52 Anuário Yearbook ABLA 2013 Institucional Institutional IImagine a company with over a thousand active customers in every region of Brazil, whose needs are different but who have a high level of demand and need to be fully serviced. This is how the ABLA team sees its roles and responsibilities. Its professionals start from this principle to focus on members’ interests. “We use the knowledge we have acquired to made operations for member companies practical,” says Jorge Machado, an administrative manager at ABLA. This involves performing tasks set out by the Executive Board, supporting institutional efforts, listening to and dealing with member requests, or taking initiatives to improve the operational efficiency of the sector. Last year, for example, ABLA published the book, ‘ABLA - 35 years in motion,’ an illustrated and summarized history of the automobile, the rental and leasing sector, and - especially - ABLA in Brazil. This project required hundreds of hours of reading meeting minutes, interviews with past presidents of ABLA, and conversations with professionals who in some manner are familiar with the sector. This review has had a positive impact since the book was launched. People recognize the book not only as a historical reference, but a tool to be used by the current directors and counselors to honor the importance of their predecessors at ABLA. Technology optimizing management. Another example of the results achieved by the work was upgrading of the ‘Right Price’ software, which allows business owners to know the true costs for the company according the characteristics of each company and region it operates in. With the ‘Right Price’ software companies can see what their real profit margins are. The program is comprehensive, and allows every fee, tax and cost to be added, including the peculiarities for each state or municipality where the rental or leasing company is based. Members will have the knowledge to set lease prices based on their actual costs and desired profit margins. Approved and validated by the counselors and regional directors, the pricing software is a benefit for members that can be accessed via ABLA’s website, protected by password. In order to demonstrate companies’ transparency and ethics, the ABLA website has innovated and is implementing tools to help members. The exclusive area provides relevant data, legal information for members, exclusive commercial policies with automakers and partners, access to Seara queries, and information that broadens businesspeople’s strategic vision. The ABLA website provides all the contact names and addresses of its members in Brazil, as well as companies that provide armored cars. Soon it will add companies that provide specially adapted vehicles. The website provides lots of reliable information and market knowledge, which is why it has a high rate of access, both from Brazil and abroad. Growing and discussing, not interfering. With the ABLA’s reach, many companies contact it to strengthen their brands and increase sales to this eclectic and diverse market. Discussing and seeking understanding with companies that want to sell their products or services to rental and leasing companies is also a role ABLA plays, as it establishes partnerships that are beneficial to vehicle rental and leasing companies. ABLA looks for respected suppliers with nationwide coverage. The commercial department, essential to any company or organization, provides a differentiated service at ABLA. The manager, Jorge Machado, explains that at ABLA there is no such thing as proactive action to attract businesses.”Here, the opposite is true. The rental and leasing companies approach us, wanting to join,” he says. Applicants must have been in operation for at least one year, then complete the forms and provide the documentation required. The whole process is analyzed, and the regional director issues an opinion. Although the organization never makes an exception for companies that do not meet its requirements, demand has been very high. Last year alone, 70 vehicle rental or leasing companies joined the group, bringing the total to 1,200 members. The sector meets at the Forum. One of the major missions for 2013 is organizing ABLA’s XI Forum and Trade Fair, the biggest event for the vehicle rental and leasing sector in Brazil. It is a nationally important event and the professionals involved demand a diverse program that is of real use for businesspeople and professionals in the area. The aim is to add value to participant’s everyday working lives, to train professionals, and unite interests. Professionals can broaden and update their knowledge of the market by attending talks and seminars. In the exhibition area they will see the latest products and technologies to be applied in their businesses. They will leave the Forum with new contacts and information. ABLA’s XI Forum and Trade Fair will be held on September 18 and 19, from 10 AM to 6 PM, at the Transamerica Expo Center, in the south of São Paulo city. Interested parties may request more information from abla@abla.com.br Members get a special discount - they pay only half the price. Dedication. Performing routine or extraordinary tasks, the Administrative Department is dedicated entirely to members. This is the philosophy that guides operations. Dedication to ABLA members
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDU0Njk=