FLEET operations and vehicle fleet management are two key areas to be focussed on by Nottingham Business School's new Centre for Automotive Industries Management. The centre will be headed by Professor Peter Cooke, formerly director of the Centre for Automotive Management at Henley Management College.

Under his guidance the centre will carry out research, consultancy and teaching across the automotive industries - vehicle manufacturers, components companies, dealerships, fleet operations, vehicle finance and vehicle fleet management - operating in the UK and internationally.

Cooke said: 'The changes we see developing in the industry make this one of the most exciting times to be launching such a new centre. The industry is likely to change out of all recognition over the next few years - and our task will be to help facilitate those changes through research and consultancy, as well as training personnel in the industry.'

Cooke spent 20 years in the automotive industry before joining Henley, including holding the position of marketing manager for Ford Mid East Operations. He is the author of eight books and many articles on the development of the industry.