APATHY among companies which are not taking action to control fleet operating costs has been slammed by the chairman of the Association of Car Fleet Operators. In a scathing attack on company bosses and some fleet managers, Tony Leigh told ACFO's annual meeting and conference: 'Many companies have no idea how much they invest in cars or the value of their fleets.'

He claimed manufacturer-sponsored fleet seminars and some fleet training courses were being cancelled due to a lack of support from fleet chiefs and added: 'There is apathy within the fleet industry. Fleet operations are a low priority for many companies and they are wasting opportunities of being able to learn about issues and efficiency improvements which will save money on fleet operations.'

Earlier this year fleet chiefs identified cost control as their number one priority in a Fleet News survey of key issues facing the fleet industry in 1997 completed in conjunction with Lex Vehicle Leasing. ACFO has now published a special driver training survey which reveals that while fleets acknowledge driver training works, 'a significant proportion' of fleet operators fail to measure its financial benefit to their operation.

'Fleet operations are the second largest expenditure in any company and companies must think far more seriously about wholelife costs, driver training, fuel costs and numerous other issues. A lot of money can be saved without radically altering any policies,' said Leigh.