Bob Mitchell (left), Sobey’s connects with Reg Modjeski, Ford of Canada in front of Ford Edge.
Ford of Canada hosted fleet customers at its display at the recent Canadian International Auto Show. Fleet accounts learned more about new products including the 2011 Ford Edge, SuperDuty pickups, Fiesta and the 2012 Ford Focus at a series of brief presentations. Ford fleet personnel were also on hand to answer any customer questions.
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Bruce Lindsay, Fleet Sales Manager, Volkswagen Canada, with a VW Tiguan.
PHH Arval hosted Le Circuit de Montreal at ICAR Motorsports Park, providing in-car winter driving exercises and in-class safety seminars. Braking, skid circle and shifting, lane changing and slalom courses were set up for attendees to navigate through while driving vehicles from 13 participating manufacturers.
(From left) PHH's Kinday Isler, Senior Business Consultant, Strategic Consulting; Jean Hamelin, Regional Director, Fleet Services; and Paula Turcotte, Manager, Vehicle Accident Services, Driver Records, Driver Response and Licensing.
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Caroline Dupuis of Ford of Canada (left), and Jacquelin Voyer, president of Location Sauvageau.
Eric Gauthier, Chrysler Canada.
NAFA Quebec chapter hosted a breakfest meeting at the Montreal International Auto Show at Palais des Congres. Turnout for the breakfest was good and attendees were treated to a sneak peak of vehicles present at the auto show floor afterward.
Terry Angoy (left) and Paul Selby from Quest National Leasing flank Mike Monaghan, Scarborotown Chrysler at the Quest display featuring the 2010 Ram 2500 Crewcab pick-up.
The Canadian Landscape Congress, running from January 12 to 14 in Toronto included an industry trade show. Commercial trucks and products were part of the event.
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Leaf does not have a tailpipe; it is pure electric and does not emit any emissions. Batteries will have warranty of five years. Headlights are LED and plug-in for charging is located at front of vehicle.
Nissan Canada showed off its 100 per cent electric vehicle recently. Representatives from BC Hydro, the city of Vancouver, and Nissan, who all signed a memorandum of understanding to be part of Nissan’s zero-emission transportation program earlier in the year, delivered presentations. Leaf will have laminated lithium-ion batteries, a range of 160 kilometres, seating for five, a top speed of 140km/h, with an electric motor capable of 80kW (107 hp) of power and 280Nm (206 ft-Lbs) of torque. Leaf will be larger than a Sentra, smaller than an Altima.
Nissan held a ride and drive portion to preview the Leaf. A test mule Versa, “90 per cent of the Leaf” as Nissan put it, was taken through its paces in Vancouver.
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CANADIAN MAACO FRANCISEE WINNER OF NORTH AMERICAN AWARD At the recent Driven Brands convention, including the Maaco Collision Repair and Auto Painting Franchise network, Maaco Canada shops led the way in several categories. The North American Winner of the Maaco Cup was the Regina, Saskatchewan shop owned by Charlene and Marty Klyne. They are shown in an attached picture with their son MacKenzie, Maaco franchising president Dave Lapps and Driven Brands, CEO, Ken Walker.
FORD SUPER DUTY LAUNCH PROGRAM ROLLS INTO ONTARIO Ford Motor Company of Canada’s F-Series Super Duty cross Canada launch tour made a stop in Oakville recently where the all-new 2011 pick-up was unveiled to commercial accounts. Customers learned about the trucks new powertrains and improved capability at the event and had the opportunity to experience first-hand the trucks look and feel. Reg Modjeski, Ford Fleet national account manager got up close and personal with Super Duty’s C-Clamp grill.
Steve Shier, Ford Fleet national account manager shared some of the Super Duty’s engine specifics with the audience including the use of compacted graphite iron in the engine block. Stronger then cast iron, the material was used to ensure the block structure was optimized for reduced weight and maximum strength to meet the demands of higher torque and horsepower.
GREEN FLEET FINANCIAL PLANNING DISCUSSED AT GREEN FLEET 201 As part of it's ongoing Green Fleet Management Breakfast Forum Series, FleetChallenge Ontario presented Green Fleet 201 Green Fleet Financial Planning. The forum included presentations on a variety of fleet financial planning issues including a presentation by Jim Perkins, Superintendent, fleet services of metro Vancouver,(pictured) on making the right purchasing decisions using lifecycle costing. The presentations are available online at www.fleetchallenge.ca.
FORD OF CANADA DEBUTS NEW 2011 SUPER DUTY Ford’s new 2011 Super Duty (F-250/350) pick-up truck was unveiled to fleet operators, dealers and press at Agribition in Regina, Saskatchewan. Ford executives, engineers and fleet personnel were on hand to answer any questions regarding new vehicle. Super Duty goes on sale in February 2010.
Adam Gryglak, lead diesel engineer (left), Peter Frantzeskakis, vehicle engineering manager and Mike Bruce, fleet sales manager, western region at Ford Fleet presentation debuting 2011 Super Duty. Fleet operators attended Ford Fleet event about new 2011 Super Duty with 6.7L Power Stroke V-8 B20 capable engine.
ARI CELEBRATES OVER 200 YEARS OF STAFF TENURE ARI Financial Services held a special breakfast celebration in Toronto, Ontario recently to recognize 210 years of combined service by staff that were present. ARI president Fred Booth (far right) congratulates Chris Conroy, Wendy Riolo, Tim Stephens, Denise Wildish, and Satish Rajput on 15 years service at ARI.
Fred Booth, president of ARI said, "While we are justly proud of our growth in the market as illustrated by the recent expansion of our Canadian head office and 24/7 call centre, we realize our true strength lies in the skills and dedication ARI employees demonstrate to our customers every day. This celebration of their commitment is just one way to recognize those efforts."
10TH ANNUAL FEDERAL FLEET MANAGERS WORKSHOP TACKLES ENVIRONMENTAL AND OPERATIONAL FLEET ISSUES The 2009 Federal Fleet Managers Workshop was held recently at the Deerhurst Resort in Ontario. The event attracted fleet managers from a variety of Federal, Provincial and Municipal governments across Canada. Topics addressed at the workshop included: tracking vehicle greenhouse gas emissions, fleet management best practices and a green fleet technology update. The three day event included a trade show and a ride 'n drive.
Normand Lacroix (left), Government of Canada, one of the organizers of the event with Al Cormier, Electric Mobility Canada after Cormiers Technology Roadmap for Electric vehicles in Canada presentation. (Top image).
John–Paul Farag, Toyota Canada gave a presentation on green fleet technology including hybrid engine developments and intelligent transportation systems (ITS).
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NISSAN FLEET CUSTOMERS RUN AWAY TO THE CIRCUS Nissan Canada Fleet Operations hosted a series of evenings at Cirque Du Soleil recently for its fleet customers. Guests were treated to a presentation of Cirque's new show "OVO." Infiniti Canada is the official sponsor of Cirque Du Soleil touring shows. Darlene Spriel, Foss National Leasing, Lisa Bouchard, Nissan Canada and Jerome Flanagan, JPL Vehicle Management Services, discuss the show during an intermission.
VANTERIOR OUTFITTERS CO-SPONSOR OF MISSISSAUAGA, ONTARIO 'GOT SKATES?' PROGRAM Vanterior Outfitters along with Line-X spray on coatings and Home Depot helped ensure kids from the Mississauga area get a chance to skate this winter. Andy Maynard, Vanterior, Becky Hooper and Geoff Burghall, Home Depot and Deborah Shaheen, Line X, surround one of the skate racks the group donated, designed and delivered for the program.
Becky Hooper and Geoff Burghall, Home Depot, join Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCalliom along with Deborah Shaheen, Line-X and Andy Maynard, Vanterior Outfitters at the launch of the 'Got skates?' program.
CFLA CONFERENCE ADDRESSES CURRENT STATE OF VEHICLE AND EQUIPMENT FINANCING IN CANADA The Canadian Finance and Leasing Association held its National Conference in Ottawa, Ontario recently. Vehicle and leasing financing professionals attended the three-day event which addressed current market conditions and provided strategies for success in a changed finance environment. Keynote speaker, Finance minister, Jim Flaherty addressed attendees of the CFLA convention. During his speech, Flaherty said the Canadian government understood the need to ensure Canadian businesses would be able to access much needed financing. Flaherty said the Government’s Canadian Secured Credit Facility was designed to support the financing of vehicles and equipment and stimulate private lending.
David Powell, CFLA and John Hawkrigg, Hunter, Keilty, Muntz and Beatty (HKMB) at HKMB’s cocktail reception (top) on the opening evening of the conference.
Roy Gaysek and Chris Conroy, ARI, were among the attendees at the CFLA National Conference in Gatineau, Quebec.
MERCEDES-BENZ DEBUTS 2010 E-CLASS Mercedes-Benz introduced E-class at Toronto City Centre Airport, and gave participants the opportunity to drive an E350 or E550 to the Muskoka area. Toronto skyline seen in background from Toronto Island.
CANADIAN BLACK BOOK GOLF DAY ANOTHER SUCCESS CBB held its 12th annual golf tournament at Scarborough Golf Club in aid of Tim Horton’s Children’s Charity in August. The event raised over $16,000 for the charity. Winning foursome of (from left) Brad Hart, Yvan St-Jean, Bob Beers, Manheim Canada and Don Wallace, Chrysler Canada with Kathy Ward (centre), CBB.
ARI HOSTS OPEN HOUSE ARI celebrated the completion of additions to its Canadian head office location recently with an open house. The new facility features ARI’s new Technical Contact Centre, staffed by 65 technicians and analysts providing bilingual service 24 hours a day. In addition, the new offices include expanded account management and client service areas. Guests had the opportunity to tour the renovated facility located in Mississauga and learn more about ARI’s operations.
Glenn Lee, Dawn Hurst and Neil Gray were ARI ambassadors during the open house and updated visitors on the call centres capabilities, including its ability to have generated over four million dollars in savings for ARI clients through maintenance and repair cost tracking.
Monique Powers and Wendy Riolo took ARI clients through the purchasing departments processes as part of the Open house activities.
POCLAIN HYDRAULICS INTRODUCES ADDIDRIVE CREEPDRIVE AND ASSIST AddiDrive CreepDrive and Assist were demonstrated to attendees. CreepDrive uses mechanical and hydrostatic transmissions (activated by switch), the latter takes control of moving the vehicle at low speed, without need for using mechanical brakes. Assist uses hydraulic motors (installed on wheels not driven by mechanical transmission) to activate, and turn a 2WD into a 4WD improving movement.
Greg Blenkarn (left), sales manager, Pneutech Rousseau, who hosted the hybrid hydraulic event, with Roger Smith, president, Fleet Challenge Consulting Group Inc., in front of hydraulic hybrid truck demonstration vehicle.
NAFA CANADIAN FLEET CONFERENCE SEMINARS HIGHLIGHT COST CONTROL METHODS Canadian fleet managers attended OEM roundtable, various seminars, trade show, and ride ‘n drive as part of NAFA Fleet Management Association’s Canadian Fleet Conference at Doubletree International Plaza Hotel in Toronto, Ontario and Canada’s Wonderland in Vaughan, Ont.
Cost control in uncertain economic times was the theme for the fleet conference. Which featured an OEM roundtable with executives from Ford, GM, Chrysler, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz and Subaru. Seminars included: Green Fleet – Hydro Quebec, Safety – Crash Management, Tires, Fuel Management – Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Legislative Update and many more. A ride ‘n drive featuring vehicles from many OEMs was attended by 258 registered drivers taking vehicles through a closed course at Wonderland.
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TRANSPORTACTION LEASE SYSTEMS INC., HEAD OFFICE RIDE ‘N DRIVE Fifteen vehicle manufacturers (including Richard Pasta and George Lykopoulos, Kia, image at right) brought over 100 vehicles to TransportAction’s Toronto headquarters ride n’ drive and they logged 872 test drives. The event raised $4,500 for Weekend to End Breast Cancer. Information on: fleet safety policy development, tire safety, driver record check and safety training options, was freely available to some 227 clients who attended.
Volvo XC60 is outfitted with CitySafe, which brings the vehicle to a stop from 30 km/h when it senses something ahead (barrier, other vehicle), as seen in insert. Emanuel Lichtinshtein, Volvo and Jim Maddox, Maddox stand in front of XC60.
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JPL VEHICLE MANAGEMENT SERVICES STRATEGIC SEMINAR IDENTIFIES OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR FLEETS JPL Vehicle Management Services brought together customers and suppliers recently at its 2009 strategic seminar held in Toronto, Ontario. The meeting included presentations on the finance, automobile and remarketing sectors as well as an overview of the fleet market in Canada, developed by Dennis DesRosiers (see pdf here) Representatives from Chrysler, Ford, General Motors and Manheim Canada delivered their outlooks for 2010.
Dennis DesRosiers, DesRosiers Automotive Consultants and Jim Peplinski, JPL, discuss where the automotive market in Canada is going in 2010.
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FORD OF CANADA'S EUROPEAN FIESTA RIDE 'N DRIVE Available in Canada next summer, Ford’s European model Fiesta was highlighted at Ontario Place during a special ride ‘n drive. The vehicle described as “90 per cent of the vehicle North America will see,” was driven through Toronto streets and a closed circuit handling course. European B-segment Fiestas contain iPod controls, push-button start, power windows and locks, steering wheel radio controls and alloy wheels. In Canada, Fiesta will be available in four and five door combinations.
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TRANSPORTACTION RIDE N' DRIVE
Fleet Management company, TransportAction Lease Systems Inc., will be hosting its 17th annual ride n' drive event at its Toronto head office location on September 16 and 17. According to Paul Turner, senior vice-president, sales and service, the event promises to be a great opportunity to test drive a wide selection of 2010 vehicles from a variety of manufacturers. The current count of vehicles available to drive is 102. “The ride n' drive is a great chance for our customers to compare competitive models back-to-back without having to visit multiple dealers,” concludes Turner. For more information please see invitation below.
Click here to view invitation.
KIA GETS KICKS WITH FORTE KOUP Marc Desgroseilliers, city manager central region, Kia Canada, explained features of Koup, including: two inline-four cylinder engines: 2.0L in EX and 2.4L in SX, with 156 and 173 horsepower, respectively. Four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control are standard. EX is mated to a five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic, rated at 5.8 litres/100 km highway and 8.1 (auto) and 8.3 (manual) L/100 km highway.
SX offers six-speed manual with 6.2 L/100 km highway and 9.2 L/100 km city, or five-speed automatic with 6.3 L/100 km highway and 9.0 L/100 km city. Each with a 52L fuel tank. Cargo room is 358 litres; headroom, front 982 millimetres, rear 897 mm; and legroom is 1,108 mm front, 862 mm rear.For older events and meetings, click here to view our Events and Meetings Archive.