Work Truck Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

NAFA Announces OEM Panel for 2026 Institute & Expo

NAFA will feature panelists from GM Envolve, Stellantis, Ford Pro, and Nissan in an OEM Panel Discussion during NAFA’s 2026 Institute & Expo.

Background image of people's hands as they sit at a table and talk, logo for NAFA, and headline OEM Panel Discussion.

The OEM Panel Discussion will feature leaders from four of the industry’s top automakers, who will discuss their fleet strategies, priorities, and challenges for the public and corporate fleet industry.

Credit: NAFA/Work Truck

2 min to read


Panelists from GM Envolve, Stellantis, Ford Pro, and Nissan will share fleet strategies and priorities during an OEM Panel Discussion during the second day of NAFA’s 2026 Institute & Expo (I&E), which will take place April 13-15, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Ad Loading...

The OEM Panel Discussion, set for Tuesday, April 14, from 8:30-10:00 a.m., will feature leaders from four of the industry’s top automakers, who will discuss their fleet strategies, priorities, and challenges for the public and corporate fleet industry.

Ad Loading...

“This panel convenes experts from some of the world's preeminent automotive corporations to offer valuable insights into the future of fleet management in both the public sector and the corporate world," said Bill Schankel, CAE, NAFA CEO. “This panel provides fleet professionals with a direct forum to receive updates from OEMs concerning the newest vehicle models, available options pertinent to fleet operations, and their active role in determining the future of fleets through developments in vehicle supply, integrated technologies, and the expansion of electrification.”

The panel will include:

  • Jeff Hines, vice president, Stellantis

  • Mark Hogland, director strategic accounts, GM Evolve

  • Eric Rice, general manager, US Fleet Sales, Ford Pro

  • Jerry Zielinski, senior manager of fleet and commercial sales, Nissan

The panel will be moderated by Chris Brown, associate publisher at Bobit Business Media.

Panelists will discuss the evolving fleet landscape, including market conditions, technology direction, and future product planning. Attendees will find out how automakers are positioning their organizations to support fleet customers amid ongoing changes and long-term industry transformation.

Ad Loading...

The OEM panel discussion is just one of the many sessions at I&E 2026, which will feature over 60 educational sessions covering a wide range of topics, including fleet operations, sustainability, emerging technologies, and the latest vehicle models. 

I&E attendees will have access to all educational sessions, the expo hall, and numerous networking opportunities with peers and industry leaders. Interested attendees and prospective exhibitors can register at NAFA’s website. 

This year’s current sponsors include: American Honda Motor Co., AssetWorks, Enterprise Fleet Management, Driverge Vehicle Innovations, Fleetio, Geotab, Holman, Hyundai Motor America, IntelliShift, JJ Kane Auctions, KeyTrak, Legend, Merchants Fleet, Motive, RTA The Fleet Success Company, Samsara, Stellantis Pro One, Voyager Mastercard, and Wheels.

More Operations

Chevin Whitepaper cover 2026 Buyers Guide
Sponsored•October 14, 2026

A buyer's guide to fleet management software in 2027

Buying fleet management software in 2027 means looking beyond features and price. As fleet operations, technology and expectations evolve, this guide explores what today’s fleet professionals should consider when choosing a system that can deliver value now and adapt to what comes next.

Read More →
Tina Kourakos, retired fleet leader and former Subaru national commercial fleet sales manager, featured in a Fleet Legend profile.
Operations•by Lauren Fletcher•October 13, 2026

How to Build a Lasting Fleet Career by Staying Curious and Connected

Tina Kourakos never planned on a career in fleet. More than 30 years later, she says curiosity, strong relationships, and a willingness to keep learning helped turn an unexpected assignment into a career spanning fleet management and OEM leadership.

Read More →
Retro-style Truck Trivia Challenge thumbnail featuring a red semi-truck and vintage orange pickup truck against an orange and yellow sunburst background. Large text reads “Trivia Challenge” and “Truck Edition,” with Heavy Duty Trucking Exchange (HDTX) and Work Truck Exchange (WTX) logos at the bottom.
Operations•by Lauren Fletcher•October 9, 2026

Think You Know Trucks? Take Our 19-Question Fleet Trivia Challenge

From chicken lights to diesel engines and trucking history, test your knowledge with 19 questions from the 2026 Work Truck Exchange and Heavy Duty Trucking Exchange.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Shades of Fleet video thumbnail featuring Lauren Fletcher beside the text “The People Behind the Process, Keeping Fleets Moving,” with fleet vehicles and logistics imagery in the background.
Operations•by Lauren Fletcher•October 7, 2026

Where’s My Truck: Inside the Fleet Logistics Work Nobody Sees

Shades of Fleet video thumbnail featuring Lauren Fletcher beside the text “The People Behind the Process, Keeping Fleets Moving,” with fleet vehicles and logistics imagery in the background.

Read More →
Work Truck graphic calling for industry insights on 2026 trends and 2027 forecasts.
Operations•by Lauren Fletcher•October 7, 2026

Work Truck Seeks Fleet and Industry Insights on 2026 Trends and 2027 Forecasts

Work Truck is seeking insights from fleet leaders and industry partners on the trends that shaped 2026 and what commercial fleets should prepare for in 2027. Participate today!

Read More →
Work Truck graphic illustrating cargo theft, showing a worker loading a trailer while a hooded figure uses a laptop near digital tracking screens and an unlocked padlock symbol.
Operations•October 6, 2026

It's 10 p.m... Do You Know Who Has Access to Your Fleet?

Preventing cargo theft requires investment in technology, operational processes, and employee training. In an industry with tight margins, it can be difficult to justify investments whose value is measured by incidents that might never occur.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustrated map showing a blue circular geofence boundary around a defined geographic area.
Technology & AI•by Staff•October 6, 2026

GeoFencing Adds to Your Truck Security Arsenal

Geofencing is a familiar fleet tool today, but its early adoption marked a major shift in vehicle tracking, route monitoring, and the debate over employee privacy.

Read More →
Work Truck Weekly Truck Chat Cheat Sheet thumbnail featuring Lauren Fletcher with callout text highlighting strike rumors, GM engines, and the real cost of idling.
Operations•by Lauren Fletcher•October 5, 2026

Truckers’ Strike Rumors, New GM Engines, and Hidden Idling Costs Lead This Week’s News

Truckers’ strike rumors, GM’s new 2027 engines, hidden idling costs, racing lessons, IRP rules, and more headline this week’s Truck Chat Weekly Cheat Sheet.

Read More →
Shades of Fleet Culture of Care graphic featuring speech bubbles and a Call for Voices invitation against an industrial fleet setting.
Operations•by Lauren Fletcher•October 2, 2026

Shades of Fleet Wants to Hear From You About Building a Culture of Care

Fleet leaders, we want to hear from you. Share how empathy, trust, and creating space for people can strengthen your team, improve performance, and support retention.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Isaac Johnson in a black-and-white firesuit smiles at the track at sunset with tents, equipment, and another person blurred in the background.
Operations•by Lauren Fletcher•October 1, 2026

What Racing Can Teach Work Truck Fleets About the Work Nobody Sees

Race car driver and mechanical engineer Isaac Johnson shares practical lessons on preparation, relationships, setbacks, and building teams that perform when it counts.

Read More →