Fleet car summer2016 webfull by Fleet Transport

IRELAND’S FOREMOST FLEET & CORPORATE SECTOR GUIDE

Volume 15. No. 2. Summer 2016

FEATURES

Motorcheck.ie Fleet Car Awards 2016 LAUNCH PAD: • Peugeot 3008 • Fiat Tipo • Suzuki Baleno • Bridgestone DriveGuard • Renault Megane • SEAT Ateca • Volvo S90 & V90 • Citroën C3 • Audi A5 • SsangYong Tivoli XLV TEST: Mercedes-Benz E-Class INTERVIEW: Per Lenhoff, Volvo Cars ADVICE: Electric Vehicles for Fleets

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Contents Summer 2016 Fleet Car Magazine, D’Alton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, Ireland. Tel: +353 (0)94 9372819/ 9372826 Fax: +353 (0)94 9373571 Email: enquiries@fleet.ie ISSN: 1649-9433 www.fleetcar.ie Editor: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie Deputy Editor: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie Photography: Jarlath Sweeney, Cathal Doyle, Paul White, Paul Sherwood, Newspress Administration: Orla Sweeney, Denise Ownes, Paula Mullarkey Advertising: Mary Morrissey

4 News • eFlow tags issues • Imports not impacted by weak Sterling • Skoda’s new 1.0 TSi petrol engine • Law enforcers updated on tyre technology • Plus Junction Box 6 Launch Pad I - III • Citroen C3 • Audi A5 • Ssangyong Tivoli XLV • Peugeot 3008 • Fiat Tipo • Suzuki Baleno • Bridgestone DriveGuard • Renault Megane • Seat Ateca

www.fleetcar.ie | 3 14 Interview Per Lenhoff, Volvo Cars Safety Centre 16 Awards 2016 Motorcheck.ie Fleet Car Awards 22 Forum Interesting topics at Awards Forum 24 Advice Electric vehicles relevant to fleets 26 Feature AdBlue - what you need to know

10 Test I Mercedes-Benz E-Class driven

28 Towing Towing tips from Skoda & Hynes Quinn

12 Launch Pad IV First drive in Volvo’s S90 and V90

30 Test II Renault’s Kadjar put through paces

P20

Design: Eamon Wynne

Fleet Transport/ Fleet Car/ Green Fleet Management/ Fleet Van & Utility/ Fleet Bus & Coach/ Fleet Trailer & Body Builder/ Fleet Maritime are published by JJDS Publications Ltd. Registered Office: D’Alton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo. Co. Reg. 368767 Directors: Jarlath Sweeney, Sean Murtagh.

Disclaimer: Fleet Car Magazine management can accept no responsibility for the accuracy of contributed articles or statements appearing in this magazine and any views or opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Fleet Transport management, save where otherwise indicated. No responsibility for loss or distress occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of the material in this

publication can be accepted by the authors, contributors, Editors or publishers. The Editor reserves the right to make publishing decisions on any advertisements or editorial article submitted to the magazine and to refuse publication or to edit any editorial material as seems appropriate to him. Professional legal advice should always be sought in relation to any specific matter.

C-Segment Sponsored by Diesel Card Ireland (DCI) Winner: Ford Focus

Crossover Premium Sponsored by Autoglaze Winner: Volvo XC60

Executive Sponsored by Goodyear Winner: Mercedes-Benz E-Class

C-Segment Premium Sponsored by Kabzy Winner: Mercedes-Benz CLA

D-Segment Sponsored by Autoglass Winner: Ford Mondeo

Luxury Sponsored by FleetWatch Winner: BMW 7-Series

Crossover Sponsored by AIB Finance & Leasing Winner: Hyundai Tucson

D-Segment Premium Sponsored by 3M Winner: BMW 3-Series

Irish Green Fleet Car Sponsored by Flogas Autogas Winner: Nissan Leaf Lunch Sponsor

www.fleetcar.ie

4 | NEWS I

eFlow warns its tags may not work on M1, M7/M8 and N25

lectronic tags provider eFlow is warning that its toll tags may no longer work at toll plazas operated by the Celtic Roads Group (CRG) with effect from 31 August. The tolls roads affected are: • M1 (Gormanston – Monasterboice) • M7/M8 (Portlaoise – Castletown/ Portlaoise – Cullahill) • N25 (Waterford City Bypass) According to eFlow, in order for a tag to be recognised as you pass through a toll plaza, the operator of the toll (CRG) must have an Agreement with the tag provider, but that such an Agreement between eFlow and CRG has not yet been made. This means, until further notice, eFlow tag customers may not be able to use their tags at CRG toll plazas.

eFlow says that discussions between Transport infrastructure Ireland (eFlow) and CRG will continue with the aim of resolving this matter as quickly as possible for its customers. eFlow tags will continue to operate as normal at the following toll plazas: • M50 Barrier-Free Toll • M3 (Clonee - Kells) • M4 (Kilcock – Enfield – Kinnegad) • N6 (Galway – Ballinasloe) • N8 (Rathcormac – Fermoy Bypass) • East-Link Bridge • Dublin Port Tunnel • Limerick Tunnel

Weaker sterling should not lead to surge in imports according to Cartell

ew car sales are on the up, but so are used vehicle imports, according to vehicle history expert cartell.ie. It reports that the numbers of used vehicles imported into Ireland this year are up 22% on last year. Despite a drop in imports compared to 2015 at the start of the year, the volume of vehicles brought into the country has shown a steady increase month-on-month, with imports in May up 51.23% compared to the same month last year. Likewise in April imports were up by 39% compared with April 2015. With the value of Sterling declining following the result of the Brexit referendum, there have been predictions of a surge of used car imports into Ireland. However Cartell says that the value of Sterling does directly impact the age of the vehicle imported into Ireland, but does not significantly impact the volume of vehicles imported. Referencing a study published in July 2015 Cartell found that sterling prices generally speaking did not influence the numbers of

FLEETCAR | Summer 2016

used vehicles imported into Ireland. The study found that Irish vehicle buyers are relatively insensitive to higher than average sterling prices – defined as a price above €1.20. Likewise the study found there was no rush by Irish buyers to import vehicles when sterling was low. John Byrne, Cartell.ie, says: “The results show that buyers looking abroad for a bargain are on a budget. When Sterling prices are weaker we are buying younger cars, and conversely when Sterling prices are stronger the Irish buyer is importing older vehicles. Interestingly we found no strong connection between the value of Sterling and the actual numbers of vehicles imported into Ireland over a 7-yearperiod – but this study shows that Sterling does still impact the Irish market.”

161 Registrations top 100,000 Official car sales figures for the 161 registration period from January to June 2016 saw 101,338 new vehicles registered. Th at represented a 23% increase on the same period last year. The month of June saw an increase of 12% (1,626 registrations) compared to June 2015. LCV sales were up 26% year to date with 18,417 registrations to the end of June, while HGV sales are up 42% year to date. SIMI Director General Alan Nolan said “At the start of the year we predicted that this year’s registration numbers should reach 150,000 for the fi rst time since 2008 and these figurers keep us on track to deliver that.

New Fiat Ireland MD Paul Hunt has been appointed Managing Director, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Ireland, responsible for the Group’s activities in the Irish market. He replaces Gerry Clarke, who has elected to retire after 30 years of service. Reporting to Steve Zanlunghi, Managing Director, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles UK, Paul Hunt will oversee operations for all functions and brands throughout the Ireland region. Paul was previously Head of Sales & Planning: Volkswagen Ireland Passenger Cars. Prior to that he held product planning, marketing and sales roles with Citroen Motors Ireland, Mazda Motors Ireland and Peugeot Motor Company UK.

NEWS II | 5

Ciaran Mahon is new MD of O’Flaherty Holdings O’Flaherty Holdings Limited has announced the appointment of Ciaran Mahon as Group Managing Director. A Chartered Accountant, Ciaran joined the group in 1991, having previously worked with PwC. He succeeds Tom O’Dowd who retired recently. Th rough its subsidiaries, O’Flaherty Holdings Limited is the exclusive distributor for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and commercial vehicles in Ireland. It also has a strong presence in the motor retail sector, as well as interests in the manufacture and distribution of aerial access equipment, and in the plant hire business.

New Head of Audi Ireland Henning Dohrn has been appointed as Managing Director of Aud i I rela nd. He s u c c e e d s Christian Gussen on 1 August who, after three successful years in Ireland, returns to Audi AG in Germany as Regional Director for India, Taiwan & Southeast Asia. Bringing over eight years of experience in senior management roles in Audi, Mr Dohrn has worked in various positions at Audi AG in Germany, including sales strategy, used car strategy and international network planning. His most recent role was as Executive Assistant to the Board Member for Sales & Marketing, Dr Dietmar Voggenreiter, and previously Mr Luca De Meo.

Škoda’s new petrol engine for Octavia

new 1.0 TSI pet rol eng i ne for the Škoda Octavia goes on sale from this month. The 115 bhp 3-cylinder turbo-charged engine is more powerful and offers better performance than the 1.2 TSI 110 bhp unit it replaces, yet is more economical. Despite the reduction in engine capacity the new engine delivers more power (+5%), acceleration time (-3% from 0-100km/h), fuel consumption (-7%) and top speed (+1.5%) than the 1.2 TSI, which Skoda says gives the comparable Octavia 1.6 TDI 110bhp diesel engine a run for its money in terms of overall running costs. Cathal Kealey, PR Manager at Škoda Ireland, commented about the new engine: “The

primary reason for purchasing a diesel vehicle is to acquire annual taxation and fuel savings over a petrol vehicle. Using today’s fuel prices it would take 6 years for the diesel version to justify and recoup the savings on fuel alone! Th is really brings petrol back into the equation.” Prices for the new Octavia 1.0TSI petrol engine with prices starting from €22,880 with 0% fi nance available on orders taken up to the end of July.

Michelin advises Gardaí and Military on tyre technology

ollowing publication of recent analysis by the Road Safety Authority which revealed that, in fatal road accidents occurring in Ireland between 2008 and 2012, defective tyres were the largest single vehicle factor involved, delegates from the Forensic Collision Investigation and Public Service Vehicle Inspection units of An Garda Síochána and members of the Irish Military Police recently attended a Police Tyre Technical Course presented by t y re manufacturer Michelin at the Garda Training College in Templemore.

tyres, their construction and markings and the part tyres play in vehicle handling behaviour. Tyre technology and the common causes of tyre wear and damage, the principles of regrooving and the influence of tyres and their condition on road traffic incidents were amongst the other topics covered.

Organised on the recommendation of Garda Frank Lavin, Senior Forensic Collision Investigator at the college, course topics covered included the proper identification of www.fleetcar.ie

6 | LAUNCH PAD I

Citroën reveals new C3

he new Citroën C3 which has just been unveiled, and will arrive in Ireland before year’s end, is an important car for the French manufacturer. While its more niche models like the Cactus and C4 Grand Picasso perform quite strongly, Citroën’s overall market share in Ireland has fallen. The arrival of an allnew contender in the competitive B-segment should give the brand a fresh impetus heading into 2017. They’re putting a lot of emphasis on styling and customisation, with two tone paint options for the roof, fog lights, door mirrors

focus on comfortable seats with light coloured fabrics, while a large 7” touchscreen incorporates most of the key vehicle functions.

and rear three quarter panels. Higher spec models will feature air bumps similar to those seen on the Cactus. There will also be a choice of four interior styles. The new car incorporates Citroën’s Advanced Comfort programme with a

An interesting first is ConnectedCam, an optional integrated camera located behind the rear view mirror that can capture video and pictures, or can be saved as evidence in the event of an accident. Engines include PureTech three-cylinder petrol engines with power outputs of 68, 82 and 110 bhp. There will be two BlueHDi diesel powertrains with 75 and 100 bhp. Cathal Doyle

New Audi A5 unveiled

new second generation A5 Coupé will arrive in Ireland before the end of

improved by up to 22%.

the year. A tidy evolution of the existing A5, the new car incorporates current Audi family styling trends, with features such as creases along the side, a lower and wider front grille, and a bonnet bulge distinguishing it from the A4 saloon it shares a platform and many parts with. Technological advances include an optional Audi virtual cockpit with a 12.3 inch TFT display. Driver assistance systems include

a predictive efficiency assistant that helps the driver save fuel, and Stop&Go adaptive cruise control. A choice of two petrol and three diesel engines are up to 17% more powerful than before with horsepower outputs of between 190 hp and 286 hp, while fuel efficiency is

Manual or automatic (Steptronic or Tiptronic depending on engine) gearboxes will feature, as will quatt ro all-wheel-drive versions. Electromechanical power steering features for the first time, with dynamic steering optionally available. Pricing and specification will be announced later this summer, while a Sportback version will follow later in 2017. Expect a Cabriolet version in due course too. Cathal Doyle

SsangYong on Song with Tivoli XLV

ollowing the success of the Tivoli, SsangYong didn’t wait too long before introducing the larger and more fulsome figured Tivoli XLV. The pleasantly styled XLV is offered as an entry level ES or a higher spec EL version with the ES expected to be the most popular choice. The EL version comes with good deal more creature comforts and includes heated seats front and rear, 18” alloys, smart instrument cluster, 7” Hi-res touch screen sat-nav, rear view camera, folding mirrors, and fully automatic a/c. It’s priced at an extra €4,245 over the base model. FLEETCAR | Summer 2016

XLV is available in either 2WD or 4WD with a choice of 6-speed manual or autotransmission. All versions are powered by SsangYong’s own 115 hp diesel which develops a useful 300 Nm of torque. Although the 1.6 litre engine may be a touch noisy, it does perform well and will no doubt win favour with the towing fraternity.

In addition to offering high levels of equipment in a spacious and refined cabin, SsangYong has not been found wanting in the area of safety, and arguably XLV has raised the bar with some of the standard safety features. We feel that SsangYong’s XLV will appeal as a real sports utility vehicle - and not just an SUV/Crossover in name. Prices start from €24,750 (2wd ES 1.6 manual) and all come with 5 year warranty and 5 year road side assist. Fuel consumption is claimed at 4.5l/100km with a CO2 of 117g/km, so road tax comes in at €200. Paul White

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NISSAN. YOU’LL NEVER LOOK BACK. 250km is based on NEDC cycle. Savings figure based on comparison between Nissan Leaf and average diesel engine with average fuel consumption of 7 cent per km & annual distance of 23,400km. RRP Price of €26,990 (including Government grant for private buyer of €5,000 - RRP quoted includes battery but excludes metallic paint and delivery charges). Guaranteed €4000 scrappage off ers are provided by Nissan. Terms and conditions apply - see Nissan.ie for full details. Nissan Guaranteed 4% APR provided by AIB finance and leasing. NissanPCP Finance is available at participating dealers only. Typical Example: Leaf XE over a 36 month period at 4% APR (annual percentage rate) worth €21,490 less 30% deposit of €6,447 with agreed guaranteed minimum future value of €10,878 dependent on 10,000km per year or less. *Total cost of credit is €1,520.92. Documentation fee of €63.49. Excess mileage plus excess wear and tear may apply upon return of vehicle. Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c trading as AIB Finance and Leasing is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland. (Warning: You will not own these goods until the final repayment is made). Off er ends 31st of July 2016. Minimum of 10% and maximum of 30% deposit required. Available for 24 and 36 month terms only.

8 | LAUNCH PAD II

Peugeot reveals new 3008

n all-new Peugeot 3008 has been unveiled. It’s set to arrive in Ireland by the end of the year, in time for the 171 registration plate, and aims to give Peugeot a strong voice in the most important and fastest growing market division, the C-SUV segment. Boasting a much more SUV-like silhouette than the current car, the new 3008 will be built on the new EMP2 platform along with the 308 and various Citroëns. SUV styling features include a high waist line, a long fl at bonnet, protective bands around the bumpers, wheel arches and bottom of doors. 8 cm

traction system offering fi ve grip levels. Engine options include 1.2 PureTech and 1.6 THP petrol engines, and 1.6 and 2.0 BlueHDi diesels with CO2 emissions from 100g/ km (diesel) and 115g/km (petrol). longer, but lower than before, notably there is now 22cm ground clearance that’s 5 cm more than on the old car. As with many offerings in this category, it is front wheel drive only. However some off-road capabilities are offered via Advanced Grip Control, the enhanced

Inside the 3008 boasts the second generation of Peugeot’s i-Cockpit which incorporates an 8-inch touchscreen, Peugeot’s trademark small steering wheel, and six piano-key toggle switches giving direct access to the main control functions. Cathal Doyle

Fiat’s return to the ﬂeet car market

IAT is aiming for a fresh start with the launch of the new Tipo. It’s the first new car that Fiat has built for the C-Segment in quite a while, and one it claims will rescue some positives from its recent beleaguered past. There will be three derivatives of the new Tipo; a five-door hatchback, a three-box, four-door saloon and an estate which they call a sports wagon. All will be available in Ireland in September and the major selling point will be the price.

drivers will be att racted by value for money. But, of course, it must stand up to scrutiny and show the levels of reliability that drivers demand these days. That lack of reliability – imagined or not - has been Fiat’s Achilles heel in the past. You will be able to buy a 1.4-litre petrol for €19,995 which will directly take on the cheaper end of the car spectrum. It will be in direct competition with Dacia and other budget brands and Fiat are consciously pitching this car in a place where A to B

As well as the 1.4 petrol, Fiat is offering a 1.3 Multijet diesel – likely to be the top seller here - and a 1.6 diesel. Gerry Murphy

Baleno-Suzuki's new big small car!

uzuki new Baleno which went on sale in June, is a spacious B-Segment offering that might also appeal to people looking for a slightly bigger car. It’s similar in size to the Swift, however Suzuki sees the Baleno as complementing its five door hatch, describing it as the rational model as opposed to the Swift being more the emotional choice. It offers the best in class space between the front and rear seats, while the boot capacity at 320 litres is amongst the largest in the category. There’s a brand new three cylinder 111bhp

FLEETCAR | Summer 2016

Total vehicle weight has been reduced by around 15 per cent, weighing in at 950kg.

/ 117Nm 1.0 litre Boosterjet turbo petrol engine which returns up to 63mpg, and emits 105 g/km of CO2 . A mild hybrid 1.2 SHVS Dualjet option with CO2 emissions of 94g/km also features. An all-new platform offers improved body rigidity of approximately 10 per cent.

Two trim levels - SZ-T and SZ5 are offered, with prices for the former starting at €17,995 and the SZ5 from €19,495. The SHVS powered version is offered in higher trim only, priced at €18,995, while an automatic version in the higher trim is priced at €22,495. All models get Satellite Navigation, Bluetooth and Air Conditioning fitted as standard, while Radar Brake Support and Adaptive Cruise Control are fitted as standard to SZ5 grade cars. Cathal Doyle

LAUNCH PAD III | 9

Bridgestone launches new run-ﬂat tyre

ridgestone’s new DriveGuard tyre is aiming to bring stress free motoring to the masses. It’s the first first run-flat tyre that can be fitted to all cars - although run-flat tyres have been around for years, they’ve only been offered in specific sizes and where car manufacturers offer them as original equipment. The case for having a tyre you can drive home on after a puncture can be compelling when statistics reveal that the average driver has a 60% chance of suffering a flat tyre. Furthermore, even if there is a spare

ewer ew er of of us wheel to hand, fewer h nds ha d want to get our hands ng to dirty. According ne in Bridgestone. one three men and upp to reen’ n’tt 72% of women aren’t ake willing to undertake a wheel change. 1155% Priced at aroundd 15% ivalent more than equivalent ne ‘normal’ tyres, the new DriveGuard tyre allows a driver to continue driving safely after a puncture for up to 80km at speeds of up to 80km/h.

Br Brid idge gess Bridgestone says that in the event of a punctu you’re also less likely to lose puncture contr by experiencing a full tyre blowcontrol out. Driv DriveGuard is available in most regular tyre sizes, and can be fitted to any car prov pr ov provided the vehicle is equipped with a Tyre Ty Pressure Monitoring System (TPM (TPMS) - a standard feature on all new cars si since 2014. Whether the tyre can be repa repaired will depend on the damage, though Bridgestone says that in most cases a replacement will be necessary Cathal Doyle

New Megane broadens appeal of Renault

xciting times at Renault Ireland with three years of positive growth thank to the success of its Kadjar and Captur SUVs. Now it’s the turn of the fourth generation Megane, the first of a batch of new models to arrive in the next six months. Paddy Magee, Country Manager, Renault Ireland said there will be five new cars launched by year end. "From the Clio facelift to new models such as the Megane Space Tourer, Scenic 5 & 7 seaters, and Megane Grand Coupe saloon, these, together with great deals and support from our dealer network, will keep us fighting at the top of the table.” Over the past three years Renault Ireland has trebled its sales and once the new Megane

family enters the market fully, expect the 13,000 unit sales achieved last year to be easily surpassed.

Wicklow indicate a higher quality feel both from the outside and inside. Segment leading features such as the 7" colour info display, R-LINK2 connectivity systems via a 7" or 8.7" portrait tablet plus the availability of 4Control steering on the full blown GT 165bhp version, set it apart from the rest. Then there's the price, from €19,490 for the 1.2 litre TCe 130 petrol and €21,490 for the entry level 1.5 litre dCi 110 diesel Expression. The GT Line Nav dCi 110 as tested comes in at €25.990.

First to arrive is the 5-door hatch with attractive design and styling that belies its size, thanks to its wide stance and lower, longer wheelbase. First impressions of the GT Line experienced at the introduction in

To come next year is the 1.6 dCi 165, with new 7-speed EDC auto transmission together with a Hybrid Assist diesel, based on the Energy dCi 110. Jarlath Sweeney

Seat’s ﬁrst crossover on the way

eat’s first crossover, the new Ateca which goes on sale here towards the end of the summer, will compete in the C-SUV segment against rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage amongst many others. With prices starting from €24,750, and the volume selling 1.6 TDi in mid-spec SE trim priced at €28,150, it’s competitively priced to make an impact. The Ateca will be launched in three trim levels, S, SE and Excellence. SE models are expected to account for over 60% of sales, and include the likes of parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, and a five inch

multi-media touchscreen over the entry level model. The range topping Xcellence is a €3,200 step up on the SE but looks good value for money with LED headlights, 8 inch touchscreen, chromed roof rails, keyless entry, and a connectivity box for wireless phone charging are some of the features included.

Engines include 115 hp 1.0 TSi and 150 hp 1.4 TSi petrols while diesels range from a 1.6 TDI with 115 hp to 150 and 190 hp 2-litre versions. The more powerful diesel can be had with DSG auto transmission, while Seat is also offering a new fifth generation Haldex coupling all-wheeldrive option. Driver assistance systems include Traffic Jam Assist, Emergency Assist. and Top View which uses four cameras to give a birds eye view of the vehicle. Also included is City Emergency Brake function which now comes with Pedestrian Protection. Cathal Doyle www.fleetcar.ie

10 | TEST I

New E-Class is the Executive Standard

lthough the C-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s best selling car globally, in Ireland the E-Class has always held that distinction. Therefore the arrival of a new model is unsurprisingly quite a big deal for the brand here. Tracing its history back nine previous generations, the latest E-Class is unmistakably a Mercedes-Benz, yet is also significantly different to the outgoing car. It takes many styling cues from the flagship S-Class and the smaller C-Class, with broad rear shoulders that slope away coupé like. Overall it is 43mm longer than the outgoing car, with a wheelbase extended by 65mm helping to maximise extra space for passengers. It impressed when we drove it briefly at the launch, but sometimes initial impressions can mislead. So did it rate as highly after a whole week with the car, across a range of roads and driving conditions? In a word, yes. There’s no doubt that the new E-Class is a very complete automobile. By all criteria it measures up strongly against the opposition. First of all the cabin. Audi has tended to be the benchmark here, but the new E-Class combines style, comfort, technology and ergonomics into a pleasing environment which feel genuinely top-notch. Noteworthy are dials on the dash which are simple yet classy and easy to read. I also liked the touch-sensitive finger swipe buttons on the steering wheel to control functions such as the 8.4 inch infotainment system which is neatly incorporated into the dash (there’s also an optional larger 12.3 inch screen with three different wide-screen instrument cluster styles). The seats proved their worth

FLEETCAR | Summer 2016

over long distances, and there is generous head and legroom for front and rear seat passengers. The 540 litre boot meanwhile is pleasingly deep - no bother fitting in a collection of golf clubs here. The 194 bhp 2.0 litres diesel engine in the E220 suits the car very well. Compared to previous Mercedes-Benz diesels which were never particularly noted for their refinement, particularly at start-up from cold, this new unit which is 17% lighter than before, is quiet and refined. It’s also economical - I averaged 5.2 l/100km (54.3mpg) over the week, but as low as 4.3l/100km (65.7mpg) on some journeys. Impressive for such a big car. Noteworthy too is the nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission which manages the neat trick of always seeming to be in the right gear, while gear-changes themselves are almost imperceptible. The new E-Class offers a comfortable ride regardless of the surface underneath, while handling is perfectly acceptable, if not quite as sharp as that on a BMW 5-Series. That’s noticeable too in the steering which is nicely weighted but doesn’t offer huge driver feedback. There is a choice of drive modes - Eco, Comfort, Sport and Sport+, but the differences between them are relatively subtle. Spec Check Mercedes-Benz E-Class 220d AMG Price as tested Engine Horsepower Torque Official Fuel Consumption CO2 Emissions

Technology is very much to the fore. Among the highlights is the new Drive Pilot system which is the next step towards autonomous driving. It includes allowing the car to be manoeuvred remotely via a mobile phone while outside the vehicle - ideal for parking in tight locations. The system can also anticipate hazards ahead and take corrective action by controlling speed control, braking, acceleration and gear changing. Available in three equipment lines of Avantgarde, Exclusive and AMG, prices start from €52,850 for the E220d Avantgarde with Exclusive models priced from €55,210. The AMG version as tested costs from €57,650, with extras including a full parking pack, full keyless go pack, and ash trim pushing our test car to just north of €60,000. As reflected in its success in winning the Executive category at the 2016 Fleet Car Awards, the new E-Class is, arguably, the new bench-mark for successful executives to aspire to.

€60,492 2.0 litre diesel 194 bhp 400 Nm 3.9 l/100 km (72.4 MPG) 102 g/km (Road Tax: €190)

Text & Photos: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie

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12 | LAUNCH PAD IV

First Drive : Volvo’s new S90 and V90

olvo’s successors to the venerable S80 saloon and V70 estate have been a while arriving, but will shortly be gracing Irish roads. Can it manage the twin challenge of appealing to existing customers, while offering a genuine alternative to the German brands that dominate the executive market? Fleet Car went to Spain to fi nd out. The arrival of the XC90 last year heralded the arrival of ‘new’ Volvo. It was the fi rst all-new model to be produced under new Chinese owners Geely. That car has been very well received, but the XC90 always had a loyal customer base that was slightly out of synch with other models. The S90 and V90 offer more of a real test as to whether Volvo can now be considered a proper premium brand.

Volvo S90

Visually both cars impress with a long flat bonnet, and lights and grille that borrow from the XC90 giving an imposing appearance when viewed in a rear view mirror. From the rear, the styling is more traditionally Volvo, but it’s all very well proportioned. Arguably the V90 is the more handsome of the two, but both cars certainly hold their own against the opposition. Volvo V90

Inside also is a rather pleasant place. The large tablet-like touchscreen seen in the XC90 dominates. It is intuitive and easy to use even if we do have reservations about systems like this that are almost entirely free of physical buttons (try making a change to a control without taking your eyes off the road, something very possible if you are reaching out for a button on knob). But the cabin is ergonomically well laid out, the seats are up to Volvo’s usual high standards of comfort, and there are lots of storage spaces. Perhaps you have to be a bit careful with the colours you choose - we found dark colours somewhat gloomy, but it’s an interior that compares well to its German premium rivals. Volvo is offering 190 bhp D4 and 235 bhp D5 diesel engines. The D4 in front wheel drive form will be the volume seller in Ireland but wasn’t available to drive at the international launch. Instead we drove the D5 in all-wheel drive form which certainly has plenty of power, and is a quiet and refi ned unit even under heavy acceleration. Ride comfort is good, and the big Volvos handle well, if not up to the dynamic excellence of BMW’s 5-Series. They hold their own well against the Mercedes-Benz E-Class or Audi A6 though. Strangely enough, insofar as we could fi nd no real reason why, we found the V90 to offer a more dynamic, lively drive than the similarly powered S90, which in comparison felt somewhat leaden. We look forward to testing both on Irish roads. An interesting feature of the D5 engine (not available on the D4) is PowerPulse. Th is is a system that virtually eliminates turbo-lag by forcing compressed air stored in a tank to spool up the turbo at low revs. We tested it by doing a drag race sideby-side against a non-PowerPulse equipped D5. Even allowing for driver input, the difference between two was startling, with the PowerPulse car much faster out of the blocks. FLEETCAR | Summer 2016

Naturally safety systems are to the fore, with the latest version of City Safety, the automatic emergency braking system, now able to detect large animals as well as pedestrians and cyclists. Also noteworthy is Pilot Assist, a standard fitment semi-autonomous drive feature that keeps the car at a set speed or distance from the vehicle in front, while keeping the car within lane markings at motorway speeds up to 130kph. Unlike previous versions of the system, it no longer needs to follow another car. The S90 is available for order now, with the V90 going on sale in time for 2017 registrations. Two specifications, Momentum and Inscription, will be offered, with prices for the S90 starting from €48,400 and €200 per annum road tax. Inscription versions start from €52,900 for the front wheel drive D4, and €60,400 for the all-wheel-drive D5. Overall these are two well sorted cars that should offer significant appeal to private and fleet buyers alike. Text: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie

A NEW KIND OF LUXURY The Volvo S90 D4 Geartronic from €48,400* Our new executive sedan was designed with a single aim in mind; to create a car that would redeﬁne the idea of luxury. The result is the new Volvo S90; a blend of the best Scandinavian design and advanced technology in safety and power to give you a new, unforgettable driving experience. This is how a modern luxury sedan should be. This is the new Volvo S90. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL VOLVO DEALER TO ARRANGE A TEST DRIVE

*Delivery and related charges not included. Terms and conditions apply. Model is shown for illustrative purposes only. Fuel consumption for the Volvo Range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 35.3 (8.0) – 68.9 (4.1), Extra Urban 58.9 (4.8) – 85.6 (3.3), Combined 34.4 (8.2) – 156.9 (1.8). CO2 Emissions 215 – 48 g/km. All new Volvo cars come with a 3 year warranty and 2 years’ roadside assistance.

14 | INTERVIEW

One-to-One with Per Lenhoff, Volvo Cars Safety Centre

support systems helping you solve that critical situation and bring you back to normal driving. We have several systems to help you do that. The other thing is, if a collision is unavoidable, then we work with the safety systems to mitigate it by reducing the speed, preparing a safe positioning system. Then of course we also work with the traditional crash safety. Put all of this together, our approach is to work in a holistic way, try to intervene when it’s the best time to do it. What safety features are in the new S90 and V90 to bring you closer to your Vision 2020 target?

olvo Cars has long been synonymous with safety, and can lay claim over the years to an impressive number of firsts for safety related enhancements. A number of years ago, it announced an ambitious plan - Vision 2020, which stated "Our vision is that by 2020 no one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car." With 2020 a mere three and a half years away, Cathal Doyle met with Per Lenhoff, Senior Manager, Volvo Cars Safety Centre at the launch of the new S90 and V90 to fi nd out if Volvo Cars is still on target to achieve its stated goal.

PL: We have two new world firsts here. On the car is Large Animal Detection. It’s a system that detects large animals and gives you full collision warning. If you touch the brakes, it will apply them fully and try to avoid a collision. In case you do not brake yourself, it will brake automatically and reduce the speed by 15 km/h. It produces energy so the high tensile steel body could do the rest of the job. Another new feature is the Run Off Road Mitigation System. That is helping you in case you are, for some reason, about to leave the road. The car will try to help you to get back on the road with steering intervention and applied braking.

PL: The way we see it is that with support systems we get a very good combination - driver with machine that helps to keep distances to something in front of you, never gets tired. So we can avoid driver error by having these support systems. So it’s increasing the safety. Apart from the safety enhancement, what other features of the S90 / V90 stand out? PL: I think it’s a really good looking car, it’s practical - in the trunk of the V90 for example it’s really easy to load big luggage. It’s engineered to be practical, not just big things, if you go to the grocery store for example, you have a system where you can divide the luggage compartment into sections. Additionally you can fold the rear seats with an electric button. There are a lot of features that are luxurious, but also practical. How are you finding Volvo ownership under Geeley? PL: From my perspective we have very good support to continue our journey towards building a safer car, achieving our ambition, so we are very supported, and it is a really good base for us, while at the same time we are keeping our distinct Swedish identity.

Is there a concern that having all these safety assistance systems may make drivers overly complacent?

Tell us how your plans to achieve zero deaths or serious injuries in a new Volvo car by 2020 is progressing? PL: It is an ambition. It is a mindset. We are working hard to achieve it. You have to keep in mind that not only do we focus on crash safety, we are talking about crash avoidance, mitigation. When all that comes together we think that we will be able to achieve our ambition. The best situation is that we can help the driver to stay in normal driving, that could be through some systems like Pilot Assist, it could be Driver Alert. Comfort too, you need to be able to drive the car. But if you get into a critical situation then we have FLEETCAR | Summer 2016

Text: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie

The new E-Class. Masterpiece of Intelligence.

www.mercedes-benz.ie

Test drive the new E-Class now at your local authorised Mercedes-Benz Dealer. Included as standard: • Avantgarde Line • Leather Upholstery • Parktronic • Heated Front Seats • LED High Performance Lights • Satellite Navigation • Seat Comfort Pack • Folding Mirrors • Reversing Camera • Ambient Lighting • Dynamic Select • Remote Online • 9 Speed Automatic • Active Brake Assist • Driver Attention Assist • Keyless Start

C02 range: 102 - 112 g/km, 3.9 – 4.3 l/100km.

16 | AWARDS

Motorcheck.ie Fleet Car Awards 2016 Clontarf Castle Hotel, 6 May 2016

MOTORCHECK.IE FLEET CAR AWARDS 2016 | 17

Awards Scale New Heights in 2016

onouring nine different categor y winners representing six brands, the 2016 Motorcheck.ie Fleet Car Awards acknowledged the best cars currently on sale to corporate and business buyers. The fi fth holding of awards was a hugely successful event, well attended by delegates from the fleet and corporate car sectors plus associated organisations. From humble beginnings in 2012, it has grown to become the de-facto awards for business to business customers.

Motorcheck.ie, Ireland’s leading supplier of specialist motor data was once again the title sponsor of the awards which were held at Clontarf Castle Hotel in Dublin on 6 May 2016. The event was also supported by Diesel Card Ireland, Kabzy, Autoglass, 3M, AIB Finance & Leasing, Autoglaze, Goodyear, Fleetwatch, Flogas, Health & Safety Authority, Irish School of Motoring, flow, Dublin Institute of Technology, and Merlin Car Auctions.

Prior to the announcement of the awards by compère Mark Richardson, a Forum entitled 'Driving Efficiency & Safety In the Fleet Car sector’ was held. Attendees heard from Brendan Phelan, Irish School of Motoring on Online & On Road Training for Fleets. Des Lawlor from Flogas Autogas highlighted the merits of LPG as the future of energy, while ’Getting the best from your Fleet' was the title of the subject matter from Declan Allen from the Dublin Institute of Technology. See feature on pages 22-23 for more information on these presentations. Speaking at the awards, Cathal Doyle, Deputy Editor of Fleet Car magazine said: “The premise behind the Motorcheck. ie Fleet Car Awards is a simple one - to recognise and acknowledge the best cars for the corporate and business car market in Ireland. These are the only awards in Ireland that are specifically targeted at the business to business sector, a sector of the market that can represent up to half

of all cars sold, but perhaps doesn’t have as clear and separate an identity as in other markets.” The contenders for honours at the motorcheck.ie Fleet Car Awards had to undergo a rigorous assessment before the winners were determined. Over one hundred and thirty different cars were originally assessed by the panel of experts from various fields within the motoring industry before a shortlist of forty one was selected across the nine categories. Each of these cars was driven by the judges over the course of two day refresher / assessment test, with marks allocated for static and dynamic features. With half of the total available marks given to the actual cars, the remainder was allocated to the car manufacturer’s fleet strategies, and to core data supplied by Motorcheck pertaining to residual values, unit sales, and sales specifically to fleets and companies.

IRISH GREEN FLEET CAR: Sponsored by Flogas Autogas

WINNER: Nissan Leaf

Pictured l-r: John Courage, Motorcheck.ie; Eoin O’Flynn & Des Lawlor, Flogas Autogas; Declan Hickey, Nissan Ireland and Cathal Doyle, Fleet Car Magazine.

Shortlisted Contenders • Nissan Leaf • Toyota Prius • BMW i3 • Lexus IS 300h • Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Combining the Green Fleet Electric and Green Fleet Hybrid categories of last year into a single award, there were an interesting selection of pure electric and hybrid powered competitors shortlisted. A former winner of the Electric category, the Nissan Leaf reclaimed

its crown after receiving a mid-life boost last year with the addition of a more powerful battery. That means that the Leaf can now offer a range of up to 250 kilometres between charges, something that was noted by the judging panel. “The Leaf is now a genuine consideration for a company car driver that isn’t covering huge daily mileage,” noted one. “Nissan is doing its part to make range anxiety disappear,” said another. The Leaf was also lauded by judges for its driving experience and its cabin, with comments such as “You can see why people enthuse about the Leaf, it’s great to drive, really responsive and offers superb acceleration.” “The Leaf looks and feels quite different to most other cars, yet it’s very well thought out and practical,” were other comments. Honourable Mention: Toyota Prius Pushing the Leaf all the way was the new Toyota Prius which was a very close runner-up in this category. The new Prius was described as a significant step forward by judges. “Stronger styling, better refinement, and notably improved real-life fuel consumption - this is the best Prius by some way,” said one judge. “The upgrade from the last generation model is arguably the biggest leap forward that any car will achieve this year,” said another evaluator. Good interior space, and a much enhanced driving experience were other reasons highlighted. www.fleetcar.ie

18 | MOTORCHECK.IE FLEET CAR AWARDS 2016

C-SEGMENT: Sponsored by Diesel Card Ireland (DCI)

WINNER: Ford Focus Cabin layout was also praised with judges noting comfortable seats, a good driving position, and easy to use controls. “When you cover long driving distances, comfort and convenience mean a lot. The Focus is a car you get out of still feeling fresh even after a long journey,” noted one of the judging panel.

Pictured l-r: John Courage, Motorcheck.ie; Peter Tonge, Diesel Card Ireland; Michael Ring, Ford Ireland; Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Car Magazine.

Shortlisted contenders • Ford Focus • Mazda 3 • Opel Astra • Seat Leon • Skoda Octavia • Toyota Auris Last year’s winner of the C-Segment retained its crown at the 2016 awards, with its sharp ride and handling again at the fore of the judges’ praise. “It’s very solid on the road, with responsive steering,” was one observation, while another commented “The Focus remains the benchmark for handling excellence. Th is is a car that makes driving enjoyable.”

The other area where the Ford scored strongly was in its comprehensive and multi-faceted approach towards fleet businesses and customers. ‘It is obvious that Ford has long experience in dealing with business customers and knowing what they want,” was one comment, with another judge noting that Ford’s dedicated fleet team, and special events for key fleet buyers ensure it will always be to the fore for corporate buyers. Honourable mentions: Toyota Auris and Mazda 3 The C-Segment continues to be one of the most important categories for fleets, and with manufacturers keenly aware of the worth in providing att ractive products for business customers, there was a high standard of competition between the shortlisted contenders. Two cars - the Toyota Auris and Mazda 3 received high commendations from the judging panel. Updated in the past year, the Auris won praise as a spacious, comfortable and competent all-rounder, and for its improved driving dynamics. Judges liked the Mazda 3’s upmarket cabin, good driving position, and handling.

C-SEGMENT Premium: Sponsored by Kabzy

WINNER: Mercedes-Benz CLA user choosers opt for a smaller, more prestige brand as an alternative to a regular D-segment offering.

Pictured l-r: Cathal Doyle, Fleet Car Magazine; Michael Flanagan, Kabzy; Ciaran Allen, Mercedes-Benz and John Courage, Motorcheck.ie

Shortlisted Contenders • Audi A3 • BMW 2-Series • Mercedes-Benz CLA • Volvo V40 The increasing diversification of the company car market has seen a rise in popularity of segments such as this one, where FLEETCAR | Summer 2016

A previous winner of this category, the Mercedes-Benz CLA proved its enduring appeal by claiming the C-Segment Premium award for 2016. It impressed judges on a number of fronts, not least for its stylish coupé looks, while retaining the practicality of a four door saloon. “Even though it has been on sale for a few years now, the CLA is still a head-turner,” was one comment. Others praised the Mercedes-Benz for its driving dynamics. “A magnificent driving experience” extolled one, adding “the CLA is effortless and responsive with a quiet and comfortable drive.” “A stylish exterior and nice interior fi nish. Good to drive,” said another.

MOTORCHECK.IE FLEET CAR AWARDS 2016 | 19

LUXURY: Sponsored by FleetWatch

WINNER: BMW 7-Series W hen you reach the pinnacle of the business world, only the best will do. Exacting standards are the norm, and perfection is demanded in every aspect.

Pictured l-r: John Courage, Motorcheck.ie; Derek McClean, FleetWatch; Austin Behan, BMW Ireland and Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Car Magazine.

Shortlisted Contenders • BMW 7-Series • Volvo XC90 • Audi A8

All judges agreed that it was hard to fault any of the shortlisted candidates for Luxury Fleet Car of the Year 2016, but in the end, the new BMW 7-Series was the clear winner, thanks to a combination of effortless luxury, and state of the art technology. Superlatives abounded. “Perfect!” said one judge. “Faultless!” noted another. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the 7-Series gained the highest individual score for any of this years, contenders, such was the range of technology, safety features and pure luxury on offer. “It really is a very luxurious office on the move,” commented one of the evaluators. “If you drive this you must be asking yourself, what else is there to achieve,” said another.

CROSSOVER: Sponsored by AIB Finance & Leasing

WINNER: Hyundai Tucson of the year to date. It was noted by judges for its all-round competence and practicality. “The Tucson is comfortable and spacious, and offers good road holding,” was a typical comment.

Pictured l-r: Cathal Doyle, Fleet Car Magazine; Brendan Crowley, AIB Finance & Leasing; Darragh Brennan, Hyundai Ireland and John Courage, Motorcheck.ie

Shortlisted Contenders • Honda HR-V • Hyundai Tucson • Mazda CX-3 • Nissan Qashqai • Renault Kadjar • Toyota RAV-4 It’s a measure of how popular crossovers have become, for fleet customers as well as private buyers, that not only did the category feature the highest number of contenders, but it also produced the closest result. Just two points separated the winning car, the Hyundai Tucson, from the Nissan Qashqai and Toyota RAV-4 in the fi nal analysis. The all-new Tucson, which replaced the ix35 at the end of last year, has been the sales revelation of 2016, the best selling car

Hyundai’s efforts to target the fleet market was another important factor in the Tucson winning the award. “For a relatively new player, Hyundai has really identified the needs of the corporate buyer. It helps too that it is offering such competitive products,” observed one judge.

Honourable Mentions: Nissan Qashqai and Toyota RAV-4 “The new RAV-4 offers a solid comfortable drive, a stylish exterior and spacious interior,” said one judge. Others commented on the RAV-4’s spacious interior and excellent storage facilities. “The addition of a hybrid option adds to the Toyota’s appeal, while the recent facelift keeps it to the fore of the crossover segment,” was another comment. Toyota’s fleet appeal was also noted - “A strong dealer network and fleet savvy specialists means Toyota will always feature on fleet buyers' lists,” noted a judge. The Crossover category was the most closely contended of all - just two points separated the top three. “The Qashqai offers a great drive, lots of power and a well designed interior. It’s easy to see why it sells so well,” noted one judge. www.fleetcar.ie

20 | MOTORCHECK.IE FLEET CAR AWARDS 2016

CROSSOVER PREMIUM: Sponsored by Autoglaze

WINNER: Volvo XC60 traditional saloons or estates. The Volvo XC60 was the winner of this inaugural reward. A popular best seller throughout Europe, it won praise from judges for its comfortable seats and driving position. “Th is is the car I’d take on a long journey - it’s got plenty of power, offers good driving visibility, and the seats are second to none,” was one comment. Pictured l-r: John Courage, Motorcheck.ie; Charlotte McClean, Autoglaze; Barry Walsh, Volvo Car Ireland Ltd and Cathal Doyle, Fleet Car Magazine.

Shortlisted Contenders • Audi Q3 • Land Rover Discovery Sport • Volvo XC60

The XC60 was also recognised for generous equipment levels and a decent drive. “Volvo’s controls are well laid out, and the cabin is a very pleasant place in which to spend time,” said one adjudicator, with another saying “The XC60 is one of the better crossover SUVs to drive, with body roll kept to a minimum, and a selection of powerful yet frugal engines.”

A new category for 2016, it was created to recognise the rapid growth of the crossover segment and that many buyers in the premium sector are now opting for such cars rather than more

D SEGMENT: Sponsored by Autoglass

WINNER: Ford Mondeo

Pictured l-r: John Courage, Motorcheck.ie; Billy McGregor, Autoglass; Michael Ring, Ford Ireland and Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Car Magazine.

Shortlisted Contenders • Ford Mondeo • Hyundai i40 • Mazda 6 • Opel Insignia • Skoda Superb • Toyota Avensis Sales of large family sized cars may be falling, but the D-Segment remains the archetypal company car. Every one of the shortlisted contenders have loyal fleet followings and proven qualities and features that appeal to corporate customers. FLEETCAR | Summer 2016

The Mondeo’s blend of excellent driving dynamics, spaciousness, and Ford’s strong fleet strateg y proved the winning combination to claim the D-Segment category at the Motorcheck.ie Fleet Car Awards 2016. “You cannot fault the Mondeo if you have to put up high mileage. It’s comfortable, fuel efficient, and one of the best handling cars money can buy,” noted one judge. “The cockpit area is laid out very well. Although it’s a big car, there’s good visibility, making it easy to pilot in tight spaces,” said another. Ford was also acknowledged for its focus towards the business market. “A Ford is always a good fleet buy, and the Mondeo ticks all the boxes,” was a typical comment.

Honourable Mentions: Toyota Avensis and Hyundai i40 Both the Avensis and the i40 provided close competition for the Mondeo. “Toyota has evolved the Avensis into a stylish, very comfortable fleet performer. It’s well fi nished too. I was impressed!,” was one comment. Hyundai’s i40 is well specced, has a lively engine, and it’s easy to see why it makes a lot of sense for the fleet customer,” said another judge.

MOTORCHECK.IE FLEET CAR AWARDS 2016 | 21

D SEGMENT PREMIUM: Sponsored by 3M

WINNER: BMW 3-Series

Pictured l-r: John Courage, Motorcheck.ie; Deirdre Moody, 3M Safety & Graphic; Austin Behan, BMW Group Ireland and Cathal Doyle, Fleet Car Magazine.

Shortlisted Contenders • Audi A4 • BMW 3-Series • Jaguar XE • Mercedes-Benz C-Class A stalwart of the category of car that many business car owners aspire to, the BMW 3-Series may be the most venerable of the

contenders here, but it remains a very popular and competitive choice. Assessors commented that for the keen driver, its driving dynamics continue to be a stand out feature. “Still the defi nition of a driver’s car,” said one judge. “Against newer opposition the 3-Series shows that a well engineered car can stand the test of time. It’s ergonomically well designed, with controls just where they should be,” said another.

Honourable Mention: Jaguar XE Jaguar’s new compact offering was recognised by the judges as offering the brand its biggest opportunities to date in the fleet market. “A very decent all-rounder. The new Ingenium engine offers strong performance and the interior is fi rst rate,” noted one judge. “Jaguar hasn’t really featured on fleet buyers' lists up to now, but the XE is certainly worthy of consideration,” said another.

EXECUTIVE: Sponsored by Goodyear

WINNER: Mercedes-Benz E-Class The Executive car market has received a major makeover, with three of the four shortlisted contenders having had significant refreshes or new models launched in the past eighteen months. Taking the honours was the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which judges rated highly for ride and handling, refi nement, efficient engines, and state of the art technology. Pictured l-r: Cathal Doyle, Fleet Car Magazine; Martin McGloin, Goodyear; Ciaran Allen, Mercedes- Benz and John Courage, Motorcheck.ie

Shortlisted Contenders: • Audi A6 • BMW 5-Series • Jaguar XF • Mercedes-Benz E-Class

“The new E-Class represents a significant improvement over the outgoing car. It’s quiet, comfortable and has a responsive drive,” noted one of the judging panel. “A classy interior, new more refi ned engine, and heaps of new technology move the E-Class to the top of the class,” said another. “Mercedes-Benz puts it up to rivals with the new E-Class,” said a third.

www.fleetcar.ie

22 | FORUM

Lots to think about at Motorcheck.ie Fleet Car Forum Master of Ceremonies - Mark Richardson

s evidenced by the lively Q& A session wh ich followed, a discussion forum on a range of topics of specific interest to the f leet and business sectors that took place ahead of the announcement of winners at the 2016 Motorcheck.ie Fleet Car Awards, certainly proved of interest. Ensuring safe company car drivers The importance of proper driving for fleet drivers was the focus of presentation by Brendan Phelan (pictured below) of the Irish School of Motoring. Entitled ‘Driving Efficiency & Safety in the Fleet Car Sector', Brendan highlighted a number of important reasons why company bosses and f leet manager should seriously consider specific training programmes for staff who drive for work. The driver is the single most important item that can impact on safety and fuel

FLEETCAR | Summer 2016

efficiency commented Brendan. He cited driver attitude, skill levels, experience, and awareness on the road as the four critical components that make a safe driver. Safety Keeping employees and other road users safe is not just advisable, but increasingly there is a duty of care for employers to ensure employees are properly trained before driving for work. Brendan highlighted that a Road Safety Authority (RSA) / Health and Safety Authority (HSA) 2007 report found that the number of work related deaths from road collisions was double that from other causes, while studies regularly show that people who drive company cars have 30% to 40% more collisions than other drivers. Furthermore the risk of collision increases with distance driven, again highlighting that company car drivers, who often cover long distances for work, are especially vulnerable. Fuel Consumption Perhaps less critical, but of high importance to businesses’ bottom line is the effect poor driving standards can have on fuel consumption. Research by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has revealed that an aggressive driving style can lead to an increase in fuel consumption of 10-12% above average, whereas an energy aware driving style can save a company up to 13% on fuel bills. Brendan quoted Mel Dawson, M.D. of ALD Automotive, who noted: “Fleets are missing out on substantial savings by ignoring a major

factor affecting fuel economy: the driver. The impact of training on driving style is clear, …drivers are more aware of other drivers’ actions and they have a greater appreciation of risk and are more focused on fleet efficiency.” Both the RSA and the HSA have issued advisories outlining company legal responsibilities in the fleet car sector. The RSA stats that companies must take measures to assure that work-related journeys are safe, members of staff are able to drive safely, and all vehicles and associated equipment are fit for use, adding that employers should give employees proper information and training to protect their safety, health, and welfare. The HSA’s Workplace Transport Safety Safe Driver policy notes that with the provision of instruction, information and training and adequate supervision, workplace transport accidents and incidents can be significantly reduced. It adds that employers should “reassess the driver’s training at regular intervals and provide refresher training as appropriate to ensure driver competence. Supplementary or refresher training should be provided, for instance, if there has been a lapse in safe driving standards.” Highlighting that most drivers have done no driver training since completing their Driving Test, which doesn’t include skills for many high risk situations, Brendan pointed to the ISM’s ProDrive Training course as specifically relevant for companies wanting to ensure they cover their Duty of Care while improving safety and fuel consumption from their drivers The Online and/or On Road courses are specifically tailored for professional drivers on Irish roads and are targeted not at teaching them how to drive, but how to apply a particular system to their drive that will make them safer and more confident drivers.

FORUM | 23

Autogas as the fuel of the future

Managing fleets successfully

Presenting Autogas as a viable and more efficient alternative to petrol or diesel was the subject of the presentation by Des Lawlor of Flogas Autogas entitled ‘Welcome to the Future of Energy’.

Operating a fleet can be a significant outlay for any business. Declan Allen, Assistant Head of School - Management Studies at the Dublin Institute of Technology, provided an overview of what is the optimum time for fleet managers to upgrade or change their vehicles in his presentation ‘Driving Efficiency and Safety in the Fleet Car Sector: Fleet Management & Replacement’.

Emphasising the safety, convenience, and cleanliness of Autogas, Des highlighted that one of the major challenges of transport is outdoor air pollution, which affects 1,600 cities worldwide, and is responsible for causing either directly or indirectly a staggering 3.7 million deaths a year. Transport continues to be a primary contributor to air pollution. Des pointed out that though private cars account for less than one third of trips in cities worldwide, they are responsible for 73% of urban air pollutants. In some Chinese cities, vehicle exhaust emissions are responsible for up to 70% of the air pollution. "Autogas can have a dramatic effect on improving air quality, particularly in urban areas," said Des. He explained that on average Autogas offers 22% lower CO2 emissions than petrol cars. On the NOx front, Autogas is 96% cleaner than diesels, and 68% better than petrols. Autogas also produces 120 times less particulate emissions than diesel engines. Addressing some commonly perceived concerns about the use of Autogas, Des pointed out that it is a very safe fuel, subject to strict standards and regulations, and using components that are thoroughly tested before entering the market. He added that it is a convenient fuel to use, with tanks that can be easily into the car without the loss of boot space. 95% of cars and vans can be converted to work on Autogas. LPG is the most commonly used alternative fuel in the world, with global consumption having risen by over 50% in the past ten years. The availability of stations supplying the fuel is expanding around Ireland, but Des also highlighted that fleet operators can avail of Autogas on their own premises. Text: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie

With revenues on the up, and many companies having ageing vehicles on their fleets as Ireland fi nally emerges from recession, fleet managers are facing challenges to maximise return on investments. Looking at fleet costs, Declan stated that there are two basic categories - Fixed Cost, which includes leasing or purchase costs, insurance, tax and depreciation, and Variable or Running Costs, namely items such as fuel, tyres and maintenance. Fuel is the single biggest variable, representing about 35% of fleet, with maintenance and repair costing about 34%, and depreciation typically about 29%. Companies can use two models to calculate costs. “Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) calculates the total cost of purchasing and of operating a technology solution over its useful life. It provides a realistic and holistic measure of the long-term costs required to acquire and operate technology solutions, outlined Declan. The other method is Return on investment (ROI). “Th is measure is typically used to compare investments that uncover new top line revenue and growth opportunities. However, ROI tends to be more subjective in nature than TCO, because ROI looks at business benefits, which often cannot be measured as objectively as costs,” he explained. When looking at replacing fleet vehicles, businesses should look at what factors are relevant to them, for instance annual distances travelled, and the types of use. “Developing a set of vehicle replacement criteria establishes the foundation for a planned approach to fleet replacement,” said Declan, noting that the purpose of a Vehicle Replacement Plan must be to minimise overall fleet cost, maximise vehicle availability, while providing safe and reliable tools for the fleet users’ jobs. He recommends a Score Card system factoring in items such as age, mileage, type of service the vehicle undertakes, reliability, safety features, maintenance costs and condition when determining when is the best time to replace. Factors for a successful fleet policy include not replacing under-utilised vehicles, ensuring the right vehicles for the job, keeping informed of technological advances, and not forgett ing driver input.

Photos: Paul Sherwood

www.fleetcar.ie

24 | ADVICE

What Fleet Managers need to know about Electric Vehicles

here has been much discussion around electrification of transport and some companies, particularly large ones, have entered the arena at significant cost. Those who entered at the early stages generally discovered that while there was potential, the technology wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quite there yet. Many of the vehicles available were retrofitted, and this in itself gave rise to a few reliability issues. However most of the fleet managers who dipped

their toe in the water could see the potential, with price and vehicle range identified as obstacles that needed to be addressed. As time and technology have moved on, confidence in battery life has improved, driving ranges have increased, prices have dropped and a greater variety of vehicles are available. At the moment however, it is still the car, light commercial, car-van and SUV, which are seeing the biggest changes, with many brands now offering full electric and/or electric hybrid products. Larger electric vehicles on the other hand, are rare and still quite expensive. Vehicles are gaining driving range and have faster charging options, both of which are necessities to ensure their usefulness in fleets. Electric vehicles are not ripe for all fleets, however for those that do fit, they offer very attractive fuel and maintenance savings. The f leet manager who is considering going electric now has to come to terms with a new list of considerations when making the decision on whether to take the leap.

FLEETCAR | Summer 2016

Power Supplies Some of the obvious considerations are driving range, and payload, however a less prominent but very important consideration is where and how to recharge. Single vehicles at slow charge rates are not an issue, but what if you want to speed up the charging and you would like multiple vehicles? Can your buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s power supply handle the additional load? Once you understand the quantities and types of chargers required, you need to assess the connection possibilities at your site. A discussion with your facilities manager regarding energy storage and renewable energy sources may be worthwhile to get the most for the fleet and the organization as a whole. Charger Types Understanding what distances each of your vehicles travel and what times they are on the road is essential to understanding what the vehicles can achieve. However, along with the obvious, understanding the differing charging rates of vehicles, and the limitations your power suppliers impose on you, are new challenges for the fleet manager. Electric Vehicle chargers come in many flavours and not all work to their full potential on all vehicles. Standard 3 kW chargers work on all vehicles, however they will take up to 8 hours to fully charge a 24kWh battery. The 30kWh batteries introduced in some vehicles will take

ADVICE | 25 10 hours to fully charge on these charge points. 7kW chargers are twice as powerful but can only deliver their full potential to suitably specified vehicles. Where the vehicle matches the 7kW charger, the charging time is reduced to 3-4 hours for a full 24kWh battery. The charging points typically installed on the streets of Ireland are 22kW. These can also be installed at premises where 3 phase power is available, however there is a limited number of vehicles which can accept the full output. Many will only accept power on 1 phase. High power chargers up to 50kW work with many of the vehicles on offer, however these require both a 3 phase supply and a meaty electrical connection to your premises. The big advantage is returning the vehicle to 80% charge in as litt le as 20-30 minutes. Make sure that the charge points selected provide maximum support to your fleet flexibility, while minimizing investment and avoiding stranded assets. Information

Fleet management soft ware packages generally manage maintenance, fuel costs and driving styles. In addition to the traditional data collected, when considering EV’s we should include where, when and how long vehicles are charging, as well as how much electrical fuel they are taking onboard. To get the most from the charging equipment on your premises, particularly where there are multiple vehicles using it, you should really consider having the chargers connected to a back off system. These are relatively cheap for the information they provide, and can assist in power management at your premise as well as monitoring the associated power consumption at employees’ homes if the vehicles are overnighted there. Fleet managers with plug-in hybrid vehicles should pay particular attention to whether the driver is maximizing the opportunity to plug in the vehicle. Hybrids are only as good as the amount of electricity used to fuel them. When speaking with a vehicle sales person, the fleet manager needs to balance the knowledge they impart regarding the vehicles they sell with the fact that while, they know the vehicle, they don’t necessarily know the power configurations at your premises. Have your premises

assessed by someone who understands the electrical side as well as the vehicles, and ensure that the equipment you install is as flexible as it can be to avoid being tied to a particular vehicle brand. There are fantastic benefits to driving electric, both for the driver and for the fleet manager, so if you haven’t considered them, you should. If you have considered them in the past couple of years, it might be time to do it again. Mark Daly is an Energy & Innovation consultant with experience in all aspects of electric fleets. Mark can be contacted on: mark@eninserv.com

www.fleetcar.ie

26 | FEATURE

Maxol introduces AdBlue Starter Pack across Network *Concern raised among diesel car drivers over need for Adblue

leet car drivers are advised to be aware of the implications involved with Euro 6 diesel engine emission technology as regular maintenance between service intervals will be required in order to avoid downtime.

Pictured at Maxol Mulhuddart, where Adblue has recently been introduced: Owen O'Neill, General Manager, Maxol Lubricants (foreground); Larry O'Neill, Manager, Maxol Mulhuddart (back left) and Cathal O'Dwyer of Maxol Lubricants (back right).

Maxol Lubricants is providing expert advice to confused motorists regarding this recent emissions legislation, which has led to the requirement of a special liquid additive product called AdBlue, which will be used in most modern diesel cars. The product reduces emissions, and benefits drivers with improved fuel economy, cutt ing the cost of fuel bills. Many drivers of diesel cars are still unaware of the need for the product, according to Maxol, leading to many customers experiencing their car breaking down. With this in mind, the company has introduced an Adblue Starter Pack across the Maxol network of over 230 service stations for the convenience of diesel car customers Commenting on the developing situation which not only affects car divers but also van fleets, Owen O’Neill, General

Manager, Maxol Lubricants said, “We have noticed that a considerable number of motorists are unsure of what AdBlue is, why it is needed and where they can get it. It is our aim at Maxol Lubricants to make motorists aware of the importance of AdBlue and also to make it convenient for them to top up their AdBlue tanks, by visiting our expanding network of service stations across the country." “Many buyers of modern diesel cars may not even be aware of the requirement for

Questions & Answers on AdBlue What is AdBlue? AdBlue is a highly purified colourless liquid, containing urea. It is used with diesel engines using SCR technology. Many newer model diesel cars will have this. It simply works by turning harmful exhaust pipe gasses into harmless nitrogen and water. AdBlue is stored in a separate tank from the diesel tank. Why do I need it? Your vehicle needs AdBlue to reduce harmful emissions. Due to stricter Euro 6 emissions legislation, diesel engines need to have cleaner exhaust gases. What will happen if I don't purchase AdBlue for my AdBlue tank? If you don’t have AdBlue in your AdBlue tank, your car or van (depending on manufacturer) will warn you to top-up. A light will display on the dash (just like a low petrol/diesel warning light). As FLEETCAR | Summer 2016

AdBlue until the warning light appears on their dashboard telling them they are running low. We’ve seen this a number of times. My suggestion would be that any diesel car owner simply checks their vehicle manual for information.” Diesel car and van owners are encouraged to check their individual vehicle requirements or log on to www.maxol. ie where a number of informative and educational videos are available to view.

the AdBlue level decreases your car will slow down and eventually stop if you run out of AdBlue – every manufacturer differs so check your vehicle manual. Where can I buy AdBlue? A 4 litre AdBlue starter pack is available at Maxol service stations nationwide. This comes complete with reusable nozzle to ensure you don’t spill any liquid. Maxol will also be selling a standard 4L AdBlue pack (without nozzles) in the near future. What does it cost? A 4 litre starter pack costs €17.98 at Maxol service stations. How do I top up my AdBlue? The starter pack comes with a simple nozzle and easy to read instructions. One end attaches to the AdBlue pack and the other attaches to the AdBlue filler tube. This ensures no AdBlue is spilled anywhere. The nozzle can be stored in a special pack (which comes in the starter pack) and can be reused again for future top ups.

Text: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fle Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie e

All-New

Renault MEGANE Feel the drive

Multi-Sense Technology* – Personalise your driving experience 8.7” Touchscreen Multimedia System* Reversing Camera & Parking Sensors* The official fuel consumption ﬁgures in (l/100km) for the All-New Renault Mégane GT: Urban 7.8; Extra Urban 4.9; Combined 6.0. The official CO2 emissions are 134g/km. EU Directive Regulation 692/2008 test environment ﬁgures. Fuel consumption and CO2 may vary according to driving styles, road conditions and other factors. Model shown: Mégane GT Nav TCe 205 RRP €30,690. Price excludes metallic paint, delivery and dealer related charges. Maximum recommended delivery charge €725. *Specs vary per trim level.

28 | TOWING

Towing safely & legally with Skoda

here’s a lot more to towing than just hooking up a trailer to the back of your car and off you go.

To ensure you remain on the right side of the law, you need to ensure you have the correct driving licence, that your vehicle is equipped to pull the trailer, and, not least, that you have at least some clue about manoeuvring with a trailer behind you.

According to Skoda Ireland, over one in five - 22% of new cars it sells, are fitted with towing systems. A special event organised by the Czech manufacturer attended by Fleet Car highlighted the complex and sometimes almost contradictory laws surrounding towing. Licensing is one area where confusion can reign. While having a B+E licence will allow you to tow most car - trailer combinations, it’s also possible to tow many trailers on a basic B licence.

being towed has a combination of five axles it also comes under this regulation. At its most basic a tow bar is a simple piece of equipment, but opt for a proper towing system (the tow bar & electrical harness kit) as offered by manufacturers such as Skoda, and you get a whole lot more. For instance the system hooks into the car’s electronic stability system (ESP), the ABS will adapt for the extra trailer forces when braking, parking sensors are deactivated when the trailer is connected, the engine cooling system is altered to cater for the greater loads, and for vehicles with alarm fitted, the trailer will be protected against unauthorised disconnection. Skoda’s towing systems start from €499.

Assuming you are equipped with the right licence, the next thing to watch out for is the towing capacity of your vehicle. Even heavy SUVs or Pick-ups such as the Toyota Land Cruiser or Nissan Navara have towing limits between 2.8t and 3.5t, however purpose built trailers are often plated to carry far more than this. With many such trailers weighing up to a tonne or more unladen, it can be all too easy to overload beyond the capabilities of the tow car.

The exercise offered a chance for Skoda to demonstrate the towing capabilities of its 4x4 range including the Yeti, Octavia Combi, Octavia Scout and Superb Combi, which all proved more than competent at pulling a range of trailers from horse boxes to box and boat trailers. The 4x4 systems not only improve traction, especially noticeable when a loaded trailer takes weight off the front wheels, but also provide for an increased maximum towing capacity, in the Octavia Combi’s case a very significant 25% improvement from 1,600kg to 2,000kg. The 4x4 Yeti can pull up to 2,100kg, while the Superb Combi 4x4 is plated to tow up to 2,200kg, more than many Crossovers or smaller SUVs are capable of.

Another law that might catch the unwary, if you have a three axle trailer, you’re not permitted to enter a restricted area of Dublin City between 07.00 – 19.00 (7 days a week) without a special permit. The law is aimed primarily at HGVs, but because such a trailer

Certainly for anyone that has to tow a trailer, no matter how infrequently, having the right equipment for the job, and ensuring the driver is correctly licensed and aware of their vehicle towing capacities are pre-requisites to ensuring safe journeys.

Heavier than this and a driver must hold a B+E licence.

John Kearney, an RSA Approved Driving Instructor with Hynes Quinn Driving School (www.hynesquinn.com) explained that if you have a standard ‘B’ driving licence you are permitted to tow a trailer with a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of up to 750kg. However you can also legally pull a much heavier trailer on a B licence provided the MAM of the vehicle & trailer combination does not exceed 3,500kg. FLEETCAR | Summer 2016

Text: Cathal Doyle - cathal@flee Text & Photos: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie

BMW 3 Series

www.bmw.ie

The Ultimate Driving Machine

TAKES CORNERS. STEALS HEARTS. THE BMW 3 SERIES. BMW EFFICIENTDYNAMICS.

LESS EMISSIONS. MORE DRIVING PLEASURE.

While imitation is always flattering, the only thing that could ever come close to the sheer driving pleasure of a BMW 3 Series, is another BMW 3 Series. Built for true driving pleasure, it perfectly balances unrivalled agility and practicality with BMW Efficient Dynamics technology, for awe-inspiring performance and low fuel consumption.

Explore the BMW 3 Series at bmw.ie

30 | TEST II

Renault’s Kadjar sets Crossover standards screen R-Link 2 Live multimedia system with satnav, a fi xed panoramic sunroof, and Bose sound system. Also included was the optional Parking Premium Pack, a €650 option which includes hands free parking, a rear parking camera and blind spot warning. We tried the hands free parking - it’s a well worthwhile option for manoeuvring into tight spaces.

rg u ably, t he most important type of car for any manufacturer to have in its line-up these days is a crossover. With the Kadjar, Renault has a serious contender in this most popular of segments. The success of the Captur has been hugely important for Renault, giving the French manufacturer a strong presence in the compact crossover market. What was missing from its line-up up to now was an offering in the larger family sized segment dominated by Nissan’s Qashqai. With Renault and Nissan ever more closely aligned, it made a lot of sense for the former to piggy-back off the success and experience of its Japanese partner. The Kadjar therefore shares many of its underpinnings with the Qashqai, including

FLEETCAR | Summer 2016

Renault offers three engine options for the Kadjar, a 1.2 litre turbocharged TCe 130 bhp petrol unit, and two diesels, a 1.5-litre dCi with 110 bhp (which can be ordered with EDC auto gearbox) and 1.6-litre 130 bhp which can be specified with four-wheel drive. being built on the same CMF platform. That said though, it maintains its own distinct identity, with distinctive styling both inside and out. Crossover styling tends to be much of a muchness - there’s only so much you can do design wise with a high rise five door hatchback, but the Kadjar is arguably the pick of the bunch looks wise. Sit in and you are presented with a well appointed cabin, which has a distinctly premium feel to it - not something you would immediately associate with Renault interiors. Controls are well laid out, and there’s a feeling of quality to the various knobs and switches which operate with a pleasing solidity. Our only criticism would be that we found the touchscreen slightly confusing to use, with what seems an overly complicated menu. All models feature generous specification. Our test model, which came in ra nge toppi ng Signature Nav trim, included niceties such as Renault’s V i s io system which includes lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and automatic high/low beam), a 7” touch

We tested the 110 bhp front wheel drive version with EDC transmission. This engine will be the volume seller in Ireland, and it’s one that is well suited to the car. There’s enough power to quickly execute overtaking manoeuvres, and on the move it’s quiet and refined. We’re less convinced about the automatic gearbox which felt slightly slow to react at times. Noteworthy too is the fuel consumption. We averaged 4.9 l/100 km (57 mpg) over the course of a week with the vehicle. That’s one of the best returns we’ve experienced in a crossover. CO2 emissions of just 103 g/km are also among the best in the category. If handling is your thing, you’re probably not looking to buy a crossover - the higher profile ensures there is always a degree of body roll. However the Kadjar is up there with the best in category. It’s no sportscar, but chuck it into a corner and it grips firmly, while there’s decent steering feedback. On the plus side, it’s a comfortable car for long journeys with a well damped yet compliant suspension. Prices range from €25,190 for the petrol powered Expression+ model, up to €34,190 for the Signature Nav ENERGY dCi 130 4WD.

Text: Cathal Doyle - cathal@flee Text & Photos: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie

ALL-NEW JAGUAR XF

THIS IS NOT BUSINESS AS USUAL.

There’s nothing usual about the All-New Jaguar XF. Our new ultra-efficient Ingenium i4 Diesel engine delivers up to 70.6mpg and as low as 104g/km of CO2. The lightweight aluminium architecture combined with our Electric Power Assisted Steering delivers a unique driving experience.

XF. FROM ONLY €43,205*

And from only €43,205* plus a Free 3 Year Service Plan with Jaguar Care, you’ll ﬁnd the new Jaguar XF is anything but expected. Book your test drive at jaguar.ie

*Price quoted is for the Jaguar XF 2.0 D Business Edition. Official fuel consumption ﬁgures for the XF range in l/100km: Urban 4.8 – 11.9, Extra Urban: 3.6 – 6.7, Combined 4.0 – 8.6. Co2 emissions 104 – 204g/km.

Fast and ﬂexible Wholesale and Retail ﬁnance to help you fuel growth.

At AIB Finance & Leasing, we understand your need to be agile. That’s why we have updated our “MotoSmart” online application system, so that you can apply for customers’ credit online - quickly and efﬁciently.

Warning: You may have to pay charges if you repay early, in full or in part, a ﬁxed-rate credit facility. Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. and AIB Leasing Limited, trading as AIB Finance & Leasing, are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.