Report of the Chairman of the Leasing & Fleet Management Section

October 2004

Dear Industry Colleagues,

On reflection it is difficult to believe that we are at the end of another year.

Sadly we have seen the passing of friends and colleagues in the industry; Des Gush in October last year and Mark Ashworth in June this year. We pay tribute to them for their significant contribution and extend our deepest sympathy to their families.

Many factors and dynamics continue to face our industry such as vehicle prices remaining stable and the long term repercussions on the used vehicle market, impending legislation such as AARTO, changes to car allowances, vehicle affordability, interest rates, HIV Aids, low inflation and many more.

The leasing section has been involved in numerous meetings pertaining to the “Vehicle Affordability Task Team” and providing a document to NAAMSA regarding opinion and experience on the “Amendments to Fringe Benefit Taxation (FBT)”.

During the course of the year we have been addressed by various organisations; namely;

I-Express on Odometer Fraud Prevention, BAC (Business Against Crime), Smart Practice and Sarel Visagie from Lyceum on the SAVRALA Training Program.

Tonight is our annual MOTY function and will undoubtedly be a resounding success. Thank you to all the sponsors of this event and we look forward to the announcements of the winners. Well done to Margie, Wayne and Paul for the organisation of this function.

Suffice to say this year has been underpinned with a lot of hard work behind the scenes.

Government sub committee

The members at a previous meeting agreed to the formation of this sub committee.

It is vital a person be appointed to take responsibility of this committee in the ensuing year.

Statistical Sub Committee Report

Due to the Econometrix contract expiring in June this year, it was agreed to appoint Smart Practice. They will also make regular presentations to SAVRALA members to highlight growing trends and emerging developments in the industry.

We look forward to further developments and improvements in this important area.

The annual stats workshop reviewed the vehicle selection to allow for a much broader view, noting the inclusion of service or maintenance plans. The meeting also revised the product count format to include other categories as well as commercial vehicles.

Projects for 2005

  • The continual review of product line up
  • Working with Smart Practice to improve the reporting templates.
  • Consider more ways in which the information is made available to various stakeholders in the industry.

Legal Sub Committee Report

The elected chairman of this sub committee Quintin Van Eeden, relinquished his position during the year for personal reasons, and at a quarterly meeting, the portfolio was handed over to Len Eicker. The change over happened around the middle of the year, after due briefing of the focus of the sub committee for this year.

The main focus of the legal sub committee of SAVRALA for the year was the introduction of AARTO as well as the continued focus on NaTis.

With a new Minister of Transport taking reign, we are expecting a hard drive to get outstanding matters finalized, AARTO being one of them.

The Leasing and Rental section had an audience with Dr Wendy Watson of NDOT in April.

We were able to present an industry view regarding the practicalities and challenges surrounding the intended implementation of the AATRO regulations, including certain matters on NaTis. We are awaiting a formal response.

The overall impressions gleaned from the meeting were that the NDot were participative and constructive in their approach.

The fair wear and tear guide was reprinted with a minimal number of amendments. Members are encouraged to procure these booklets for distribution to their clients and personnel. Projects for 2005

  • The most important matter to focus on for the next year by the new incumbent is the continued involvement (with the Rental Section) at NDOT level on AARTO and NaTis matters.
  • The challenge is to negotiate a dispensation that positively contributes towards the joint objectives of the NDOT and SAVRALA.

Technical Sub Committee Report

The 2004 attendance of the Nuts and Bolts meetings was a great improvement over the previous year. These sessions hosted by the various manufacturers have been of a high standard. Thank you to all the manufacturers involved.

The viability of these technical forums is clearly demonstrated by the interaction with the manufacturers and the resolution of challenges presented to us from time to time in the most amicable way.

A huge improvement has been noted this year in terms of manufacturer contact and support. Well done to all concerned.

Projects for 2005

  • Jointly redefine the purpose and intent with the technical representatives and manufacturers in a workshop environment
  • Encourage participation from non-participating manufacturers and importers

Summary

Special thanks for the active participation of the various sub committee heads and to say it has been a great pleasure working with you all. Special mention and thanks to Len Eicker and Ross Richards who seamlessly continued the sub committee work of their predecessors.

To our members, thank you for your vote of confidence and support in electing me as your Chairperson this year.

To our President, John Broadway, thank you for your hard work and dedication. You have set exceptionally high standard for the future incumbent.

Best wishes to the incoming Chairperson and Committee for the New Year.

Sherl Camera

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