Fleet Auto News: How long have you been working in the fleet management industry?
Andrew: I have been working in the fleet management Industry since 1992.
Fleet Auto News: How did you first get into fleet management?
Andrew: I evolved into the fleet industry through the development of the novated lease and its acceptance as a very effective means for employees to obtain the benefits the fleet industry can provide.
Fleet Auto News: Describe your current role?
Andrew: My current role is as Director, Sales & Marketing at INSIDE EDGE Novated Leasing, I am responsible for growing the number of corporate clients with whom we provide novated leasing services and also the number of people participating with in each organisation.
Fleet Auto News: What changes have you seen across the industry in last five years?
Andrew: The most significant changes we have seen in the last five years has been the “blurring of the lines” between traditional fleets and employee benefits programs with in corporate Australia. We have also witnessed massive changes in buyer’s choice of cars which has seen the demise of those not producing cars people want to drive and the rapid expansion of those meeting the market.
Fleet Auto News: Is novated leasing still growing in Australia?
Andrew: Novated Leasing provides employees with choice and significant benefits, so as people understand the benefits its popularity increases every day.
Fleet Auto News: What has been your biggest challenge to date in your current role?
Andrew: The biggest challenge for me and our industry was the effect the previous Government had when the proposal to change the Fringe Benefits Tax rules was implemented upon announcement with no consultation with the industry and no opportunity to prepare for a change in the rules.
Fleet Auto News: Where do you get new ideas from?
Andrew: New ideas come from understanding our customers and listening to their requirements. The Australian car and fleet management industry is a strong vibrant industry in a “golden age’ of change. Those who embrace the change will flourish those who hold on to traditional ideas will not.
A great example of a great idea is the current Tesla approach to car retailing, which is changing the paradigm and meeting the customer’s requirements on the customers terms.
Fleet Auto News: What are the top three challenges for a fleet manager today?
Andrew: 1. Stability and consistency in our political environment, while change is good, consultation and understanding of our industry is vital to ensure the longevity of the industry
2. Lack of investment in infrastructure to ensure fleets and cars in general can embrace technological advances, such as alternative fuels.
3. Lack of investment and commitment to roads and public transport which go hand in hand with the way people work and travel and ultimately affect the fleet industry.
Fleet Auto News: Do you think we will have driverless cars on Australian roads within ten years?
Andrew: I think with any change in technology it is important to see change as an addition rather than replacement, so yes the opportunity to have driverless cars could occur and have very real practical uses. However I am not sure that the average Australian driver is prepared to hand over the steering wheel just yet.
Fleet Auto News: What’s your tip to a new person starting a career in fleet?
Andrew: Listen and understand the industry and look for opportunities to improve and change the status quo, just because it has always been that way doesn’t mean it needs to remain that way.
