Opportunities and Challenges for Fleets in 2010
2010 is shaping up to being an interesting year for fleets, large or small, around the country. On the horizon there are many opportunities for improving fleet and operational performance of fleet assets, yet challenges are lurking in the form of fluctuating fuel prices, increased costs from manufacturers, new government rules and regulations yet to be met or codified and an economy that continues to stumble. Meanwhile, the demands on fleet assets continue to increase while looking for opportunities to cut costs at every corner.
The broad macro-economy around the world and more directly here in the United States has provided a sobering reminder to the interconnected nature of our economy, businesses and lives. The reality of the global economic and financial crisis has impacted all of us. I am reminded of a quote by Nietzche “that which does not kill us makes us stronger.” For some, the financial crisis will cause paralysis and inaction, for others it will cause them to scale back, and for a few there will be opportunity and growth by navigating these troubled waters back to blue oceans.
For Ward and our customers, I am very optimistic about the way ahead. America is the economic engine of the world. We have weathered many storms in the past and will face this one with the same determination and knowledge that we will succeed. Just as we have seen in the 1950’s, 80’s and 90’s, with the right policies and environment, our economy soared to new heights. America in 2010, can do the same.
When talking with our customers around the country, I see and understand the frustrations associated with budget reductions and increased demands for fleet usage. The demands come in many forms: increased requests for utilization while directly opposed demands for reducing costs. Meanwhile, fleet and operational strategic plans for modernization are delayed, put on hold or stopped completely due to uncertainty and budget constraints.
As a company, Ward is growing in the industry and remains committed to innovation and the delivery of the most advanced fleet asset management technology system and services in the industry. We made strong efforts to trim and reduce where we could without sacrificing our commitment to service and technology innovation. We are excited as we prepare the next generation of products and services for our customer as they will be industry benchmarks for capabilities and delivering value to our customers through fleet Optimization, Utilization, Risk Management, Expense Control and Environmental Stewardship.
For our customers, partners and friends, we see opportunity in the challenges in front of you. The products and services Ward offers reflect the need to reduce costs while increasing the availability and utilization of the fleet assets you own and manage. Through transparency and integration across the corporate infrastructure, Ward products and services provide a positive impact to your bottom line while improving satisfaction of your customers, shareholders and constituents. Even in a down economy, the business case and resulting return on investment for Ward products and services is unmatched in the industry whether you are using Ward Fluid and Fuel Management systems, GPS based Asset Tracking Systems, Tire Pressure Monitoring systems or all three.
In 2010, our focus remains in technology innovation and overall customer satisfaction. By taking these proactive steps, Ward is certain we will navigate to blue oceans and deliver our customers the greatest value possible for Fleet Asset Management.
We look forward to 2010 and I look forward to seeing or hearing from you. Thank you for your continued support, and I wish you all the very best in the future.
Sincerely,
Troy Goldhammer
Chief Operating Officer
E.J. Ward, Inc.