Executive Summary
Mace Hartley Executive Director
With less than 3 weeks to go until the 2021 Australasian Fleet Conference & Exhibition it ’ s time to get excited . Our 2021 gathering is set to be another amazing opportunity for fleet managers , automotive experts and the broader industry to improve their knowledge and to connect with other like-minded professionals .
At this year ’ s event , we look forward to providing a dedicated space to more than 40 exhibitors , hearing from more than 35 speakers , and hosting more than 20 educational sessions . Plus we ’ ll recognise our industry champions of 2020 at the 2021 Fleet Awards on Thursday May 20 . It ’ s all made possible thanks to the incredible support of our Event Partners Toyota Motor Corporation Australia and Toyota Fleet Management Australia , alongside our plethora of sponsors .
After the struggles of 2020 , we are keen to connect in-person with delegates from right across Australia and even New Zealand - a feat that seemed impossible just months ago . Please join us across the 2 days as we look to connect the right people with the best industry knowledge . With all tickets refundable in 2021 due to unforeseen COVID-19 issues * - you and your team can book with confidence !
In 2021 there are many issues for fleet managers to contend with , as the world tries to rebound from COVID-19 . There are ongoing issues with vehicle delays , keeping vehicles clean and sanitised and of course trying to do more with less resources than you might have had before . It might be a long road ahead , but if we continue work together as an industry we can solve a lot of these problems together .
Recent automotive news in Australia has also been dominated around the issues of electric vehicles ( EVs ) and the move towards other zeroemissions technology such as hydrogen . Long known as a “ laggard ” Australia ’ s reluctance to kick-start let alone fast track its transition is now creating major headaches . Manufacturers are delaying new electric vehicles from arriving here , certain states are planning road taxes for EV and hybrid drivers , and there is differing opinions from the government and the opposition on the merits of EV incentives .
May will see AfMA launch our Vehicle Safety courses designed for drivers of any passenger , SUV or light commercial vehicles . AfMA has worked with the Department of Transport Victoria over the last twelve months to develop these courses to help drivers better understand ANCAP ’ s safety ratings and vehicle safety features . Stay tuned for more information and contact us if you ’ d like to provide this additional benefit to your drivers .
In this issue of FleetDrive we explore those issues further , as well as provide a platform for our manufacturers and suppliers to share their EV and zero-emissions visions with our fleet members . You ’ ll learn what new products
2 ISSUE 28 APRIL 2021 / WWW . AFMA . ORG . AU