The future is now, and it looks different from what we might have expected — that was the key message from the speakers at LeasePlan’s annual Fleet Forum event, held at Auckland’s ANZ Viaduct Events Centre in early September. More than 170 LeasePlan clients, contacts and suppliers were entertained, informed and given the chance to network at this popular event, which had the theme of ‘Super Future’, shaping a better tomorrow.
Following an introduction from LeasePlan New Zealand Managing Director Charles Willmer, the event was opened by a video presentation from Transport Minister Simon Bridges, who outlined the government’s schemes for encouraging electric vehicle (EV) uptake. His message was underscored by Mark Gilbert, the chair of the Drive Electric organisation, which works to promote the use of EVs and the development of an appropriate infrastructure. Mark's presentation discussed where to next for plug-in vehicles in this country.
Another interesting glimpse of the future was provided by the general manager of Uber New Zealand, Richard Menzies. He outlined how vehicle usage is changing worldwide, and how Uber is developing new services beyond just driving people from A to B, including carpool services, enhancing public transport networks and ‘Uber Eats’ food delivery.
Commentator Bernard Hickey painted a picture of the current economic situation in New Zealand, with its previously unheard-of combination of strong GDP growth and low inflation. However, he refused to be drawn into any ‘crystal ball-gazing’ about what might happen next…
Stephen Hogg of PwC gave the audience an insight into the future of lease accounting and the introduction of the new IFRS (international financial reporting standards) from 2019, and how they will affect companies with leased vehicles. Also speaking on the subject of how new legislation will affect workplaces in the future was Gordon MacDonald, Chief Executive of WorkSafe, who outlined the new Health and Safety at Work Act and the new responsibilities for employers.
Aside from MC Jeremy Corbett’s clever commentary, the morning’s entertainment and dose of thought-provoking came from Dr Tom Mulholland, ‘the attitude doctor’, who spoke about his work on encouraging Kiwis to engage in more healthy thinking. Dr Tom’s exercise on who in the room was likely to make it to 80 years old was food for thought for many of those in the audience who have been known to drive and text, who may be a little ‘short for their weight’ and who enjoy a few drinks.
With ample opportunity for networking and reconnecting with others in the industry, Fleet Forum was a successful and enjoyable morning out for all attendees.