Fleet World April 2016 by Fleet World Group

April 2016

FLEETW RLD All that matters in the world of fleet

BEST CAR ON EARTH? We drive the new E-Class – a glorious revolution

Service plan

Safety first

What makes chauffeur firm Capstar different

IAM’s David Batten on running an efficient fleet

BUDGET 2016 Fleet reaction

www.thefleetshow.co.uk

THE GREATEST SHOW IN FLEET

Wednesday 11th May 2016 Silverstone fleetworld.co.uk

contents

April 2016

Behind the wheel of the stunning new Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

FLEETW RLD All that matters in the world of fleet

BEST CAR ON EARTH? We drive the new E-Class – a glorious revolution

Service plan

Safety first

What makes chauffeur firm Capstar different

IAM’s David Batten on running an efficient fleet

BUDGET 2016 Fleet reaction

www.thefleetshow.co.uk

THE GREATEST SHOW IN FLEET

Wednesday 11th May 2016 Silverstone

What the recent Budget means for your fleet.

fleetworld.co.uk

Publisher Jerry Ramsdale jerry@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

This month’s Spotlight falls on New Scenic.

Editor Steve Moody steve@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Deputy Editor Alex Grant alex@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

How Capstar’s fleet is helping ex-servicemen.

Business Editor Natalie Middleton natalie@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Features Editor Katie Beck katie@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Fleet Consultant Ross Durkin ross@fleetworldgroup.co.uk VFW Editor Dan Gilkes dan@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Sales Director Anne Dopson anne@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Sales Executives Darren Brett darren@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Claire Warman claire@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Circulation Manager Tracy Howell tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Head of Production Luke Wikner luke@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Designers Tina Ries tina@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Samantha King sam@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

Published by Stag Publications Ltd, 18 Alban Park, Hatfield Road, St Albans, Herts, AL4 0JJ tel +44 (0)1727 739160 fax +44 (0)1727 739169 email fw@fleetworldgroup.co.uk web fleetworld.co.uk

VAN FLEETW RLD

IAM’s fleet manager talks about leading by example.

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Latest LCV news, Ford Ranger, Renault Kangoo, New Peugeot Expert / Citroën Dispatch.

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Ford NEWS

inbrief SYNC 3 to debut on new Vignale models

Focus ST TDCi Estate redeﬁnes the family car THE Focus ST Diesel estate is fast becoming recognised as the perfect family vehicle, combining versatility, performance and comfort in a value for money package. It boasts advanced chassis technologies, tuned suspension and steering, bespoke tyre specification and a powerful 185PS 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine that achieves 62mph in 8.1 seconds with manual transmission, up to 67.3mpg combined and 110g/km of CO2. With 400 Nm of torque available from 2,000-2,750rpm, it means impressive acceleration and strong performance at a low rpm; it accelerates from 31-62mph in fourth gear in just 6.9 seconds and from 50-75mph in sixth gear in 9.7 seconds. Available in ST-1, ST-2 and ST-3 series, the fun-to-drive Focus ST Diesel estate offers the versatility of more than 1,500 litres luggage capacity in two-seat mode and 476 litres in five. It offers class-leading driver assistance technologies include Active City Stop and Lane Keeping Aid and connectivity features including Ford’s SYNC 2 in-car connectivity system. The Ford Focus ST’s award-winning development team, part of the global Ford Performance organisation, made improving the entire driving experience the number one objective for the car, further enhancing the core attributes of Ford’s Sports Technologies DNA – a sophisticated balance of performance, driving dynamics, refinement and style. The result is a driving experience even more responsive, balanced and refined, that takes day-to-day usability and sportiness to a new level.

AdBlue-free Euro 6 engines for Transit Connect THE Ford Transit Connect can now offer something few competitor vans can – a Stage 6 engine that doesn’t need AdBlue to lower NOx exhaust emissions. Transit Connect is now available with 1.5-litre 75PS, 100PS and 120PS TDCi engines. Powershift automatic transmission and standard Auto Start Stop are available for the 100PS version and Auto Start Stop standard on both the manual and Powershift versions of the 120PS engine. The 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine was already Stage 6 and remains available. Changes to the Ford Transit Connect range include satellite navigation available on Base series models, acceleration control, a single passenger seat with side airbags and full steel bulkhead now available on Trend series vans.

For further information on any vehicle in the Ford range please contact the Ford Business Centre on 03457 23 23 23, email flinform@ford.com, or visit www.ford.co.uk/fordfleet

Ford News Feature // 05

THE Ford S-MAX Vignale, Ford Edge Vignale and Ford Mondeo Vignale will feature standard SYNC 3 communication and entertainment system that delivers faster performance and features a redesigned 8-inch touch screen that enables pinch and swipe gestures for the ﬁrst time. By pushing a button and saying “I need a coffee,” “I need petrol,” and “I need to park,” drivers can find nearby cafés, petrol stations or car parks, as well as locate train stations, airports, and hotels. The system then guides the driver to the selected destination via the navigation. Further sophisticated technology includes Ford Active Noise Control, which monitors engine noise in the interior, and directs opposing sound waves through the audio system to cancel out the noise and improve cabin ambience. SYNC 3 will allow drivers to control audio, navigation, and climate functions plus connected smartphones using simple, more conversational voice commands.

S-MAX takes top fleet industry accolade THE technologically advanced Ford S-MAX has been declared Britain’s best seven-seat people carrier, described by judges of a fleet industry award as “an excellent drive which appeals to the driver’s heart as well as the fleet’s head with its strong residuals and competitive running costs. It even sneaks in under 130g/km.” With its maximum 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, the Ford S-MAX delivers sophisticated safety features, including Pre-Collision Assist technology, to provide exceptional protection for driver, passengers and pedestrians alike.

fleetreview This month, editor Steve Moody looks forward to next month’s Fleet World Fleet Show 2016 and considers the effects of the recent Budget and cars that make long-distance driving easy...

The Fleet Show: 11th May 2016 11th May is a day everyone in the fleet industry should have in their diary. It’s the date of this year’s Fleet Show, which is going to be better than ever. There are dozens of firms exhibiting their latest products and services, the attraction of testing the latest cars at a world-class, world famous facility, and the chance to catch up with colleagues and friends in the industry. Naturally we’ll be there too, so feel free to come to our stand and say hello. We’d love to see you.

Taking the strain out of driving Over Easter I had to drive more than 600 miles for various family events, and the traffic was resolutely hellish wherever I went. The motorways were clogged endlessly with holidaymakers and we were lucky to average 40mph anywhere. I was driving a Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. I’ll be honest, a swoopy-backed SUV isn’t really my thing but it was packed to the gunnels with Merc’s auto steering and radar cruise control technology. The result was that the hours inching along were a piece of cake. The car in the main drove itself, and I stared bored out of the window, or attempted to entertain or feed the kids.

Wednesday 11th May 2016 Silverstone

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When we finally reached our destination, everyone there was exhausted and grumpy after their equally long journeys. Me? Not remotely so, thanks to all the work the car had put in on my behalf. While fully autonomous driving might still be a way off, for long distance drivers the current level of automation is a must-have. It provides a reassuring safety net, bearing a load when driving is difficult and allows the driver to remain alert and ready a work.

Another Budget comes and goes I think everyone breathed a huge sigh of relief that the Budget came and went without a seismic event hitting the fleet industry. Everybody I spoke to beforehand was concerned that the Volkswagen Group emissions scandal might precipitate a big change in the way company cars were taxed, but it didn’t happen. Essentially, although not perfect, the regime is a good one with a simple message that employees can understand, even if they don’t get the detail: the more efficient the car, the lower the tax bill. Let’s hope over the next year we can sort out the kinks, such as the confusion over ultra-low emission cars and the diesel surcharge. Then we have a system fit for purpose for the next decade.

Don’t miss out on all the latest daily news! Visit fleetworld.co.uk

inbusiness

Influential think tank calls for major tax changes A

think tank with close ties to the Government has called for increasing and extending the 3% diesel surcharge and removing or reducing the capital allowances for diesel fleet vehicles. As part of a policy paper on tackling air pollution, Policy Exchange, an organisation which has been dubbed “David Cameron’s favourite think tank’ has targeted company cars, saying: “Shifting away from diesels to a mix of petrol, hybrid, electric and LPG vehicles can significantly reduce local pollu‐ tants whilst having no adverse impact on CO2 emissions. In order to achieve this, the financial incentives that promoted the uptake of diesels in the first place need to be removed and reversed. Changes to Vehicle Excise Duty, Company Car Tax and Capital Allowances are required to reflect the higher NOx emissions associated with diesels.” Although the Government claims the diesel surcharge

will be removed from 2021‐22, Policy Exchange suggest otherwise, saying: “Given that diesels are likely to continue to have higher NOx emissions than petrol cars, there is a rationale to maintain the surcharge even beyond this date.” The report also calls into question current capital allowance schemes, revised in the recent Budget, saying that “the scheme does not currently reflect other emissions such as NOx and PM, and does not distinguish between diesel, petrol or alternatively fuelled vehicles. The scheme could be amended to either remove or reduce the tax breaks available for diesel vehicles purchased by companies.” Founded in 2002 by members including Francis Maude MP and Michael Gove MP, the think tank has had influence on a number of policies, especially in the last two governments, in areas including free schools, crime and the environment.

MINI adds efficient 99g/km Clubman

INI is following a record year in corporate sales by adding a 99g/km One D trim to the new Clubman, targeting the high‐volume core of the C‐segment. Priced at £21,375 on the road, it arrives following a 44% increase in corporate sales during 2015, to 8,450 vehicles, helped by the ﬁve‐door hatch and the rest of the Clubman range.

Toyota’s new Prius Plug-in to offer emissions of 32g/km

oyota has unveiled its new Prius Plug‐in hybrid, which will bring a 31‐mile electric range and CO2 emissions of 32g/km when it goes on sale at the end of this year. Unveiled at the New York International Auto Show, it’s the second generation of the Prius to be available with a plug‐in hybrid drive.

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Skoda to launch plug-in hybrid Superb

koda will launch a plug‐in hybrid Superb in 2019, followed by a fully electric vehicle to the range. Christian Strube, Skoda board member for technical development, said: “We are convinced that it is time for Skoda to become electric. With the Superb, we will launch a car onto the market as early as this decade that, as a plug‐in, can travel more than 50km (31 miles) electrically and a few years later, Skoda will launch a purely electrical car onto the market.”

inbusiness

Vauxhall targets fleet growth New models, better WLCs and core fleet experience see the Luton firm in a bullish mood.

auxhall is targeting strong fleet growth this year, especially in smaller fleets, thanks to the highly successful launch of Astra, a stronger whole‐life cost proposition and greater use of its fleet experience to provide consultative help to businesses. Vauxhall has seen steady growth in the ﬂeet over the last few years, reaching 147,000 units in 2015. However the ambition is to see a rise to 160,000 units this year if the economy and wider business factors allow, although ﬂeet marketing manager Paul Adler was keen to point out that the number would not be forced at any cost. Adler said: “There’s a real focus on small business, those with fleets of 25‐99 vehicles. The experience, size and the information we have here within the Vauxhall fleet team, means we are able to help these companies absorb and make sense of all the information coming their way, and give them a lot of support. Add in the strong links we have with dealers, and the vast number of them – essentially no business in the UK is more

than 23 miles away from a Vauxhall dealer – means we can give them that support at a local level in terms of aftersales too. “But also, the fact that we can offer a complete package in terms of cars and vans makes our SME proposition very strong.” The new Astra, the European Car of the Year, should help achieve that growth, while next year should see a new Insignia too. Adler believes the firm has got its pricing and specifications right for fleets, especially with business‐user Tech Line trims, while new systems such as OnStar and wifi in cars, and the big improve‐ ment in quality and style of the latest models should result in greater user chooser appeal. “With our focus on true fleet and limits on short cycle business, we’ve really seen our wholelife cost position improve too,” he said. “New Astra has come out very strongly, but we’ve seen residual value improvements across may key fleet models.”

What I’ve learnt John Yarroll, chairman and chief executive, FleetEurope, on the need to ensure committed staff and suppliers and why the fleet industry remains a village.

committed staff and suppliers, and you don’t build that commitment without consistent effort.

Taking the long-term view I’ve spent over 40 years in the rental and leasing industry; my formative years were spent in large, often multi-national corporations, the last 20 plus years as CEO of my own business. What I have learnt is that within large, publicly owned corporations, shareholder pressure or the anticipation of such pressure can have an adverse influence on decision making, resulting in a short-termism that can have a detrimental impact on outcomes and morale that ownermanaged businesses can avoid.

When things go wrong, don’t delay! I have been touched by the objectivity and generosity of people whom I have approached to explain a serious problem, which has occurred when I have acted quickly to make them aware, and explained the course of action I proposed to rectify the situation. The successful conclusion has led to a strengthening of the relationship.

A balanced view In a service industry such as this, success is entirely dependent upon devoting attention to ensuring that relationships with your staff, your suppliers and your customers have an equal share of your focus. You cannot deliver great customer service without

Village people The BVRLA member fleet has reached a staggering 4.5 million vehicles, but our industry remains a village. A good reputation for honesty and probity for an individual or business entity takes years to build, but can be damaged beyond belief with a single ill-thought action.

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inbusiness

VW Group CO2 figures: fleet impact With all four main VAG passenger car brands having completed their internal investigations, was the CO2 scandal a storm in a teacup? Alex Grant finds out what the fallout really meant for fleets. Skoda

t was a feared, but expected, announcement. On the 3 November, Volkswagen confirmed that up to 800,000 of its vehicles might emit more CO2 than during Type Approval testing. Internal investigations would follow, it said, giving few other details. With CO 2 and tax so closely linked, the ensuing media frenzy was quickly followed by confirmation that customers would not be penalised, and subsequently by a rapid decline in vehicle numbers. By mid‐November it had almost halved, by December Volkswagen was saying only 36,000 of its own passenger cars were affected. All of the Group’s biggest passenger brands have now announced new CO2 figures. So was the problem overstated, or will fleets be hit with higher costs?

Audi Audi’s Type Approval is handled by ATEEL in Luxembourg, who confirmed its range was unaffected. Conformity of Production delivered a widespread emissions update late last year – mostly improvements, particularly for the 1.4 TFSI and 3.0 TDI engines, and 2.0 TDI in the Q3. Audi said increases for the A1 1.6 TDI and new A4 3.0 TDI amended pre‐production figures, and customers were able to alter or cancel orders, while the 89g/km A3 ultra was dropped less than a year after launch due to “streamlining” of the late lifecycle range. Biggest CO2 increase: A1 1.6 TDI SE/Sport 116PS – 92‐97g/km (+5.4%, +1% BiK) SEAT SEAT was affected by the CO2 irregularities, but was also the first to report updated figures last December having had a Type Approval extension from the Spanish Ministry of Indus‐ try, Energy and Tourism. The changes affect the Leon range with 1.4 and 1.8‐litre EcoTSI petrol or 1.6 and 2.0‐litre TDI engines, and means the Ecomotive is the only sub‐100g/km diesel. A “small number” of customer orders were affected, with compensation and no‐cost alterations offered. Biggest CO2 increase: Leon 1.6 TDI 110PS Ecomotive – 87‐94g/km (+8.0%, +0% BiK)

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British Type Approval authority VCA takes care of Skoda’s ongoing testing, and the company said its range was unaf‐ fected by the announcement last year. The brand reported a large number of small reductions in CO2 emissions, but there were increases for the Fabia range with the 1.4 TDI engine due to Conformity of Production updates. Biggest CO2 increase: Fabia 1.4 TDI S/SE/SE‐L (90PS) – 88‐93g/km (+5.7%, +0% BiK)

Volkswagen Following internal testing, Volkswagen said most of its range conforms to originally stated CO2 figures. Confirmed by inde‐ pendent testing at the KBA in Germany, affected models include the Golf hatch, estate and cabriolet, Jetta, Passat and Scirocco, with the 2.0‐litre diesel engine – 254 UK cars, half of which were fleet sales. Conformity of Production updates mean the Polo 1.4 TDI is now listed as emitting 93g/km instead of 88g/km – matching the Skoda Fabia. Biggest CO2 increase: Scirocco 2.0 TDI 184PS GT/ R‐Line/Black Edition – 115‐124g/km (+7.8%, +2% BiK)

What does this mean for fleets? Very little, it seems. Conformity of Production is an ongo‐ ing process based on equipment and component changes and regularly delivers updated figures. Small changes like this are nothing new, and the Volkswagen Group isn’t alone in announcing higher CO2 emissions. There's no recall, no effect on real‐world fuel consumption and little or no impact on residual values. The biggest changes are capital allowances for readings now over 130g/km – but this only affects the Leon FR 1.8 EcoTSI and 2.0 TDI 184PS X‐Perience – neither are big‐selling business cars. For drivers, the largest changes in BiK are two percentage points. Ironically, the biggest financial impact is from the political legacy of the scandal – the retention of the 3% diesel surcharge. This equates to around £20 higher BiK per month for the Golf Match 2.0 TDI and Leon 1.6 TDI Ecomo‐ tive, according to KeeResources data, despite neither model changing its CO2 banding.

inbusiness

James O’Neill, UK sales manager at Ensto Chago, talks about rapidly evolving EV technology and why connectivity is the difference between asset and obsolescence for office charging.

Why is it important for businesses to have charging points for their plug-in company cars and vans? The evolution of ‘smart’ homes and offices means an increase in reporting is available. As cars become smarter, the usable data they are able to provide will enable deeper analysis for companies, homeowners and research companies. For a fleet this will eventually enable automated reporting of mileage, fuelling, driver efficiency and more. The depth of this data will allow for better understanding of cost-savings as fleets strive to be more efficient without impacting performance. How receptive are UK businesses to installing charging points – and what do they want from them? In the UK, we are at the point of “do we or don't we?” Having spoken with people across industries relating to charging, many are on the fence, apprehensive about committing, and others jumped ahead in the belief they could lead the way. Both sides will learn lessons, positive and negative. We have found the majority of customers across Europe do not want one entity who provides product and back-office for all – that is a lot of control taken away from the client. The best scenario is a collaborative approach between fleet or company, manufacturer and back-office provider. Why wouldn't the customer want to have control of how their network is run? We believe in supporting them with the right product, service, and a cloud or back office while the network belongs to the customer. Why is it so important for charging points to be able to communicate with the cloud? Connectivity is key, and many back-office platforms fail to communicate with the points installed, making them redundant. Aalto University in Finland researched the lifecycle costs of charging points and it is quite clear that cheaper products will costs thousands more in the long term, through operation and potential replacement costs, due to not meeting requirements, or inability to be upgraded. It is paramount for the client to have a back office which can provide a full service, whether they are ready to utilise all of that data or not. For example, dynamic load management can add extra infrastruc-

Q &A

ture costs, which are unnecessary as we can now operate these parameters from the cloud. The client can set parameters which meet the fleet and building needs by putting protocols in place which can decrease or increase a charge accordingly. We also run updates wirelessly in the UK and across Europe allowing our customers to avoid disruption or charge point downtime. The clients need reassurance firstly that the product they are investing in is modular, enabling upgrades of software and hardware. With a wider vehicle choice on the way, should fleets be concerned about compatibility issues? Cars are evolving fast – with mass adoption realistic due to leaps in battery technology and potential coverage, the infrastructure needs modular products with software that can be updated wirelessly and hardware that can be adapted over time or easily replaced if the need is there. In the race to create a network, many are in a situation where the points they have are becoming redundant due to the speed which the motor industry is evolving. We also have seen a number of posts nationally with low supply, or that have no way of being upgraded, and with the most basic connectivity. This means some places in the UK are already outdated, either through the foundations laid or the belief that charging will not change. The EV market is picking up pace. This means investing in reliable, robust, upgradable products that will grow with your fleet and provide the data and capabilities you need. Make the choice to run your network through a cloud set-up that you can manage with ease but fully control. Decide your parameters and the direction of your fleet to ensure an efficient and functional future.

FACE TO FACE Ensto’s next-generation charging points will be on display at the Fleet World Fleet Show at Silverstone on 11 May, offering an intelligent, connected solution for fleets looking to deploy plug-in vehicles. For more information, visit thefleetshow.co.uk

fleetworld.co.uk / 15

inbusiness

A question of attitude Behind the shiny new steel and glass facades, what do dealers think of the manufacturers they represent? Curtis Hutchinson, editor of Motor Trader, finds out.

f you use local dealers to source and service your fleet vehicles then you might find it useful to know what they think of the brands they represent. Not all manufacturers own and operate sales outlets and even those that do (including Ford, Mercedes-Benz, PSA Peugeot CitroĂŤn, Renault, Porsche and Infiniti) don't control every single dealership and are therefore dependent on representation from a cross section of retailers from small to medium sized family-owned operations and entrepreneurs developing regional groups to billion pound turnover companies listed on the London Stock Exchange with national reaches. The dealer-OEM relationship is a complex one in which the latter has the upper hand in terms of geographical location, corporate identity, volume targets and workshop throughput. Anecdotal suggestions that OEMs dictate the colour of floor tiles is pretty much borne out by conversations with dealer bosses. The level of investment expected by a dealer to make in a showroom to enter and then remain part of a manufacturer's network is considerable and the returns are slender with the average dealer site currently seeing a return on sales of just 1.2%, according to ASE, the dealer profitability specialist. So what do dealers think of the brands they represent? It's an important question and one that is addressed twice a year but rarely does the answer filter back to fleet managers. The research is carried out by the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) which, as part of the Retail Motor Industry Federation, polls the views of its members across the UK and reports its findings every winter and summer and with the bulk of the questions remaining unchanged it is an invaluable means of monitoring the ebb and flow of manufacturers' fortunes. The newly published Winter 2015-2016 NFDA Dealer Attitude collected the views of 1,603 dealers from a total universe of 4,065 sites; a particularly high response rate following the record breaking new car market of 2015 when 2.63 million cars were registered. The research is thorough with dealership bosses asked about the fairness of their manufacturer sales

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targets, volume bonuses, current and future profit potential and their expected level of capital investment. Each response if broken down by brand with an overall average showing who the winners and losers are in each category. There is nowhere to hide, especially as the survey also shows where each brand stood six months previously. This year saw a remarkably low average score of just 6.1 (out of 10) with 17 brands rated above and 11 below. So who were the top performers? Good news for Mercedes-Benz who retained the top position it has held for the last two years with a score of 9.3, although that was down 0.5 on last year's summer survey. Lexus retained its second place with a score of 8.9, up from 8.5; while Suzuki punched above its weight taking the third place with an impressive score of 8.8, up from 8.1. Rounding out the top five were Kia in fourth place (8.4) and BMW and MINI both in joint fifth place (7.9), with MINI improving its score from 7.7, while BMW slipped from 8.6. Meanwhile at the bottom of the table was Jaguar, a previous high flyer scoring 7.1 just 12 months ago and now mustering just 3.7. The brand's fall is curious as it is not without desirable new products and prestige brands traditionally score highly in the survey. The second lowest rated brand was Volkswagen with just 4.2 points. While it would be easy to attribute its decline to the fallout surrounding its global emissions shenanigans, its fall predated the crisis having scored just 4.9 last summer. Third from the bottom was Peugeot, scoring 4.3, with Renault and SEAT just above both on 4.5 points. Although the fortunes of car brands tends to be cyclical, often correlating with the availability of desirable new product, many of the underperforming brands in this survey will already be working hard to build bridges with their retailers. But with dealer satisfaction in decline what every car brand will be asking themselves is how will they be rated when the next NFDA survey is published in September? We'll be sure to let you know. The Winter 2015-2016 NFDA Dealer Attitude Survey can be viewed at http://bit.ly/1Sd74RO

ALIGNED WITH YOUR NEEDS The Volvo V60 isn’t simply designed for your business, but for the people within it, too. For instance, its ergonomic seats are designed to assist driver posture, which increases oxygen ﬂow to the lungs. This is understood to not only enhance concentration, but also minimise the risk of back-related issues. And with the added support of the Business Edition beneﬁts below, you and your drivers can always feel comfortable. • 98g/km CO 2 • 17% BIK • Up to 76.3mpg (combined) • City Safety system • Sensus Connect with Navigation HUMAN MADE FOR BUSINESS DISCOVER MORE VISIT VOLVOCARS.CO.UK /V60SEATS

The Volvo V60 D2 Business Edition. From only £209* per month + VAT on Business Contract Hire. • Initial rental of £1,254 + VAT • 36-month agreement • 10,000 miles per annum • VAT payable at 20% • Excess mileage charges apply Official fuel consumption for the Volvo V60 D2 Business Edition manual in MPG (l/100km): Urban 67.3 (4.2), Extra Urban 80.7 (3.5), Combined 76.3 (3.7). CO2 emissions 98g/km. MPG figures are obtained from laboratory testing intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect real driving results. *Important information: Business users only. Subject to status. You will not own the vehicle. Vehicle must be returned in good condition to avoid further charges. Excess mileage of 10.20p + VAT per mile. Subject to availability at participating dealers for vehicles registered 01/0+/2016 to 3'/0-/2016. Not available with other promotions. Provided by Lex Autolease Ltd trading as Volvo Car Leasing, SK3 9RB.

inbusiness

Phoning it in Until the authorities get more active about catching drivers using mobile phones, the problem will only continue, reckons The Insider.

ews that the Department for Transport has opened a public consultation on the possibility of increasing penalties for using a hand-held phone while driving has left me scratching my head in puzzlement. Surely it’s not the size of the fine and the number of points which is proving a lack of deterrent to offenders, but the fact there’s hardly any traffic officers left to enforce the law? The chances of being observed and caught remain slim, and therefore people will continue to flout the rules. These idiots don’t recognise the distraction element; don’t realise their speed rises and falls during a call, how they often change lane without looking, and don’t appreciate the distance they travel while they take their eyes from road to mobile, be that to see who is calling, or to answer a text. They are arrogant enough to think they will never cause a serious accident through their inattention. Sadly the only things which might get their attention are a loud siren, and a blue light with a uniform on the end of it. My own view is that you’d have to increase the inconvenience to a massive degree before the revised penalty would have any effect – say a one month instant ban, or nine points. Monetary penalties differ in their nuisance value depending on personal circumstances, whereas an instant inability to use the car for a month has immediate consequences for most. However, I’m not a fan of the idea of a two-tier penalty system as recently mooted by the Association of Chief Police Officers’ lead official on road policing, either. In fact, I’m not enamoured of any system which expects British businesses to fund and promote a stricter set of road rules for company drivers than for private ones. Not when it involves using duty of care as some kind of threat, anyway. Don’t get me wrong; as businesses we have a duty of care to our employees, we know we have to spend money

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embracing compliance, be that by written policy or additional training – but don’t then penalise us more heavily when the driver still flouts the law. If the crime is the same, then it must be one rule for all. I would rather the DfT focussed its efforts on a complete ban on any phone use whilst driving – by which I mean no calls, no texting, no email. Research suggests one is four times more likely to crash using any phone behind the wheel. To me that likelihood appears even greater when I observe a driver using the phone to text or email, since their eyes are completely off the road for an extended period of time, during which they have no idea what is going on around them. I would also like, as I’ve said many times before, more public service advertising on TV at peak times, so that the private motorist is exposed to some of the messages we feed our company drivers, on a regular basis. Reminders about the dangers of mobile use on the move would be at the top of my list. And in the absence of sufficient traffic police, how about enabling all those Highways Traffic Officers to take on the extra duty of being allowed to issue Fixed Penalty Notices for mobile phone use, when not otherwise engaged? Their presence on the road does act as a deterrent to speeding, as drivers try to figure out if the liveried vehicle in front is a real cop or not. If they were able to issue PCNs for phone use, I believe the deterrent would become stronger. Feeling radical, how about they can issue a PCN without stopping the driver, provided photographic evidence is available? Given that 75% of us admit to getting wound up by others’ poor driving skills, with mobile phone use being at the top of the list, if the law were properly enforced, we would all stress a little less, travel happier. Time for bold action, but perhaps not in the direction DfT is currently heading.

FOLLOW YOUR HEART WITHOUT ABANDONING YOUR COMMON SENSE

MASERATI GHIBLI DIESEL. STARTING FROM £49,160 You know you have always wanted to own a Maserati. Now there is absolutely nothing to hold you back. The Ghibli Diesel is every inch a Maserati, featuring a gorgeous, coupé-like silhouette, luxury leather interior and with its economical yet potent diesel engine, 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, there are also plenty of rational reasons to justify your decision. www.maserati.co.uk

Official fuel consumption figures for Maserati Ghibli Diesel in mpg (l/100km): Urban 36.7 (7.7), Extra Urban 57.6 (4.9), Combined 47.9 (5.9). CO2 emissions 158 g/km. Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are based on standard EU tests for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Model shown is a Maserati Ghibli Diesel at £54,611 On The Road including optional pearlescent paint at £1,776 and 21” Titano alloy wheels at £3,675.

BUDGET

Budget

2016

main points for fleets A look at how Chan cellor George Osborn eâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eighth Budget will im pact on fleets.

22 / fleetworld.co.uk

No company car tax change, but tighter capital allowance thresholds Company car tax will continue to be based on CO2 emissions until at least 2021 despite fears that the Government would change tactic. In addition, tighter capital allowance thresh‐ olds to promote ultra‐low emission vehicles have been set out. Effective from April 2018, the main rate (18%) threshold is reduced from 130g/km to 110g/km. From the same date, the 100% first‐ year allowance threshold will also be tightened to vehicles emitting 50g/km or less, down from 75g/km, and this has been extended to 2021. Said to reflect the falling emissions of new cars, the revisions are predicted to raise £155m in revenue by the end of the 2020/21 tax year. It’s believed that the CO2 thresholds for the lease rental restriction will follow suit but this has not been confirmed. The Government added that consultations will take place before 2021 to devise new bands that incentivise the cleanest cars. COMMENT Gerry Keaney, chief executive of the BVRLA “It’s pleasing to see the Chancellor extend 100% first year allowances for businesses purchasing ultra‐low emission cars for a further three years until 2021, though yet again he has ignored our calls to make this benefit available for companies that lease their cars. This unfairly discriminates against SMEs who rely on lease arrangements to access new low‐emission cars, and instead favours cash‐rich businesses who can afford to purchase cars outright. “We still remain dissatisfied with the retention of the lease rental restriction on customers as this is effectively a double emissions tax. Leasing firms are restricted to claiming 8% of the writing down allowance, and customers can only claim 85% of the lease rental payment,” he added.

A continued freeze on fuel duty There is a continued freeze on fuel duty for 2016‐17 at 57.95 pence per litre – the longest fuel duty freeze in over 40 years. And the Government also announced that it will start trials of comparative fuel price signs on the M5 between Bristol and Exeter by spring 2016 to drive fuel price competition and help motorists save money. COMMENT Matt Dyer, managing director LeasePlan UK “We are extremely surprised by the fuel duty freeze. This is a welcome boost to UK households and businesses saving an average of £75 per driver. Not only will this help UK motorists, it will also be a continued reprieve to those who work in logistics, with light commercial vehicles expected to save an estimated £270 per year.”

Support measures for Driverless Cars The Chancellor used the Budget to announce a package of support meas‐ ures for driverless cars, which will see: • Trials of driverless cars on the strategic road network by 2017. • A consultation this summer on removing regulatory barriers within this Parliament to enable autonomous vehicles on England’s major roads. • The implementation of a £15m ‘connected corridor’ from London to Dover to enable vehicles to commu‐ nicate wirelessly with infrastructure and potentially other vehicles. COMMENT Phil Harrold, automotive partner at PwC “Signalling the UK's intent to be at the leading edge of driverless car tech‐ nology could be seen by some as a bold move or even a futuristic long shot by the Chancellor. “In reality, automation has been creeping up on us for years and this is simply the next step in the digital journey – and, crucially, UK engineering has been at the forefront throughout. People can already own cars that can park, exit the garage and even overtake for you without driver input.”

A new phase of road investment The Government said it is launching the process for setting the Second Roads Investment Strategy, which will determine road investment plans for the period from 2020‐21 to 2024‐25. Road improvements including the allocation of an extra £161m to Highway England to upgrade the M62 to four lanes, as well as £75m to develop the case for a potential Trans‐Pennine tunnel between Sheﬃeld and Manchester and options to enhance the A66, A69 and the north‐west quadrant of the M60. The Government is setting out how the Pothole Action Fund will be allocated across England in 2016‐17, with £50m allowing local authorities to ﬁll nearly a million potholes.

COMMENT Mark Gibson, head of marketing and business development, Alphabet “The launch of the second Roads Investment Strategy is set to include motorway upgrades and the future transformation of east‐west road connections. Importantly, the allocation of the £50 million Pothole Action Fund for England in 2016/17 will enable local authorities to ﬁll nearly a million potholes – a promising advance for the duty of care of all drivers.”

fleetworld.co.uk / 23

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BUDGET

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Lack of clarity on salary sacrifice The Government continues with its vague asser‐ tions that changes may come to the salary sacri‐ fice rules. But again there is a lack of clarity over what schemes it is concerned about, and whether cars are in its thoughts. The Treasury did say that: “The Government wants to encourage employers to offer certain benefits but is concerned about the growth of salary sacrifice schemes: clearance requests for salary sacrifice arrangements from employers to HMRC have increased by over 30% since 2010. The Government is therefore considering limiting the range of benefits that attract income tax and NICs advantages when they are provided as part of salary sacrifice schemes. “However, the Government’s intention is that pension saving, childcare and health‐related benefits such as Cycle to Work should continue to benefit from income tax and NICs relief when provided through salary sacrifice arrangements.” COMMENT Graham Hale, chief executive of Fleet Hire “The Chancellor should resist the urge to tamper with salary sacrifice car schemes as they are ‘tax positive’ to the Exchequer, and they open up wider car ownership to lower paid workers who would not otherwise be able to afford it. They also promote the uptake of cleaner, ‘green’ cars with low carbon emissions. “Whilst salary sacrifice car schemes are undoubtedly tax beneficial to employees, HM Treasury achieves a net tax positive since, through the company car status provision, the employee pays Benefit‐in Kind‐tax linked to the P11D and CO2 emissions rating of the car, while the employer pays Class IA NICs on provision of a company car to the employee.”

24 / fleetworld.co.uk

Funding for low emission vehicles The Government will provide £38m in grants for collaborative R&D into low emission vehicles. These will be delivered through the Oﬃce for Low Emission Vehi‐ cles (OLEV) and Innovate UK and will be matched by industry. The Midlands will also receive over £15m funding to support R&D into lowering vehicle emissions. COMMENT Selwyn Cooper, head of business sales, Volvo “With Volvo Cars developing innovative autonomous and low‐emis‐ sion products, we welcome the Chancellor’s plan for the UK to further invest in advancing of the technology.”

Cheaper Severn Toll Bridge The Government said it will, subject to consultation, halve tolls after the existing concession on the Severn River Crossings ends in 2018. It also added that it will evaluate the costs and beneﬁts for developing a free‐ﬂow barrier‐free tolling system. COMMENT Ian Gallagher, FTA head of policy for the South West and Wales “As always the devil is in the detail – the Chancellor has said that the tolls will be reduced when the bridges are in public ownership but this is subject to public consultation. If the Government must consult, this should be carried out prior to handover so that a reduction in charges is in place from day one. “Reducing the tolls will be a welcome shot in the arm for busi‐ nesses and commuters who use the bridges daily, allowing busi‐ nesses to invest in the things that matter such as new vehicles and staff recruitment.”

All-New

Renault KADJAR Awarded What Car? and Auto Express 5-star ratings. A great track record off the beaten track.

Touchscreen Multimedia System with Satellite Navigation Personalised Digital Dashboard Front and Rear Parking Sensors

To book your test drive, call the Renault Business Hub on 0800 731 7066 today. The official fuel consumption ďŹ gures in mpg (l/100km) for the All-New Renault Kadjar Dynamique S Nav dCi 110 are: Urban 67.3 (4.2); Extra Urban 74.3 (3.8); Combined 72.4 (3.9). The official CO2 emissions are 103g/km. EU Directive Regulation 692/2008 test environment ďŹ gures. Fuel consumption and CO2 may vary according to driving styles, and road conditions and other factors. Model shown is All-New Renault Kadjar Dynamique S Nav dCi 110.

g fleet e k

1DryWash Forget everything you know about waterless car cleaners – we’ve tested this one, and it works brilliantly. Mist it over panels, wheels and trim and it lifts grime, tar and dried-on bird mess away, leaving a streak-free, high-gloss finish which is glass-smooth to the touch. The solution is eco-friendly and wipes away effortlessly – reasons why it’s endorsed by Morgan Motor Company and used by several large LCV fleets. Price: £14.99 (starter kit) £16.99 (2x refills) from 1drywash.com

Microsoft Surface Book The compactness of a tablet, with the processing power and convenience of a laptop. Surface Book is a high-performance portable with a detachable 13.5inch touch screen with stylus support, which can be reversed for note taking or used as a standard laptop display. Hard drive options range up to 1TB, it runs Windows and Office and the battery lasts up to 12 hours. Price: From £1,299 from microsoftstore.com/UK

Walli Smart Wallet A sanity-saver for the forgetful, Walli connects to your phone via a low-energy Bluetooth connection and makes sure you never leave anything behind. It’ll sound an alert if it thinks it’s been left behind, or if one of your cards is out of its slot for too long, and it’ll help locate a lost phone. There are two versions, one of which takes a passport, both have a six-month battery life and are made of leather. Price: $89 (£64) from mywalli.com

apps of the month

Quartz

SwipeToMeet

OfficeLens

A new way of consuming news, Quartz fires nuggets of information to your phone in an SMSstyle format, giving you the option to dig deeper if you want to, or stick to top-level information and take the basics on board. It’s live updates on the world for the Snapchat generation, customisable for what’s important to you and divided into bitesize chunks. Price: Free from Google Play, iTunes Store

Easy meeting planning via the cloud, SwipeToMeet checks calendars and preferences of attendees to look for free time in their diary, suggesting possible opportunities to get together. It’s a multi-platform app with support for traditional web browsers and smartphones, enabling easy and instant RSVPs without hours of comparing complicated diaries. Price: Free from Google Play, iTunes Store

OfficeLens turns your phone’s camera into a portable scanner, turning photos of whiteboards, documents, business cards and notes into usable, sharable documents. It’ll clean up glare, crop and produce images of important information, and can even use Optical Character Recognition to convert them to Word, PowerPoint or PDF files for simple sharing and indexing. Price: Free from Google Play, iTunes Store, Windows Store

26 / fleetworld.co.uk

MORE TIME FOR BUSINESS

THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY PRESENTS COMBINED

P11D

BIK

CO 2

MPG

£29,295 - £33,415

32% - 16%

176 - 99g/km

37.2-67.3

DESIGNED TO GIVE YOU THE LUXURY OF TIME

FORD VIGNALE

Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Ford Mondeo Vignale range: urban 27.2-100.9 (10.4-2.8), extra urban 47.9-68.9 (5.9-4.1), combined 37.2-67.3 (7.6-4.2). Official CO2 emissions 176-99g/km. The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results (EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008), are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Is the new E-Class the best car in the world? Danny Cobbs thinks it might be. SECTOR Executive PRICE £35,935–£47,425 FUEL 51.4–72.4mpg CO2 102–144g/km

n first appearance, the revolution of the tenth gener‐ ation of E‐Class may seem a little on the tame side. The E‐Class is hugely important for the Stuttgart brand – 13 million units sold to date – so it was unlikely to take it too far left of centre, but Mercedes is sending out a message; it wants this car to set the benchmark that all exec‐ utive saloons should aim for. The undisputed class‐leader. So, if this car is not going to get lost in the melee of mid‐ size luxury saloons it needs to be nothing short of extraor‐ dinary in everything it does, and to that end, Mercedes has thrown everything it knows into the new E‐Class. The results are nothing short of astounding. The main headline‐grabber will undoubtedly be the E‐Class’s semi‐autonomous driving capability; closely followed by the changes applied to the interior, mechan‐ ics, and abundance of safety features. Its super slippery silhouette, which cuts through the air with less friction than a Tesla Model S, may not warrant quite as many column inches, yet nonetheless, it’s still worthy of mention. Cynics may suggest the architecture of this new E‐ Two trim levels will be available from launch, with SE Class seems to mirror that of its bigger brother, the S‐Class. cars starting at £35,959. The sportier AMG Line costs Crease lines run along either side of the bodywork, fluidly £2,495 more. Equipped to the gunnels, both models offer connecting bonnet, grille, new LED active head‐ parking sensors, a reversing camera, leather lights with its tapered rear end and the short seats and a self‐parking system, as well as sat FLEET FACT overhangs. Look really carefully and it’s actually nav and LED headlamps. quite sexy around the edges. Just the one model will be available when it It’s longer too, by 65mm, which gives more arrives in May, the E220d. Traditionally, this is Diesel-only room to backseat passengers and allows by far the most popular in the UK. A new all‐ E-Class range 540 litres of boot capacity. The cabin really is aluminium 2.0‐litre, four cylinder diesel engine available the E‐Class’s piece de resistance. Set in skil‐ which replaces the old cast‐iron‐block, 2.1‐litre at launch. fully worked leather, metal and wood, the diesel (which, despite being fairly economical flowing dash, four centre air vents and lacked any real refinements). changeable ambient mood lighting are a blatant copy of This new 2.0‐litre puts right those wrongs, and then the S‐Class interior layout. It really is quite beautiful, both some. It will deliver 191bhp, 0‐62mph in 7.3 seconds, in design and build execution. 149mpg top speed, CO2 emissions of 102g/km and up to 72.4mpg. Still want a bit more shove? Then wait a few more months and it will be joined by a 350 d, plus a petrol‐elec‐ tric hybrid with CO2 emissions of 49g/km. Mercedes is making a big noise about how this car is the closest thing on the market to being a fully‐autonomous self‐ driving car. True, once you’ve handed over control it will adjust the speed according to traffic conditions, even steer itself around a corner. Ask it to overtake the car in front, and it’ll do that too. Nevertheless, you are reliant on computer wizardry to all make this happen safely, which takes a massive leap of faith to trust it will be a better pilot than you. Switch off the autopilot, take back control, and this new E‐ Class will handle just as accurately under human guidance. In the ride department, it’s more than a match for most of its rivals; only the BMW 5 Series does it better around corners, but only just. Opt for the £1,495 air suspension (fitted to our test cars), and you’d be hard pressed to find any car, even those costing twice as much money, which would eat‐up long‐distance miles so effortlessly.

28 / fleetworld.co.uk

what we think highlights Semi-autonomous driving mode available More rear legroom and bigger boot

By taking the best bits of their brand â&#x20AC;&#x201C; styling, safety, comfort, fuel-efficiencies, refinement and ride â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mercedes-Benz has ensured no other car currently on the market can surpass the new E-Class.

Petrol-electric hybrid due later in 2016

key fleet model E 220 d SE fleetworld.co.uk / 29

Ford Mustang Tuning the Mustang for European tastes hasn’t dulled its desirability, says Alex Grant. SECTOR Coupe/Convertible PRICE £30,995–£39,995 FUEL 20.8–35.3mpg CO2 179–306g/km

onceived as an affordable everyday performance car for 1960s America, the Mustang’s enduring appeal has made it as iconic a part of Ford’s history as the game‐changing Model T. Now, as a strange offshoot of the ‘One Ford’ strategy which is placing Americans in Fiestas, it’s beginning its 52nd year on sale by launching in Europe. This isn’t a small‐volume import programme. The sixth generation was developed with European tastes in mind – it’s stiffer, has modern suspension tuned for our roads, better brakes and cooling for high speeds and it’s finally

available in right‐hand drive. Ford is hoping SME owners could prick up their ears. Fuel consumption isn’t likely to be deciding point, but it’s also the ﬁrst Mustang with a four‐cylinder engine. The 2.3‐ litre EcoBoost is similar to the Focus RS, eagerly delivering a revvy 312bhp with an enhanced, but addictive, exhaust snarl. It’s a good ﬁt, and all the performance you’ll need. However, the lure of the 410bhp 5.0‐litre V8 is hard to resist. Two thirds of UK buyers have been seduced by its seemingly limitless torque, 62mph in 4.8 seconds from rest and that unmistakeable burble. While the 2.3‐litre looks good value, the V8’s £34,995 start price makes Ger‐ man and Japanese super‐coupes seem extortionate. It also doesn’t feel like a lightly retuned American car. The ride is firm, but settled enough for laid‐back cruising, the steering is direct and it doesn’t feel unwieldy on nar‐ row, winding roads. It’s a little plasticky inside, and navi‐ gation is a £795 option, but neither are deal‐breakers. So the Mustang feels like a true ‘world car’, as Europe‐ ready as the Capri, with unrivalled on‐road presence and value, particularly with the V8. Five litres is the right option if you can afford the fuel, but you won’t feel short‐ changed by either engine.

MORE LOADSPACE. LESS RUNNING COSTS . †

YES, IT’S AN ASTRA SPORTS TOURER. P11D FROM £16,530 | CO2 FROM 89G/KM | UP TO 83.1MPG LOADSPACE UP TO 1,630 LITRES

SEARCH NEW ASTRA BUSINESS

Ofﬁcial Government Test Environmental Data. New Astra Sports Tourer range fuel consumption ﬁgures mpg (litres/100km): Urban: 35.3 (8.0)-74.3 (3.8), Extra-urban: 55.4 (5.1)-91.1 (3.1), Combined: 45.6 (6.2)-83.1 (3.4). CO2 emissions: 142-89g/km.

Volkswagen Golf 1.0 TSI BlueMotion The petrol eco-Golf is just in time to take advantage of VW’s recent troubles, reckons Alex Grant. SECTOR Lower Medium PRICE £20,735 FUEL 65.7mpg CO2 99g/km

he timing of the first petrol‐powered Golf BlueMo‐ tion couldn’t have been more ironic. Launched last September, it arrived in showrooms just as the Group’s diesel engines were coming under the spotlight – including the previous Golf BlueMotion’s. Autumn’s drama may be fading out of the news agenda, but concerns about diesel are likely to linger and eco‐petrols are becoming more tempting. For the Golf, that’s meant extreme downsizing – to a 1.0‐litre, three‐cylinder turbocharged petrol – plus the usual aerodynamic upgrades. The former is barely noticeable. There’s a little low‐rev lag before the turbo makes up for its lack of capacity, but it’s no more lethargic than the 1.6‐litre petrols which once produced this sort of power. It’s more powerful and faster to 62mph than the diesel, and makes an appealing off‐beat grumble too. Plus it’s genuinely cost‐effective, easily returning 50‐55mpg (higher takes some coaxing) and doesn’t struggle at high speeds. As petrol BlueMotions are based on the Match trim, not the entry‐level S, it gets navigation, larger alloy wheels, parking sensors and safety assistance features over the diesel, which stops it feeling quite so basic, despite the

lower price and BiK exposure. Ironically, the latter owes a little to the retained 3% diesel levy, partially resulting from Volkswagen’s misdemeanors. But the biggest give‐ away of a dedicated BlueMotion model is the slightly jar‐ ring ride quality from the 15mm lower suspension. The world hasn’t changed completely since Volkswa‐ gen’s antics were exposed, but there’s certainly a grow‐ ing place for a petrol‐powered eco‐Golf in the fleet sector. It’s not quite as efficient as it claims to be – the diesel is no different – but it’s a good reason not to opt for the default choice.

Ofﬁcial EU-regulated test data are provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors. General Motors UK Limited, trading as Vauxhall Motors, does not offer tax advice and recommends that all Company Car Drivers consult their own accountant with regards to their particular tax position. * = Terms and conditions apply and vehicles are subject to availability. Please call 0870 240 4848 for full details. All ﬁgures quoted correct at time of going to press (March 2016). † = Less running costs compares the following vehicles: New Astra SRi Sports Tourer 1.6CDTi 110PS ecoFLEX 92g/km, Focus Zetec S estate 1.5 TDCi 120PS 99g/km, Golf SE estate 1.6DTI 110PS 110g/km. New Astra Sports Tourer SRi model shown above is for illustrative purposes only and features 18” alloy wheels (£395), Dark-tinted rear windows (£275), Keyless entry and start (£395) and LED tail lights (£195) with P11D from £19,830, CO2 from 92g/km and fuel consumption up to 80.7mpg.

32 / fleetworld.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT Renault Scenic

Inner space Renault claims to have invented the compact MPV segment 20 years ago. With its fourth-generation Scenic, it might just have re-invented it. By Alex Grant.

Form Crossovers might be stealing the limelight for families needing more space than a hatchback, but the Scenic is following the C4 Picasso’s lead and showing that MPVs can be just as stylish. It’s a surprisingly faithful interpretation of 2011’s R-Space concept, with a steeplyraked windscreen, low overhangs, reduced roof height and long wheelbase. Qualities which should help get it noticed, even among crossover buyers. That’s helped by standard-fit 20-inch wheels – a size usually reserved for executive cars, coupes and SUVs – but with unusually narrow, low rolling resistance tyres. Renault say it will offer a large choice of wheel styles and aerodynamic inserts to personalise the car, as well as two contrasting roof colours. It will be interesting to see how that muscularity translates into the seven-seat Grand Scenic, which is due to be unveiled this summer and launches alongside the fiveseat version.

FLEET FACT Scenic is a backronym for “Safety Concept Embodied in a New Innovative Car”.

Function The Scenic isn’t a case of style over substance, and it’s as big on functionality inside as it is neatly designed on the outside. Boot capacity is smaller than in the C4 Picasso or B-Class, but the cabin features stowage compartments throughout and the seating is flexible. How much varies by trim level, but the centre console and rear seats slide, all except the driver’s seat fold flat, the second row is operated by switches inside the tailgate. Like the Megane, and also the Espace and Laguna-replacing Talisman sold elsewhere in Europe, the dashboard has significantly fewer buttons. Most functions are relocated to the 8.7-inch R-Link 2 touchscreen system, including folding the rear bench on some trim levels. Technology on board includes autonomous braking with pedestrian detection across the range and TomTom’s live traffic information, with a 12-month subscription.

32 / fleetworld.co.uk

A step towards autonomy This might be too early to benefit from Daimler’s recently-acquired stake in mapping and connected car innovator, HERE, but the E-Class offers a hint of what the German premium brands’ collaborative purchase is working towards. It is already capable of sending and receiving real-time information about road conditions ahead, in turn providing earlier warnings about problems – a foundation for full autonomy. But it’s equally aware of its immediate surroundings. By monitoring other traffic, road markings and parallel structures, the E-Class can maintain its speed and position within a lane at up to 210km/h. It’s the first Mercedes-Benz to be able to manoeuvre in and out of parking spaces with nobody at the wheel, controlled via a smartphone app, and can perform semi-autonomous lane changes too. It should make this a very relaxed longdistance car.

Fun Fuel economy figures haven’t been released yet, but the Scenic will feature 95bhp, 110bhp, 130bhp and 160bhp diesel engines and 115bhp and 130bhp petrol engines from launch. Expect the dCi 110 to emit less than 100g/km CO2, and that’s a figure that should come in well below 90g/km once the mild-hybrid version joins the range early next year. The platform is shared with a growing number of fun-todrive Renault and Nissan products, including the Qashqai, Kadjar and new Megane, which bodes well. It also features five different drive modes to customise responses to the route ahead, matched to five interior lighting hues to match the driver’s mood. Despite the large wheels, Renault hasn’t fitted low-profile tyres, and it’s promising good ride quality as a result.

Analytics for Global Transport: Transport: Creating New Opportunities for Fleets

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FLEET MANAGEMENT ANALYTICS CAN MEET THE CHALLENGES FACING THE EU FLEET

internationalfleetworld.com / 17

SWOTTeam This month the SWOT Team analyses the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for the new SEAT Ibiza against its closest rivals. Here is what they have to say...

Strengths

Weaknesses

Opportunities

Threats

GA Cleanest here, Ibiza has the youngest image amongst its peers. Looks are a little more flamboyant than competition too, along with the interior styling.

GA Often overlooked in this arena and not always seen as an alternative, this creates somewhat of a challenge for SEAT.

GA The competition is always upping its game and has a steady bank of loyal customers. This is a super-competitive segment and very price and monthly rental sensitive.

AC The Ibiza has always been the slightly sportier version from the VW family. Equipment levels are good on SE, it’s involving to drive, and well-built.

AC Sportier design means it isn’t quite as practical as the others in the VW family. The brand seems to have lost its way slightly in the UK and fallen behind the other family brands a little, this has affected RVs and they could be better.

GA There is undoubtedly an opportunity for SEAT to take a significant share of the competitors’ market here. Marketing is key to bringing in end-users to showrooms to see how good its offering is.

MJ Improvements to steering response and suspension result in a good drive. Extensive use of soft-touch materials and a 5-inch touchscreen with Apple, Android and MirrorLink connectivity are a key change. Efficient economical 1.0 EcoTSi unit gives great acceleration and top speed plus very good economy. MJ Sub-100g/km CO2 and a reputation for value and reliability – a capable small run-around at an affordable price, and a popular used car.

34 / fleetworld.co.uk

MJ It would have benefitted from an exterior panel change - most of the changes are either inside or under the skin technical. MW Despite offering value for money, none of these could exactly be described as exciting, in either design or status.

AC It relies on customers wanting something different to the rest of the VW family. It has the sportier looks but practicality sells for many in the UK, so it isn’t always easy to place. MJ Put up against group stablemate Polo, Ibiza is a competitive alternative but really needs to be driven to appreciate the scale of change. MW The Ibiza has the might of the VW Group behind it, and a lovely little economical engine, so should get more customers in it. It just needs more awareness.

AC There are many threats in this heavily contested segment and the rivals are getting more competitive every year. MJ Competition is many and varied with volume players such as Fiesta, Corsa and 208 to contend with as well as this group. MW VED changes next April could affect this sector, as the cheap annual road fund licence, suddenly will not be cheap anymore. There is a huge choice in this sector, and it is very price-sensitive – those that offer the best value, highest spec and lowest running costs will survive. Those that look expensive will suffer.

Martin Ward (MW) Manufacturer Relationship Manager, CAP

SEAT Ibiza

Gavin Amos (GA) Head of Valuations, CDL Vehicle Information Services

Mark Jowsey (MJ) Director, KeeResources KWIKcarcost

Strengths GA Cleanest here, and youngest image. AC Sporty drive, well built. MJ Improvements to drive and interior. MW SEAT has recently been improved.

Weaknesses GA Often overlooked. AC Sportier design cuts practicality, RVs could be better. MJ Refresh may be too subtle. MW Could have done with a bit more of a recognisable facelift.

Nissan Micra

Strengths GA Household name, stacks up on paper. AC Practical and reliable. MJ Sat nav and rear parking sensors come as standard. MW Reputation for reliability and value.

OTR: £13,975 P11D: £13,920 Fuel: 67.3mpg CO2: 98g/km RV*: £3,750 (27%) BiK: 14% SMR: £1,427 Fuel costs: £4,131 Insurance: £2,430 Finance: £1,879 NI: £922 VED: £0 Cost per month: £584

Standard equipment: • DAB radio with BT, aux-in, SD • Cruise control • 5.0-inch touchscreen • Front electric windows • Air conditioning • 15-inch alloy wheels Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £530 • Rear parking sensors £220 • Sat nav, smartphone link £500 • Auto lights, wipers, dimming and folding mirrors £230

Nissan Micra n-tec 1.2 DIG-S

GA Overdue a full refresh. AC Very dated and being replaced very soon. MJ Too much hard plastic inside, unexciting styling, harsh ride. MW Due for replacement.

Strengths

Suzuki Swift Dualjet SZ4

GA Competitive, well-built and does everything it says on the tin. AC Cheap, sporty drive. MJ Handles and rides well. Fun to drive. MW Saturday night TV advertising should help awareness.

Standard equipment: • Radio/CD/BT/USB/Aux-in • Satellite navigation with 5.8-inch touchscreen • Front/rear electric windows • Climate control • 16-inch alloy wheels • Rear parking sensors • Auto lights, wipers • Cruise control with speed limiter Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £500 • DAB £179

GA Often overlooked, image doesn’t help. AC Again very dated and due a change. MJ SMR costs are high. Lacks space in rear. Boot space limited. MW Needs a bigger push into fleet.

OTR: £12,699 P11D: £12,644 Fuel: 65.7mpg CO2: 99g/km RV*: £3,675 (29%) BiK: 14% SMR: £2,216 Fuel costs: £4,231 Insurance: £2,100 Finance: £1,707 NI: £838 VED: £0 Cost per month: £559

Strengths

Toyota Yaris 1.0 VVT-i Icon

Weaknesses

Toyota Yaris

SEAT Ibiza SE 1.0 EcoTSI 95PS

OTR: £13,500 P11D: £13,445 Fuel: 65.7mpg CO2: 99g/km RV*: £3,450 (26%) BiK: 14% SMR: £1,544 Fuel costs: £4,231 Insurance: £2,100 Finance: £1,815 NI: £891 VED: £0 Cost per month: £573

Weaknesses

Suzuki Swift

Andy Cutler (AC) UK Car Editor, Forecast Values Glass’s

GA Loyalty, reliability and great dealer support and aftersales. AC Practical and reliable. MJ Strong RVs, quality, equipment. Safety Sense versions worth consideration. MW Low CO2, high value, popular used.

Weaknesses GA Appeals to a set loyal group. AC Not the most engaging drive. MJ Performance average, wrongly seen as an older person’s car MW Not recognised as a true fleet car.

OTR: £13,515 P11D: £13,460 Fuel: 65.7mpg CO2: 99g/km RV*: £3,900 (29%) BiK: 14% SMR: £1,515 Fuel costs: £4,231 Insurance: £1,425 Finance: £1,817 NI: £892 VED: £0 Cost per month: £542

Standard equipment: • DAB/CD/USB/BT • Satellite navigation with 8-inch touchscreen • Front and rear electric windows • Climate control • 16-inch alloy wheels • Cruise control • Automatic HID headlights • Keyless entry and start Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £430

Standard equipment: • DAB/CD/BT/USB/Aux • 6.1-inch touchscreen • Front and rear electric windows • Air conditioning • 15-inch alloy wheels • Rear-view camera Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £495 • Parking sensors £425 • Satellite navigation £650 • Toyota Safety Sense £400

* 3yr/60k

fleetworld.co.uk / 35

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FEATURE Chauffeur Fleets

Badge of honour Capstar is a chauffeur firm with a difference: its drivers are ex-soldiers who have often suffered battlefield injuries or trauma. By Steve Moody.

38 / fleetworld.co.uk

Capstar’s team (from l to r): Business development director Piers Shotter, director Rob Bassett Cross and chauffeurs Andrew Kinning and Simon Peacock.

s he weaves through the back streets of London, Simon Peacock is telling me about the time in 2007 he was surrounded by the Taliban and was blown up by a grenade. He says he was lucky: the soldier stood next to him was killed. With numerous pieces of shrapnel embed‐ ded in his body, the ex‐Royal Anglian infantry‐ man walks and moves stif ly. But in control of his long wheelbase Jaguar XJ he’s nimble, smooth and precise. Peacock is a chauffeur for Capstar, a company set up by ex‐of icers to give soldiers leaving the military, and especially those who have suffered debilitating injuries or battle ield‐related condi‐ tions, a new career. “I wanted to stay in the army, but it’s dif icult to keep you once you’ve got those injuries,” he says. “Once I left I was a bit of a lost soul, going through a really tough time coping with the injuries, and Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder. I didn’t feel like I was able to achieve what I wanted, struggled to get a job, and my con i‐ dence was low. Then I found Capstar.” Capstar runs 20 Jaguar XJs and Range Rovers, mainly in London, and is set to expand to more than double that number this year, while it has also opened of ices in New York providing the same opportunities for ex‐US personnel. Wear‐ ing a discrete badge on their grille – effectively a cap star as you might ind on a soldier’s beret – the drivers wear regimental ties, and keep their cars as clean and shiny as parade ground boots. A Sandhurst graduate who served with the Scots Guards and Parachute Regiment, the company’s founder and chairman Rob Bassett Cross left the army but found the transition to civillian life a challenge. The thought gnawed away that if he found it hard, how were others faring? “We didn’t set out to start a chauffeur busi‐ ness,” he says. “I was lucky I got a chance to retrain in a second career in banking at JP Morgan, but even I found it dif icult transition‐ ing into a job. I thought about those soldiers who had been members of my company who were injured, who didn’t want to leave the army, but had that choice taken away from them. “So I became very passionate about trying to help in a very real way, above and beyond purely charity.” He had hired chauffeur irms for clients and been unimpressed with their cost, punctuality and organisational abilities, and it occurred to him that he knew people who could do it better. In late 2012, he contacted Charlie Bowmont, another ex‐of icer now working for Jaguar‐Land Rover, and asked about buying a couple of cars. JLR CEO Ralph Speith got involved and suggested that instead of one or two cars, why not try and turn it into a business with 40. Bowmont left JLR with Speith’s blessing and Capstar was born.

fleetworld.co.uk / 39

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FEATURE Chauffeur Fleets

“I wanted to stay in the army, but it’s difficult to keep you once you’ve got those injuries.”

→

Its irst driver was Nick Black, an Irish Guardsman, suffering from PTSD after two of his friends were killed. Bassett Cross continues the story: “He was struggling to ind work and hold anything down and Capstar was his irst real job. Within six weeks of employing him his wife phoned us up and said, ‘I recognise my husband and the children recognise their father again’.” Capstar has employees with blast injuries and amputations and have even modi ied cars. But it is not a compro‐ mise. Every chauffeur is expected to ful ill the full range of duties. “As long as the individual can get a driving licence from DVLA they can drive for Capstar,” he adds. “But they have to be able to do the job of a chauffeur, so that means lifting a bag out of the boot, and carrying it up three lights of stairs for a client. For the guys who are more heavily disabled there are jobs in the of ice.”

40 / fleetworld.co.uk

As for the logistics of ferrying VIPs, executives and high net worth individu‐ als around, it is all relative. “The operations director, Henry Newton, is an ex‐Household Cavalry tank commander,” says Bassett Cross. “Our ops room is run along military lines. To him, it is far less complex running cars in London than running tanks in Iraq.” Now employing nearly 30 ex‐service‐ men, Bassett Cross says he hopes many of the employees will eventually leave the irm, and set up their own businesses in the sector. Capstar employees every‐ one full time, rather than on a job by job or hourly basis, to give them stability, but it is no charity or soft option. Bassett Cross believes that for the irm to really help as many people as possible, it must make a pro it. Some of that pro it is donated to char‐ ity, but mainly it is used to grow, so that Capstar can offer a complete luxury

travel and security service. It’s an area that Andrew Kinning is exploring with the company. A former Royal Marine, who left in 2006 after two tours of Iraq, he spent a few years in private security, not really knowing what to do next. He says: “You’re waiting for the day when your wife says you’re not packing any more bags and you need to come home. That happened about two years ago – the children were at that age where I needed to be home. “It is so hard to ind a job in the UK, and I spent months looking without much luck. A friend of mine had noticed the Capstar badge on cars, and done some research and pointed them out to me. I phoned Charlie, and pretty much he said: ‘Come and work for us’. “From day one, you’re in a family, one of the team, part of a unit, in it together. I came on board as a chauffeur, and have grown within the company. By the end of last year, I was doing training for all driv‐ ers and moving into security because of my background and quali ications. And now I mainly look after one client.” With its well‐trained, risk‐aware workforce Capstar is now expanding into personal security and luxury services too. Its drivers are good under pressure and reliable, and because of the unique nature of the irm, Bassett Cross has found they often strike up close relation‐ ships with their customers. “You can imagine a banker in the back of the car, having a bad day – they ind it cathartic to look forward and go ‘that guy’s lost an arm in battle, and now he’s driving with a prosthetic’. It puts things in perspective.”

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FEATURE Chauffeur Fleets

VIP treatment Often the first place new technology breaks ground, the luxury class is a sign of the convenience headed for core fleet cars in the coming years. Alex Grant explains the latest features.

REMOTE CONTROL Integration with the ‘Internet of Things’ – where appliances and infrastructure are able to send and receive data – is beginning in the luxury class. It’s not available in the UK yet, but Deutsche Telekom’s Smart Home app can be controlled through iDrive on the new BMW 7 Series. This means the car can talk to its owner’s smarthome, switching devices on or off, checking doors and windows and pre‐ setting the heating when the navigation is set to the home address. AUTONOMY The latest S‐Class took a large step towards auton‐ omy in 2013 with its traf ic jam assistance and active steering, and the E‐Class has built on that with an assisted lane change feature. Tesla also offers the latter as part of its AutoPilot software, which can now drive in and out of spaces and garages with nobody at the wheel (this hasn’t come to Europe yet). It is available in the E‐Class and 7 Series, avoiding the risk of dirty marks on your suit in tight car parks.

42 / fleetworld.co.uk

COMFORT Massaging, heated and cooled seats are nothing new to the luxury class, but the biggest advances are coming in terms of adjustability. The latest Lincoln Continental, recently launched in North America, features 30‐way adjustable ‘Perfect Position Seats’ which can be individually con igured to the left and right thighs and includes a rolling‐ pattern massage to reduce fatigue. Hyundai’s new Genesis brand lagship, the G90, includes software to automat‐ ically adjust the seat, steering wheel, outside mirror and head‐up display positions to suit the driver’s body. Driverless parking BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Tesla all offer driverless parking functions

→

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SIMPLICITY More features can mean more complexity, so easy operation is essential and physi‐ cal buttons are vanishing. BMW is the irst to market with a gesture‐controlled info‐ tainment system, offering touch‐free access to functions with a lick or prod of the hand, which seems a logical next step. Tesla’s infotainment system doesn’t have gesture control, but its entirely button‐ free operating system removes any constraint from features which can be added via over‐the‐air updates – some‐ thing others are likely to follow.

MOBILE DATA Improvements to coverage and data speeds – ultra‐fast 5G is due in 2020 – open new possibilities for working on the move, with broadband‐quick on‐ board WiFi now pretty much expected in this segment. It means rear‐seat passengers can bring their own mobile device, or use tablets integrated with the car – the latter capable of control‐ ling media and comfort functions from the back. An increasingly important feature as fully autonomous cars bring the commute into work time. SMARTPHONE INTEGRATION

Staying connected Ultra-fast mobile data and autonomous cars mean there's no need to disconnect on the way to work

44 / fleetworld.co.uk

SMARTPHONE INTEGRATION Software such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are foreshadowing what’s likely to be a future where your phone brings your preferences and operating system as well as your calendar, contacts and music into the car. Jaguar and BMW already offer a navigation system which enables the last mile to be guided on foot, using the driver’s phone, while Volvo is planning to offer keyless cars next year, where a phone can allow entry and startup. It means drivers can send a digi‐ tal key to other family members or co‐ workers as easily as a text message – technology which is already streamlin‐ ing check‐ins at some luxury hotels.

“Volvo is planning to offer keyless cars next year, where a phone can allow entry and startup.”

Aiming to halve corporate emissions and save £140,000* on contract hire and fuel. By quitting a conventional ﬂeet for petrol full hybrids, Nick is helping to cut Itec’s CO2, NOx and particulate emissions by 50%. Thanks to lower BIK, drivers will also pocket average tax savings worth £1,200 each over the next three years. And, as contract hire and fuel costs will also fall by £140,000, Nick can breathe easy too.

Read Nick’ss story at toyotalexusﬂeet.co.uk

* Saving based on switching original VW diesel ﬂeet to Toyota and Lexus hybrids.

EVENT PREVIEW Fleet Show 2016

THE GREATEST SHOW IN FLEET

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EVENT PREVIEW Fleet Show 2016

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byword for British motorsport familiar to enthusiasts all over the globe, the iconic Silverstone circuit is the perfect setting for the Fleet World Fleet Show. It offers an unrivalled facility for visitors to familiarise themselves with the latest cars, vans and technologies safely, and without the interruption of traffic. Each year the pit garages host exclusive UK first-drive opportunities and live on-site demonstrations of advanced safety technologies. Track driving is offered on three circuits, with all New Sportage New Megane delegates accompanied by a manufacturers’ representative or pro-driver to ensure they gain a full and detailed understanding of the features and benefits of the vehicle.

Cars to suit all fleets… This year’s event has already attracted over fifteen top-name manufacturers to the Silverstone Wing, with more due to join the line-up before May. From executive saloon cars and luxury SUVs to the latest electric and hybrid technologies and lowcarbon city cars and vans, the selection of test drives means attendees can experience models to suit any purpose on their fleet.

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EVENT PREVIEW Fleet Show 2016

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Five ways to experience the latest models: COPSE CORNER WOODCOTE CORNER

1 National Circuit

NATIONAL PITS STRAIGHT BROOKLANDS CORNER

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MAGGOTTS CORNER AINTREE CORNER VILLAGE CORNER BECKETTS CORNER

ABBEY INTERNATIONAL PITS STRAIGHT

THE LOOP FARM CURVE

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HANGAR STRAIGHT CLUB CORNER

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The 1.64-mile National Circuit is home to the British Touring Car Championship, and offers an opportunity to safely test highperformance cars under the supervision of a professional racing driver. With no speed limit, drivers will be required to wear a crash helmet at all times.

3 Stowe Circuit

2 International Circuit The 1.85-mile southern loop of the Grand Prix Circuit is open to a broader spectrum of vehicles. Controlled by a 70mph speed limit, drivers can test new models at motorway speeds, accompanied by a representative of the manufacturer. No crash helmets are required.

Home to the Fleet Show’s EcoDriving Hub, the Stowe Circuit offers visitors an arena for evaluating the Fleet Show’s greenest models, including a growing selection of plug-in hybrid and fully-electric models. The 1.08-mile infield track is also used for LCV drives.

STOWE CORNER

Road Routes Selected cars will also be available to drive on road routes out of Silverstone. Set in stunning Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire countryside and with a mix of urban and rural conditions nearby, the venue is wellplaced to offer varied test drives to suit your needs.

Stop the Crash on Copse Runway Insurance-backed industry body and one of a handful of Euro NCAP-approved test centres, Thatcham Research is returning to the Copse Runway offering attendees firsthand experience of cutting-edge active safety technology across a range of models. Proven to reduce fleets’ crash rates by 45%, these innovative new systems are already cutting costs and protecting drivers, and an exciting step towards driverless vehicles. Thatcham’s team of experts will be available throughout the day to answer any questions and provide unique insight into this vital sector of the market.

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DISCOVER

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Fleet Show 2016 will see exhibitors showing their wares at the Silverstone Wing, providing an unrivalled location to source new suppliers and innovative new products to help run your fleet. New exhibitors are being added all the time so stay up to date at www.thefleetshow.co.uk

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Intelligent Thinking Providers of Fleet Management Solutions through utilising intelligent telematics.

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EVENT PREVIEW Fleet Show 2016

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How to book your place... it’s SIMPLE! To make the most of every minute at Fleet Show 2016, we recommend you pre-register your attendance at www.thefleetshow.co.uk/visitors If you are planning to test drive vehicles, just include your driving licence and NI number on the registration form and we will check the DVLA’s new system on your behalf. Prior confirmation will allow you to start test-driving and mingling with other visitors straight away! We look forward to welcoming you to Fleet Show 2016.

his year will see a new format for the discussion element of the show. One Question Time-style event, hosted by ACFO chairman John Pryor, with a panel of senior experts, drawn from the fleet industry and the wider business sector, will discuss the future of fleet and take part in a debate with audience members. It will allow visitors to pose questions to the panel and also formulate some ideas on strategy for the next few years around subjects such as procurement, tax, technology and risk. There’s no need to book a place beforehand. But be aware that in previous years, events such as these have been hugely popular at the Fleet Show, so it’s best to get there early in order to ensure you have a seat.

Fleet Show in Numbers

CLUB CORNER VALE

4.57 miles Combined length of Silverstone’s three circuits. Square metres of exhibition and networking space.

60+

Fleet industry exhibitors at this year’s event, with more to come...

25%

>300 Over 300 vehicles will be available to test, on road and track.

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We make better drivers Contact us: 0870 120 2910, www.iamroadsmart.com/business, Email: business@iam.org.uk, Twitter: @DriveForWork IAM RoadSmart is the trading name of the Institute of Advanced Motorists – a not for proﬁt organisation. Registered in England and Wales 562530, Registered charity number 249002 (England and Wales) SC041201 (Scotland)

PROFILE Institute of Advanced Motorists

Practice

what you preach Katie Beck talks to the Institute of Advanced Motorists’ purchasing and facilities manager, David Batten, about the importance of leading by example.

s one of the UK’s highest pro ile road safety charities, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has a commitment to making Britain’s roads a safer place to be by improving the skills and understanding of the people using them. With up to 7,000 drivers and riders engaged in IAM courses at any one time, it is vital that the charity’s dedicated teams of volun‐ teer tutors and examiners are well supported as they take to the roads to educate fellow drivers. It’s a case of being able to practice what it preaches. As you might expect from a road safety charity, IAM’s purchasing and facilities manager, David Batten is rigorous about driver behaviour as well as the condition of the charity’s company vehicles and substantial UK‐wide grey fleet. “Everyone who drives on IAM company business has to be within our road traffic manage‐ ment system, and follow the direc‐ tion provided within the IAM’s Car and Driver Policies Handbook,” Batten reveals. “Staff using grey leet vehicles also have to provide a copy of their car or motorcycle insurance policy, and we check road tax and and MOTs, as appropriate. It is impossible to over‐ state how important road safety is to our organisation, and it’s important

56 / fleetworld.co.uk

our employee and volunteer driving standards re lect that. We’re asking others to behave responsibly on the roads, so it is vital that we are seen to do the same.” The IAM has also taken steps to achieve exterior accreditation, achieving IS39001 level for Road Traf ic Safety Management for three years in a row. “Even though we felt we were doing everything right from a road‐ safety perspective, we wanted third‐party auditing just to make sure and encourage continual improvement,” Batten says. “All our drivers have to achieve the advanced test within one year (unless they drive less than four times on IAM business per year), so they are highly skilled and quali ied drivers. Everyone who drives on IAM business must complete the online training and have a licence check every year, as well as under‐ take an on‐road observation at least once every three years. We believe that is the gold standard, having the on‐road observations with the online system and licence checks providing back‐up.”

Data overload Many of the IAM’s examiners are involved with the police or other emergency services and see the impact of unsafe driving irst‐hand. Batten believes that the passion for their work and the high standards

the IAM requires of its employee and volunteer drivers negate many of the reasons to invest in costly telematics units to monitor their behaviour behind the wheel. Tests of some units have been undertaken by the company, lead by standards officer Mark Lewis, who is himself an ex‐Police class 1 driver and head of the police driv‐ ing school at Hendon. “They have not found one yet that they think will add to what we do currently, but obviously the systems do have their advantages and can be useful in certain circumstances,” Batten explains. “One of the things that we have found is that there is so much infor‐ mation generated, and how much of that is really relevant? The only things we’d be looking for are if our drivers are speeding, if they’re breaking too hard and perhaps the ability to locate where they are going for various reasons. For us the systems just generate so much information we’d never look at – we’d almost need to assign some‐ one speci ically to look through all the information! “I do recognise that the units can be a useful tool though, and if we found a good system that was cost and time‐effective, there’s no reason why we wouldn’t adopt it. As a charity we need to be careful with our investments, but road safety is always our key concern

→

“We’re asking others to behave responsibly on the roads, so it is vital that we are seen to do the same.”

fleetworld.co.uk / 57

PROFILE Institute of Advanced Motorists

→

and if an offering could really support that, then of course we’d be interested,” he adds.

Logistics and problem solving That perennial problem for businesses operating in London – parking – is alle‐ viated slightly by the 21 private bays situated to the back of company’s of ices, but there can still be a scramble for a space in the morning; “It’s a irst‐come‐ irst‐served scenario, our staff tend to get here by 8am to secure a spot, some are even here shortly after 6am,” he explains. “We do ask staff to use alternative means of transport if they can, as parking around the Chiswick area can be a chal‐ lenge when all our bays are full.” It’s a glimpse of some the day‐to‐day issues Batten must address in his role as purchasing and facilities manager for the charity, of which leet is one of his many responsibilities. “Obviously when you have 22 vehicles in the leet, there isn’t a dedicated leet manager, and especially with a charity you have to wear a lot of

different ‘hats’ and ful il a greater number of roles than you might have to in a private company,” he says. “I was not leet trained when I took on this role, but I have been driving since 1978, so I have a lot of on‐road experi‐ ence. Our CEO at the time when I took over responsibility for leet was Simon Best, and he came from the leet indus‐ try. He was able to provide me with a lot of background information which was very helpful and there were a number of other people within the organisation I was able to call on for advice.”

Achieving the right mix The IAM’s mixed leet includes Volvo V40s, Nissan Qashqais and a Mitsubishi PHEV, driven by Batten himself. These vehicles are used by of ice‐based employees as well as the regional quality managers who are tasked with auditing the near‐300 volunteer examiners stationed across the country to ensure they are operating to a consistent standard. Company cars are also assigned to sales people driving on

business for the charity’s commercial subsidiaries, who provide on the road and online training for companies such as BP to coach some of their drivers.

Safety specifications The company’s vehicles are leased, and Batten speci ies at least a 5‐star Euro NCAP safety rating for the model to be consid‐ ered. He also insists that tyres be changed if the tread dips below 3mm, despite the SMR standard being 2mm for a change. “I read a report that found that between 3‐2.5mm there was a drop‐off in stopping distance in the wet, but between 2.5‐2mm this drop‐off was signi icant,” he says. “Below 2.5mm there was a major performance negative and we want to give our drivers the safest possible envi‐ ronment when they’re out on the road. “Our Driver Policy and Handbook outlines the routine maintenance tasks that our drivers should carry out on all areas of the vehicle, and we also carry out spot checks on the tyres of our company cars.”

Changing times A stalwart in the industry, I asked Batten what he considers to be the biggest changes in the way leets have been managed and regulated over the last decade. “Legislation is the biggest thing – particularly corporate manslaughter,” he says. “Awareness has de initely been raised and we welcome that, but there’s still more to do ‐ I talk to lots of people when I’m out and about visit‐ ing companies and they regularly have staff driving to events who I know do not have business cover, for example.” He also comments on the way car technology has developed to incorporate more safety and environmental features as standard; “Technology is also a big difference – When I took over administration of the leet CO2 of 150g/km was quite common, whereas now we try to get below 100g/km. There’s really no comparison for how much the engine technology has moved on in that sense, and we now have electric‐hybrid vehicles on the leet. “Autonomous braking and safety features have also come on in leaps and bounds,” he adds. “There has been a huge improve‐ ment in car design and how technology is being applied to them; safety features have moved on every time our cars have come to the end of their three year lease cycle, and as a road safety charity that’s really great to see.”

58 / fleetworld.co.uk

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s called Fuel+ for a reason *3OHDVH QRWH WKDW D IHZ VPDOO IXHO UHWDLOHUV ZLWK D VKRS PD\ EH FODVVLÆ&#x192;HG E\ WKHLU 9LVD SURFHVVLQJ EDQN DV D VXSHUPDUNHW RU FRQYHQLHQFH VWRUH DQG \RXU FDUG PD\ WKHUHIRUH EH GHFOLQHG 2QO\ DQ RXWOHW FODVVLÆ&#x192;HG DV D IXHO retailer will accept your card. All Barclaycard customer service lines are non-premium rate numbers. Calls to 0800 numbers are free from UK land lines and personal mobiles, otherwise call charges may apply. Please check with your service provider. Calls may be monitored or recorded in order to maintain high levels of security and quality of service. TMC is a trading name of The Miles Consultancy Ltd, a provider of Mileage, Fuel and Mobility Management VROXWLRQV 5HJLVWHUHG 2Æ&#x2026;FH 70& +RXVH 0LQVKXOO 9HUQRQ &KHVKLUH &: 5- %DUFOD\FDUG LV D WUDGLQJ QDPH RI Barclays Bank PLC. Barclays Bank PLC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the )LQDQFLDO &RQGXFW $XWKRULW\ DQG WKH 3UXGHQWLDO 5HJXODWLRQ $XWKRULW\ )LQDQFLDO 6HUYLFHV 5HJLVWHU QXPEHU 5HJLVWHUHG LQ (QJODQG 1R 5HJLVWHUHG 2Æ&#x2026;FH &KXUFKLOO 3ODFH /RQGRQ ( +3 %DUFOD\V %DQN 3/& subscribes to the Lending Code which is monitored and enforced by the Lending Standards Board.

MARKET OVERVIEW Contract Hire, Finance & Leasing

ALD Automotive

Alphabet

ALD Automotive is the second largest vehicle leasing operation in Europe and manages over 1.2 million vehicles across 47 countries worldwide. Within the UK, ALD finances and manages over 120,000 vehicles, providing customers with total fleet management flexibility from pure financing of cars and vans to comprehensive outsourcing operations. Established in 1958, ALD UK has over 58 years’ experience in vehicle funding and ancillary support services within both corporate and consumer markets. ALD is widely recognised as one of the industry’s leading service providers, with a proven portfolio of innovative, award-winning products for major PLCs, small businesses and individual drivers alike. ALD hold ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accreditation.

Alphabet is widely recognised as one of the leading providers of business mobility, delivering advanced and bespoke business travel solutions to our customers. We understand that people now live, work and travel in different ways, so need solutions that maximise eﬃciency and ﬂexibility. As a business mobility provider to the private and public sectors, we have both car and commercial vehicle funding and fleet management expertise. Our comprehensive products and services range from corporate car sharing, electric vehicle consultancy and a full vehicle rental offering. Based in Hook, Hampshire we manage over 144,000 fleet vehicles in the UK while internationally Alphabet operates in 19 countries and supplies over 600,000 vehicles.

Contact: Paul Lomas Paul.Lomas@aldautomotive.com www.aldautomotive.co.uk

Contact: Mark Gallimore alphabet@alphabet.co.uk

Tel: 0370 00 111 81

Fleet Alliance Limited Fleet Alliance is an award winning fleet management provider, offering contract hire, leasing and a complete range of fleet solutions, and managing more than 18,400 vehicles on behalf of corporate clients. Our market-leading Fleet 360 model provides the best combination of products and advice delivered through our cloud-based fleet management system, e-fleet, and our award-winning smartphone app, e-fleet mobile. Recent awards successes include: • Top 10 UK Best Place to Work – Great Place to Work awards 2015 • Excellence in Leadership Award – Great Place to Work awards 2015 • Best Companies – 2 Star Accreditation • Fleeteye CSI Customer Service – Winner 2015 • Green Apple UK Award 2015 – Environmental Best Practise • Excellence in Customer Service Award Winner – Glasgow Business Awards 2015 • Small Leasing Company of the Year 1000+ fleets – Business Car Manager Awards 2015 • Customer Service Excellence Award Winner – Business Car Manager Awards 2015

Contact: Grant Boardman

www.alphabet.co.uk

Inchcape Fleet Solutions Inchcape Fleet Solutions has been providing flexible fleet management solutions to Corporate, Government and Nonprofit sector clients throughout the UK for more than 50 years and has grown to become one of the UK’s leading fleet management companies. IFS is a subsidiary of Inchcape plc, a leading global premium automotive group that operates in 26 markets with a portfolio of the world’s leading car brands in the fastgrowing luxury and premium segments. The voice of our customers is the driving force behind our innovation and we are committed to creating an incredible fleet customer experience for the best car brands and fleet management services in the world.

Contact: Matthew Boswell sales@ifs.inchcape.co.uk www.inchcapefleetsolutions.co.uk

Tel: 0333 222 0966

Tel: 0845 601 8407

grant.boardman@fleetalliance.co.uk

Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions Hitachi Capital has been funding cars, vans, HGVs and specialist vehicles in the UK for over 30 years. If you’ve been in the fleet industry a while, you probably already know that we’re working with some of the UK’s largest commercial vehicle, car and HGV fleets. If you’re part of a growing business, a driving instructor, or someone who simply wants to lease a car, you might be surprised to know we’re in business to help you too. Providing all the products and services you’d expect from one of the UK’s leading contract hire and fleet management companies.

Contact: Alan McCleave alan.mccleave@hitachicapital.co.uk hitachicapitalvehiclesolutions.co.uk

60 / fleetworld.co.uk

Tel: 07747 765220

Approximately how many vehicles does your company operate?

Will you provide a bespoke Internet/Intranet site for major clients?

Do you offer an open discloure/proﬁt sharing option?

Do you offer an ECOS / COP scheme?

Do you have a dedicated phone-based facility for small ﬂeets?

Do you offer an on-line solution for managing a grey ﬂeet?

Do you offer a salary sacriﬁce sheme?

Do you offer pooled mileage as standard?

Do you offer a ﬂeet management option for non-funded vehicles?

Do you offer a consultancy service for ﬂeets looking to use plug-in vehicles?

Do you offer EV drivers access to petrol or diesel models for longer trips?

Do you offer a recovery service for electric vehicles?

FLEETW RLD

ALD Automotive

120k

✔

Alphabet

144k

✔

18.4k+

✔

Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions

65k

✔

Inchcape Fleet Solutions

44k

✔

Pendragon Vehicle Management

14k+

✔

Venson Automotive Solutions

10k

✔

Key to services

✔

Service provided

Service unavailable

Fleet Alliance Limited

Pendragon Vehicle Management Pendragon Vehicle Management is part of the corporate division of Europe’s largest motor group, Pendragon PLC. Offering solutions-driven vehicle management and contract hire to a wide variety of business sectors, Pendragon Vehicle Management remains a significant player within the UK backed by over 30 years of experience. Via their fully responsive website and operating platform, Pendragon Vehicle Management provides clients with an enhanced service, across a wide range of integrated products and services. Fleet Managers and Drivers are further supported by individually designed, advanced online tools, enabling access to a variety of bespoke information specifically for their fleet.

Contact: Chris Leslie Tel: 01332 267318 chris.leslie@pendragon.uk.com www.pendragonvehiclemanagement.co.uk

Venson Automotive Solutions Venson is a hands-on fleet management specialist with a proven track record in reducing fleet costs and increasing vehicle availability. It’s our level of experience, knowledge and service that allows us to give you the kind of impartial advice that has real financial returns whether your business is in the private, public, not-for-profit or emergency services sector. From sourcing the right vehicles to funding, maintaining and delivering commercial vehicle fit-outs, we handle every aspect and we don’t let our clients down, our 95% retention rate is testament to that. Get in touch and drive your business in a new direction.

Contact: Danielle Tilley sales@venson.com

Tel: 0800 328 0370 www.venson.com

fleetworld.co.uk / 61

FEATURE Taxation & Funding

Leave salary sacrifice alone, George Professor Colin Tourick on why the current system of salary sacrifice for cars should remain untouched by the Government.

“

The Government is considering limiting the range of benefits that attract income tax and NICs advantages when provided as part of salary sacrifice schemes. However, the Government’s intention is that pension saving, childcare, and health-related benefits such as Cycle to Work should continue to benefit from income tax and NICs relief when provided through salary sacrifice arrangements.

”

hese two sentences appeared in the Government’s March Budget papers. You’ll note it doesn’t mention cars. This has sent shivers down the spines of many people in the fleet industry and down quite a few HR direc‐ tors’ spines too, as it raises the possibility that salary sacri‐ fice for cars is in the Chancellor’s sights. Over the last decade or so many employers have come to see the value of salary sacrifice for cars as an employee bene‐ fit, and the leasing industry has invested heavily in altering its systems and processes to deliver this product. Industry estimates suggest 5% of all cars funded by leas‐ ing firms are on salary sacrifice schemes, and many expect this proportion will rise. The government has seen a 30% increase in requests for tax clearance for salary sacrifice schemes since 2010, which is why these schemes are now on their radar. In this article we will look at the features and benefits of salary sacrifice for cars and consider why George Osborne might prefer to not to change the tax rules in this area. The simplest way to view a salary sacrifice arrangement is to consider what happens when someone opts to receive less salary than they were originally entitled to. • They lose some net pay but they also save tax and national insurance (NI).

62 / fleetworld.co.uk

• Their employer saves having to pay the sacrificed gross pay and also saves employers’ NI (which at 13.8% of the amount sacrificed can add up to a tidy saving). If the employer can provide the employee with a benefit costing less than the sacrificed gross pay and employer NI, they will make a saving. And if the employee can receive a valuable benefit that leaves them in a better after‐tax posi‐ tion than they were before they sacrificed salary, they will be happy too. The trick therefore is to give the employee a benefit that will receive a more favourable tax and NI treatment than the fore‐ gone salary. A company car with a relatively low list price and low CO2 emissions fit the bill here perfectly, because Benefit‐ in Kind (BiK) tax is relatively low on these cars. Salary sacrifice cars are financed in much the same way as most company cars: employers enter into contract hire agreements with a leasing company and provide the car to the employee as if it was a company car. In fact, these cars are, in all senses, conventional company cars. One great benefit for the employer is that it helps them to meet their health and safety obligations. If these employees drive any business mileage the employer will have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that the cars are relatively new, properly maintained and taxed and that where neces‐ sary they have been MOT’d. This would not necessarily be the case if the employees were driving these business miles in their own privately‐owned cars. And of course those business miles will be driven in rela‐ tively low CO2 cars, which is important to some companies that want or need to limit their total CO2 emissions. Employers also like the fact that salary sacrifice has proved to be a popular and attractive staff benefit; a good recruit‐ ment and retention tool. So there’s a lot more going on here than just saving some tax.

Salary sacrifice makes most financial sense when the cars have a relatively low list price and low emissions. It wasn’t designed to replace an existing company car scheme and in most cases it cannot do so. But when run alongside an exist‐ ing scheme to provide cars to employees who wouldn’t otherwise qualify for a company car, it makes good sense from a financial, operational and HR viewpoint. Salary sacrifice doesn’t work for all employers or employ‐ ees. If your company has high staff turnover you’ll have to bear the cost of early terminating lots of cars, which is not ideal, and if you have lots of relatively low‐paid workers earning just above the national minimum wage it won’t work for them as they may not have enough salary to sacrifice. There are some technical bits that need to be worked out when setting up a salary sacrifice scheme. For example, gross pay is usually used as the starting point to calculate a number of benefits including in‐work tax credits and employment pension benefits. If gross pay is reduced because salary has been sacrificed, attention need to be paid to what will happen with those other benefits. The Chancellor would only be taking an interest in salary sacri ice for cars if he thought there might be an opportunity to raise revenue, but as we have seen there are broader issues at stake here than just tax or an individual company’s CO2 emis‐ sions. There are also some other issues he might like to consider. The UK is currently breaching EU air pollution limits and is facing potentially massive fines under the EU Air Quality Directive. Salary sacrifice cars are contributing to a reduc‐ tion in emissions – replacing older grey fleet cars with newer more efficient cars – and this is set to continue. Discouraging salary sacrifice for cars will keep more of these older, more polluting cars on the road for longer. Even if the UK votes to leave the EU and no longer faces these financial penalties, air quality is still a major issue that

needs to be dealt with. There are 29,000 premature deaths a year from poor UK air quality. This equates to 5% of all UK deaths, and for those affected, air pollution reduces life expectancy by 11+ years. Which many would say is more important than making a tiny dent in the Budget deficit. Having said that, a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) last year suggested that salary sacri ice for cars provides a net bene it to HM Treasury, after taking into account the bene it to the Chancellor of irst registration fees, irrecoverable VAT on the inance element of the lease rental and more insurance premium tax being paid on a comprehensively‐insured salary sacri ice car than on a privately‐owned older car which may have third party ire and theft cover. Also of course, HMRC collects VAT on sale of the ex‐lease car and various taxes that arise from the increased economic activity that takes place as the leasing industry invests, recruits people and generates prof‐ its from serving this growing market. There is one final reason why George Osborne might prefer not to make changes to the way these schemes are taxed. It’s quite possible that any changes won’t work. At the end of the year most employees get a pay rise and some get an annual bonus. It would be quite simple for an employer to say to their employee, “We are planning to give you a pay rise of £2,000 and a £1,500 annual bonus but if you forego these you can have a company car with a rental of up to £x per month instead.” Many employees would take this option, which would be invisible to the Exchequer. I make no comment on the morality of such an approach. But it is yet another reason why George Osborne should leave salary sacri ice for cars untouched. Colin Tourick Grant Thornton Professor of Automotive Management, University of Buckingham

fleetworld.co.uk / 63

our fleet Mitsubishi L200 2.4 DI-D 4WD Barbarian Double Cab Auto WHEN Mitsubishi launched the Series 5 L200 last summer it called it ‘the pick-up perfected’. A bold claim indeed, but as the firm was launching ahead of a host of new and revised trucks this year, there were few to argue. After six months behind the wheel, we at least feel qualified to comment. We’ve recently driven the new Nissan Navara and the latest Ford Ranger and in the coming months will try a new Toyota Hilux and an updated VW Amarok. That’s before we see what Fiat is going to do with the L200 and how Renault and Mercedes-Benz will interpret the Navara. So was our Barbarian the perfect pick-up? No, of course not, there is no such thing. Is it perfect for plenty of customers? Absolutely. Nissan has perfected a multi-link coil spring rear suspension that endows it with improved comfort, but it’s not that much softer than the L200, which proved extremely comfortable over the longest road trips.

Ford continues to offer a 200hp Ranger, making it one of the most powerful around. Yet I was never left wanting by the L200’s frugal 2.4-litre engine, its 178hp delivering more than acceptable acceleration, cruising ability and economy. Nissan offers seven speeds in its automatic transmission while VW has eight, but the five gears in the Barbarian’s smooth-shifting auto never felt in need of additional ratios. The only thing you can really hold against the Mitsubishi is its 3.1 tonne towing capacity, versus the fullfat 3.5 tonnes offered by most competitors. In short, this L200 Barbarian is without doubt the best pick-up that Mitsubishi has ever made. If you need the slight comfort advantage of the Nissan or that bit more power from the big Ford, we would certainly understand. But if you walked into the Mitsubishi dealer to place your next truck order, we would applaud that decision too. Dan Gilkes

Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI SE Business SKODA recently reported it’s best ever financial and registration figures for 2015, selling more than 1 million cars worldwide for the second year running. If the

64 / fleetworld.co.uk

multi-award winning Superb is a benchmark of the firm’s progress, then those results should come as no surprise. Despite one of the sharpest suits in the class, the big Superb doesn’t shout its presence and its only when people take a second glance at the glasshouse that they realise how much room there must be in the back. Yet it slips through traffic with little fuss, tackling congested city streets as smoothly as it cruises the motorway. I had a ride in Skoda’s range-topping Laurin & Klement Superb estate last week

and, though it was nice to have heated and cooled leather seating and a panoramic roof, I didn’t feel hard done by with our SE Business saloon’s specification. Indeed the wider wheels and tyres on the range-topping car made an unmistakable audible impact, which was instantly noticeable as our 17-inch alloy-clad car is so smooth and quiet. Specify wisely, the 18-inch and 19-inch alloys may look good, but the 17s offer a great mix of roadholding and low noise on their Continental ContiPremiumContact rubber. Dan Gilkes

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our fleet BMW X1 xDrive20d Sport Auto THE X1 has racked up almost 10,000 miles now and it’s not long before we will reluctantly hand it back to BMW. I’ve used practically all its accommodation possibilities in the last month and being able to fold down the back seats at the touch of a button has been particularly useful. By providing the slimmer centre section of the rear seat back separately, it means that the back seat can be split as you need it, with two-thirds on either side, rather than just the way the seat back splits. That has been particularly

useful when I have needed to carry a double-bass and a rear seat passenger. Overall it's the driving pleasure that stands out for me. I always look forward to slipping behind the wheel. Despite the high centre of gravity, the X1 handles as well as you would hope from a BMW and with 190bhp on tap it can cover the ground quickly when you need it to, particularly useful for swift overtaking. At the same time, fuel consumption is holding up well, hovering around an indicated 47mpg.

No MMI system will suit every driver, but the BMW’s system is better than most. It avoids the finger marks of a touch-screen and has menus that are easy to navigate, combined with a high quality wide screen. John Kendall

Nissan LEAF 30kWh Tekna WITH each small update to the LEAF range, Nissan’s spearhead EV has become a bit more… normal. That’s not a negative – what once could have looked like a leftfield choice is now a surprisingly versatile one, particularly with the second, larger battery option. The 30kWh battery, launched late last year, is the most important upgrade yet. Think of it as a bigger fuel tank – 20% larger than the battery available since 2011, and thus theoretically capable of travelling 20% further, for a £1,600 outlay. Unsurprisingly, Nissan sees this as the bigger seller. We’re looking to find out how much of a difference this

makes to the way we can use the car. I’m no stranger to long-distance electric commuting, but I think the longer range will be enough to complete the 157-mile trek to the office with one charging stop instead of two. Nissan claims the larger capacity doesn’t affect rapid charging times. Plus it’s well-timed, with our own Ensto charging point now installed at the Fleet World office. So it’ll be possible to use this for trips out of St Albans too, whether that’s into London or further afield. Jobs it should have no problems handling. Alex Grant

the figures OTR PRICE £26,990 (after £4,500 grant) POWER 109bhp @ 3,008-10,000rpm TORQUE 187lb.ft @ 10,500rpm 0-62mph 11.5 seconds TOP SPEED 144mph ELECTRIC RANGE 155 miles CO2 0g/km (7% BiK)

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Vauxhall Astra SRi Nav 1.0 Turbo 105PS

Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDI KX-2 Manual THIS last month has seen our Kia’s load carrying credentials thoroughly put to the test once again. I already knew the Sorento was impressively roomy when our deputy editor, Alex, told me he’d tested this model and had been able to store a buggy in the boot – no big deal you might think but this one was unfolded. Our test model has already come good on a number of occasions, swallowing up a host of things that friends or family thought wouldn’t fit. The latest was when we had a sudden need on a bank holiday for a single bed after my mum was discharged earlier than expected from hospital following an operation on a broken ankle. Again the Kia was triumphant – and the local van hire firm was deprived of a day’s custom. Natalie Middleton

Renault Kadjar Dynamique S Nav I mentioned last month how impressed we were with the New Kadjar and that admiration hasn’t diminished in the last four weeks. I’m seeing a few more of them around, which is obviously a sign that others agree with me, and the new car looks different enough from the Qashqai (upon which it’s based) to make it stand out in a crowded car park. The stunning red paintwork helps here too. One feature to note – and more about this next month – is that the Kadjar doesn’t come with autolocking functionality as you walk away from the car. Obviously it’s fine to press the slightly fiddly, small-buttoned remote each time but given that the Captur offers this feature, and it’s very useful if your hands are full, it’s an interesting omission. Luke Wikner

ONE of the most significant fleet launches of last year, a dramatic step forward in every area and a worthy winner of the European Car of the Year, the new Astra is a welcome addition to the Fleet World long-term fleet. And, unusually, it’s not a diesel. Arriving alongside our long-term LEAF, the Astra is here as another alternative to what’s usually the business vehicle fuel of choice. It’s powered by Vauxhall’s three-cylinder petrol turbo engine, which produces 103bhp, emits 102g/km and returns 64.2mpg. Useful figures for taking on the Golf and Focus, which offer similar engine options. Petrol power is starting to make more sense for fleets, at least on paper. With diesel-like CO2 emissions and a £1,000 P11d advantage over the equivalent 108bhp EcoFlex diesel, NI contributions and BiK actually favour the petrol, and fuel costs aren’t that far apart either. It’s an interesting case for urban fleets, and one which avoids concerns about blocked particulate filters and local air quality. The latter is a point of growing interest for businesses, as well as for city-dwellers. Long-term fuel economy under varied, real-world conditions will be very interesting to monitor. But the new Astra probably delights the most when it comes to technology. This is a big-volume C-segment car, but it’s setting the bar high. Our user-chooser focused SRi comes with Vauxhall’s excellent new IntelliLink touchscreen navigation system, which features the equally brilliant Android and Apple app-streaming functions. It also comes with OnStar, which means we’ve got a helping hand at the push of a button. Both are functions we’ll be making full use of during our six months with the car. Overall, the Astra is a real sign of just how good the C-segment has become recently and we’re looking forward to getting familiar with its strongest points in the coming months. Alex Grant

the figures OTR PRICE £19,295 POWER 103bhp @ 5,500rpm TORQUE 125lb.ft @ 2,000rpm 0-62mph 10.5 seconds TOP SPEED 124mph COMBINED MPG 64.2mpg CO2 102g/km (17% BiK)

fleetworld.co.uk / 67

our fleet Audi TT TDI S Line Ultra

SUPPLIER

THE TT is coming to the end of its time at Fleet World (well, when I say Fleet World I mean me, as I’ve not let anybody else have a go in it) and I have to say I’ve been very impressed. Its all-round abilities are impressive. Even on 20-inch wheels comfort has been good on long runs, helped by excellent seats and the ability to tailor the suspension settings to a softer setting, while if you feel like zipping round a roundabout, it will do the job too. The TT creates false engine noise in the cabin which makes it sounds less like a diesel. It makes it much more pleasant, masking any clankiness from the engine, although counterintuitively it makes you want to rev more. Usually I’m not a fan of this sort of thing, but it works in this car. The MMI system has worked perfectly and is especially useful, and while the two rear seats are pointless, the boot is a decent size, and I’ve been easily getting more than 50mpg from it.

DIRECTORY electric vehicle charging Europcar Tel: 0871 384 0201 www.europcar.co.uk

One of the great strengths of the TT is its bulletproof residual values and the result is that leasing rates are incredibly competitive. Without trying very hard at all, I managed to find plenty of deals for a model like ours at less than £300 a month for 15,000 miles a year on a business lease. For a car this desirable, sporty and beautifully built, that is tremendous value for money. For a user chooser who doesn’t need a four door hatch, the TT is a brilliant alternative choice as an everyday business car. Steve Moody

Mazda CX-5 2.2d Sport Nav (2WD) OUR CX-5 has returned to Mazda after 12 months and, having excelled at everything we’ve put it through, we’ll be very sorry to see it go. The first part of the brand’s new range, it’s been immensely popular with fleet and retail customers, satisfying on style and enjoyment as much as it does on practicality, comfort and fuel economy. It’s a strong enough contender that, almost four years after launch, it’s still remarkably competitive even without a small diesel engine. There’s no denying a small diesel would be useful here – the brand’s new 1.5-litre diesel is now available in the Mazda3 – but the 2.2-litre stacks up very well in real-world usage. We’re seeing fuel economy effortlessly settling at around 50-55mpg on motorway runs, it’s smooth to use, quiet and pulls strongly up to cruising speed. It feels like absolutely the right engine for the car. And life with the CX-5 is just as effortless as the engine. The boot is huge, the rear seats collapse easily to extend it when needed,

68 / fleetworld.co.uk

and the navigation system is a joy to use. Complex functions can make technology sluggish and complicated, but I’ve had no issues with Mazda’s user interface and it’s never been a distraction. This segment moves so quickly at the moment, as manufacturers are keen to get products into such a high-volume part of the market. But, by engineering the CX-5 so well, Mazda’s stylish crossover still looks like a strong option this far into its lifecycle. Anne Dopson

Promote your company here and online for just £500/year.

accident management Selsia Vehicle Accident Centres Ltd

Tel: 0845 468 6800 www.selsia-vac.co.uk

Total Accident Management Tel: 0845 078 4157 www.totalaccman.co.uk

fleet insurance insureFLEET Tel: 0333 202 3133 www.insurefleet.com

Bond Lovis Insurance Brokers Tel: 08000 113 444 www.bondlovis.co.uk

Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk

driver licence checking Jaama Tel: 0844 8484 333 www.jaama.co.uk

FLEETW RLD SUPPLIER DIRECTORY contract hire, leasing & finance

daily rental

risk management

fleet management software

Zenith Tel: 0844 848 9311 www.zenith.co.uk

sgfleet Tel: 0845 154 0721 www.sgfleet.com

Enterprise Rent-A-Car Tel: 01784 221 300 www.enterprise.co.uk

MAC GB Ltd Tel: 01745 828180 www.reduceroadrisk.com

Civica UK Ltd Tel: 0117 924 2703 www.civica.co.uk/tranman

Venson Automotive Solutions Tel: 08444 991402 www.venson.com

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Budget Rent-a-Car Tel: 0844 5338 08701544 56 56 56 www.budget.co.uk

AA DriveTech Tel: 01256 495732

Enterprise Software Tel: 0161 925 2400 www.essl.co.uk

Maxxia 020 7520 9450 www.maxxia.co.uk

Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental Tel: 01786 468 700

Alphabet (UK) Limited Tel: 0870 50 50 100 www.alphabet.co.uk

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Contract Hire a Car Tel: 0370 218 8015 www.contracthireacar.com

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Europcar Tel: 0871 384 0201 www.europcar.co.uk

Roadmarque Tel: 01792 824438 www.roadmarque.com

Jaama Tel: 0844 8484 333 www.jaama.co.uk

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

SMR

Cardinus Risk Management Tel: 01733 426015

Chevin Fleet Solutions Tel: 01773 821 992 www.chevinfleet.com

Lex Autolease

Fleet Alliance Tel: 0845 601 8407 www.fleetalliance.co.uk

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Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk FLEETW RLD FLEETW RLD November 2014

November 2014

All that matters in

the world of fleet

Autoserve Limited Tel: 0844 888 3001 www.autoserve.co.uk

fast fits & tyres ATS Euromaster Tel: 0870 066 3624 www.atseuromaster.co.uk

All that matters in the world of fleet

interview

Michael O’Shea of

Michael O’Shea of Volkswagen

Volkswagen

stopping power

Why fleets should

Why fleets should check their brakes

check their brakes

MODE MODEL PUPIL LPUPIL Behind the wheel

of Tesla’s remarkable

Model S

www.cardinus.com

Bill Plant Ltd Tel: 01765 645023 www.billplant.co.uk

ARI Fleet UK Tel: 0844 8000 700 www.arifleet.co.uk

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk fuel management

misfuelling

Behind the wheel of Tesla’s remarkable Model S

2014

MPG Marathon

100mpg in real-world driving from a C-segment estate? The UK’s premier economy event sees if it’s possible...

MPG Marathon

100mpg in real-world driving from a C-segment estate? The UK’s premier economy event sees if it’s possible...

fleetworld.co.uk fleetworld.co.uk

AFF Tel: 0844 879 4770 www.autofuelfix.com

For more information, please contact Tracy Howell on 01727 739160 or email

BP Oil UK Ltd Tel: 0845 603 0723 www.bpplus.co.uk

tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

telematics & tracking

MiX Telematics Europe Tel: 0121 717 5360 www.mixtelematics.co.uk

Airmax Remote Limited Tel: 01932 504300 www.airmaxremote.com

Tel: 0345 055 8555 Ctrack www.ctrack.co.uk Fleetmatics Tel: 0800 975 4566 www.fleetmatics.co.uk

www.quartix.net Tel: 0870 013 6663

Telogis Tel: 0203 005 8805 www.telogis.co.uk

Teletrac Navman Tel: 0345 604 8813 www.teletrac.co.uk www.navmanwireless.co.uk

TRACKER Network (UK) Limited Tel: 0845 604 6091 www.TRACKER.co.uk

Trakm8 Tel: 0330 333 4120 www.trakm8.com

BOX Telematics Tel: 0330 333 4118 www.boxtelematics.com

Promote your company here and online for just £500/year.

euroShell Card Tel: 0800 915 6021 www.shell.co.uk/euroshell

WEX Europe Services Tel: 0800 626 672 www.wexeuropeservices.com

The Fuelcard Company Tel: 0845 073 0873 www.fuelcards.co.uk

fleetworld.co.uk / 69

Budget 2016

Business as usual Mel Dawson, managing director of ALD Automotive, on why Budget 2016 simply reinforces current thinking on fleet management.

or a Budget that has had its fair share of criticism, the Chancellor’s latest delivery had some surprise give‐ aways, from lifetime ISAs to a package of tax cuts for small business firms. From a fleet perspective, it also set out a number of meas‐ ures both focused on maintaining the status quo as well as forward‐thinking. The main news for many was the announcement that the current CO2‐based system of company car tax will be main‐ tained until at least 2021 even though speculation had been mounting of a switch of tactic. So at least we know now that fleets can continue to plan ahead using existing policies. Another positive was the news that the Government agreed to consult on reforming the lower CO2 bands for ultra‐low emission vehicles to refocus incentives on the cleanest cars beyond 2020‐21. Recent measures, including changes to BiK rates and the Summer Budget announce‐ ment of the 2017 VED scheme, have been seen as penalis‐ ing low‐emission vehicles. On the downside, the fact that BiK rates beyond 2019/20 were not revealed means that fleets are now effectively fly‐ ing blind as to the future tax and Class 1A NIC impacts of vehicles being chosen now – another reason to consider lower‐emission vehicles where possible. The Budget also brought big changes relating to capital and 100% first‐year allowances (FYA) on cars. For FYAs, although the announced extension until April 2021 is posi‐ tive, the qualifying threshold will only apply to vehicles emitting 50g/km or less from April 2018, down from 75g/km. This means that companies will only be able to write down the full cost of the lowest‐emission vehicles, ie plug‐in hybrids or pure electric cars. Also effective from the same date are the changes to the main (18%) rate of capital allowances, with the threshold to be reduced from 130g/km to 110g/km and any vehicle above this thereafter slotting into the 8% banding. It’s believed that the CO2 thresholds for the lease rental restriction will follow suit but this has not been confirmed. The measures will mean that businesses will need to review their fleet planning and rethink their CO2 caps on vehicles. However, on the plus side the two‐year lead time on the new capital allowances and the increasing pace with which the automotive industry is reducing car emissions Contact ALD Automotive:

70 / advertisement feature

t 037000 111 81

will mean that the impact need not be severe. One area where the Chancellor’s lack of action was very much welcomed was fuel duty where many had anticipated a rise. This year’s Institute for Fiscal Studies Green Budget report had said a rise could help with plans to cut the deficit so the announcement of a continued freeze was an unex‐ pected bonus, even though there was no mention of an actu‐ al fuel duty cut as called for by organisations such the FairFuelUK campaign. However, whilst the continued fuel duty freeze – the longest fuel duty in over 40 years – was welcomed by all, organisations such as the RAC are still warning of price rises over the coming weeks due to surging oil prices. And as such, the subject of fuel management will remain on the fleet manager’s agenda. Also welcome was the lack of action on salary sacrifice. Although the Government has said it is concerned over the growth of such schemes, which include salary sacrifice for cars, no changes were actually implemented. This means that salary sacrifice remains a valuable tool for businesses looking to enhance their employee benefits. Finally, two areas where significant changes were announced were driverless cars and road/transport developments. The main announcement was that trials of driverless cars will start from 2017 on A‐roads and motorways to help make the UK a leader in this area, with trials of truck‐platooning to take place on strategic roads. Transport announcements included new projects, including road improvements such as four‐lane M62, while the Government also said it will halve the Severn Bridge toll from 2018. So overall, it was possibly a surprisingly innocuous Budget for fleets that showed the importance of robust fleet management thinking. Even though there was no pain to be felt over fuel duty, stringent fuel management policies are as necessary as ever. And while FYA and capital allowance changes will bring some pain, this can be mitigated by taking taxation into account when choosing future fleet vehicle purchases – as ever Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) planning is the only effective way to get a true picture of what a vehicle will real‐ ly cost to run. For more information, contact ukinfo@aldautomotive.com or phone 0370 00 111 81.

e ukinfo@aldautomotive.com

w www.aldautomotive.co.uk

VAN FLEETW RLD

April 2016

p78 A big success, with UK sales growing from 2,400 units in 2011 to over 8,000 in 2015.

at a glance driven... Ford Ranger and Renault Kangoo

plus... Peugeot and CitroĂŤn take the wraps off their Expert and Dispatch range, Telematics and the latest van industry news

vanfleetworld.co.uk

inbusiness

DFSK expands compact van offering

hinese manufacturer DFSK is to launch a higher payload range of vans and dropside pick‐ups at this year’s CV Show. The company, which markets the compact K series Loadhopper trucks, will take the wraps off the C series. This will include a C35 van, crew van, single and double cab dropsides. The C series models are considerably larger than the compact K series, with power provided by a 1.5VVTi petrol engine delivering 115hp. At present there is no plan to launch a diesel engine, though DFSK says that it could if there was enough call for diesel power. The C35 will start at just £10,995,

with twin side loading doors and a glazed or solid steel tailgate. The van’s internal load length is 1.4m and it offers a load volume of 5m3. Maximum payload is 750kg and the company is claiming fuel economy of around 37mpg from the Euro 6 engine. With plans to sell around 1,000 C series models in the UK in the first year, DFSK is aiming to increase its dealer network from the current 43 outlets to 75 dealers, to provide improved coverage across the UK. A wide range of accessories will be avail‐ able including bulkheads, ply‐lining kits, roof bars, hard tops, wire cages and ladder racks.

inshort bitesize stories from a month in the van fleet world...

Report highlights logistics challenges The Freight Transport Association’s Logistics Report 2016 will demonstrate the challenges facing the UK logistics and transport industry over the last 12 months. Now in its seventh year, the Logistics Report takes an indepth look at how the industry has risen to these challenges, while peering into a crystal ball to see what might lie ahead in the coming year. FTA director of policy Karen Dee said: “2015 presented some real challenges for the logistics industry – a new Government determined to make its mark, growing uncertainty about the global economic slowdown, not to mention on-going difficulties in recruiting the drivers and other skilled staff the industry needs.” The report will be launched at the CV Show in Birmingham this month and will be available to visitors on the FTA stand in Hall 4.

VWCV searching for apprentices

Fiat’s talented LCV addition

iat Professional will launch the Talento van range at the CV Show at the NEC. Replacing the aging Scudo model, Talento is based on Renault’s Tra ic/Vauxhall’s Vivaro. As such the new Fiat will come with a range of single and twin‐turbo diesel engines offering up to 145hp, all driv‐ ing through six‐speed manual gear‐ boxes to the front wheels. Fiat will offer Talento as a panel van, a crew cab, a full people carrier and as

72 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

a latbed load carrier. The vans will it the company’s LCV line‐up well between the largest Doblo Cargo and the start of the Ducato line‐up.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has announced its 2016 apprenticeship programme, with the company seeking to train parts and service advisors alongside technicians. Open to candidates between 16-24 years old, the scheme offers a two-year apprenticeship for parts and service advisors and a three-year course for technicians within its dedicated Van Centres and authorised repairers.

MAN offers lower windows MAN has joined a growing number of truck manufacturers offering a nearside door lower window panel, as recommended by the Transport for London CLOCS Report. The window can be retrofit to all TGX, TGS, TGM and TGL models, providing drivers with a clear view of cyclists who may be positioned beside the truck cab.

Your brand. Safe in our hands. 3M Select Graphic Specialist Programme. The best graphics decision you’ll ever make. As branding programmes become increasingly complex and demanding, the merest hint of graphic failure could cost considerably more than just ‘putting the problem right’. It could cost your reputation. On the other hand, by choosing a 3M™ Select Partner, you will be able to enjoy the peace of mind that only comes with graphics that are manufactured under the 3M™ Select Partner Warranty.

www.3M.co.uk/graphicsolutions

Peugeot Expert / Citroën Dispatch Peugeot and Citroën take the wraps off completely new Expert and Dispatch vans, reports Dan Gilkes. SECTOR Mid-weight van LOAD VOLUME 4.6–6.1m3 FUEL 46.3–55.3mpg CO2 133–151g/km

eugeot and Citroën have unveiled all‐new Expert and standards, with a 22.4‐litre AdBlue tank requiring a refill every Dispatch mid‐weight vans. Unlike previous models, 9,300 miles. Ownership costs should be reduced, with service both will be offered in three body lengths, on two intervals extended to 25,000 miles or two years, except on the wheelbases, including a new compact model that is just 180hp engine where they are 18,600 miles/two years. 4.6m long. Compact and standard length models are just A host of driver assistance and comfort technologies are 1.9m high, with the longer van at 1.94m, which should allow available, including electric side loading doors that can be access to car parks. opened by waving a foot beneath the rear bumper. The cab The vans offer load volumes of 4.6m3, 5.3m3 and 6.1m3, that is modern and comfortable, with options including a head‐ can be increased to 5.1m3, 5.8m3 and 6.6m3 respectively, if up display for travel speed, lane departure warning graph‐ equipped with what Citroën has dubbed a Moduwork load‐ ics and speed sign recognition data. through hatch in the steel bulkhead and a folding passenger A 7‐inch touchscreen will be included on higher trim level seat. Increased gross weights of 3.1 tonnes and upgraded sus‐ models, providing navigation and control of mobile phone, pension front and rear, have allowed Peugeot and Citroën to audio and other vehicle functions. TomTom will provide 3D offer maximum payloads of 1,400kg on all three models, while navigation if specified. The screen also allows connection to towing capacity is 2.5 tonnes across the whole range. Apple CarPlay, plus Android and Samsung mobile phone Peugeot Citroën’s Euro 6 BlueHDi engines provide the apps through MirrorLink technology. power, starting with a 1.6‐litre BlueHDi motor with 95hp Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Safety Braking and vari‐ driving through a five‐speed manual gearbox or the auto‐ ous parking assistance systems are available, including an mated ETG6 six‐speed box. The 1.6‐litre is also available optional Visio/Park system that shows a bird’s eye 180° with 115hp and a six‐speed manual. view of the vehicle. People carrier MPV versions of the vans A 2.0‐litre engine delivers outputs of 120hp or 150hp, have achieved a Euro NCAP five‐star safety rating. driving though a six‐speed manual, plus a range‐topping Expert and Dispatch will be offered in three panel van and 180hp model that gets a six‐speed auto‐ two crew cab versions, plus three people‐ matic transmission as standard. Expert carrying Combi models and as a chassis and Dispatch drive through the front cab for third‐party conversion. wheels and all but the base 95hp model The international launch of the new have Stop/Start technology. Peugeot Expert and Citroën Dispatch will Dispatch and Expert are a Market leading fuel figures peak at take place at this year’s CV Show in Birm‐ huge step forwards from 55.3mpg for the 115hp engine, with CO2 ingham. Full UK pricing and specifica‐ as low as 133g/km. The UK best seller is tions will be available nearer to the previous models, with expected to be the 120hp engine with on‐sale date. lower operating costs and a manual gearbox, which produces The vans will also be sold under the improved technology 53.2mpg and 139g/km of CO2. Toyota brand name, as Proace, but will among the selling points. Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and no longer form the basis of Fiat Profes‐ a DPF are used to meet Euro 6 emissions sional’s mid‐weight Scudo model.

what we think

74 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

MOVANO LOADS BETTER

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Ford Ranger Ford’s Ranger gets a new look, updated engines, new technologies and reduced costs, says Dan Gilkes. SECTOR Pick-up PRICE £18,095–£26,245 FUEL 31.7–43.5mpg CO2 171–234g/km

ord has facelifted its Ranger pick‐up with improved Limited, lifting auto sales to around 33% of total Ranger sales. technology and the promise of increased fuel econ‐ Indeed the higher trim levels remain by far the most omy. While most competitors are looking to down‐ popular, with top‐spec Limited and Wildtrak Rangers sized engines, Ford is retaining the 2.2‐litre four‐cylinder accounting for 80% of UK demand. Likewise the double‐ and 3.2‐litre ﬁve‐cylinder motors from the previous Ranger. cab layout dominates sales at 94%, with 4.5% super cab However all now come with Auto‐Start‐Stop technology, and just 1.5% the single cab model. reduced fuel consumption and improved emissions. The XL specification, in single, super and double‐cab, has 2.2‐litre engine boasts 160hp with 385Nm of torque, replac‐ electric front windows, DAB radio with Bluetooth, elec‐ ing both 125hp and 150hp engines. The larger 3.2‐litre unit trically operated and heated door mirrors, plus body retains its 200hp output, backed by 470Nm of torque. Sur‐ coloured bumpers. prisingly, Ford claims that 52% of UK buyers will opt for the XLT only comes in super and double‐cab, adding 16‐ higher horsepower engine. inch alloys, a 4.2‐inch TFT screen with Ford SYNC voice Both engines will adopt selective cat‐ control and Applink, steering wheel‐ alytic reduction (SCR) technology, with mounted audio controls, cruise control, the addition of a 20‐litre AdBlue tank, manual air conditioning and power from May production, in time for Sep‐ foldable mirrors. tember Euro 6 deliveries. Limited trucks come with a choice of Despite the increased power, the 160hp engines and transmissions, plus 17‐inch model offers a claimed 43.5mpg and alloys. The cab gets an eight‐inch touch‐ 171g/km of CO2, at least when equipped screen with SYNC 2 voice control and an with a new eco axle ratio. Ranger is to be eight‐way electrically‐adjustable dri‐ offered with a choice of eco or 10% lower ver’s seat, dual‐zone climate control, towing axle ratios for the 160hp models. rear parking sensors, heated leather Towing capacity remains at 3.5 tonnes seats and rear privacy glass. with the towing axle, but drops to just 1.8 The range‐topping Wildtrak only comes tonnes with the eco gearing, so Ford is with the 3.2‐litre engine in double‐cab therefore expecting the majority of cus‐ form. There are 18‐inch alloys, a titanium‐ A big success, with UK tomers to opt for the towing axle, despite effect grille, the eight‐inch screen gets nav‐ sales growing from 2,400 taking a hit on fuel and emissions. igation and a rear view camera, plus there A six‐speed manual gearbox is standard, are a host of Wildtrak styling add‐ons. units in 2011 to over with both Limited and Wildtrak models Unlike Transit models though, Ranger 8,000 in 2015. Expect now available with the six‐speed auto only gets a three‐year/60,000 mile that to continue, despite transmission. The £850 auto box warranty, some way off the five‐year increased competition. accounted for 63% of Wildtrak sales last warranties that are being offered by year and Ford expects a 17% take‐up on Mitsubishi, Nissan and Isuzu.

what we think

78 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

MARKET OVERVIEW Telematics & Tracking

Ctrack Ctrack is one of the leading providers of vehicle tracking and telematics systems with nearly one million units deployed with fleet customers worldwide. The company has become partner of choice for a wide range of private and public sector customers, helping overcome some of the most common and difficult challenges facing the fleet sector. Ctrack delivers real advantage by enabling fleets of all sizes to address business critical performance issues as a result of greater operational visibility, control and efficiency. Some of the many benefits of Ctrack include: Improve fuel efficiency; validate overtime claims, eliminate unauthorised vehicle use; better driver behaviour, increase jobs per day; enhance service levels; reduce environmental impact; and achieve Duty of Care and legislative compliance. Contact: Steve Thomas steve.thomas@ctrack.co.uk

Tel: 0845 055 8555 www.ctrack.co.uk

In-Car Cleverness In-car Cleverness is an innovative telematics solution from the AIS Group, offering an established and robust service which draws on over a decade of real-world application in keeping fleets running efficiently, economically and safely. The fully interchangeable In-car Cleverness device, paired with customisable software, generates digestible insights on tailored metrics from driver behaviour analysis, fuel consumption and mileage and everything in between. To keep downtime and maintenance costs in check, In-car Cleverness also gives the mechanic’s view on condition with regular data-based alerts, with the added reassurances of a full digital accident reconstruction facility, 24/7 support and apps for iPhone and Android. Contact: Paul O’Dowd Tel: 01675 435169/07824 143561 Paul.O'Dowd@incarcleverness.co.uk www.onboard.co.uk

Quartix Ltd Over the last 15 years, Quartix has grown to become one of the UK's most respected vehicle tracking companies. With a network of over 200 experienced engineers, the award-winning Quartix system is available throughout the UK. More than 7,800 customers across a wide range of sectors currently use the online service, including government organisations, housing associations, construction firms, hospital trusts, the emergency services, SMEs and large British brands. The company's unique, own design tracking system has been installed in over 250,000 vehicles. Quartix has also established itself as a leading provider of telematics for the UK’s pay-as-you-drive insurance market. Contact: Dan Catterall dan.catterall@quartix.net www.quartix.net

Tel: 01686 624 575

Telogis Teletrac Navman Teletrac Navman represents global leadership in GPS-based fleet optimization products and services, including real-time vehicle tracking and analytics that enable companies to monitor, measure and improve operational costs and efficiencies. The company's technology currently tracks nearly 500,000 vehicles owned by over 40,000 organizations on six continents, making it one of the world's largest ﬂeet management providers. The company, headquartered in Glenview, IL, has offices in the United States, Mexico, Europe, New Zealand and Australia. Contact: Mark O’Neil Tel: 0345 6048813 fleetsales@teletrac.co.uk www.teletrac.co.uk

80 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

Telogis provides Mobile Enterprise Management, optimising businesses and transforming global supply chains by connecting everything outside an organisation’s four walls. Focussing on efficiency, safety and productivity, Telogis significantly reduces operating costs, encourages safer driving and ensures productivity, driving top line revenue. Telogis is dedicated to enhancing the value of its customers’ businesses through intelligent integration of location technology, information and services. The company was established in 2001, is headquartered in California and has offices Worldwide. Contact: Sergio Barata Sergio.barata@telogis.com www.telogis.co.uk

Tel: 0203 005 8805

VAN Does your system allow the geographical “ring fencing” of particular locations?

Is it possible to ﬁt sensors to load area doors to detect unauthorised cargo area access?

Does your system have the facility to send alerts by text message in the event of a security alert?

Does your system alert the controller if vehicles stray from their pre-set route?

Can the Police locate the stolen vehicle using your system?

Does your system offer two-way communication/job dispatch facility?

Does your system offer driver behaviour analysis?

Does your management software offer real-time accurate arrival times?

Does your management software offer dashboard reporting?

Does your system take live & real time information direct from the vehicle’s onboard management system such as idle time & RPM?

Do you provide web services for third party integration?

Do you offer a management app/web tool for smartphones or tablets?

FLEETW RLD

Fleetmatics

✔

Ctrack

✔

In-Car Cleverness

✔

Quartix Ltd

✔

Telogis

✔

Teletrac Navman

✔

TRACKER Network (UK) Ltd

✔

Trakm8 Ltd

✔

Key to services

✔

Service provided

Service unavailable

TRACKER Network (UK) Ltd TRACKER is the UK’s number one supplier of vehicle tracking services, with over a million systems installed to date and is part of the Tantalum Corporation, one of Europe’s top ‘connected vehicle’ companies, ranked 14th in the 2015 Sunday Times Hiscox Tech Track 100. Its award winning fleet telematics solutions embrace ground-breaking technology to allow businesses to operate their commercial fleet at maximum efficiency. Placing an emphasis on the relevance and usability of data, not the volume, TRACKER’s systems ensure businesses have the right level of fleet usage information needed to make informed decisions to improve efficiencies, boost profitability and ultimately increasing their own customer satisfaction levels. Additionally, driving styles can be monitored to ensure best practice is maintained and they comply with duty of care regulations. Contact: TRACKER Sales Team business@tracker.co.uk

Tel: 0845 604 6091 www.tracker.co.uk

Trakm8 Ltd Trakm8 are the only providers in the UK to own and offer the complete telematics solution through their fleet management software and RoadHawk camera technology. This gives customers an enhanced view of their fleet and its’ overall driver behaviour through both information gathered by telematics such as location, speed and idling, as well as video evidence of any incidences that occur. Customers of RoadHawk have found the products particularly useful when dealing with suspected ‘crash for cash’ scams as the video evidence recorded has served well in prosecuting a number of criminals since it was launched in 2011. Contact: Customer Support Team Tel: 0330 333 4120 sales@trakm8.com

www.trakm8.com

vanfleetworld.co.uk / 81

Renault Kangoo Renault has launched new trim levels for Kangoo. Dan Gilkes upgrades to Business+.

enault was among the first to announce the availability of a com‐ plete line‐up of Euro 6 engines for Kangoo, a year before the introduction of the emission standard on September 1 this year. Though offering the same 75hp, 90hp and 110hp outputs as the Euro 5 motors, torque rises by around 20Nm on each engine. The vans use a NOx trap in the exhaust system, but have managed to meet Euro 6 standards without any requirement for exhaust additive fluids. However fuel con‐ sumption is slightly down on some Euro 6 models, which also carry a £400 premium. It’s hardly surprising therefore to see that Renault continues to offer Euro 5 engines, as in this test vehicle, for as long as possible. The firm upgraded the Kangoo range late last year, introducing Business and Busi‐ ness+ trim levels in line with its larger Trafic and Master models. This included an improved standard specification, with all models now having a full steel bulkhead and a DAB radio, with Bluetooth, USB and Aux inputs as standard. All Kangoos come with an ECO mode, load area lighting, roof bar ixings, ESC with Hill Start Assist and Grip Xtend, electric front win‐ dows, a height adjustable driver’s seat and Renault’s anti‐intruder device (RAID). For those that tick the Business+ option box (£700) there are also electrically‐operated folding door mirrors, one‐touch electric win‐ dows, a centre console with armrest, an over‐ head parcel shelf, rubber looring in the rear, manual air conditioning, a body coloured front bumper and rear parking sensors. Renault had equipped the test van with the

82 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

what we think Euro 5 or 6, the revised Kangoo is a lot of van for the money. With the potential for reduced costs and a boost in specification, everyone's a winner.

specification Renault Kangoo ML19 ENERGY Business+ BASIC PRICE £14,700 ENGINE 4-cyl/1,461 cc FUEL INJECTION Common-rail POWER 90hp @ 4,000rpm TORQUE 200Nm @ 1,750rpm Weights (kg) GVW 1,970 KERB WEIGHT 1,280 PAYLOAD 650 MAX TRAILER WEIGHT 1,050 Dimensions (mm) LOAD SPACE LENGTH 1,476 LOAD SPACE WIDTH 1,464 LOAD SPACE HEIGHT 1,129 LOAD VOLUME 3.0 m3 Cost considerations COMBINED CO2/MPG 110g/km/67.3mpg OIL CHANGE 2 yr/25,000 miles WARRANTY 4 yr/100,000 miles MODEL

optional folding mesh bulkhead and fold‐ lat passenger seat (£225), taking load length in this model from 1,731mm to 2,502mm, while boosting load volume from 3.0m3 to 3.6m3. If even that’s not enough load length for you, and you don’t want to go up to the larger Kangoo Maxi model, the test van also came with a folding roof flap (£220) at the rear. This clever option allows you to liter‐ ally move a section of the van roof for‐ wards, to allow longer loads to protrude at the rear. Neither option does much for the internal noise levels of the Kangoo though, which rise rapidly with road speeds. Our test van was equipped with the mid‐ range 1.5‐litre engine delivering 90hp and 200Nm of torque in Euro 5 trim. You have to make do with ive gears in the 90hp model, unlike the range‐topping 110hp motor, which gets a six‐speed gearbox. It’s ine for urban and country use, but can get a bit wearing on longer motorway trips. The good news is a claimed combined fuel figure of 67.3mpg and a CO2 rating of just 110g/km for this Kangoo model. Not bad for a van offering a 650kg payload. If that’s not enough carrying capacity, Renault is now offering an 800kg version of the van too, a new high for the Kangoo line‐ up. Fleet managers will approve of the van’s two year/25,000 miles service intervals and the reassurance of Renault’s four‐ year/100,000 mile warranty. Externally the updates to Kangoo may not be instantly apparent, but the addi‐ tional specification and upgraded carrying capacity add up to a major improvement for the compact Renault.

VAN SUPPLIER DIRECTORY FLEETW RLD daily rental

contract hire, leasing & finance

racking systems

tail lifts

fleet management software

Budget Rent-a-Car Tel: 0844 5338 08701544 56 56 56 www.budget.co.uk

Alphabet (UK) Limited Tel: 0370 50 50 100 www.alphabet.co.uk

Sortimo Central Tel: 0121 511 2303 www.sortimo-central.com

Penny Hydraulics Tel: 01246 811475 www.pennyhydraulics.com

Civica UK Ltd Tel: 0117 924 2703 www.civica.co.uk/tranman

Europcar Tel: 0871 384 0201 www.europcar.co.uk

LeasePlan UK Ltd Tel: 0844 493 5810 www.leaseplan.co.uk

Tevo Limited Tel: 01628 528034 www.tevo.eu.com

Ratcliff Palfinger Ltd Tel: 01707 382880 www.ratcliffpalfinger.co.uk

Chevin Fleet Solutions Tel: 01773 821 992 www.chevinfleet.com

Avis Rent A Car Budget Rent-a-Car Tel: 0844 5000 08701544 56 56 56 www.avis.co.uk www.budget.co.uk

Zenith Tel: 0844 848 9311 www.zenith.co.uk

Bott Ltd Tel: 01530 410600 www.bott-group.com

DEL Equipment (UK) Ltd Tel: 01993 708811 www.del-uk.com

Mycompanyfleet Tel: 0845 077 7760 www.mycompanyfleet.co.uk

Enterprise Rent-A-Car Tel: 01784 221 300 www.enterprise.co.uk

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

Teletrac Navman Tel: 0345 604 8813 www.teletrac.co.uk

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

automatic transmissions

Lex Autolease Tel: 0344 824 0115 www.lexautolease.co.uk

Stephens Engineering Automatics Limited Tel: 01920 462530 www.stephensengineering.co.uk

Tel: 0141 332 2626 www.acvm.co.uk

telematics & tracking

www.quartix.net

Volkswagen Group Leasing Tel: 0870 333 2229

Trakm8 Tel: 0330 333 4120 www.trakm8.com

Full listings online at

fleetworld.co.uk Full listings online at

Clarks Vehicle Conversions fleetworld.co.uk Tel: 0845 319 2787 www.van-conversion.co.uk

STEPS

TRACKER Network (UK) Limited Tel: 0845 604 6091 www.TRACKER.co.uk

Tel: 0870 013 6663

www.volkswagengroupleasing.co.uk

conversions

www.navmanwireless.co.uk

Venson Automotive Solutions Tel: 08444 991402 www.venson.com

Fleet Alliance Tel: 0845 601 8407 www.fleetalliance.co.uk

International Decision Systems Tel: 01256 302 000 www.idsdata.co.uk

Full listings online at Tel: 0345 055 8555 Ctrack www.ctrack.co.uk

Promote your company here and online for just Â£400/year.

fuel management

vehicle data

fleetworld.co.uk risk management IAM Drive & Survive Tel: 0870 120 2910 www.iamdriveandsurvive.co.uk

BP Oil UK Ltd Tel: 0845 603 0723 www.bpplus.co.uk

Bill Plant Ltd Tel: 01765 645023

WEX Europe Services Tel: 0800 626 672 www.wexeuropeservices.com

Roadmarque Tel: 01792 824438 www.roadmarque.com

www.billplant.co.uk

AVS Steps Ltd

Tel: 01939 235900 www.avssteps.co.uk

EV FLEET WORLD Tel: 01727 739160 www.evfleetworld.co.uk

euroShell Card Tel: 0800 915 6021 www.shell.co.uk/euroshell

fast-fits & tyres ATS Euromaster Tel: 0870 066 3624 www.atseuromaster.co.uk

Full listings online at

fleetworld.co.uk

vehicle ventilation

accident management

Flettner Ventilator Ltd Tel: 020 8200 2321 www.flettner.co.uk

Total Accident Management Tel: 0845 078 4157 www.totalaccman.co.uk

VAN FLEETW RLD SUPPLIER DIRECTORY For more information, please contact Tracy Howell on 01727 739160 or email tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk vanfleetworld.co.uk / 83