BVRLA News - Summer/Autumn 2023

Summer/Autumn 2023

The

newsletter of the British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association

Power shift in EV charging infrastructure

When it comes to the roll out of a suitable EV charging infrastructure, the balance of power is changing. Responsibilities that have historically sat with those in Westminster are being pushed to all corners of the UK. Local authorities are being given the ability to implement their own infrastructure plans, while programmes such as the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund, give access to funding not seen before.

Authorities are being asked to spearhead new public charging infrastructure strategies, but most of them are under-resourced, under-funded and dealing with a host of competing transport priorities.

This is good news for the fleet sector. The collective ability to influence decisions and see a fleet-friendly charging network has never been stronger. Those developing local plans need support. They want to make the right decisions and want to hear from any stakeholders, organisations and constituents that can guide them.

The BVRLA’s research earlier this year showed that nearly two thirds of local authorities in the UK are yet to publish an EV strategy and 40% are yet to engage with the fleet sector.

Local authorities either don’t know where to start with their plans or are overlooking the critical role that fleet users play in the road transport network. The responsibility to create that change sits with our sectors.

The Government’s LEVI funding is hugely important, but policymakers also need support in understanding the needs of different road users, whether it is those based locally or those travelling through. BVRLA members and their customers are already living and breathing the transition to EVs and are familiar with the barriers, frustrations, and benefits that it brings.

That is why the BVRLA launched its Fleet Charging Guide (right). Members are invited to use the Guide to kickstart conversations with their local authority. u

Fleet Charging Guide 2023

The BVRLA’s Fleet Charging Guide is to help local authorities as they try to meet the diverse charging needs of electric fleets. The Guide highlights some key fleet use cases and how they can best be supported on their zero-emission journey.

Getting the right infrastructure in the right place at the right time will require close collaboration between everyone, including drivers, fleet operators, charge point operators (CPOs), distribution network operators (DNOs), local authorities (LAs) and national government. The Guide provides a high-level overview of how and where fleets charge and makes some recommendations on where the collaboration should focus. u

Chief Executive:

Gerry Keaney

PA to Chief Executive

/Facilities Manager:

Kate McLaren

Management Accountant:

Bharti Ladwa

Accounts Assistant:

Samantha Hulbert

Corporate Affairs

Director:

Toby Poston

Research and Insight Manager: Phil Garthside

Head of Communications:

Adam Forshaw

Senior Communications

Officer:

Helen Lawrence

Senior Digital Communications Officer:

Shaheb Khan

Events Manager:

Fran Bund

Head of Policy and Public Affairs:

Thomas McLennan

Public Affairs Manager:

Rachael Hewish

Senior Policy Advisor:

Catherine Bowen

Jake Mckey

Fleet Services

Executive:

Laura Birdsey

Legal and Membership Director:

Shashi Maharaj

Head of Compliance and Governance: Harry Madan

Compliance and Governance Officer:

Hayleigh Morris

Corporate Governance Specialist:

Amanpreet Kalu

Membership Manager: Greg Theaker

Membership Support Officer: Josh Saunders

Conciliation Service Manager:

Sallie Catchpole

Conciliation Service Officer:

Laura Memczak

Stephen Dix

Sarah Philp

Director of Member

Engagement:

Amanda Brandon

Human Resources Director:

Nora Leggett

Head of IT: Michael Skinner

CRM Data Manager:

Rob Burford

Head of Learning and Development:

Mark Pow

Learning and Development Coordinator:

Tess Warn

L&D Digital Content Specialist: Charlotte Plumb

Welcome from the Chief Executive

As this issue reaches you, we are about six weeks into a new regulatory landscape.

Consumer Duty marks a seismic shift in how FCA-regulated firms and those in their supply chains operate. It puts the focus on good customer outcomes.

BVRLA members already work to the highest standards, but the Duty requires a new outlook and for those standards to be evidenced in new ways.

The scale and depth of support from your association has provided members with the tools they need to prepare. We will continue to deliver as the Duty embeds and expands.

Beyond that, the UK’s journey towards a cleaner, greener transport network is showing signs of stalling.

As the grips of the cost-of-living crisis tighten, the ability for UK households and companies to decarbonise is under pressure. This is being evidenced in reports of supply outstripping demand for new EVs, while the used market has the reverse problem as consumer concerns over long-term battery health undermine confidence.

Some of these problems are based on misconceptions. Others are very real and require

strong leadership from government. Decarbonisation targets need to be backed by firm commitments, giving industry the clarity it needs to deliver.

The BVRLA will continue to represent members to secure that clarity and support members in plotting their journey to zero-emission vehicles.

Alongside all of this, the BVRLA’s focus remains on delivering value and positive outcomes for members at every turn. Our events and training calendars are as full as ever, supported by comprehensive guidance pages and active campaigning that is gaining more influence with decision makers year on year.

The BVRLA team remains on hand to help. Everything we do, including all the work featured in this issue, is shaped by the inputs and insights of our members. You will shortly be receiving our Annual Member Survey, presenting an opportunity to let us know what we are doing well, what we can do better, and new areas we should be looking into.

We are ready to listen; please take the time to fill it out and help guide our activities into 2024. u

Gerry Keaney, BVRLA Chief Executive

Chair Jon Lawes Vice-Chair Lakshmi Moorthy Honorary Treasurer Brian Back

Fleet growth helped by rental return

The BVRLA has seen its fleet grow in the face of ongoing vehicle supply challenges, driven by rental demand returning after two years of pandemic-affected travel. Another area of growth has been the company car market, which continues to be a leading driver of the sector’s efforts to decarbonise.

The BVRLA closed 2022 with a record number of members, reaching 1,026.

Amanda Brandon, BVRLA Director of Member Engagement, said: “An overriding theme of 2022 was poor vehicle supply. To see any fleet growth is testament to the strength of our sector and its ability to adapt to changing market conditions.

“Supply is starting to return as we head through 2023 but the cost-of-living crisis, inflationary pressures and lack of confidence are growing in prominence. BVRLA members are agile, innovative, and resilient, and on their way to make 2023 another successful year.”

Car numbers have seen the biggest volume growth, with van numbers also increasing. Members confirmed that the 11% year-onyear growth in the overall rental fleet would have been greater but for the issues with vehicle supply.

The company car market continues to see rapid adoption of electric vehicles. Long-term foresight on Benefit in Kind tax rates – which the BVRLA helped to secure until 2028 –remains a critical factor in this. u

These graphics show the current composition of the BVRLA fleet and how that relates to total vehicles on UK roads. The combined influence of the BVRLA and its members continues to grow, frequently demonstrating wider trends and shaping innovation.

BVRLA on the road

The BVRLA team has a busy schedule that sees the team reach all corners of the UK. These commitments span member visits and speaking at industry events, through to our own calendar of events and stakeholder meetings. Here are some of the highlights from the last few months.

New arrivals

The BVRLA continues to grow and strengthen its expertise. Since the last issue of BVRLA News we have welcomed to the team:

Charlotte Plumb, L&D Digital Content Specialist

Charlotte joined the Learning and Development (L&D) team in February and brings sector experience from her work at Volkswagen Group and Financial Services in their training teams. She leads the creation and curation of digital learning content to be hosted on the BVRLA’s new Learning Management System (see page 13). Charlotte can be contacted at charlotte@bvrla.co.uk

Jake Mckey, Senior Policy Advisor

Jake joined the Policy and Public Affairs team in April and is responsible for tax policy, covering Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), Consumer Credit Act (CCA) reform, future taxation, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and other tax affairs. Prior to the BVRLA, Jake worked in policy in the gambling and housing sectors. Jake can be contacted at jake@bvrla.co.uk

Committee updates

New chair

• Scott Jenkins, Autohorn Fleet Services Ltd is the association’s new Rental Committee Chairman.

Additional new committee members

• Rental Committee – Lee Duerden, XLCR Vehicle Management.

• Leasing and Fleet Management Committee – Gurjeet Grewal of Octopus Electric Vehicles Ltd, Kit Wisdom of Tusker and Matthew Boswell of

• Leasing Broker Committee – Nickie Brooks of Hanborough Enterprises Ltd, Hollie Crumlish of Alphabet GB Ltd and David McLaughlin of ALD Automotive Ltd.

• Commercial Vehicle Committee – Ian Moffat of ARC Fleet Services, Simon Simmons of Alphabet GB Ltd and Nicky Simpson of Enterprise.

Leasys.

Corporate Affairs Director Toby Poston at the Battery Health Deep Dive Event

Head of Policy and Public Affairs

Thomas McLennan at the Car Finance Conference

Thomas McLennan at the Local Government Association EV Infrastructure Event

Amanda Brandon at Hydrogen Industry Leaders

Director of Member Engagement Amanda Brandon, and Membership Manager

Greg Theaker at the Great British Fleet Event

Thomas McLennan at Recharge UK

Senior Policy Advisor Catherine Bowen talked EV affordability at the EV SUMMIT

Local authorities pledge to think fleet Check local progress on EV strategies

Enabling the shift to EVs is a collaborative effort: National Government, local authorities (LAs), Distribution Networks (DNOs), Charge Point Operators (CPOs), fleets, regional transport boards and others must all work together to create a charging network that works for all.

The critical element is collaboration. Getting the right infrastructure in the right place at the right time requires everyone in the electric vehicle environment to come together.

Local authorities want to play their part in this too. Through engagements with authorities across the UK, the BVRLA is seeing them officially commit to having fleets in mind. By signing the Fleet Friendly Charging Infrastructure Pledge, local authorities are confirming that they will:

• Consider fleet operators and drivers in charging infrastructure plans and strategies

• Engage with the fleet sector to understand their charging requirements

• Provide fleet-focused EV charging information and guidance.

At time of going to press, four local authorities have already signed the Pledge. The more authorities that commit to the pledge at a local level, the more fleet needs will be met nationally.

Members are encouraged to contact their local authority to start the conversation today. Through the BVRLA’s suite of local authority resources – including the Fleet Charging Guide (see cover story) and Fleet Friendly Charging Index (right) –it is possible to check the progress made by each authority in the UK before making contact and sharing the BVRLA resources. Each engagement with a local authority makes the sector’s voice louder and brings fleet needs up the agenda. u

The BVRLA’s Fleet Friendly Charging Index features an interactive map to show the progress of each local authority on their EV charging infrastructure plans, as well as contact details for the local decision makers.

BVRLA members and their customers need access to a fast, affordable, reliable and secure charging infrastructure. That can only happen effectively with the support of local authorities and national government.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach for this, especially when considering the varied needs of fleets up and down the country.

The Index gives a high-level overview of progress by local authority and how much consideration is being given to fleet needs. Visit the page and explore the interactive map to see how different regions compare when it comes to progress on EV strategy, Fleet engagement and Fleet resources. Users can click on a region for an overview of its status.

Based on a series of Freedom of Information requests in Q4 2022, the Index shows that:

• 37% of local authorities currently have an EV strategy

• Just 3% of local authorities have clearly engaged with, or considered the needs of, the fleet sector; over 40% have not engaged with the fleet sector to date

• 21% of local authorities have a clear contact and support materials/processes. One third have neither.

The BVRLA is engaging with local authorities the length and breadth of the UK. The Index highlights where collaboration is most needed, while the Fleet Charging Guide outlines several key recommendations to help local authorities in making the first steps to a fleet friendly EV infrastructure plan. u

Giving EVs a second wind

Driven by the uptake of new EVs through company car and salary sacrifice schemes, 2023 has seen a surge of EVs looking for their second owner. As always, the new car market feeds the used one. The two coexist, each being reliant on the good health of the other.

With the current rates of new BEV registrations, the used market will have no issues with EV supply. Instead, the focus needs to be on creating demand by highlighting the cost and performance benefits of going electric.

New BEV registrations are driven by tax benefits for companyprovided vehicles, incentives that are not matched in the new retail or used markets. High energy prices have narrowed the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) benefits of going electric.

Used vehicle buyers are concerned about the long-term health and performance of an EV. Customers are uncertain about battery degradation, real-world range and access to an affordable and reliable public charging infrastructure.

EVs are cheaper to run for almost every rational use case scenario, while infrastructure continues to roll-out in more reliable forms. ESG and carbon reduction commitments are on the agenda for many organisations, adding a non-financial motive to the TCO argument.

To encourage this uptake, the BVRLA continues to push for a supportive policy, regulatory, and operational environment that enables its members to go out and do what they do best – provide safe, sustainable, and affordable transport and mobility solutions to millions of customers.

In the coming months we will be working with Government and colleagues across the fleet and automotive sector to promote battery health information that is reliable, accessible and useable. Collaboration will span local authorities, airports and other transport planning hubs, as well as the remarketing sector.

The work will not stop there. It is no overstatement to say that the next few years will be a make-orbreak period in determining whether the UK hits its 2030 Phase-Out targets or not. We are in a race which, at the moment, feels like a marathon being run as a sprint. u

Healthy battery health?

Swapping a petrol or diesel vehicle for an electric one has brought anxieties about range, charging, and running costs to potential customers. These have now been joined by concerns over battery health.

According to Auto Trader, concerns over the longevity of an EV battery put 40% of non-adopters off making the switch.

At the BVRLA’s Fleets in Charge Deep Dive in May, a host of battery health experts and engineers came together to share the full picture. The situation presented was better than many fear.

Data presented by Geotab – pulling from over 6,000 EVs and three million trips – confirmed that average battery degradation is around just 2% each year.

Part of the solution is better education of prospective owners or operators. Battery health should be discussed in the same way driver needs, cost of ownership and vehicle specification would be. Normalising the topic of degradation and presenting vehicle performance in a transparent way will allow customers to make their own decision having been presented with the facts.

Battery health is a key consideration for most used BEV buyers and we can expect to see a lot more battery health discussion and data being shared. If you are looking at a potential solution, the best advice currently is ‘do your research’. u

Clear communications with drivers vital

After two years of lockdowns, travel numbers continue to rise as pre-pandemic habits are returning. The natural result of more bookings is more customer complaints.

The BVRLA’s Trading Standards Instituteapproved Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service is for those rare circumstances where a customer has exhausted a member’s complaints procedure and remains dissatisfied.

In 2022, the service saw a 25% increase in cases handled relating to rental bookings. Levels are still below pre-pandemic levels, but expected to increase again through 2023.

When analysing the nature of cases handled, vehicle damage is the main cause of complaints. Other recurring topics include disputes over additional fees such as those charged for optional cover, fuel, and upgrades.

Damage is again the primary cause of dispute for leasing complaints. The BVRLA’s Fair Wear and Tear Standards remain the number one reference point for such cases; members are encouraged to keep up to date with the standards and ensure they are putting them into practice accurately and consistently.

Another trend in leasing cases is with electric vehicle drivers claiming they are not receiving the advertised range. With more and more EVs coming to member fleets, this trend highlights the importance of having clear communications with drivers to manage their expectations and help educate them when transitioning away from a petrol or diesel vehicle. u

Setting a new standard for Wear & Tear

The BVRLA has launched an updated version of its Fair Wear and Tear Standard for cars. Widely accepted across the industry as setting the bar for vehicle condition, the Standard gives a reliable, consistent reference point when determining end-of-contract charges.

The updated Fair Wear & Tear Standard reflects the latest technologies and driver habits. Input was compiled from BVRLA members, auction houses and common issues handled via the association’s Alternative Dispute Resolution service. Several changes have been introduced regarding electric vehicles, including the requirement for them to have a full charge at the point of collection.

Other updates give greater clarity on tyre and wheel condition, in-vehicle documentation, and the presence of charging cables where appropriate.

Toby Poston, BVRLA Director of Corporate Affairs, said: “Our Fair Wear and Tear Standard is the essential textbook and primer for anyone involved in vehicle returns. The new Standard for cars sets out in black and white what is expected of a driver from the moment they accept delivery of the vehicle.”

The updated BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear Standard for cars is available in hard copy and electronic formats via the association’s website. The updates are reflected in the corresponding training course, which supports fleet professionals in understanding and applying the Standards effectively. u

Vehicle fraud: reduce your risk Step forward in reform of the Consumer Credit Act

Every vehicle hire presents a risk. Each vehicle is a high-value asset that must regularly be entrusted to a third party. Members must take all necessary precautions to protect their business from harm.

That was the overriding message from the association’s Industry Outlook webinar, which explored the topic of vehicle fraud. Experts have also shared concerns that fraudulent activity could increase as ongoing economic pressures and the cost-of-living crisis impact households across the UK.

people lead to an increase in crime. There’s no two ways about that.

Unfortunately, the risks to BVRLA members are varied. The physical threat of vehicle theft is older than the sector itself, while cyber security risks and finance agreement-related crime grow in prevalence as technology evolves.

The good news is that preventative measures are also evolving, at pace. Vehicle-tracking software, online databases of previous offenders, and remote immobilisation solutions are improving all the time. Members are encouraged to take a host of steps to protect themselves. Steps should cover both the prevention – stop fraud occurring – and the corrective.

Several of the BVRLA’s Associate members offer support across these areas, while the association’s RISC database exists to reduce risk. Details of suitable associate members can be found on the Member Directory or by emailing membership@bvrla.co.uk in order for you to be connected with potential partners. u

The Government has reiterated its commitment to reform the Consumer Credit Act 1974 (CCA), following initial consultation with bodies including the BVRLA. In publishing its response to the consultation, the Government confirmed it will be introducing provisions into the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Handbook. It is likely a further consultation will be published in 2024, although there is still no clear indication of the Government’s position or a timeline for reform.

There was broad support from the majority of consultees for the government’s intention to fundamentally rethink the CCA. Many stakeholders agreed that the CCA has failed to keep up with the rapid development of new products and the changing ways in which people engage with credit.

While CCA reform is still at the early stages, BVRLA members can take

some solace in the fact that the Government has specifically outlined its commitment to engage with stakeholders who responded to the question of consumer hire. It’s clear that the next year of engagement will be crucial in influencing the Treasury and FCA.

Members wishing to share their views on the reform of the CCA should email jake@bvrla.co.uk u

The impacts of poverty and a lack of opportunities for

Chief Inspector of Constabulary Andy Cooke

BVRLA provides continued support for Consumer Duty journey

In its new Consumer Duty regime, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) wants to ensure a higher and more consistent standard of consumer protection for users of financial services and to help stop harm before it happens.

The new Consumer Duty came into effect on 31 July this year. It impacts all members that conduct Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)-regulated business in personal leasing or rental. The BVRLA is here to support members on their Consumer Duty journey, and as the new regulations aim to put the customer first, the BVRLA is committed to helping members comply.

On the BVRLA’s Consumer Duty guidance page, members will find a range of resources to help with Consumer Duty implementation. These include:

• Best practice guides with practical tips for meeting the new rules

• Checklists to audit businesses against the key requirements

• Template documents

• Webinars explaining the new rules. One checklist, for Leasing broker members, reviews the necessary steps to ensure that their leasing brokerage is FCA Consumer Duty compliant. In addition, the BVRLA has also provided a table with corresponding action items, descriptions, and methodologies to help firms better understand the requirements and implement them effectively.

The BVRLA has recognised the need for continued support for members on the new Duty. In the association’s recent half-year Industry Outlook Survey results, 40% of businesses have found interpreting the rules and guidance issued by the FCA difficult.

A downloadable Implementation Plan guide supports members in creating a plan that works for their individual circumstances. It will help firms to ask the right questions and take a phased approach to delivering an effective Plan.

The Consumer Duty Deep Dive Webinar series explains the four pillars of the Consumer Duty regime; The New Consumer Duty Principle, Product and Services, Price and Value and Customer Support and Consumer Understanding. It unpacks every element and shows members where their focus should be. u

The Duty’s outcomes run with the grain of what good firms should seek to deliver. Those firms who do the right thing and show leadership should welcome action to tackle poor practice by competitors who drive down standards. The common thread, the thing we are interested in above all else in our work, is reducing harm to consumers and ensuring firms deliver good outcomes for consumers.

Sheldon Mills, Executive Director, Consumers and Competition, The FCA

There are also three Consumer Duty training courses available to members, that will continue to be scheduled throughout 2023 to aid members with their Consumer Duty implementation:

Implementing the new Consumer

Duty in your Brokerage

Consumer Duty – Supervising and Managing your teams

Consumer Duty – Customer Service and Compliant Sales Professionals

BVRLA preserves supply chain certainty for members

New competition rules have been published following the UK’s exit from the EU, providing major protections for vehicle rental and leasing companies around the automotive supply chain.

The BVRLA has published a new factsheet on the changes, which follow months of policy engagement from the association.

The Vertical Block Exemption Regulation (VBER) and Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation (MVBER) both expired in May 2023. Both existed to ensure that agreements between companies at different levels of the supply chain did not breach competition law and enabled BVRLA members to access the broadest range of repairers and servicing options.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has been working on UK-specific versions of the regulations. It has recommended that the government:

• Replaces the EU VBER with a UK-tailored Vertical Agreements Block Exemption Order (VABEO), and

• Replaces the MVBER with a Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Order (MVBEO) that is tailored to the needs of businesses operating in the UK and UK consumers.

The BVRLA has worked closely with the CMA on the content of the respective orders and has achieved some vital successes to support members. These include:

• Expressly clarifying the application of “end user” status to motor vehicle leasing and rental companies – the only sector-specific mention. This means there is no legal requirement for the vehicle owner to disclose details of their customer to the manufacturer as a contractual condition or requirement to purchase the vehicle.

• The exclusion of rental and lease agreements from VABEO means that agreements between leasing/rental companies and their customers do not need to be tested in the same way as the agreements between OEMs and leasing/rental firms.

Crucially for BVRLA members, MVBEO now recognises fleet owners/operators as “independent operators”, which opens up our sector’s claims for equal access to vehicle data. u

MOT testing regime under review

The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that the MOT testing regime is being reviewed. A public consultation took place earlier this year. The BVRLA submitted a formal response following extensive review and input from across the membership. As part of the consultation, the DfT explored whether a vehicle’s first MOT should be due after four years, not the three currently in place and asked what, if any, testing should be conducted on electric vehicle batteries.

Within its response, the BVRLA stated that the first test should only extend to four years if rental and leasing companies are granted better access to vehicle data. There should also be separate considerations for rental firms that conduct pre- and post-rental checks, meaning vehicle condition is constantly monitored and steps can be taken as necessary between tests.

The government continues to consider the responses to the consultation, but the BVRLA is expecting more news in the coming months. u

Launch of new Vehicle and Fleet Management Forum

The BVRLA has evolved the Technical and Operational Management Forum to reflect the new vehicle leasing and mobility services landscape and has created the new Vehicle and Fleet Management Forum (VFM) Forum. The core elements of the previous technical forum - topical agendas, informed speakers, and networking opportunities - are not changing.

The new programme will cover every aspect of fleet management, from taking delivery of a new vehicle right through to defleeting it.

The third and final VFM forum of 2023 will be on Monday 6 November at Autoglass in Egham.

Supply challenges give way to new aftermarket tests

According to new data from the BVRLA’s half-year Industry Outlook Survey, the long-running vehicle supply challenges that have been suffocating the fleet sector are beginning to subside. Rising costs. Increasing energy prices. Restricted vehicle supply. These were the main issues impacting the rental, leasing and fleet sectors in 2022. This year, it seems the supply challenges are beginning to subside. Unfortunately, the respite this provides is being compromised by a lack of parts and increasing SMR (service maintenance and repair) costs and delays.

The steady improvement to vehicle supply levels is seeing more fleet orders being fulfilled, helping to meet the growing demand being reported by many BVRLA members. 59% of respondents saw better sales transactions in Q1 2023 vs Q1 2022, providing a feeling of cautious optimism in the face of the ongoing cost of living crisis.

But this confidence is being curtailed by an array of aftermarket aggravation. A decline in parts availability – cited by 90% of respondents – is leading to prices and off-road times increasing. 92% of respondents reported an increase in vehicle downtime, compounded by an upsurge in labour costs (reported by 94% of respondents) and an aging fleet requiring more maintenance.

For cars and, to a lesser extent, vans, fewer members are reporting that vehicle supply is an ‘extreme barrier’ to business when compared to August 2022. For cars, lead times of 10 months or more are no longer the norm, with deliveries improving on electric, hybrid and ICE vehicles. The picture for vans has also improved, although more than half of orders are still taking over 10 months to reach their destination.

“For the fleet and mobility services sector, there really is no such thing as ‘business as usual’ anymore,” said BVRLA Chief Executive, Gerry Keaney. “Hampered by Brexit, COVID, cost-inflation and carbon reduction targets, the global automotive supply chain continues to lurch from one crisis to another, with BVRLA members bearing the brunt.

“The sentiments shared in our latest report highlight this, but they also tell a story of optimism and remarkable resilience. Green shoots are appearing with vehicle supply and most of our members are seeing growing sales. We are not out of the woods, but we have every reason to believe that businesses in our sector are on the right path.”

The BVRLA’s Industry Outlook survey runs twice a year, culminating in the Industry Outlook Report that will be launched in December at the association’s flagship Conference of the same name. More information and the latest reports can be found on the Industry Outlook Report web page (see QR code above right). u

Changes in SMR

Vehicles not being fixed in one service visit Cost

All-new e-Learning Platform

To continue to deliver relevant and consistent e-learning that drives up standards within the industry, the BVRLA has relaunched its e-Learning Platform. A successful pilot programme paved the way for the full launch and the new platform has now been rolled out to the full BVRLA membership.

The user-friendly portal offers an all-new interface that makes taking courses and monitoring progress easier than ever, with an intuitive function to help managers and funders keep on top of their team’s development needs. Users can easily obtain a learning summary, which gives a clear visual overview of learning progress and enables users to download their learning data. On completion of modules the certificates can be viewed and printed.

Available to use on PC, Mac, tablet or smartphone, the new platform supports members’ compliance activities and includes a section for a company’s own resources, e.g. factsheets and videos that employees can access, and a record is created that they have done so.

E-learning packages covering compliance for Leasing Brokers and self-development and management packages include:

• Essentials and Essentials Plus

• Management and Leadership

• Personal Effectiveness

• SAF Expert Essentials

Contact training@bvrla.co.uk for more details. u

Athlon gains BVRLA expertise, on demand

BVRLA Leasing member Athlon is now benefitting from the association’s electric vehicle (EV) expertise, having received an on-demand, on-site version of the BVRLA’s Electric Vehicle Operational Technical Support course.

What do we mean by on-demand training?

• Managers and Compliance

• Management Fundamentals

• Action Counters Terrorism (ACT)

In the BVRLA’s August Leasing Outlook Report, it was revealed that 43% of all new additions and 49% of all new business contract hire cars are electric vehicles. Athlon believes it is key that all colleagues develop their knowledge so they can fully understand the adoption of EVs. The BVRLA’s training course provided Athlon colleagues a full overview of the EV landscape, current market entrants and valuable advice for supporting their customers’ need for technical operational support from an Athlon perspective.

The positive feedback received included this from Martin Phillips, Athlon’s Chief Operations Officer: “Love the way the training is tailored to our business, taking the BVRLA’s and Jon’s expertise and weaving into our business and products.” u

Any course provided by the BVRLA’s regular training programme, can be delivered ‘on demand’, allowing members to schedule the training on a date and time that suits them and their people. Content can also be tailored to suit member needs to deliver a bespoke solution. All courses can be delivered in person or online.

Growing the BVRLA family

At the close of 2022, BVRLA membership reached 1,026, returning to pre-pandemic levels. We are pleased to welcome 36 new leasing brokers, 1 rental broker, 36 corporate members, and 29 associates since our last edition of BVRLA News.

Leasing broker members

Automotive Scotland Ltd

AWR Automotive UK Ltd

Bounce EV Limited

Cathedral Motor Company Ltd

Chatsbrook Vehicle Leasing Ltd

Custom Vehicle Contracts Limited

Dynasty Partners Limited

Economy Car Hire Ltd

Electrolease Group Ltd

Expert Contracts UK Ltd

Fleetsauce Ltd

GHL Finance Ltd

Grafise Limited

Harmoto Vehicle Leasing Limited

Igovans Ltd

Jacksons Leasing Ltd

Lea Cars Ltd

Let’s Drive Vehicle Solutions Ltd

Listers Group Limited

Local Lease Limited

LP Stellar Ltd

MD Asset Finance Limited

Motorlease Holdings Ltd

NextGen Vehicle Leasing Ltd

Peter Cooper Motor Group Ltd

Platinum Vehicle Consulting Ltd

Principality Motor Company Ltd

Purely Business Vehicle Leasing Ltd

North Ferriby

Bolton

Southampton

Manchester

Barry

Henley-In-Arden

Goat Roadtrip Ltd

Government of Jersey (Fleet Management)

H C Van Ltd

Kelling Group Limited

LCB Vehicles Ltd

Merlin Vehicle Rental Ltd

Leeds

St Helier

Birmingham

Normanton

Glasgow

Newquay

Prestwick

Wolverhampton

Glasgow

Bromsgrove

Wymondham

Glasgow

Birmingham

Dereham

Farnborough

Birmingham

Wrexham

St Helens

Tonbridge

Buxton

London

Henley-In-Arden

London

Manchester

Stratford upon Avon

Swindon

Helensburg

Glasgow

Reliance Garage (Ryedale) Ltd

Rybrook Ltd

Sorbus Finance Ltd

TJM Car Ltd

TrustBruno Leasing Limited

Universal Van Solutions Ltd

Weev.ie ltd

Xcelerate Leasing Ltd

Corporate members

A J Van Hire Ltd

Bridlington

Wolverhampton

Chesterfield

Elsworth

London

Bristol

Belfast

Aylesbury

Motorlease Holdings Ltd

N D Brown Ltd

Nationwide Commercials Ltd

Ooosh! Tours Ltd

Otto Car Limited

Prestige Vehicle Rentals Limited

RGM Truck & Van Ltd

Robert Tuckwell

Roberts (Bath) Ltd

TSP Kar Hire Ltd

North Ferriby

Wolverhampton

Doncaster

Brighton

London

London

Shefford

Weston-Under Penyard

Bath

Swindon

Accident Repair Centre (Scotland) Limited

Beeston Property Ltd

Breathe EV Ltd

Castle Van Hire Ltd

Drivalia Lease UK Ltd

Drive Fuze Ltd

Fairview Vehicle Solutions Ltd

Fareham Car Hire Ltd

Film Logistics Ltd

Flexible Rental Solutions Ltd

Flexxilease Ltd

Aylesbury

Greenock

Birmingham

London

Warwick

Slough

Bedford

Weybridge

Gosport

Milton Keynes

Princes Risborough

Twyford Vehicle Management Ltd

Vale Car & Van Rental Ltd

Vanango Ltd

Volkswagen (Portsmouth)

Voyage Motorhomes Ltd

We Are Rock Ltd

Weev.ie ltd

WMS (Cambridge) Ltd

Maidstone

Swansea

Peterborough

Havant

County Fermanagh

Ockbrook

Belfast

Ely

Rental broker members

Longham Dereham

Economy Car Hire Ltd

Associate members

Dates for your Diary

The BVRLA’s calendar of events incorporates digital and physical events. They offer the chance to hear from industry experts, gain clarity on complex matters, and network with peers. Here’s what the Autumn calendar has to offer members.

Fleets in Charge Conference 2023

20 September 2023

QEII conference centre, London

Compliance Forum

16 October 2023

Industry Outlook Conference 2023

6 December 2023

British Motor Museum, Warwickshire

Vehicle and Fleet Management Forum

6 November 2023

Parliamentary Reception

8 November 2023

As the 2030 deadline for ICE vehicle phase-out approaches, the pressure to produce affordable EVs continues to grow. How are business models changing and how can your business and your partners capitalise on new revenue streams? How is AI going to impact the automotive sector? Is Hydrogen fuel the answer for HGVs?

Residual Value and Remarketing Forum

16 November 2023

The Conference will provide an exclusive opportunity for the industry’s senior executives to meet and exchange ideas. Through a series of panel sessions and keynote speakers, panellists and members alike will explore the major threats and opportunities for the sector in the coming year.