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May 22, 2012
EMKAY A FINALIST IN AMERICAN BUSINESS AWARDS
EMKAY is a finalist for the 2012 American Business Awards in two categories: Customer Service Department of the Year and Best Training Site. More than 3,000 nominations were submitted and a panel of 140 business professionals chose the finalists.

“It is a honor to be selected as a finalist for this prestigious award” stated Chris Tepas, Chief Marketing Officer, EMKAY. “The EMKAY team has worked hard to achieve this goal, and it is encouraging to be recognized for it.”

May 16, 2012
ELEMENT FINANCIAL ACQUIRES TLS FLEET MANAGEMENT
Scotiabank has signed an agreement with Element Financial Corporation that will see the company purchase 100 per cent of TLS Fleet Management for $146.7 million plus debt. As part of the agreement, Element will retain TLS employees and will continue to operate under TLS Fleet Management name, within a Element Fleet Leasing banner.

"Our vision is for Element to become one of North America's leading independent providers of lease financing," said Steven Hudson, Chairman and CEO, Element. "The acquisition of TLS will accelerate the growth of our business both through the strength of its platform and the extensive cross-selling opportunities with our other clients.”

Click here to download complete press release from Element in PDF format.


May 14, 2012
JIM PATTISON LEASE EXPANDS IN ONTARIO
Jim Pattison Lease has purchased Williamson Leasing. The company is located in Uxbridge, Ontario and has been in the vehicle leasing business market for more than 50 years. Williamson’s Lisa Davis and James Fullerton will join Jim Pattison.

“We are pleased to welcome the Williamson Leasing customers and we look forward to continuing to meet their needs and to offer expanded programs for these customers,” said Steve Akazawa, President, Jim Pattison Lease.

May 14, 2012
EMKAY’S NEW ‘ELLUMINATE MY FLEET’ EDUCATION PROGRAM
EMKAY Inc., has announced a new education program; Elluminate My Fleet. The program is designed to give EMKAY clients effective access to the company’s fleet technology resources.

“These educational tours put the client in the passenger seat as EMKAY’s in-house experts take them on a tour of our innovative technology,” said Paul Turner, President, EMKAY Canada. “Our clients get the opportunity to understand the finer details and see firsthand how to optimize their usage while maximizing their time and efficiency, affording them a better client experience.”

The program is a webinar series, reviewing EMKAY technologies and applications.

May 8, 2012
FLEETSMARTS MAY BE LOOKING FOR YOU
Fleetsmarts is now accepting applications from small to medium sized privately owned fleet owners for an opportunity to be featured on the pilot episode of the upcoming TV series; FleetSmarts.

If you operate 5, 10, 25 vehicles in the course of your business you may qualify.

Please introduce yourself to us by sending a digital photo of your fleet along with the following business profile to info@fleetsmarts.ca.

• Business Name
• Business Type
• Owner Name
• Number of Vehicles
• Type(s) & age(s) of Vehicles
• Do you own or lease the vehicles

OR

Simply go to http://fleetsmarts.ca/application-form-s104.php and fill out the required fields and hit submit.

This is a limited time offer of FREE exposure for those selected.

If you are a fleet supplier and want to refer one of your accounts, you are welcome to do so.

May 8, 2012
MALLEY INDUSTRIES LAUNCHES PROTECTIVE LINER FOR NISSAN NV
An interior liner package for the Nissan NV commercial van has been introduced by Malley Industries. The liner provides impact-resistant wall covering to protect vehicles sidewalls from cargo shifts and damage. Made from 3/16 gauge ABS plastic, it is scratch resistant. Liner packages are also available for Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana and Ford Transit Connect.



May 8, 2012
ARI GETS UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION SUPPLER GOLD AWARD
ARI has received the United Technologies Corporation (UTC) Supplier Gold award given annually to suppliers providing ‘best in class’ quality, deliver and customer service.

“We are extremely proud to be recognized so quickly by UTC, and with such a prestigious designation” said Chris Conroy, Senior Vice President of Sales and Service, ARI.

UTC Supplier Gold program acknowledges superior supplier performance and recognizes suppliers for performance. ARI was singled out for performance management of more than 10,000 vehicles across eight United Technologies Corp divisions.

May 1, 2012
VOLKSWAGEN 2012 BUILDOUT DATES
Volkswagen Canada has announced 2012 Build Out, 2013 Start Production and Order Commencement dates.

2012 Build Out dates:

Golf, GTI, CC, Tiguan, Touareg, and Eos – May 27

Jetta, Beetle and Golf Wagon – June 24

2013 Start of Production:

Golf, GTI, CC, Tiguan, Touareg, Eos and Golf Wagon – May 28

Jetta and Beetle– June 25

2013 Factory Order Commencement:

Golf, Jetta, Touareg, Beetle, Eos, Tiguan – April 25

Passat – May 15

Routan - August

May 1, 2012
ARI’S SUPPLIER LOCATOR
ARI’s Supplier Locator tool allows clients to search and locate 18,000 approved vendors of collision repairs, maintenance, glass and tires across Canada within a 50 kilometre radius of the searcher’s preferred location. Results can be seen by vendor type, category or location. The Locator also provides an inventory of preferred national fuel, tire and rental vendors.

More information can be found at: www.aricanadasuppliers.com.

April 24, 2012
MAACO WINS AWARD AT CFA CONVENTION
Maaco Systems Canada Inc., was awarded Bronze in the 2012 Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) Award of Excellence in Traditional Franchises. The awards are given annually to those franchise systems, which show the strongest, most mutually rewarding relationships based on survey results.

“This Award of Excellence really means a lot to us,” says Gary Dohring, President and CEO, Maaco Systems Canada, Inc. “We’ve been involved in franchising in Canada for over 35 years and it’s great to know that our dedication to enhancing the Franchisee–Franchisor relationship continues to be the correct path to pursue. Successful Franchisees make for a successful chain and we appreciate the strong positive feedback that this Award has provided.”

April 17, 2012
FORD’S 2013 TRANSIT DIESEL
Ford 2013 Transit commercial van models will be available with a diesel engine option. Ford also made it known during the recent Work Truck Show that the 2013 Transit will be equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost V-6. More details to come.

April 10, 2012
CNG-POWER SPOTLIGHTED AT WORK TRUCK SHOW
The 2012 Work Truck Show 2012 held in conjuncton with the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) convention in Indianapolis, Indiana was well attended. Over 550 industry suppliers showcased new products, technologies and vehicles.

General Motors showed a bi-fuel 2013 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra HD extended pick-up, with a compressed natural gas (CNG) capable Vortec 6.0 litre V-8. Chrysler highlighted a 2500 HD CNG RAM pick-up powered by a 5.7L HEMI V-8. Ford revealed that the new 2013 Transit commercial van will be equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost V-6 engine.

The April/May issue of Fleet Vans and Trucks will provide detailed coverage of the Work Truck Show.

April 10, 2012
VOX REMARKETING MOVES TO NEW KELOWNA AUTO AUCTION LOCATION
VOX Remarketing of Canada (VROC), a provider of repossession, remarketing and asset recovery services, announced it will move to the Kelowna Auto Auction (KAA) at 1638 Cary Road, Kelowna, BC, V1X 2B9.

"We are all very excited about the new facility. It will provide us with the space to grow our business and allow us to expand with additional product lines as well. Having a strategic partner such as the KAA is a natural fit. We think our customers are really going to be impressed and see the value both companies bring to each other”, said Danielle Grundy, VROC.

April 3, 2012
RISING PROFITS AND CONFIDENCE LIFT EARLY 2012 CANADIAN FLEET SALES
According to ScotiaView’s March 29 Global Auto Report, vehicle purchases by business, government and rental companies have soared by nearly 25 per cent in Canada in the opening months of 2012. This has helped to lift volumes in both Canada and the U.S to the highest level since early 2008, prior to the global economic meltdown.

According to the report, in Canada fleet sales normally account for roughly 20 per cent of overall vehicle purchases. However, fleet volumes had underperformed, with cautious businesses slashing purchases of new cars and light trucks to only 12 per cent of the overall new vehicle market in 2010, before edging up to 13 per cent last year.

The current revival in business purchases this year has lifted this segment’s share an additional two percentage points to 15 per cent of the overall Canadian market, the best performance since 2007. Purchases of new fuel-efficient cars are leading the way, soaring by nearly 30 per cent in the opening months of 2012. In the current environment, companies are increasingly looking at both domestic and imported brands in contrast to previous cycles when most business purchases focused almost exclusively on North American brands.

Click here to download complete report in PDF format.


April 3, 2012
INCREASING LICENSE AND REGISTRATION FEES FOR ONTARIO
The government of Ontario will increase license and registration fees incrementally year by year until 2014. They include: Vehicle license validation up from the current fee of $74 for southern Ontario ($37 in northern Ontario) will go to $82 ($41) for 2012, $90 ($45) for 2013, and $98 ($49) for 2014. Driver’s license replacement fees will go from $10, to $15 for 2012, $20 for 2013 and $25 for 2014. New drivers license and renewal fees will go from $75 to $80 in 2013. Other changes include truck and bus permit fees, and trailer and vehicle permits.

For a complete list of fee changes visit the MTO web site at: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/news/backgrounder/fee-changes-2012-03-12.shtml.

March 27, 2012
FORD IMPROVES FUEL ECONOMY ON POLICE INTERCEPTORS
Ford’s new Police Interceptors (Sedan and Utility) are 25 per cent more fuel efficient than previous Crown Victoria interceptor police vehicles. Idling fuel economy improves 35 per cent on the 3.5 litre V-6 engine sedan, and 32 per cent on the 3.7L V6 Utility.

“Our latest fuel-efficient V-6 engines deliver on our promise for increased performance and improved economy, while providing government agencies with a money-saving solution,” said Bill Gubing, Chief Engineer, Ford Police Program.

March 27, 2012
HINO TO OFFER FINANCE OPTIONS
Hino Canada will offer finance solutions for customers through a partnership with Roynat Lease Finance, a division of Scotiabank.

“Roynat is a great fit for Hino because of its nationwide presence with representatives in every province,” said Eric Smith, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, Hino Canada. “Roynat Lease Finance offers industry leading hands-on service that can be tailored to the customer’s unique requirements.”

Hino will now offer low-rate finance options on most new trucks through its dealer network.

March 20, 2012
GROUP INTENDS TO CREATE ALTERNATIVE FUEL INFRASTRUCTURE
InsightAction Inc., through its Fleet Advantage brand aims at developing a different fuel infrastructure, breaking down communications barriers to enhance and stimulate collaboration. The creation of such an infrastructure can benefit Canadians by positively affecting economic effectiveness in many sectors such as energy, transportation, technology, retail and manufacturing. It would also build on existing expertise to develop new business opportunities and create jobs.

"As part of our Social sustainability commitment we have taken on the challenge of building an Alternative Transportation Energy Community that is representative of stakeholders and influencers in every aspect of an alternative transportation energy supply chain for the purpose of enabling availability of alternative transportation energy solutions for anyone who can benefit,” said Dave Dennis, Executive Vice-President Business Development, Fleet Advantage Inc.

March 13, 2012
DRIVER SAFETY: TOP CONCERN
A PHH Arval survey of more than 100 companies covering 25 industries attempts to establish top priorities for fleet managers over the next 12 to 18 months.

“The survey provides a snapshot of how organizations are managing their fleets,” said Angela Feerick, Director, Strategic Consulting for PHH Arval. “However, it’s important to note that these are benchmarks and not best practices. What’s good for one fleet may not necessarily be good for another.”

Driver safety and accidents were top priority among fleet managers. The survey also found that 86 per cent of respondents had a documented fleet safety/accident policy in place but eight per cent had no functioning safety program. Other findings were: 31 per cent have safety kits, 25 per cent operate a fleet safety committee, and 16 per cent use vehicle monitoring technologies.

Fuel costs came in as the second most important priority. Fifty eight per cent of respondents have made use of communications programs to drivers to increase awareness of fuel consumption, 55 per cent monitor fuel purchases more intensely, 45 have shifted to more fuel efficient vehicles and 22 per have tightened fuel card controls. Maintenance costs rank next; 79 per cent of companies responding impose driver authorization limits on maintenance purchases.

“It’s important to take all factors into account when reviewing the survey,” said Feerick. “While it represents a period of time, that insight into what others are doing provides alternative options for consideration. Combining this insight, what your current practice and polices are, and macroeconomic and industry factors, gives fleet managers a solid basis of information with which to define their long-term planning.”

Other finding were:
• 83 per cent of respondent companies allow personal use of company vehicles;

• 24 per cent of respondents do not have safety training programs;

• Survey respondent fleets operate: sedans (35 per cent), pick-up/van (29 per cent), SUV/crossover (18 per cent).

March 2, 2012
CHEVROLET CRUZE 2013 DIESEL ENGINE
In 2013 Chevrolet will add a diesel engined model to the Cruze line-up. The North America diesel model will be co-developed by engineers in Pontiac, Michigan with engineers at General Motors diesel center of excellence in Torino, Italy. In 2011, GM sold over 500,000 diesel-engine cars worldwide including 33,000 Cruz models.

“The market for diesel cars in the U.S. is small at present, but is expected to grow due to Corporate Average Fuel Economy requirements and expected increases in gas prices,” said Mike Omotoso, powertrain analyst at LMC Automotive. “So far, the German automakers haven’t had any diesel car competition in North America. GM could do well with it, particularly with younger buyers who don’t have the old prejudices against diesel.”

February 28, 2012
2012 AJAC AWARD WINNERS
The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) named its 2012 award winners at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, Ontario recently. Hyundai Elantra was named Canadian Car of the Year, besting Kia Optima LX and Hyundai Accent.

"The all-new Elantra was simply the single most important new vehicle that Hyundai has ever launched," said Steve Kelleher, President and CEO, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. "The Elantra competes in Canada's critical compact segment, so for it to win Canadian Car of the Year is vindication for all the effort Hyundai designers and engineers invested into the project."

Volkswagen Touareg TDI Clean Diesel was named Canadian Utility of the Year, edging out Dodge Journey and BMW X3.

"Winning this award is a tremendous honour, said John White, President, Volkswagen Canada. "The Volkswagen Touareg is extremely capable both on and off road, and surrounds its passengers in comfort and luxury. We are very pleased to be recognized for all of the hard work our engineers and designers have put in."

General Motors’ Voltec Propulsion System, used on the Chevrolet Volt, was named Best New Technology, beating out other finalists including Mazda’s SkyACTIV-G technology.

"We are very proud to receive AJAC's 2012 Best New Technology award for the Voltec propulsion system," said Kevin Williams, president and managing director at GM of Canada. "The Voltec propulsion system is the heart of the Chevrolet Volt, which combines pure electric drive and an efficient range-extending engine to create the only electric vehicle on the market today that does not require a customer to make compromises on when and where they can travel."

Hyundai was also awarded Best New Design for Hyundai Veloster. Jaguar XKR-S and Land Rover Evoque were finalists for the award.

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February 21, 2012
NEW FUEL EFFICIENCY LABELS COMING TO CANADA
The Federal Government will introduce new fuel consumption labels in 2014. The new Canadian labels will reflect American labels and provide more comprehensive information to identify specific fuel-efficient vehicles.

"When Canadians make large purchases they want the best information available," said the Minister of Natural Resources. "Our Government has listened and our new labels will more accurately reflect the actual fuel efficiency of vehicles."

February 21, 2012

PHH MasterCard®.

PHH ARVAL’S NEW FLEET CARD PROGRAM
PHH Arval’s corporate universal PHH MasterCard® is powered by Comdata and is part of a new alliance with FleetCor. The program allows fleet managers to design a company specific program which includes fraud prevention and cost reduction features such as purchase level control including transaction limits, blocked hours, locations and days, robust security capabilities to reduce fraud, track stop specific services and Comdata proprietary network advantages.

“The PHH MasterCard is unlike any other fleet program in the Canadian market today,” said Jim Halliday, President PHH Canada. “As a leader in fleet management solutions, PHH is always looking for opportunities such as this to provide our clients the best solutions to manage costs and reduce purchase fraud.”

*This card is issued by National Bank of Canada pursuant to a license by MasterCard International Incorporated. MasterCard and the MasterCard Brand Mark are registered trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated.

February 14, 2012
WHEELS IS 2012 STEVIE AWARDS FINALIST
Wheels Inc., is a finalist for this year’s Stevie Awards for Sales and Customer Service. Wheels will compete in three international categories: Front Line Customer Service Team of the Year for its account management program, Contact Center of the Year for its Driver Services Center, and Customer Service Training Team of the Year for its Human Resources and Quality Service Coach training teams.

“Delivering client delight has always been of paramount importance at Wheels, but a growing worldwide emphasis on service excellence amid tough economic times has really created new opportunities for us to fine-tune or systems and processes to ensure that we are always dazzling our customers,” said Christine Steinberg, Vice-President of Customer Service Operations, Wheels. “We continue to receive exemplary performance and satisfaction ratings from our clients, and we areproud that the American Business Awards judges have recognized the Account Management, DSC and HR/QSC teams as being key contributors to that.”

February 14, 2012
ARI IMPLEMENTS SAP HANA ANALYTICS TECHNOLOGY
Automotive Resources International (ARI) will implement the SAP HANA technology platform, to cut processing time and broaden the scope of fleet reporting. SAP HANA technology allows data to be analyzed quicker, and is designed to cut costs through improved efficiency and analytical capability.

“This implementation of SAP HANA reinforces ARI’s continued commitment to fleet excellence through technology and strategy,” said Steve Haindl, senior vice president and CIO at ARI. “We’re committed to bringing our clients the latest technology, not just groundbreaking for the fleet industry, but new in the entire world. SAP technology brings an unprecedented level of speed and strategy to our clients, and soon the limitations of former technology will be a distant memory.”

SAP HANA will work as part of the ARI insights fleet management system. Implementation is anticipated by mid-2012.

February 14, 2012
ELECTRIC CAR SALES TO STAGNATE: KPMG
Electromobility is not expected to exceed 15 per cent of the global new car market by 2025, according to a Global Automotive Executive Survey from KPMG. Some Automotive executives in North America and Western Europe see less adoption in the short term, pegging the rate at six to 10 per cent of global annual sales.

"The need for new electric propulsion technology is still top of mind for auto executives around the world given the demand that will be felt in the emerging markets," said Peter Hatges, Partner, KPMG and Lead, KPMG's Automotive practice. "Automotive companies will continue to invest heavily in electric propulsion and will play a leadership role in the development of these emerging technologies going forward. The race is on, but there is no clear winner at this point."

Almost two-thirds of respondents believe optimization of the internal combustion engine offers the greatest efficiency and most potential for carbon emission reduction over current technologies in the next five years.

"Electromobility is a colossal issue for the industry," said Hatges. "The key automotive players should have a clearer vision on this, even though how and when fully electric cars will be a reality is dependent on a variety of complex and interrelated factors."

The survey interviewed 200 C-class global Automotive executives, 25 from North America.

February 6, 2012
CHANGES TO AUTOMOBILE DEDUCTION LIMITS AND EXPENSE BENEFIT RATES
Government of Canada has updated automobile deduction limits and expense benefitrates for business. Two major changes are first, an increase on limits for the deduction of tax-exempt allowances paid by employers to employees using personal vehicle for business purposes; and second, the general prescribed rate used to determine taxable benefits relating to the personal portion of automobile operating expenses paid by employers.

• The ceiling on capital costs of passenger vehicles for capital cost allowance (CCA) purposes remains at $30,000 (plus applicable federal and provincial sales taxes) for purchases after 2011. This ceiling restricts cost of a vehicle on which CCA may be claimed for business purposes.


• The limit on deductible leasing costs remains at $800 per month (plus applicable federal and provincial sales taxes) for leases entered into after 2011. This limit is one of two restrictions on deduction of automobile lease payments. A separate restriction prorates deductible lease costs where the value of the vehicle exceeds the capital cost ceiling.


• The maximum allowable interest deduction for amounts borrowed to purchase an automobile will remain at $300 per month for loans related to vehicles acquired after 2011.


• The limit on deduction of tax-exempt allowances paid by employers to employees using personal vehicles for business purposes for 2012 will be increased by 1 cent to 53 cents per kilometre for the first 5,000 kilometres and to 47 cents for each additional kilometre. For the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, the tax-exempt allowance is set 4 cents higher, and will increase by 1 cent to 57 cents for the first 5,000 kilometres driven and to 51 cents for each additional kilometre. Allowance amounts reflect key cost components of owning and operating an automobile, such as depreciation, financing, insurance, maintenance and fuel costs.


• The general prescribed rate used to determine the taxable benefit relating to the personal portion of automobile operating expenses paid by employers for 2012 will increase by 2 cents to 26 cents per kilometre. For taxpayers employed principally in selling or leasing automobiles, the prescribed rate will increase by 2 cents to 23 cents per kilometre. The amount of the benefit reflects costs of operating an automobile. The additional benefit of having an employer-provided vehicle available for personal use (i.e., the automobile standby charge, which is not affected by this announcement) is calculated separately and is also included in the employee’s income.

February 6, 2012
EMKAY NAMED FINALIST FOR 2012 STEVIE AWARDS
The Stevie Awards have been dubbed “the business world’s Oscars;” EMKAY has been designated a finalist in this year’s Stevie Awards for Sales and Customer Service. EMKAY will compete in three international categories: Best Use of Technology in Customer Service, Front-Line Customer Service Team of the Year, and Customer Service Department of the Year.

“It is a great honor to be recognized as a finalist in one, let alone three categories by this prestigious organization.” said Paul Turner, President, EMKAY Canada. “I want to thank the entire EMKAY organization for this fantastic opportunity, and wish all of our competitors good luck in the finals!”

January 23, 2012
2012 ECOENERGY AWARDS WINNERS
Natural Resources Canada has specified the most fuel-efficient vehicles for 2012 as part of ecoENERGY for Vehicles Awards. Ten winners, each in a specific vehicle category were determined.

“These manufacturers are developing the latest vehicle technologies to help Canadians reduce their greenhouse gas emissions,” said Honourable Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources. “The fuel consumption ratings for vehicles provide Canadians with the right tools to help make informed decisions to lower their fuel costs while reducing their environmental impact.”

The winners: (total annual fuel use in brackets):

• Two-seater: Honda CR-Z and Smart fortwo (1,060 litres)
• Subcompact: Mitsubishi i-MiEV (3,740 kWh)
• Compact: Chevrolet Volt (780 Le*)
• Midsize: Nissan LEAF (480 Le*)
• Full-size: Hyundai Sonata (1,460L)
• Station wagon: Toyota Prius v (920L)
• Pick-up truck: Toyota Tacoma (1,780L)
• Special purpose vehicle: Ford Escape Hybrid (1,220L)
• Minivan: Mazda5 (1,660L)
• Large van: Ford Transit Connect Van (1,760L)

*Le = gasoline litre equivalent.

January 17, 2012
GREEN WITH 'NV'
Nissan Canada will debut the e-NV200 Concept car at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, Ontario in February. The concept, is based on the NV200, which was selected as New York City’s “Taxi of Tomorrow.” It features Nissan LEAF’s all-electric powertrain.

“With its standout design and ‘no gas, no tailpipe, no emissions’ powertrain, the e-NV200 Concept is set to revitalize the van segment,” said Judy Wheeler, Director of Marketing at Nissan Canada.

The e-NV200 is expected to start production in 2014.

January 10, 2012
CAR AND TRUCK OF THE YEAR WINNERS NAMED
The 2012 Hyundai Elantra was named the 2012 North American Car of the Year; the 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque as Truck of the Year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Other Car of the Year finalists were 2012 Ford Focus and 2012 Volkswagen Passat. Other truck finalists were 2012 BMW X3 and 2012 Honda CR-V.

"Elantra speaks to the success of our recipe of bold design and great fuel economy," said John Krafcik, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. "In a year with some truly breakthrough competitors, we are honored that the jury recognizes Elantra's far-reaching impact on the industry."

Winning cars and trucks are adjudicated by factors including innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar. To be considered, vehicles must be new or significantly changed from the preceding model year. Fifty independent North America automotive journalists formed the judging panel.

January 3, 2012
GAS PRICES TO CONTINUE RISING IN 2012?
According to Kent Marketing Services Limited, the average price of gasoline in Canada in 2011 was just under $1.24/litre, a 20 cent increase over 2010; and nearly 30 cents more than 2009. Breaking things down, averages across Canada were: Vancouver ($1.32), Calgary ($1.11), Regina ($1.22), Winnipeg ($1.14), Toronto ($1.24), and Montreal ($1.31). The average price for diesel was over $1.26/litre.

An article in Sudbury Northern Life notes “It's not an achievement drivers are applauding, but Canada set a new record in 2011 for gasoline prices. According to the weekly gasoline price report from the province, the 2011 average price from coast-to-coast was 1.24 cents a litre, the highest recorded average price ever. Besides being a new record, the price was a full 20.4 cents higher than the 2010 average. And the Canadian diesel price at 124.7 cents, while not a record, was less than one cent lower than the record high 125.1 cents hit in 2008…”

Prices are expected to continue rising in 2012.

More detailed information is available in “Oil prices rise in 2011 for third year in a row; prices expected to keep climbing in 2012” an article at Canadian Business. January 3, 2012
NAFA WILL SPONSOR RISK MANAGEMENT WEBINAR FOR FLEET MANAGERS
NAFA (National Association of Fleet Administrators) will operate a Risk Management 101 webinar for fleet managers from February 6 to March 1. The webinar will operate on Mondays 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Thursdays 6 to 7 p.m. Kate Vigneau, CAFM (Certified Automotive Fleet Manager) will teach the series, intended to demonstrate strategies for dealing with risk by focusing on insurance, subrogation, training, safety and handling a loss. NAFA’s Risk Management Guide is the course textbook. Prospective participants are CAFM/CAFS candidates intending to take the Risk Management exam in 2012, nut others are also welcome. A certificate will be presented upon course completion.

Four areas of competence will be covered: risk management processes, principles of insurance and its significance in risk management, driver training, vehicle safety, and crash management. The cost is $199 for CAFM/CAFS candidates enrolled in the Certification Program. The cost for NAFA Members/Affiliates not currently enrolled in the certification program is $249; and for non-NAFA Members/Affiliates not currently enrolled in the certification program the cost is $349. For more information or to enroll, visit www.nafa.org/WebinarCourse.

December 22, 2011
ARI ACQUIRES FLEET SUPPORT GROUP (FSG) IN THE UK
Automotive Resources International (ARI) purchased Fleet Support Group (FSG) headquartered in Chippenham, England. FSG is the largest independent fleet management company in the United Kingdom managing 55,000 cars and trucks in the UK and Northern Ireland.

"This acquisition is another vital step as we continue to expand the scope of our services and our geographical reach. Everyone at ARI is extremely excited about joining forces with FSG and about the opportunities that lie ahead of us in the European market," said Carl Ortell, President, ARI. "Our clients rely upon our unique ability to deliver customized solutions to achieve exceptional results. A growing number need more sophisticated global fleet support. This acquisition gives us more flexibility, capabilities and proven fleet expertise to serve them."

Geoffrey Bray, Chairman and founder of FSG said "Existing FSG and ARI customers will benefit from the expertise, skills and range of services that we each provide. Both organizations already offer turnkey solutions for public and private sector fleets. Added value for our customers will be achieved through the synergies of our affiliation with ARI."

December 22, 2011
HINO AND ALLISON TRANSMISSIONS AGREEMENT
Hino Motors Manufacturing signed a multi-year agreement with Allison Transmission to make its automated transmissions available on Class 6 and 7 Hino trucks in North America. All 2013 models with Allison 1000, 2000 and 3000 Rugged Duty Series (RDS) transmissions will carry a three-year unlimited kilometer warranty.

December 20, 2011
CHRYSLER TO INTRODUCE NEW 2013 DODGE DART
Chrysler will unveil the 2013 Dodge Dart compact car in January at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The Dodge Dart is based on the Alfa Romeo Gilietta, and brings back the 1960s Dart name.

Dart will offer three engine choices, a new Tigershark 16-valve 2.0 litre, a 16-value 1.4L MultiAir turbocharged, and a Tigershark 16-valve 2.4L MultiAir. Three transmission options will be available. MultiAir technology allows direct and dynamic control of air intake and combustion, producing a 15 per cent increase in low engine rpm torque and a 7.5 per cent increase in fuel economy.

Dart's layout features an 8.4 inch touch screen Uconnect multimedia centre and 14 interior colours. Dart also has 10 standard air bags, active and passive safety features, including blind spot monitoring and rear cross path detection.

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