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Mike Antich

Former Editor and Associate Publisher

Mike Antich covered the fleet management and vehicle remarketing markets for over 20 years. Mike has written or edited over 5,000 articles on fleet management, manufacturer fleet activities, the fleet leasing industry, and vehicle remarketing during this period.

Mike was the editor and associate publisher for Automotive Fleet magazine.

Mike was also actively involved with a variety of fleet and remarketing industry associations and was a long-time member of the board of directors for the Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association (AFLA). He served as AFLA's president from 2008-2009 and was reelected AFLA president in 2021-2022. He was also the chairman of the AFLA Globalization Committee, where he was instrumental in creating the first-ever Global Fleet Networking Consortium comprised of five international fleet associations.

He was also a member of the board of directors and an officer for the International Automotive Remarketers Alliance (IARA). He was the Alliance's long-time secretary and chaired its public relations committee. In addition, he was the past chairman of the IARA certification task force, which developed the industry's first-ever certification program for vehicle remarketers.

In 2010, Mike was inducted into the Fleet Hall of Fame and inducted into the Global Fleet Hall of Fame in 2022. He also won the Industry Icon Award, presented by the IARA and NAAA.

Mike was an international speaker and has spoken at numerous industry conferences, client advisory councils, and fleet sales meetings.

He passed away on Dec. 19, 2025.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•March 31, 2009

NHTSA Proposal to Reduce Braking Distances Will Not Require Retrofitting Existing Units

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is proposing to amend its air brake standard to improve the stopping distance performance of commercial trucks. Based on current safety trend data and brake system technologies, NHTSA is proposing to reduce the required stopping distance for truck tractors by 20 to 30 percent. The proposed rule would cover all truck tractors equipped with air brakes. The proposed rule does not include single unit trucks, buses, or trailers.

Articles•by Mike Antich•March 24, 2009

EPA Names Idle Reduction Systems Eligible for Federal Excise Tax Exemptions

The worst mileage is 0 miles per gallon, which occurs when idling. Reducing unnecessary idling is the easiest way for a truck fleet to reduce fuel costs. Now you can get tax exemptions when acquiring idle reduction technologies.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•March 20, 2009

Resale Values Up, But Market Remains Fragile

Wholesale used-vehicle prices during fourth quarter 2008 were the worst on record. Since then, wholesale prices rose significantly in January through March. The improvement in pricing in 1Q 2009 reflects better-than-expected retail sales of used vehicles. Resale values for mid-size sedans are substantially higher than in 2008, as are prices for light-duty trucks and SUVs. However, consumer confidence and credit availability remain two wildcards to the market's ongoing vitality.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•March 17, 2009

Commercial Leases are Now Eligible Collateral to be Funded by TALF Program

The credit gridlock gripping the nation's economy has made it more difficult (and expensive) to fund fleet vehicles using asset-backed securities. Last February, the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Treasury launched a joint program called the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility (TALF) to improve credit conditions in the securitization markets. On March 3, the Federal Reserve expanded the definition of eligible collateral under TALF to include commercial leases. Here's how the program works.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•March 10, 2009

9 Mistakes to Avoid When Playing "Musical Cars"

Since the recession's start at the beginning of 2008, 4.4 million jobs have been lost due to corporate downsizings and layoffs. Many terminated employees were assigned company vehicles. In today's politically correct HR environment, the term "reverse expansion" is being used to describe the retrieval and reassignment of company-provided vehicles from terminated employees. A fleet manager suddenly thrust into a reverse expansion will find it very easy to make mistakes.

Articles•Cover Story•by Mike Antich•March 3, 2009

Fleet Car Maintenance Costs Increase 5% in 2008

Replacement tire costs rose 5 percent and labor rates increased 3-4 percent in 2008-CY. Although extended OEM warranties protect powertrains against catastrophic failures, expanded maintenance requirements may increase cost.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•March 2, 2009

Before You Call the Police, Think of the Impact on Resale Value

Massive layoffs are occurring throughout the economy, and many companies find that terminated employees are not returning their assigned company vehicles. Sometimes, the company-provided vehicle is held "hostage" until the employer meets a grievance by the terminated employee. Unfortunately, many HR and legal departments take the "easy way" and are too quick to involve the police to expedite resolution.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•February 23, 2009

Obama’s Stimulus Package Offers Funds for Fleet

On Feb. 17, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The $789 billion economic stimulus legislation is comprised of $507 billion in spending programs and $282 billion in tax relief. The legislation includes significant new funding for fleets, such as $300 million for diesel emission retrofit grants; $300 million to establish a grant program through the DOE's Clean Cities Program; and $300 million for acquisition of energy-efficient vehicles by the federal fleet

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•February 17, 2009

NHTSA Crash Standards to Change in 2011-MY

NHTSA's testing and safety criteria for front- and side-impact crashes and rollover resistance have not been substantially revised since the agency started crash testing new models 30 years ago. Recognizing that nine out of 10 vehicles routinely score either four or five stars, NHTSA wants to increase the standards for front- and side-impacts, along with more stringent rollover testing. NHTSA is poised to implement a revised five-star safety rating program starting with 2011 model-year vehicles.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•February 9, 2009

Fleet Car Maintenance Costs Increase 5% in 2008-CY

Overall fleet car maintenance costs rose 5 percent for the 2008-calendar year compared to 2007, primarily due to increased prices for replacement tires and higher labor rates. Partially mitigating these increases were flat PM expenses and increased vehicle quality, resulting in fewer warranty claims and vehicle recalls. These findings are based on a survey of actual maintenance expenses of 70,374 passenger cars conducted by GE Capital Solutions Fleet Services.