2025 Economic outlook for Fleet Managers

In this webinar, subject matter experts will provide a comprehensive analysis of the key factors shaping the year ahead. They will delve into critical topics such as interest rate trends, inflationary pressures, and the broader macro-political environment impacting fleet operations. Attendees will gain insights into ongoing supply chain challenges and the influence of global factors on local fleet management. The session will also touch on Australia’s transition to low and zero-emission transport, providing actionable advice on navigating this shift. Whether you're preparing budgets, adjusting replacement cycles, or planning for sustainable fleet initiatives, this webinar will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions in a dynamic economic landscape.

Webinar Presenters

Chris Forbes

GM Fleet, Kia Australia

During his 15 years at Kia, Chris has seen a tremendous rise in Kia’s popularity both in Retail & Fleet. With previous roles in asset finance (GE Commercial Finance) and remarketing (Pickles Auctions), his broad industry experience enables him to deeply understand Fleet customer requirements.

Katrina Ell

Director - Head of Asia-Pacific Economics, Moody’s Analytics

Katrina leads the economic analysis and forecasting activities for the Asia-Pacific research team. Katrina monitors regional and global economic developments closely and is responsible for baseline forecasting and scenario creation.

Mike Costello

Corporate Affairs Manager, Cox Automotive

Mike is responsible for media relations and market analysis/thought leadership at Cox Automotive Australia (CAA), leveraging the company's database and extensive business operations across the automotive value chain.

EV Transitions - Local Government Health Check

This webinar will provide fleet, finance, and sustainability teams with a practical snapshot of how councils across Australia are progressing their transition to electric vehicles. Drawing on survey insights from the IPWEA Fleet community, the session will highlight common challenges, emerging trends, and the strategies organisations are using to align EV adoption with broader net zero targets. Importantly, IPWEA Fleet members who have moved beyond the trial phase will share real-world experiences on how they overcame initial barriers—such as infrastructure planning, policy alignment, and financial approval processes—to make the purchase of electric cars, trucks, and plant part of routine fleet operations. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of where their organisation sits on the transition journey and what practical steps can support continuous improvement toward a more sustainable fleet.

Fleet Management Maturity Assessments – Benchmarking Your Performance

This webinar will help organisations understand how their current fleet management practices compare with recognised best practice outlined in the IPWEA Plant and Vehicle Management Manual (PVMM). Built using the principles of ISO55000, the maturity assessment applies the same structured approach already used for other asset classes, providing a consistent and defensible framework for evaluating performance. Given the significant financial, operational, and reputational risks associated with managing a fleet in local government, this session will focus on how maturity assessments support better governance, improved asset utilisation, and the efficient use of public funds to meet community Levels of Service.

IPWEA will walk through the assessment process step by step, explain the key areas that are evaluated and why they matter, share benchmark insights from organisations that have already completed the assessment, and invite attendees to schedule time to undertake a maturity assessment for their own organisation as part of a continuous improvement journey.

Asset Disposal - How do you maximise value?

This webinar will challenge the traditional view that value is simply the resale price of a vehicle or piece of plant. Drawing on Chapter 5 of the IPWEA Plant and Vehicle Management Manual (PVMM), this session will explain how determining the useful life of an asset and identifying the optimal replacement timing requires reliable data, forward planning, and a clear understanding of whole-of-life costs.

Attendees will learn why disposal is not just a transactional activity, but a strategic process that should be planned well in advance as part of the organisation’s 10-year replacement plan. The webinar will explore practical approaches to managing the disposal of cars, trucks, and specialised fleet assets in a way that maximises financial return, maintains operational efficiency, and supports continuous improvement in fleet management maturity.

Using technology to increase fleet service levels

This webinar will focus on how fleet practitioners can move beyond recognising the benefits of technology to building a strong, evidence-based business case that justifies the investment. The session will highlight a key shift in thinking—fleet assets are not just vehicles and plant to be managed, but critical tools used to deliver services to the community or generate revenue.

When technology implemented within fleet operations is leveraged by other departments—such as operations, safety, finance, and customer service—the return on investment becomes shared, internal support grows, and the value proposition becomes much clearer. Attendees will learn practical strategies for identifying cross-organisational benefits, improving community and employee safety, increasing asset utilisation, and reducing operating costs, all of which contribute to higher service levels and support continuous improvement in fleet management maturity.

Developing Fleet KPIs and Benchmarks

The Developing Fleet KPIs and Benchmarks webinar brings together the themes explored throughout the series with a clear focus on lifting fleet management maturity across the IPWEA Fleet community. While many fleet practitioners are looking for a simple set of standard KPIs or benchmarks, this session will explain why performance measures are only meaningful when they are directly aligned to the goals and service delivery requirements of the organisation.

Fundamental indicators such as asset utilisation will be discussed, including how they can vary depending on the asset category, operational context, and Levels of Service expected by the community. Attendees will gain practical guidance on developing fleet KPIs that link to organisational objectives—supporting efficient service delivery, agreed safety outcomes, and emissions reductions—while also providing a consistent framework for continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making.