NAFA Announces Stellar OEM Panel for 2026 Institute & Expo
An informative OEM Panel Discussion featuring leaders from top automotive manufacturers highlights the second day of NAFA’s 2026 Institute & Expo (I&E), which will take place April 13-15, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio, at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland.
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.
“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 the following experts:
- 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 & Commercial Sales, Nissan
The panel will be moderated by Chris Brown, Associate Publisher of Bobit. 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.
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 enjoy access to all educational sessions, the industry’s largest Expo Hall, and numerous networking opportunities with peers and industry leaders. Interested attendees can register here.
Media registration is complimentary for credentialed journalists.
Prospective exhibitors are encouraged to secure their space early to ensure prime placement in the Exhibit Hall. For more information about reserving an exhibit booth, please visit NAFA’s website. Sponsorship opportunities can be secured here. 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.
