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Automotive Fleet Magazine

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Oct 20-22, 2026 | MD

Driving Notes

Knowing about a vehicle is one thing; driving it is quite another. Getting behind the wheel gives yo...

Multiple Authors

3 contributors

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FleetTakes

FleetTakes is exactly that — a take on what fleets need to know when it comes to the latest in autom...

Chris Brown

Associate Publisher

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Insight Lane

Insight Lane delivers Colin Sutherland’s perspective from the intersection of leadership and innovat...

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Market Trends

Automotive Fleet's former editor, Mike Antich, shared his opinions and ideas on the overall commerci...

Mike Antich

Former Editor and Associate Publisher

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Remarketing Streams

Remarketing Streams reports on the flow of used vehicles moving through the consignor-auction-dealer...

Martin Romjue

Managing Editor

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Market Trends•by Mike Antich•July 13, 2010

Who Will Succeed You as Fleet Manager?

I asked a number of long-time fleet managers, who have the perspective of history, their thoughts about the future of the fleet manager position. In particular, I asked who they thought would succeed them when they retire or move on to other opportunities. A surprising number felt the future for in-house fleet managers is bleak. Others cited no "new blood" being infused into the ranks of the fleet management profession.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•June 29, 2010

Commercial Fleet Buying Intentions Remain Cautious for 2011-MY

Many companies continue to be uncertain as to whether the economic recovery is sustainable and are hesitant to recommence hiring. Most companies anticipate 2011-MY fleet orders will be comparable to 2010-MY ordering, but this is still below 2008-MY levels. Delayed 2011 introductions are prompting fleets to shift some of their orders from fall fleet buys to spring fleet orders. In an exclusive market survey, 300 major corporate fleets reveal their 2011-MY buying inclinations.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•June 15, 2010

The Great Debate: Model Year or Calendar Year?

In the "good old days," the overwhelming majority of new models would be "officially" introduced Oct. 1 of the preceding calendar-year. Little by little, this practice has migrated to the realm of nostalgia.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•June 4, 2010

U.S. Begins Deploying the Next Generation of GPS

Truck fleets were among the earliest adopters of GPS technology. GPS is used to reduce fuel spend by optimizing routing, increase driver accountability by deterring speeding and excessive idling, track hours of service and overtime, and prevent unauthorized usage of assets. A new generation of more powerful and sophisticated satellites are being deployed, which promise to take the GPS to the next level.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•May 27, 2010

Can Fleet Vehicles be Hacked?

A new study shows automotive software is as vulnerable to malicious hackers as the average PC. Most people don't realize a typical fleet vehicle contains 70-100 megabytes of binary code in 50-70 onboard microprocessors, and the amount of internal software code promises to grow in the future. The research paper demonstrated how a sophisticated hacker could wreak havoc on a vehicle by manipulating the in-vehicle computer network.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•May 10, 2010

The Cost of Operating a Fleet Will Increase

It will become more expensive to operate a fleet in the coming years. Vehicle acquisition costs will increase. Fuel prices, in all likelihood, will trend upward and maintenance costs will ratchet higher due to more companies adopting extended replacement schedules. In addition, vehicle-related taxes will increase. Let's examine the dynamics that will force fleet expenses to escalate.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•May 3, 2010

To Maximize Fleet Efficiency, Incentivize Your Fleet Manager

Most major corporations reserve bonuses and other money incentives for senior management. Few make financial incentives available to middle management. Should the fleet manager position be an exception? I argue yes, and here's why.

In Memoriam: Coach's Insights•by Ed Bobit•April 30, 2010

NAFA’S ‘New Look’ Good, But Needs More to Win!

The expressions related by NAFA members to me and to our editorial and marketing staff have been encouraging with the introduction of new innovations these past few years. Members are reluctant to be quoted or to put their opinions on paper or to e-mail them to anyone, but we keep track.

In Memoriam: Coach's Insights•by Ed Bobit•April 16, 2010

Mobile High-Tech: Driver Convenience or Corporate Liability?

With so many new devices being integrated into cars, companies now need strict policies. The need to strike a balance between productivity and entrustment has never been more evident.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•April 12, 2010

The Danger of Using Car GPS by Fleet Truck Drivers

Increasingly, drivers are relying on personal GPS devices for route directions; however, this can be potentially dangerous and expensive for truck fleets. A car GPS device maps out the quickest and shortest routes, but doesn't identify truck-restricted routes or roads with weight, height, and hazardous cargo restrictions.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•April 5, 2010

5 Avoidable Mistakes in Managing Personal Use

Personal use administration is a headache for most fleet managers. Oftentimes, this headache is self-induced and avoidable. Here are five common mistakes committed by fleets in administrating a personal use program.

Market Trends•by Mike Antich•March 30, 2010

SEC Inching Closer to Mandated Carbon Disclosure

A growing number of investors, state officials, and environmental groups are lobbying the U.S. Congress to mandate climate change disclosures in Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings. A recent SEC interpretive release caught the attention of the corporate fleet community, especially in the wake of a record number of global warming resolutions filed with 58 U.S. companies during the 2009 proxy season. Will fleet managers have to deal with carbon disclosure in the not-too-distant future

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