ABC /Van Hool continued
Three generations of the Cornell Family– from left to right; Dane Cornell, President & CEO; Roman Cornell, VP of Sales; Clarence Cornell, Chairman of the Board; Ashley Cornell, VP of Customer Care; Ryhan Cornell, Account Executive ABC FL.
to provide technology-based services to fleet managers. He presently oversees AssetWorks, the world’s largest supplier of fleet maintenance software. Sears says he tries to combine rigorous mathematical and data automation techniques with a common-sense approach that allows operators to save money and improve fleet productivity. His company employs analytical methods for filling gaps in data as well as simulation techniques. He says this demonstrates the impact of change prior to his customers implementing new and costly management strategies. Where a lagging economy has challenged the industry, Cornell says Sears’ research provides a way to communicate with operators and help keep money in their pockets. “Operators are changing their business practices and purchasing patterns,” he says. “It is no longer business as usual. They are keeping vehicles longer, and we have had to make changes in our approach to support their efforts.” He points to the refurbishing operations in Nappanee, IN, and Winter Garden, FL. “As operators learn more about managing their fleets in the current economy, they may buy one new coach and choose to refurbish one of their older vehicles,” he says. “Our ability to diversify within our own operations is helping customers get more value from their fleets.”
Van Hool in lockstep
Van Hool announced early last year its plan to build an additional manufacturing facility to support its commitment to increased production to meet demand from its North American customers. The new plant in Macedonia near Skopje will enable the manufacturer to reduce cycle time from order to delivery. “Our manufacturing partner is in total lockstep with Mission 2013 and our shared vision to invest in the North American market,” says Cornell. “With the new plant, our customers will come to rely on a consistently shorter lead time for their new coach deliveries.” BR
18
January 2013
BUSRide