May 17, 2011
THE GENERAL WELCOMES A NEW DIRECTOR OF FLEET

Bob McClelland has not been a stranger to corporate responsibilities and challenges during his career with General Motors. Now, he takes on the demanding job of heading up fleet and commercial sales in an increasingly competitive marketplace. In the aftermath of the global economic meltdown and its effects on the automotive business in particular, his work is cut out for him. Somehow though, you get the impression that McClelland is looking forward to both the demands and the satisfactions of the fleet job.

CAF: After graduating from Western University in 1988, you began your career with General Motors. Now, as GM’s newly appointed Director of Fleet and Commercial Sales, you’re starting a new and very demanding responsibility. Please tell CAF readers about the GM career path that brought you to fleet.

McCLELLAND: I began my career as a Product Distribution Specialist in London, Ontario. I then served in a variety of District Sales and Service Manager Positions until 1996, when I was appointed the Assistant Zone Manager-Service for Prairie Zone, based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In 1998, I moved to Calgary, Alberta and became the Assistant Zone Manager, Sales for Alberta Zone, and then returned to Prairie Zone in 2000 to become the Zone Manager.

In 2005, I moved back to Ontario and became the Field Operations Manager for Ontario Zone, and in 2008, the National Marketing Manager for Large and Luxury vehicles. In 2009, I was promoted to Director of Service Operations for General Motors of Canada. Eeffective December 1, 2010, I was appointed Director of Fleet and Commercial Sales.

CAF: The global economic disturbances of recent years added to some still uncertain consequences, have reinforced for all OEMs the core business value of fleet and commercial sales follow up maintenance and replacements. How will your fleet team in Oshawa, the regions, and fleet managers in dealerships across Canada now be structured to take full advantage of the next few years which many predict will create new and unprecedented fleet sales opportunities?

McCLELLAND: General Motors has a wealth of experience in the fleet business, and we continue to put a lot of resources in place to serve the needs of our fleet clients. We have a team of over 25 fleet and commercial experts here at the head office who support our fleet clients and actives. We also have another nine people spread across the country who are dedicated to fleet sales and service support.

Of course our broad dealer network is an integral part of our extended fleet team, and they are very well positioned to cater to sales and service needs of our fleet clientele.

Our long standing fleet relationships, have given us a lot of insight into the best way to serve our customers, so we believe we are well positioned to capitalize on the opportunity you mentioned. Of course, we know we have to be competitive and we will be. We also know that our products and total package will be very well positioned as fleet managers expand the criteria they use to make purchasing decisions, like placing real value on things like longer warranties, customer service, technology, and other support.

CAF: General Motors offers a variety of new and enhanced technologies that can help fleets even more effectively, efficiently and economically manage their vehicles. Which of these are your customers inquiring most about?

McCLELLAND: There is no question that the vehicle driving the most conversation in this area is the Chevrolet Volt. This vehicle is a game changer and we have been overwhelmed with interest from across our customer base. People are intrigued by the opportunity to experience 40 to 80 kilometres of gas free driving, with zero tailpipe-emissions, but also that an engine-generator will then seamlessly engage to provide electricity that will extend the Volt’s driving range by about 500 km. It eliminates range anxiety.

We are also excited about another fuel saving technology this year with the introduction of eAssist. It will be the standard powertrain on the Buick Lacrosse but also available on the Buick Regal. This technology uses an advanced 115V lithium-ion battery and latest-generation 15-kW motor-generator unit to deliver hybrid like fuel efficiency improvements of up to 24 per cent.

Other fuels saving technologies such as high feature direct injection engines, and six-speed transmissions are featured in more models. One of Ward 10 Best Engines, the 3.6L DI will be available on the refreshed 2012 Impala, a top selling fleet favorite.

The brand new Chevrolet Cruze is a huge win for fleets. The official (NRCan) fuel consumption numbers for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco are a best-in-class highway rating of an impressive 4.6 L/100km for the manual transmission models. This vehicle has an innovative automatic air shutter system behind the front grille. At low speeds the shutters allow air flow, but at highway speeds the shutters will close, which improves aerodynamics and further enhances fuel efficiency.

And of course the Chevrolet Equinox continues to generate tremendous interest because of its remarkable fuel economy (6.1 L/100 km highway), expressive design, and impressive cargo space.

So, suffice it to say, GM has a long list of vehicles and technologies that can assist companies more effectively, efficiently, and economically manage their fleet. Our mandate is to have a best in class vehicle in every category and we are well on our way to achieving that goal.

CAF: Would you share with our readers something about yourself, hobbies and other interests.

McCLELLAND: My wife and I have three daughters who dance and sing and are involved in various other groups. They keep our life very full. We have a golden retriever named Yukon, who is the biggest couch potato you can imagine. In the winter we all enjoy family movie nights in the den. In the summer, we like camping trips with the trailer.

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