FACING THE FUTURE: The Fleet News industry conference

ON occasions the fleet industry appears to be under bombardment from all sides.
Environmental pressures, tax changes,
##Manheim Auctions--right## fundamental reform among car dealer networks,
and evermore demanding clients all amount to
an extremely challenging future.

Congestion charging and workplace parking
charges are on the immediate horizon. Debate
over clean fuels and the pollution caused by the
transport sector rages on. Changes to the Block
Exemption regulation opens opportunities to forge
completely new supply chains for both the acquisition
of vehicles and maintenance and repair services, while
simultaneously undermining existing relationships.

##Kwik-Fit Fleet--right## And if these were not challenges enough, clients
are increasingly reviewing their fleet policies,
expecting strategic consultancy and advice from
suppliers, while increasingly prone to shop around
for best value.

Add into the equation continued uncertainty
over used car prices, and the negative
impact of residual values on corporate balance
sheets, and the impression of being under siege is
easy to understand.

All these issues will be analysed and debated in
full at 'Facing the Future', the Fleet News
industry conference, an essential event for any
fleet executive with a strategic business outlook.

Facing the Future
Conference chairman Jeremy Vine, who has conducted many searching interviews as a presenter of BBC2's Newsnight, will question speakers and invite delegates to contribute to Q&A sessions.

Suffering from congestion
Government transport policy has a major impact on the ability of business people to do their jobs effectively. Congestion charging will be introduced in London in February and other UK cities and local authorities have indicated they will introduce similar schemes elsewhere in the UK.

Fuelling controversy
Cars using alternative fuels are still far from being part of the mainstream fleet sector and reliance on fossil fuels continues, with the debate on petrol versus diesel remaining a key issue.

Unblocking the market
The latest form of Block Exemption is now in place though many executives in the fleet sector admit they remain unclear on its likely impact. The legislation has created uncertainty in terms of vehicle acquisition, prices and servicing.

The reality of residual values
Residual values are still the fleet sector's focal point and must now be viewed in a European, as well as UK, context. There are also concerns about the impact of values failing to match forecasts.

Confirmed speakers
Fleet News is assembling a group of top line speakers to address the conference. Confirmed speakers include:

David Jamieson, transport minister
Professor David Begg, chair, Commission for Integrated Transport
Robin Woolcock, chief executive, Volkswagen UK
Malcolm Harbour Member of European Parliament, (in a live video link from Brussels)
John Lewis, director general, BVRLA
Rick Yarrow, managing director, Eurocarprice
Ramesh Notra, chief economist, CAP
Adrian Rushmore, managing editor, Glass's Information Services

Now book your place