News Articles

Conference Wrap-Up And New Venue Announced

9th Apr 13

Conference Closes with Open Minds and a New Venue for 2014

With over 200 delegates across the two days of keynote presentations and specialised sessions, the National Fleet Conference has once again confirmed its place as the pinnacle fleet profession event for the region. With delegates from as far away as Hong Kong and South Africa, and organisations from every sector it was the place to be for those working towards best practice in fleet strategy, safety and sustainability.

As reported in Government News, the Conference opened with an agenda-setting presentation by Peter Ellyard, prominent futurist, who energised the room with his passion for the fleet manager’s potential to use their procurement power to affect change to the transport sector and automotive industry.

“The changes are not as bold or imaginative as they could be. But [fleet managers] could actually press them to be bolder and more imaginative and more creative. Create the vehicles that you would like to see on the roads of Australia in terms of their design characteristics and capabilities.”
Peter Ellyard, AfMA National Fleet Conference, 19/03/13

The second day also opened with a strong keynote that featured a presentation by Melanie Gordon from BHP Billiton detailing the research and policy outcomes carried out when re-examining their light vehicle fleet. This was a favourite amongst delegates who appreciated the strong connection between policy, implementation and outcomes.

A little of the limelight was stolen by the announcement of change of venues and date for the 2014 event. Delegates were encouraged to set aside the 1st and 2nd of April, as well as note the move to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The move is being made to allow greater flexibility in programming as well as space to grow the Exhibition trade show that features alongside the main event and continues to be a favourite for suppliers and fleet managers alike.

The rest of the program wasn’t to be overshadowed with specialised sessions on legislative requirements, grey fleet, professional development, big data and change management. The final session of the day presented a fleet manager panel that gave perspective on the issues raised throughout the Conference as well as the big issues they’ll be facing when they get back to their office. These sessions are the most valued by delegates who appreciate the immersion in the topics that are developed by managers just like themselves.

Tim Roberts, Acting Executive Director, said of the event, “I'm exceptionally pleased with the outcome, the 2013 conference delivered a balance of forward thinking perspectives and operational experience.”

Other Highlights

John Mellor is an industry analyst and owner of GoAuto News. John presented his view on the development of differing engine drive systems (ICE, hybrid and all electric drive trains). In his view despite the development of the new drive technologies the old internal combustion engine still had a lot of life in it and he expected it to be around for some considerable time yet.
Mark Jackman, representing Bosch, gave an overview of existing and new advanced in-vehicle passive and active safety technology and systems. Mark expressed the view that much of the current technology currently only available in the luxury vehicles will quickly be introduced to most vehicles in the near future.
Lauchlan McIntosh chairman of ANCAP outlined ANCAP’s vision for the future and the UN Decade of Road Safety. He explained the intended inclusion of active and passive safety systems that will be required before a vehicle can achieve the five star rating, the highest safety rating available.

2013 Conference Quick Facts

Over 2 days: Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th March, 2013.
Level 8 of the Grand Hyatt Melbourne (123 Collins St).
15 sessions over 2 days included a keynote session to start each day, specialised sessions and less formal discussion groups divided by sector.
It is the only event of its kind in Australasia and the only time hundreds of fleet professionals are gathered in the same place to learn and network.
Delegates come from across Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Malaysia and South Africa.
Speakers include high level strategic thinkers and industry commentators as well as experienced fleet managers that represent best practice in the profession.
27 exhibitors and 15 sponsors will offer delegates a wide range of products and services.
It was supported by the Conference Event Partner, Nissan Fleet.

The 2014 Australasian Fleet Conference will be held on the 1st and 2nd of April, 2014 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and will once again feature a full and comprehensive program across both days.

AfMA In The News

25th Mar 13

From time to time AfMA takes the opportunity to be the voice of fleet in the region. This time around Ken Thompson, Research and Communications Director, was asked about the effect of technology and big data on fleet management. For other articles that mention AfMA click here.

21/03/13 Australian Financial Review

Technology drives change in fleet management

Technology drives change in most industries and developments in fleet management mean fleet managers are turning to new providers for stand-alone solutions while traditional service providers are moving to smartphone apps and better interfaces.

21/03/13 Australian Financial Review

Data mining extracts maximum efficiency

More than ever, fleet managers need to accurately determine the value of vehicles that are to be sold in the used car market and plan ahead for maintenance and poor driver behaviour. It’s little wonder that many are now using predictive analytics and other high-end software tools to turn their data into knowledge.

FleetDrive: Ops & Finance Edition

25th Feb 13

Fleet Drive Issue 1, 2013

Operations and Finance Edition

Featuring articles on fleet trends, telematics and software, heavy vehicles and leasing vs buying.

Download here.

The Australasian Fleet Management Association’s E-Newsletter, FleetDrive, is designed to inform and stimulate discussion whilst bringing the latest and developing issues impacting on the vehicle fleet industry to the attention of Members. It covers industry comments, trends and developments in Australia and around the world.

Standard Pricing for Conference Extended!

22nd Feb 13

If you register before the 1st March you’ll save yourself $200 off a 2-day registration! And if you know your approval can take a little time you can register today and pay later.

Not sure you can get approval? We’ve crunched some numbers for you to make it that little bit easier to have that conversation with your manager. Read more here.

NZ Vehicle Licensing Changes Fall Short

12th Feb 13

In October 2012 the Australasian Fleet Management Association provided a voice for Fleet Managers by making a submission on proposed changes to various Vehicle Licensing regulations. The New Zealand Ministry of Transport recently released details of the changes to that process. Changes that are welcome, but in many cases fall short of the recommendations AfMA made during the submission process.

Read full release here.

Buying Australian Made Vehicles

6th Feb 13

Do you have a "buy Australian" policy for vehicle procurement? If not, then we'd like to know what the most important barriers are preventing you from buying a locally manufactured vehicle.

Is it a lack of information? Do you know which cars are made in Australia? Or is it a question of price when comparing fit for purpose vehicles?

To have your say please head over to the discussion in the Fleet Communities and let us know.

New Conference Format Proves Popular

31st Jan 13

There's already been a huge number of people registered for the 2013 National Conference and Exhibition. Places for the different sessions are limited, so get in sooner rather than later to ensure a seat for the topics you want.

With a big focus on safety it's sure to provide you with information you can apply to save money for your fleet. For most even just a cost saving of $10 per vehicle means the ROI makes sense.

Can you afford not to be there?

Scholarship Applications Close Soon

25th Jan 13

We understand the pressures that Fleet Managers and their organisations come under, so we offer a number of scholarships to assist with the financing of studies in the Graduate Certificate Program.
Ten scholarships of $2,200 each will be provided by AfMA for students beginning the course in the 2013 Academic Year. Click here for the full Terms & Conditions.

Deadline for Semester 1, 2013 applications: 31st January, 2013

Deadline for Semester 2, 2013 applications: 31st July, 2013

For more information, contact the office.

Fleet Intention, Influence and Satisfaction Survey

23rd Jan 13

Fleet Intention, Influence & Satisfaction Survey Results for 2012 are now in. Members can access the report through the Member Resources section.

Highlights include:

Fleets increasing percentage of diesel vehicles
Safety features remain a priority
Challenge to fleet managers remains limited time and budget to deliver outcomes

Latest Issue of FleetDrive Available

11th Dec 12

Head to the Publications page to download.

AfMA Makes FBT Senate Inquiry Submission

21st Nov 12

In June the Australian Federal Senate Inquiry into effects of changes to FBT asked for comment. On the 12th November the Australasian Fleet Management Association delivered its comment following input from its Members. You can read it here.

AfMA Members Take Out Lumley Insurance Benchmark Award

31st Oct 12

Congratulations Jeremy Ball and the Department of Planning and Community Development for receiving the 2012 Lumley Insurance Benchmark Award for ‘Inspiring Excellence in Fleet Risk Management - Commercial Motor’ Great to see an AfMA Member being rewarded for their outstanding work!

"Lumley Insurance congratulates the Department of Planning and Community Development, as well as their insurance adviser, VMIA, for receiving the 2012 Lumley Insurance Benchmark Award for ‘Inspiring Excellence in Fleet Risk Management - Commercial Motor'. We would also like to acknowledge Aon for their ongoing support of the Risk Management program with Vic Fleet." - Lumley Insurance Press Release 26 October 2012, Sean Walsh, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications for Wesfarmers Insurance.

Earlybird Registrations Now Open!

17th Oct 12

You can save up to $100 just by registering before the 15th of December 2012. And if you're a Member you'll get further discounts, including a travel discount if you're outside of Victoria, Australia.

For more information head to the Conference home page.

Association Concerned Over EV Assumptions

2nd Oct 12

Recently the Association submitted comment on proposed changes to the Green Vehicle Guide website. Concerns were raised about the classification of electric vehicles and the lack of clarity surrounding emissions related to electricity production to power these vehicles.

The Association found that in most states in Australia there is no environmental benefit from using electric vehicles in place of similar sized vehicles powered by internal combustion engines. Furthermore, this information is not made readily available to those visiting the site, nor on the vehicle labelling itself.

Examples were given of vehicles powered by ICE in fact having lower emissions than a fully charged EV, particularly in states reliant on coal for power generation. The recommendation of the Association was that while the changes are a move in the right direction, the site does not go far enough in ensuring purchasers are well informed about the factors influencing the decision to buy an EV and it's environmental consequences.

Read the submission here.
Read the discussion paper on propsed changes here.

2013 National Conference and Exhibition

28th Sep 12

Information about the 2013 National Conference and Exhibition is available right now.

The Exhibition that runs alongside the National Conference will, for the first time ever, run over both days of the Conference. Read more...
We will once again offer a range of Sponsorship Opportunities aimed at getting your product or service part of the conversation at the Conference. Read more...

The Exhibition Booths and Sponsorship Opportunities do get snapped up pretty quickly, so don't delay. Contact the office now to book your spot.

AfMA Fleet Awards Announced

14th Sep 12

The Winners of the 2012 AfMA Fleet Awards Are:

Fleet Manager of the Year
Mark Stephens, UnitingCare Queensland

Fleet Safety Award
Coca Cola Amatil NZ Ltd (CCANZ), accepted by Catherine King

Fleet Environment Award
City of Sydney Council, accepted by Bob Smith

The Australasian Fleet Management Association congratulates the recipients on their deserved winning of their respective awards and their continuing commitment to fleet best practice.

The awards were presented Thursday evening, 13th September 2012 at the Annual Gala Dinner at Zinc Federation Square, Melbourne with over 100 guests in attendance. The Fleet Manager of the Year Award was supported by Nissan Fleet and Shell. The Fleet Safety Award was supported by O'Brien Glass and endorsed by ANCAP. The Fleet Environment Award was supported by Toyota Fleet and Toyota Fleet Management. For more information please contact the AfMA Office.

FLEETdrive Issue 3 - 2012

23rd Aug 12

Download Issue 3

In this edition:

Get serious on safety, says Bosch
Carbon tax misses motorists
Cutting the Cost of Fleet Maintenance
No more rego labels for NSW
The murky world of petrol pricing
Tyre technology keeps fleets rolling forward

Regular Features

Around the World
Association News
News & Views
Focus on New Zealand

AfMA on LinkedIn

19th Apr 12

Networking can be key to accessing information and resources. LinkedIn provides a great virtual space to do just that. If you'd like to follow the Association, just click on the link below:

Fleet Intention, Influence and Satisfaction Report

17th Mar 12

AfMA produces a range of publications specifically for its Members. The most recent is the Fleet Intention, Influence and Satisfaction Members Report

This important document is a weathervane for Fleet Managers' sentiment and can offer important information for future procurement decisions. Those who are financial Members of the Association can now access the latest report from the Member's Resources area at www.afma.net.au.