The Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association (AFLA) was founded in 1969 and has grown into a dynamic organization that promotes growth, expansion, and professionalism within the commercial fleet management industry.

Today, AFLA includes more than 300 member companies representing all segments of the industry, including fleet managers, manufacturers, dealers, remarketers, leasing companies, maintenance providers, safety specialists, upfitters, and other suppliers.

AFLA supports the industry through education, networking, research, technical standards, advocacy, and the advancement of member interests.

How AFLA Got Its Start

In 1969, the fleet industry was highly fragmented, with no central forum for buyers and sellers to exchange reliable information or education.

That changed in Toronto, when Edward J. Bobit brought together a group of fleet professionals, including:

• M.C. (Bud) Morrison, Konner Chevrolet – President

• Don Fenton, Tom Edwards Chevrolet – Executive Vice President

• Jack Rosenbaum, Park Circle Chevrolet – First Vice President

• E. Woody Woodard, Al Piemonte Ford – Second Vice President

• Mark Rosenstock, Dale Oldsmobile – Third Vice President

• Ed Bobit, Automotive Fleet – Executive Secretary-Treasurer

Following those initial discussions, Bobit worked with an attorney to establish bylaws. Later that year, a group of 12 industry leaders met at the New York Sheraton, elected Morrison as president, and formally launched AFLA.

AFLA was born.

AFLA’s Role in the Industry

Since its founding, AFLA has played a key role in bringing structure and collaboration to the fleet industry.

The organization continues to:

• Provide education and research

• Establish technical standards

• Represent member interests

• Deliver programs that advance professional development

• Create opportunities for networking and industry collaboration

AFLA works with member companies to address key issues facing the commercial fleet industry and improve the environment in which products and services are bought and sold.

AFLA Through the Decades

1969–1979

AFLA launched its first conferences and quickly established itself as a central meeting place for fleet professionals.

Highlights include:

• Annual conferences beginning in 1969

• Growing attendance, including more than 250 professionals at the 1978 meeting in Houston

• Industry challenges, such as the 1979 gasoline shortage

1980–1989

The organization continued to grow in scale and influence.

Highlights include:

• Increasing conference attendance, including 415 attendees in 1986

• Expanded participation across companies and sectors

• Recognition of industry pioneers, including the passing of Sam Lee in 1985

1990–1999

AFLA expanded its reach and continued to evolve with the industry.

Highlights include:

• Ongoing conferences and fleet dealer recognition programs

• Strong attendance, including more than 300 professionals at the 1998 Seattle conference

2000–2009

The organization adapted to a changing industry and new technologies.

Highlights include:

• Focus on technology and innovation at the 2000 conference

• Cancellation of the 2001 fall meeting due to 9/11

• Transition from two annual meetings to one in 2002

• Continued strong attendance and industry engagement

AFLA Leadership & Recognition

Fleet Hall of Fame

Presented by Automotive Fleet and sponsored exclusively by AFLA, the Fleet Hall of Fame recognizes industry leaders who have made significant contributions to fleet management.

Key details:

• Launched in 2008 with 20 founding honorees

• Additional inductees selected annually

• Honorees must have at least 10 years of experience and significant industry impact

• Inductees are announced at the AFLA annual conference

Time Capsule Interviews

AFLA’s history is captured through a series of interviews with past leaders and industry figures:

• Ed Bobit Time Capsule

  
  Ed Bobit, chairman of Bobit Business Media and one of AFLA’s founding members, reflects on the start of AFLA in 1969.

• Mark Conroy Time Capsule

  
  Helene Kamon interviews Mark Conroy about his experience and leadership with AFLA.

• Sue Miller Time Capsule

  
  An interview with Sue Miller, AFLA past president (1997-1998).

• Jim Rallo Time Capsule

  
  Jim Rallo discusses changes during his AFLA tenure, including the first website and the move from two meetings a year to one.

• Patsy Brownson Time Capsule

  
  Matt Betz interviews Patsy Brownson, AFLA past president (2005-2006).

• Helene Kamon Time Capsule

  
  Mark Conroy interviews Helene Kamon about her AFLA experience and leadership.