Negócio Business 27 Anuário Yearbook ABLA 2013 Beyond corporatism Understandably, unions, entities and other representative organizations’ main commitment is to achieving benefits for the people they represent, especially for their members. We understand that grouping around one or more causes is a way to strengthen democracy, seeing as it promotes a balance of forces in society’s representative categories. However, some entities can go beyond pure corporatism and assume greater responsibilities. This is the case for ABLA - one of Brazil’s longest-established representative organizations, with 36 years in the business. Throughout its existence, it has been adding value to its mission by contributing to decision-making processes that influence other productive segments of the Brazilian economy and society in general. One example is its participation in the Federal Government’s ‘Greater Brazil’ plan (Brasil Maior). Since April 2012, when it accepted President Dilma Rousseff’s invitation, ABLA has been represented in this Plan by Paulo Gaba Jr. (chairman of the national council) and João Claudio Bourg (ABLA’s CEO). Made up of representatives from the government, businesspeople and employees, the councils are permanent forums that discuss industry issues and build strategic agendas. The government itself defines the Greater Brazil Plan as a ‘colossal’ challenge. Its mission is to ‘sustain inclusive economic growth in an adverse economic context.’ The Plan focuses on ‘innovation and productive consolidation of Brazilian industry, targeting gains sustained by labor productivity.’ These principals match the very philosophy of ABLA. “We are fully convinced that this experience and the maturity our sector has achieved are also going to help ABLA collaborate effectively to achieving the country’s goals,” says Bourg. ”We have a National Council made up of leaders from several states and also regional directors in each state. We have the expertise to manage businesses and deal with people. We use our practical knowledge as businesspeople and put forward ideas and suggestions for the Greater Brazil Plan, sense and real examples are the best arguments” adds the CEO of ABLA. Another relevant role is also played by ABLA at the InterAmerican Chamber of Transport (CIT). This organization brings together representatives from18 countries that present suggestions for the development of transport in the Americas. In our participation in the CIT debates we table every and any mechanism that raises barriers to vehicle leasing in the Americas, trying to streamline processes and improving results for leasing companies and so for their customers. On these occasions the representatives of ABLA act sensibly and use real examples to convince the other members and officials of the need to answer its demands or listen to the suggestions presented. One problem solved concerns driving licenses abroad. For a non-Brazilian to be able to drive in Brazil, they had to have a certified translation of their license, which was obtained through a bureaucratic, slow and expensive process. Brazil was the only country to have this requirement. A manifestation was made by ABLA to the Brazilian government, which accepted the arguments and eliminated the need. Another struggle ABLA has been involved in is over the implications of joint liability, established in Precedent 492 of the Supreme Federal Tribunal, which states: “Vehicle leasing or rental companies are accountable, civilly and severally with the client, for damages caused by the client to third parties in the use of a leased or rented car.” It is understood from this wording that leasing or rental companies will be required share economic and even criminal responsibility incurred by their clients. Why, if a company does legitimate business, and transfers responsibility for driving a vehicle to a person who is duly authorized (licensed) and regulated by Brazilian legislation and standards, should it be co-responsible for any errors made by the driver? PQA: Right Price and Forum. Without ignoring everyday struggles or forgetting to keep on working on various issues already begun, this year the National Training and Qualification Program (PQA) initiated another step, providing every member with the Right Price program, and at the ABLA Forum & Trade Fair it will run the Knowledge Center, including talks and mini-courses throughout the event. These are two projects that have been proven to provide great results for both members and commercial partners. The Right Price Program is an ample, high-tech support tool for businesspeople. When supplied with the data requested the software provides the exact costs for the company, so that it can set its prices and be sure of its profit margin. The Forum brings people and common interests together,
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