In today’s AMN Executive Interview, Fitzgerald gives us an introduction to the new Innova Fleet Services, a division of Innova Electronics Corp., offering a unique fleet management system designed to help fleet managers effortlessly manage small- and medium-sized fleets.
Fleet systems management is a huge topic these days as fleet managers are looking to maximize efficiency and keep cost down. Tell us about the new Innova Fleet Services and how it can help.
The new Innova Fleet Management System was developed by parts people for parts people. It provides parts stores with a new revenue stream. The Innova system has all of the features of a traditional fleet management system, but we take it one step further by alerting both the fleet manager and the parts store of vehicle service needs. This one-of-a-kind feature provides auto parts stores with an exceptional opportunity to proactively reach out to fleet customers and capture parts sales.
The Innova Fleet Management System is affordable and easy to use. We took a fresh approach, developing an intuitive system that is flexible and customizable, allowing us to incorporate in-depth diagnostics, contemporary elements like infographics and other special features offered only by Innova.
Return on Investment is critically important with a system like this. How does Innova’s system provide strong ROI?
Any good fleet management system should provide positive ROI in the first 90 days. Usually the fuel savings alone is enough to pay for the system with the added benefit of savings over and above fuel. Because we agree that ROI is critically important, we have included a customizable ROI calculator on our website at fleet.innova.com.
Do you ever foresee Innova providing something like this for the consumer/passenger vehicle segment at some point?
Yes, this is the next logical step. In our opinion, however, the consumer market requires more maturity. We started with the fleet market first because fleet managers see the need and benefit of a flexible, customizable system. As consumers become more educated, they will see the value for the money spent.
What are you most excited about when it comes to Innova’s business prospects for the coming year?
Obviously the newly created Innova Fleet Services division is exciting and has huge potential. In addition, Innova has been compiling data for 15 years and we have multiple opportunities to utilize this data. The maturity of the data gives opportunity in many areas.
What are you most proud of as a leader in the automotive aftermarket?
The people. The auto care industry is a relationship business. It is filled with professionals who enjoy being involved and have a willingness to evolve and adapt as necessary in order to facilitate business throughout the supply chain and provide consumers with a positive service and repair experience.
What do you see as Innova’s biggest challenge in the coming years? Is it technology, pricing, marketing?
Definitely technology. It can give car companies an artificial advantage, driving service and repairs to their dealer locations. If this happens, and consumers lose the right to decide who repairs their vehicle, the auto care industry will face another serious threat. Right to Repair was a win for our industry, but the telematics fight will dwarf that battle.
Lastly, what do you want AMN readers to know about your company at this moment?
Innova is a growing company, a good corporate citizen and an excellent place to work. We strive every day to stay ahead of the tech curve and best serve our customers.
