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12/01/06 Fleet News - Let’s have less ideology and more action on fleet issues
Sir – As the fleet industry embarks on a demanding 2006, it is time to stop procrastinating, seize the moment and take effective action. Upon reading the feature ‘2006: What’s in store for fleets’ (Fleet News, January 5), it seems that the industry is simply repeating the issues that have been on the agenda the past few years. The time has come to stop the continual replication of what we already know and focus on the practicalities of what we are going to do – less ideology, more action.
We have known for some time that the Corporate Manslaughter Bill and the threat of increased litigation has raised the profile of employers’ duty of care obligations. However, an all-encompassing and continual safety solution is yet to be recognised.
Although valid, the comments on fleet costs reiterated the fragmented approach that the industry takes to measuring expenditure. In 2006, the industry must join together from a truly holistic perspective and define a complete model of how costs are comprised and managed in order to illustrate the true cost of fleet.
Fundamentally, the industry has a great opportunity. Business performance improvement initiatives have been on the corporate agenda throughout 2005. By a process of elimination it is predicted that the spotlight will rest on fleet as the next area of focus. This presents a long overdue chance to elevate the role of fleet. The industry now has a voice to demonstrate how fleet should be regarded as a core component of the business function, rather than regarded as a mere running cost.
Best practice standards lie at the heart of every issue that will drive the industry in 2006. Establishing a framework that benchmarks fleet performance objectives will provide clearer guidance for fleet managers, deliver an improved understanding of the critical role of fleet from both sides of the boardroom door, increase profitability and help to dissipate business fears about issues such as safety.
IAN MCKENZIE
Group business development director, FMG Support
