In this episode of the Fleet News Group Podcast, we talk with Louise Azzopardi — life coach, mentor, keynote speaker, and industry ambassador — about how fleet workshops can attract, train, and retain the next generation of mechanics and technicians.
Louise shares her remarkable journey from a 15-year-old apprentice at Cummins South Pacific to becoming the first female Gold Medallist in the Australian National Heavy Vehicle competition and representing Australia with the Skillaroos.
She now helps organisations build better workplace cultures and gives practical advice for fleet managers:
Using work experience to find talent early
Creating a shame-free learning environment
Training leaders to teach, not just supervise
Embracing diversity as a strength
It’s an inspiring and practical conversation for anyone managing workshops or apprentices.
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In this episode of the Fleet News Group podcast, we sit down with Joe Sofra, CEO of ANC Delivers, to explore the company’s bold journey to electrify last mile deliveries. With a history stretching back over 100 years — from delivering theatre tickets on bicycles to powering today’s e-commerce giants like Bunnings, IKEA, JB Hi-Fi, and Telstra — ANC has built its reputation on innovation and customer experience.
Joe reflects on the landmark 2019 partnership with IKEA that committed to 100% zero-emission home deliveries by 2025, a move that pushed ANC to the forefront of sustainability in logistics. He candidly shares the challenges of starting with first-generation EVs, the learning curve of range anxiety, charging solutions, and engaging contractor drivers in the transition.
By World EV Day 2025, ANC reached a major milestone: more than 100 electric vehicles on the road. Joe explains how this achievement has deepened relationships with partners and delivery professionals, while also transforming the customer experience — from quieter streets to greener driveways.
Looking ahead, ANC is targeting 300+ EVs by 2028 and is rethinking efficiency with a “carbon cost per order” approach, aiming to do more with fewer vehicles. For Joe, the mission is clear: electric vehicles are not just viable for metro last mile deliveries — they’re the future.
This conversation highlights ANC’s role as a pioneer of zero-emission logistics and its commitment to creating lasting smiles for customers while cutting carbon emissions.
In this episode of the Fleet News Group podcast, we’re joined by New Zealand rally champion and road safety advocate Hayden Paddon. From grassroots motorsport to standing atop a WRC podium, Hayden shares lessons from a career built on goal setting, strategy, and managing risk under pressure.
We unpack how those same principles apply to fleet operations—whether it’s building a culture of calm and competent driving, introducing practical driver training, or rethinking how we prepare drivers for life on busy roads. Hayden also discusses his latest initiative to bring motorsport-based driver education to young Kiwis and why the vehicle should be treated as a workplace.
Whether you're managing five vehicles or five thousand, this conversation is packed with insights to help you influence safer driving behaviours across your organisation.
In this episode of the Fleet News Group Podcast, we sit down with Scott Maynard, Managing Director of Polestar Australia, to unpack his first year in the role and how the brand is staying true to its sustainability roots while scaling up.
Scott shares insights on Polestar’s changing sales model, its role in backing the NVES policy during a contentious election campaign, and how the local market has responded to the launch of Polestar 3 and the high-performance, low-emission Polestar 4 – now the brand’s best-selling model.
We also explore:
How novated leasing has accelerated EV adoption, now accounting for 60% of Polestar’s orders
Why Polestar believes "we don't have a sustainability strategy, we have a sustainable business strategy"
The future of bi-directional charging with Polestar 3 and V2G tech
Local testing of the upcoming Polestar 5 and the anticipated arrival of Polestar 7, a compact SUV built for Australia’s most popular vehicle segment
The road ahead for EV adoption in Australia and what it will take to reach critical mass
As Scott puts it, “Some myths were never true, and others are long gone – the tech has moved on, and so have we.”
In this episode of the Fleet News Group podcast, we sit down with Andy Graham from Evolve Fleet to unpack the evolution of fleet management technology — from magnetic tapes and Access databases in the 1990s, to integrated enterprise platforms, AI-driven insights, and real-time vehicle monitoring in 2025.
With over three decades in the industry — including leadership roles at Custom Fleet, SG Fleet and Splend — Andy shares candid stories about the early days of compliance without email, the challenges of system integration, and the cultural shift needed to make the most of today's connected tech.
"People think fleet is just putting vehicles on the road – but the complexity is enormous," he says.
We also dive into emerging trends including EV infrastructure, subscription mobility, and how Evolve Fleet is automating high-friction processes across more than a million vehicles.
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In an exclusive Fleet News Group podcast, Thom Drew, Country Director (Motors) for Tesla Australia & New Zealand, shared insights on the refreshed Model Y, Tesla’s strong performance in novated leasing, and the brand’s growing fleet focus. Drew highlighted Tesla’s unrivalled Supercharger network, low total cost of ownership, and impressive battery longevity. He also discussed new tools like Tesla for Business and improvements in parts supply and servicing to support fleet operators. With the Model Y now Australia’s most fit-for-purpose EV SUV, Drew made a compelling case for why fleet managers should seriously consider Tesla in 2025 and beyond.
🎧 Live from the Brisbane Truck Show! Glen Dyer, Managing Director at IVECO Australia, joins the Fleet News Group podcast to talk about their full truck line-up, the Euro 6 focus, and what’s next for alternative fuels like CNG, electric and hydrogen. Hear how IVECO is shifting gears in 2025 to focus on customers and reliability.
In this episode of the Fleet News Group podcast, we sit down with Mark Lampard, Managing Director at go EV, to explore the future of EV charging for Australian fleets. Mark shares insights on the challenges of public vs depot charging, why reliable service and spare parts matter more than ever, and the risks of outdated hardware. He also gives us a look into the latest innovations coming out of China and what’s next for go EV as they shift from hardware supplier to full-service solutions provider. A must-listen for fleet managers navigating the electric transition. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
In this episode of the Fleet News Group Podcast, we speak with Mark Gjerek, Founder and Director of MOV3MENT, about how Australia can accelerate the decarbonisation of transport—without relying solely on electric vehicles.
Mark shares practical, low-cost strategies fleets can implement today, from driver training to tyre choices, and explains why collaboration between government, industry and operators is essential.
“Electrification isn’t the only path,” says Gjerek. “In fact, it’s often the most expensive way to decarbonise.”
Tune in to hear why fuel efficiency, data insights and renewable diesel all play a critical role—and why fleet managers need to start planning now to hit 2030 targets.
In this episode of the Fleet News Group podcast, we sit down with Simon Humphries, Head of Product Management and Chief Engineer for Commercial Vehicles at Isuzu Trucks Australia. With 2025 marking the biggest overhaul of the Isuzu truck range in nearly two decades, Simon explains why this is a landmark year—from meeting new Australian Design Rules to launching advanced safety and drivability tech that makes these trucks more “car-like” than ever. If you’re in fleet, logistics, or just curious about the future of commercial transport, this deep dive into Isuzu’s all-new range is packed with insights, history, and a few surprises. Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube.
In 2025, fleet managers are finally realising the benefits of a truly digitised maintenance approval system—and Eden Shirley, CEO of AutoGuru, is leading the charge.
Eden explains how AutoGuru’s FleetGuru platform is delivering major time and cost savings, improving supplier relationships, and providing unprecedented control over the repair and maintenance process.
“We’ve brought in huge savings and efficiencies for both parties—the fleet manager and the service provider,” Eden said. “It’s a real win–win.”
Discussing the global EV market, Ceaser pointed to British Columbia, Canada, as one of the strongest regions for EV adoption. “It’s a wealthy, environmentally conscious area with a strong tech sector, and EVs have done really well there,” he said. However, he acknowledged concerns about how U.S. policy changes could impact Canada, particularly with potential tariffs affecting supply chains.
On the topic of the U.S., Ceaser warned that political uncertainty could slow EV adoption but wouldn’t halt it entirely. “Even when Trump was in office last time, state governments, cities, and corporations took the lead in pushing forward EV initiatives. That will likely continue, even if the national sentiment shifts,” he explained.
Ceaser summed it up with a memorable phrase: “Elections and electrons don’t mix.” He explained that while many politicians support EVs, others seek to weaponise the issue, creating unnecessary division. Ultimately, he argued, the numbers speak for themselves—EVs are simply a better financial and technological choice.
Vero Insurance is making lower-emission vehicle ownership easier for businesses, thanks to an enhanced Motor Fleet Insurance offering that also caters to EVs.
Vero is aiming to offer coverage that helps to facilitate its customers to focus on sustainability.
“Our organisation has a strategy to reduce our operational emissions, and off the back of this we wanted to encourage our customers to also reduce their impact,” said Vero’s Portfolio Manager – Commercial Fleet and Engineering, Richard Sandow.
The electrification of vehicle fleets is a significant step in the transition towards a more sustainable future. For Ausgrid, Australia’s largest electricity distributor on the East Coast, this shift is more than just an environmental initiative—it’s a strategic move towards operational efficiency and future-proofing their business.
In this episode of the Fleet News Group podcast, Tim Kynoch, Fleet Engineering and Strategy Manager at Ausgrid, shared insights into the company’s journey towards fleet electrification, the challenges they’ve encountered, and their roadmap for the future.
In the first episode of Fleet News Group’s 2025 podcast season, host Marc Sibbald sits down with Barry Saad, Founder and CEO of TRUCK TECH, and Dr. Jana Matthews, the company’s newly appointed Chief Growth and Development Officer.
The conversation delves into TRUCK TECH’s remarkable journey from a single service truck operation in 2007 to a multi-state heavy vehicle maintenance provider with over 120 technicians. Barry shares his passion for fleet safety and his mission to raise industry standards while offering career opportunities for young mechanics.
Dr. Matthews, an expert in scaling businesses, explains why she joined TRUCK TECH and how the company’s commitment to safety, innovation, and strong values sets it apart. She highlights the structured approach TRUCK TECH has taken toward process improvement, team development, and national expansion.
The discussion also explores the company’s early investment in electric vehicle maintenance, including a partnership with BYD and servicing over 300 electric buses and trucks. This forward-thinking approach positions TRUCK TECH as a leader in the independent heavy vehicle service sector.
With a focus on safety, quality, and customer service, Truck Tech is not just expanding—it’s redefining the perception of mechanical trades. Barry and Dr. Matthews discuss the challenges and opportunities in growing a values-driven business while keeping up with industry shifts like electrification. Whether you’re a fleet manager, a mechanic, or someone interested in the future of heavy vehicle maintenance, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolution of an essential industry.
Infinitev’s Executive General Manager Bart Moonen talks with Fleet News group podcast host Caroline Falls about the battery remanufacturer’s new tie up with France-based Forsee Power.
Forsee Power is the biggest battery system maker for buses outside of China. Its smart battery systems are also used in light vehicles, off-highway vehicles, trucks and trains. Infinitev, which is a Melbourne-based unit of Australian Stock Exchange listed group Amotiv, has been signed up to deliver after-sales repair services of the high-voltage battery systems for on-road and off-road in Australia.
Robert Dietz, Co-Founder and CEO of Roev, sat down to discuss his company’s journey from EV conversions to a pioneering software platform tailored for fleet electrification.
Roev’s story begins with an ambitious plan to convert traditional vehicles into electric ones, addressing a clear gap in the Australian automotive market. Today, the company has pivoted towards a software-driven approach, providing fleet managers with tools to streamline their transition to electric vehicles (EVs) while maximising cost efficiency and sustainability outcomes.
Riz Akhtar, founder of EV data service Carloop, talks about his upcoming trip to China to visit electric vehicle makers on this Fleet News Group podcast with host Caroline Falls.
He highlights the rapid development of Chinese EV brands, especially their launch of new models as quickly as every six months, compared with legacy automakers traditional business.
Brands like Xpeng, Zeekr, BYD, and a few other companies have sprung up and moved at a very, very fast pace, without having any of the shackles of the bigger established organisations.
Fleet News Group podcast host Caroline Falls holidayed in Milan recently and took the opportunity to speak with Davide Gibellini, managing partner of Europe’s largest fleet management group Fleetcompetence.
In a fascinating conversation, they talked about the bind facing European car makers as they ramp up EV production, the incredible advance being made by ENI’s vegetable oils to power fleets, cost-free moves fleets are making to cut emissions with their traditional ICE vehicles, and how AI is revolutionising remarking of used vehicles.
In this podcast episode, Lauren Lister, Vice President of People, Performance, and Culture at Custom Fleet, delved into the company's evolving workplace culture, diversity efforts, and its future workforce strategy. Lister, who has been with Custom Fleet for over 12 years, shared candid insights into the importance of belonging and how it aligns with the company’s people-centric approach.
