This story first appeared in the April issue of AutoTalk – CLICK HERE to download the magazine FREE
We’ve officially hit April and it’s both exciting and crazy to see how the 2019 year is already flying before our very eyes.
But before the months continue to float by it’s important for us all to take a breath, assess what our future goals are and to work on tangible ways to achieve those targets.
At the moment, the Australasian Fleet Management Association (AfMA) is working on a variety of strategies to enhance and grow the knowledge and professionalism of the fleet industry.
It’s our pleasure to share with you a brief update on what’s going on at a broader and local industry level in several key areas so far in 2019:
1. AfMA has participated in an industry stakeholder meeting for an Austroads project exploring the feasibility of integrating advance driver assistance systems (ADAS) into driver training. Most five-star vehicles include a range of ADAS technology and whilst their designed to increase safety and reduce accidents there are challenges with drivers understanding how the technology works. Meanwhile, most manufacturers have their own terminology to describe their ADAS features, thereby making comparisons and education even harder.
2. AfMA had the recent pleasure of participating at a fleet conference hosted by our Malaysian member Tenaga Nasional Berhad where 150 internal and external stakeholders listened to a range of speakers discussing technology and fleet management issues. The following day AfMA attended the launch of ASEAN NCAP’s new vehicle labelling programme. Australia (ANCAP) hasn’t managed to achieve a labelling programme yet but we are miles ahead when it comes to the safety technology required to qualify as a five-star vehicle.
3. Charge Together Fleets is a programme funded in partnership by Australian Renewable Energy Agency (Arena), Evenergi and NRMA facilitated by Electric Vehicle Council and Evenergi. The aim of the programme is to develop an online platform to assist fleet and sustainability managers transition to electric vehicles and future mobility models. The online platform will consist of three areas, a learning management system, fleet toolbox and communications centre. CTF is all about getting interested stakeholders involved, so don’t hesitate to contact our office to find out more.
You’ll be able to hear a more detailed update about all of these things and more at this year’s 2019 Fleet Conference & Exhibition on Melbourne on May 22-24.
The conference is about looking at the future and then dialling it back to “what and how does it affect me?”.
The conference is for all people involved in the broader operations of fleet management – not just fleet managers.
Sustainability officers, WH&S officers and procurement officers all have a role to play. Remember these important roles can attend the conference at heavily discounted prices.
This year is set to be our biggest conference with a larger contingent of delegates, speakers and suppliers coming.
The conference itself has been supersized and now includes an all-new Safety Field Day at Sandown International Raceway on May 22, sponsored by Pedders, followed by two days back at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on May 23 and 24.
The event’s Fleet Networking Dinner will also feature the annual Fleet Awards where we recognise an individual as Fleet Manager of the Year and award the Fleet Safety and Fleet Environment awards to leading organisations.
This is a chance to hear case studies from organisations and individuals which having a massive impact in fleet.
The time spent now, could really save you and your organisation a fortune in the future! As Australia pushes toward major automotive change, it’s our responsibility to stay informed and network with others from right across the industry.
AFMA is a member based, non-profit peak fleet industry body throughout Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia. Visit http://conference2019.afma.org.au/ for more information.