FleetDrive 27 - February 2021 | Page 2

Executive Summary

Mace Hartley Executive Director

Thanks for joining us again as we release our first edition of FleetDrive for 2021 . We use this magazine as a platform to share stories from all sectors of the fleet and automotive industries , engage with our corporate and supplier members and provide updates on our upcoming events and initiatives for 2021 .
2021 marks the anniversary of Australia and New Zealand ’ s first COVID cases as we globally embrace vaccines developed in record time . It ’ s expected we will see reductions in infections , severity of symptoms and deaths providing businesses the confidence needed to get back to normal . With our country boarders remaining closed for the foreseeable future , we continue to explore new ways to maintain connection with our international members and guests .
For us at AfMA , 2021 is a year of getting on with the job . When it is safe to do so we want to engage with our members and supporters in person as we host our regular events such as Professional Development Forums , Fleet Awards and of course the 2021 Australasian Fleet Conference & Exhibition scheduled for the 20th & 21st May in Melbourne .
On that note , this issue we shine a focus on all things NEW . What things will have the greatest impact on our industry in 2021 ? How can fleets embrace these changes and adapt to a fluid state of play ? And what new products , solutions and innovations are some our suppliers planning to launch ? There ’ s bound to be something you can implement to increase safety , reduce your carbon footprint and of course reduce operational costs .
This issue also review global ambitions for EV ’ s compared to the Australia . The release of the Federal Government ’ s discussion paper Future Fuel Strategy ( or lack there of !) has certainly got us all fired up that ’ s for sure . Plus we ’ ve got updates on our Fleet Awards , upcoming Professional Development Forums and as always our quirky stories from Around The World .
When it comes to learning and development please don ’ t forget Swinburne ’ s Diploma of Leadership and Management for 2021 – delivered entirely online and open to everyone . Whilst many of us continue to work from home , there ’ s never been a better time to take your career to the next level .
Normally valued at $ 7,500 , course fees are significantly reduced to $ 5,300 as part of AfMA ’ s long-term relationship with Swinburne University . The ability to translate your learnings into immediate financial savings make this a proven model to greatly improve your fleet operations and your own professional development . This year we ’ re proud to again offer 6 scholarships offering genuine financial support to those that need it most . Last week we held an online
2 ISSUE 27 FEBRUARY 2021 / WWW . AFMA . ORG . AU