the fleet operation. READ MORE
Tags: Outsourcing, Best Practices
Author: Ed Bobit | Posted @ Wednesday, October 31, 2012 12:00 AM | » Comments(1)
My August AF editorial on the perplexing plight of “newbies” caused a stir in the industry. The varied responses present a positive outlook for help.
My August AF editorial on the perplexing plight of “newbies” caused a stir in the industry. The varied responses present a positive outlook for help. READ MORE
Tags: Best Practices, new fleet managers
Author: Ed Bobit | Posted @ Friday, October 5, 2012 12:00 AM | » Comments(2)
Will you be Chicken Little (“The sky is falling, the sky is falling”) or the clarion to management so you can prepare for the revolutionary change ahead?
Will you be Chicken Little (“The sky is falling, the sky is falling”) or the clarion to management so you can prepare for the revolutionary change ahead? READ MORE
Tags: Fuel Economy, CAFE Standards
Author: Ed Bobit | Posted @ Wednesday, September 5, 2012 12:00 AM | » Comments(0)
There has been a transition to turning to the fleet management companies (FMCs), and OEMs for direction, counseling, and technical and systems advice. New (and even the more experienced) managers in the company fleet function have new challenges and opportunities.
There has been a transition to turning to the fleet management companies (FMCs), and OEMs for direction, counseling, and technical and systems advice. New (and even the more experienced) managers in the company fleet function have new challenges and opportunities. READ MORE
Tags: Siemens, Ed Bobit, Sprint, ADP
Author: Ed Bobit | Posted @ Tuesday, August 7, 2012 12:00 AM | » Comments(6)
The annual spring ritual by many of the manufacturers who sell fleet vehicles in numbers presents a variety of rewarding experiences; if you are chosen.
The annual spring ritual by many of the manufacturers who sell fleet vehicles in numbers presents a variety of rewarding experiences; if you are chosen. READ MORE
Tags: Fleet Previews
Author: Ed Bobit | Posted @ Monday, July 9, 2012 12:00 AM | » Comments(3)