Auto industry leaders discuss 'green' impact at Firestone Fleet Care symposium

Firestone’s Complete Fleet Care executives hosted representatives from 30 key business partners at a June 18-19 symposium in St. Louis, Mo. The discussion centered on how the automotive industry is taking steps to reduce its environmental impact.

“Each year, we have been able to provide educational information on cutting edge automotive issues,” says Jim Kelly, director of national account sales. He explains how the company “is pleased to be able to host an annual event that brings together our valued business partners and shares information of importance to the fleet industry.”

At the 12th annual event, representatives from the Fleet Care division, parent firm Bridgestone Firestone Retail & Commercial Operations, Bosch, Hunter, Safety Kleen and Champion Laboratories provided updates on new technologies and products, fuel efficiency, recycled oil and fluids.

The meeting also highlighted several of Firestone’s environmental initiatives, including being the first in the automotive repair industry to commit to using steel wheel weights instead of traditional lead wheel weights, piloting the first environmentally friendly oil change service in Portland, Ore., and servicing hybrids at select retail locations.

Firestone “leads the way in bringing competitor fleet management companies together in an open and ‘safe’ environment where issues that affect all of the industry can be addressed,” says attendee Harry Wright, manager of service supplier networks for PHH Arval. “It has been extremely beneficial for the participants to learn that many of the issues we each face are universal within the industry, as well as within the industry’s partners.”

For more information, visit www.FirestoneFleetCare.com.