Dave Funston, manager, national fleet operations for Mazda North American Operations, passed away on April 1, 2021, following a three-year battle with colon cancer. He was 61.He has the distinction, to date, of being longest reining fleet manager in the history of Mazda North American Operations.
In addition to Avis, Vittoria served in a global role at Hertz. After car rental, he developed a line of sailing superyachts.
Impala Car Rental CEO Thompson Dondo, who died of apparent renal failure, had refused a court order to turn over GPS tracking data on a customer who rented a vehicle used in an abduction and torture.
Through his marketing campaigns, government relations, and ability to manage a powerful group of franchisees, the former Budget CEO is credited with propelling the brand “into the major league of car rental.”
A celebration of life will be held Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at Crimson, at the main pool entrance inside Red Rock Hotel and Casino.
During his career, Bentley operated as a Thrifty Car Rental licensee in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and as an Ace affiliate in Jacksonville and Augusta, Ga.
Pat Crahan, Truck Renting and Leasing Association (TRALA) member and chairman of the Light Truck Rental Council (LTRC), passed away on Dec. 31 after a brief illness. Crahan was 89 years old.
Greg Janik, president of the Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association (AFLA) from 1986-1987, passed away on Sept. 8. He was 74. Janik was a long-time member of AFLA and a strong supporter of the fleet industry.
The top 10 Auto Rental News stories of 2016 from newsletter traffic covered several topics including personnel changes, financial reports, the rise of ride-hailing services, and a class-action suit.
Ed Bobit, founder and chairman of Bobit Business Media, and publisher of Automotive Fleet magazine and many other media brands, passed away June 29 at the age of 86.