Fleet World August 2017

THE ALL-NEW

SUZUKI SWIFT

TAKE YOUR BUSINESS TO THE NEXT LEVEL

THE ALL-NEW

SUZUKI SWIFT

TAKE YOUR BUSINESS TO THE NEXT LEVEL

CO2

MPG

BIK

P11D

97g/km*

65.7∆

18%∆

£10,824†

from

Want to help your business go further? Then it’s time to check out the all-new Swift, because not only does this car look like a dream, it handles like one too. Our lightweight engines, both Boosterjet and SHVS mild hybrid, deliver maximum power and efficiency. Plus it comes with all the latest tech and spec.

Time to make a statement about your business.

FOR MORE REASONS TO CHOOSE SUZUKI FOR YOUR BUSINESS: VISIT CARS.SUZUKI.CO.UK/BUSINESS EMAIL BUSINESSCARS@SUZUKI.CO.UK PHONE 01908 336130

up to

from

from

5 REASONS WE’RE PERFECT FOR BUSINESS Dedicated in-house business team Over 150 Dealers nationwide Top ranking reliability Award-winning range Lower lifetime running costs

Model shown Swift 1.0 Boosterjet SHVS SZ5 petrol manual available at £14,499 on the road (model shown includes metallic paint available at £485, £14,984 on the road). Swift range official fuel consumption figures in mpg (L/100km): Urban from 44.1 (6.4) to 58.8 (4.8), Extra Urban from 65.7 (4.3) to 76.3 (3.7), Combined from 56.5 (5.0) to 65.7 (4.3. Official CO 2 emissions from 114g/km to 97g/km. Fuel consumption figures are based on an EU test for comparative purposes only and may not reflect real driving results.

*CO 2 figures quoted are for Swift 1.0 Boosterjet SHVS SZ5 manual. ΔMPG and BIK figures quoted are for Swift 1.0 Boosterjet SHVS SZ5 manual and Swift 1.2 Dualjet SZ3 manual. †P11D figures quoted are based on Swift 1.2 Dualjet SZ3 manual. BIK figure based on taxation rates for 2017/2018 tax year. P11D value is the sum of RRP (plus VAT) excluding First Registration Fee (FRF) and First Year VED/VEP. Terms and conditions apply, see: cars.suzuki.co.uk/business. Information correct at the time of going to print.

Filename:

10053977 Swift Fleetworld Wrap

StM:

CrD:

Client:

Suzuki

Client No.:

1012106

PrM:

Des:

Tag No.:

10053977

Date:

18/06/17

ArtD:

AccD:

CW:

AccM:

Artworker: Jim/V2

Publication: Fleetworld Wrap

Notes:

FRONT COVER_FW_Aug17.qxp_Layout 1 03/08/2017 16:07 Page 1

August 2017

FLEETW RLD All that matters in the world of fleet

GDPR: Why changing data protection laws could spell trouble for fleets

Driven Volvo XC60 • Renault Koleos • Vauxhall Crossland X

Interview

IS THE BLACK BOX DEAD?

Francis Bleasdale of FCA Fleet and Business

The changing role of telematics in connected cars

fleetworld.co.uk

CONTENTS_FW_Aug17.qxp_Layout 1 03/08/2017 16:54 Page 1

contents

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August 2017

11

The results of the BVRLA’s latest Fleet Technology Survey.

28

Behind the wheel of Renault’s new Koleos SUV.

FLEETW RLD All that matters in the world of fleet

GDPR: Why changing data protection laws could spell trouble for fleets

Driven Volvo XC60 • Renault Koleos • Vauxhall Crossland X

Interview Francis Bleasdale of FCA Fleet and Business

IS THE BLACK BOX DEAD?

The changing role of telematics in connected cars

fleetworld.co.uk

34

36

SWOT: Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer.

INTERVIEW: Francis Bleasdale of FCA Fleet and Business.

Director Jerry Ramsdale jerry@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Publisher Steve Moody steve@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Editor Alex Grant alex@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Business Editor Natalie Middleton natalie@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Content Editor Katie Beck katie@fleetworldgroup.co.uk VFW Editor Dan Gilkes dan@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Sales Director Anne Dopson anne@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

38

TELEMATICS: Why fleets need to be aware of the new GDPR rules and how data from connected cars is transforming the industry.

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 Victoria Arellano victoria@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Tina Ries tina@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Dan Desta daniel@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

55

46

Is there a future for cash allowances?

DRIVEN: Renault Kangoo Z.E. Volkswagen Caddy.

SPOTLIGHT: New Merc X-Class.

FEATURE: GATEway Project.

To subscribe to Fleet World visit: www.fleetworldsubscriptions.co.uk Certified circulation Jan – Dec 2016 18,011

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ALEX_FW_Aug17.qxp_Layout 1 03/08/2017 17:28 Page 1

fleetreview After Volvo’s announcement last month that all models in its range will be electrified by 2020, editor Alex Grant considers what this means for future fleets...

What next for the combustion engine...?

Reports of the death of the combustion engine have, so the saying goes, been greatly exaggerated. Though, in a month where the German premium brands are offering software updates to clean up their diesel engines, and where it looks like the government is stepping up efforts to curb our taste for liquid fuels, it’s certainly taken a kicking.

I can only imagine the furrowed brows in manufacturer headquarters as news broke of Volvo’s electrification plans, and news outlets worldwide clamoured to sound the death knell for the combustion engine. Almost as vividly as I can picture the hand-wringing at DEFRA as the final sign-off for the government’s plans to cut nitrogen dioxide pollution was underway, while frenzied news stories pre-empted of a ban on petrol and diesel engines from 2040.

The common factor being, of course, that neither interpretation is accurate.

Deep down, neither are huge announcements – mild hybridisation like Volvo’s will be commonplace by the end of the decade, driven by CO2 targets, and drivetrains combining petrol and electric power will be dominant long before 2040 due to a progression of the same thing. But if the mainstream press can’t understand the difference between ‘electrified’ and ‘electric’ then I wonder how most consumers are supposed to get their heads around it. Especially with the level of misinformation that’s been put their way over the last few weeks.

That’s a dangerous place for us to be. The government has signalled that diesel engines will be taxed to fund air quality improvement measures, and a fresh bout of software updates to clean up in-use vehicles don’t speak volumes for the effectiveness of emissions control systems to date. Both are easy ways to undermine a fuel which is still vitally important to the fleet sector, and thus UK business. The press owes it to us not to be so careless with talk of eradicating it altogether, and planned tax hikes need to be spelled out quickly to stop fingers getting burnt.

Of course, curbing our appetite is a good thing, and far more plausible than it seems. Almost a quarter of a century is a lifetime in technological terms – think about the advances from dial-up internet to 4G-connected smartphones since the mid-1990s – and electrification is inevitable, and necessary. But, for many fleets, it could be a while longer before the bell tolls for petrol and diesel.

04 / fleetworld.co.uk

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

BUSINESS_NEWS_FW_Aug17.qxp 03/08/2017 13:31 Page 1

inbusiness Government air quality plans: what you need to know

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has outlined plans to curb nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution from cars and vans, with tax reform for diesels and clean air zones due over the coming years.

No end for the combustion engine, yet Despite reports to the contrary, the plan does not propose a ban on petrol or diesel engines by 2040. Instead, it reiterates a 2011 government ambition that sales of “conventional petrol and diesel cars and vans” will end by that point – which suggests hybrids will still be available. In the meantime, the government will increase checks to make sure vehicles are complying with emissions limits, and DEFRA said it could use its extra powers post-Brexit to allow the UK to have more stringent limits.

Increased tax for diesel vehicles Perhaps the biggest news for fleets is a change to the vehicle tax regime for new vehicles, which will be used to fund local authority projects to improve air quality. This is likely to be outlined in the Autumn Budget, and could be rolled out as soon as 2018 to incentivise drivers to make other fuel choices. It will not apply to already-registered vehicles, but would shift wholelife costs a little further in favour of petrol engines.

Acceleration of local air quality plans Local authorities had originally been given 18 months to draw up proposals to improve air quality – this deadline has been tightened to eight months. Proposals must be submitted by

March 2018, and final plans drawn up by the following December for government approval. A £255m Implementation Fund will be provided to aid feasibility studies, largely funded by tax reform on diesel vehicles, while a further Clean Air Fund will enable those plans to get underway.

Temporary ‘Clean Air Zones’ Local authorities will be allowed to set charging zones or restrict access for specific vehicles, where there is no other option to reduce air pollution levels to legal limits. The government will work with them to assess ways to do this with minimal impact to local businesses, residents and cities, via a consultation process due to begin in the autumn. But they won’t be permanent; the plan suggests lifting them once air pollution falls under legal limits, and those limits are no longer at risk of being breached.

A new Scrappage Scheme The plan also proposes a scrappage scheme focused on lowincome drivers or those living near Clean Air Zones, to incentivise moving to a cleaner vehicle. However, it says previous schemes have been “open to a degree of fraud”, and the government will have a consultation process to identify and solve those issues before launching the scheme.

German marques offer NOx-reducing software updates udi, BMW, Daimler and Porsche are offering voluntary software updates for a number of diesel engines, aimed at cutting harmful nitrogen-oxide (NOx) emissions in real-world use.

Daimler said the update affects “nearly all Euro 6 and Euro 6 vehicles in Europe” – some three million vehicles – and will begin the work within weeks. It can be carried out during a service, and takes around half an hour.

Audi’s update only applies to V6 and V8 diesel engines, fitted to 850,000 vehicles worldwide, while Porsche is recalling 21,500 3.0 TDI Cayennes. BMW stressed that its Euro 6 vehicles required no update, but will begin updating selected Euro 5 vehicles from August. At the time of going to press, none had confirmed how many UK cars are included.

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06 / fleetworld.co.uk

BUSINESS_NEWS_FW_Aug17.qxp 03/08/2017 13:32 Page 2

Europcar faces £30m repair overcharge scandal

in brief

64% Rise in fines from private parking firms over the past year, from 1.06m to 1.74m records.

Source: DVLA

uropcar has admitted it may have overcharged consumers by around £30m following alleged repair overcharges.

The car hire giant said it is undergoing investigation by UK Trading Standards into repair costs levied in the UK – which began in June.

According to a report in the Telegraph, Europcar has been accused of overinflating repair claims to customers by up to 300% over the last decade, and the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) is preparing to begin a criminal inquiry.

In a statement, Europcar UK said it was “undertaking a thorough investigation and [it] is fully cooperating with the authorities. However, on the basis of its own preliminary review, Europcar’s view is that the implications of the investigation will be somewhere in the region of £30 million and Europcar will communicate as appropriate as matters develop.”

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Government plans could bring extra funding for local roads Local councils in England could get a share of a multi-billion pound improvement fund for local roads, funded by Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), under new government plans.

The new strategy would mean that local roads would get part of the VEDfunded National Roads Fund, which was previously envisaged as ringfenced for national routes.

Pay-per-mile road tax idea aims for greener fleets

Severn tolls to be scrapped by end of 2018 olls for the Severn Crossings will be abolished by the end of 2018, in a move claimed to offer a £100m boost to the Welsh economy, and save motorists over £1,400 per year.

The removal of the tolls follows the bridges transferring from private ownership, under Severn River Crossing plc, to public ownership, run by Highways England. Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling, said people who use the crossing every day will save a minimum of £115 a month.

T

A pay-per-mile road tax that would replace fuel duty and VED and encourage fleets to move from diesel to plug-in vehicles has scooped this year’s Wolfson Economics Prize.

The proposal is based upon the idea of a single per-mile charge based on rates dependent on the vehicle’s weight and its tailpipe emissions.

trading places

in

in

in

Simon Carr joins Alphabet Alphabet has named former LeasePlan brand director Simon Carr as its new chief commercial officer, replacing Martin Quail.

Carr brings 16 years’ industry experience, starting off his career as business development manager at Hitachi Capital and including 10 years at LeasePlan in a number of leadership roles.

New MD at Cap HPI Cap HPI has promoted sales director, Chris Wright, to the role of managing director for its expanding global operations, replacing Ian Rendle.

His promotion follows Cap HPI’s launch of a global hub in Leeds for all data activities. He will oversee the roll-out of the new global Cap Code, set be used across all of parent company Solera’s markets.

Nissan appoints new head of leasing Nissan has appointed Michael Stewart to the new position of head of leasing, specialist fleet sales and rental.

The new role will see the former network sales director take on responsibility for building relationships with UK leasing companies.

Stewart will work alongside NMGB’s recently-appointed fleet sales director, Iker Lazarri.

fleetworld.co.uk / 07

All-New

Renault KOLEOS Crossover by Renault

Leather upholstery with front heated seats* Rear parking camera with front and rear sensors 8.7� integrated touchscreen navigation To book your test drive, call the Renault Business Hub on 0800 731 7066 The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the All-New Renault Koleos The official CO2 emissions are 128g/km. Figures are obtained for comparative purposes *Part leather, synthetic leather on the sides.

Signature Nav dCi 130 are: Urban 52.3 (5.4); Extra Urban 62.8 (4.5); Combined 74.3 (3.8). in accordance with EU Legislation and may not reflect real life driving results.

BUSINESS_NEWS_FW_Aug17.qxp 03/08/2017 13:35 Page 3

inbusiness New cars Audi A8 udi’s fourth-generation A8 will debut a large number of high-tech developments for fleets when it goes on sale in September, including partially-autonomous driving features and the first plug-in hybrid version.

At launch, the range will include six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, offered across long and short-wheelbase versions, and all will include 48volt ‘mild hybrid’ technology to curb fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

A petrol plug-in hybrid will arrive early in 2018, likely to bring CO2 emissions down to 50g/km.

It also brings new autonomous driving features, including Audi’s AI traffic jam pilot system. This can start, accelerate, steer and brake, at speeds up to 37mph on major roads where a physical barrier separates the two carriageways, with the driver not even required to monitor the car.

A

in brief 1.5 seconds Average thinking time for drivers, according to a recent study, more than double the 0.67 seconds set out in the Highway Code, suggesting stopping distances are inadequate.

Source: Transport Research Laboratory

26g/km Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid on sale Hyundai’s Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid is now available to order, alongside the electric and hybrid versions, and priced from £24,995 OTR (including £2,500 Plug-in Car Grant). Rivalling the Prius Plug-in, it offers CO2 emissions of 26g/km and an electric range of up to 39 miles.

Orange emergency ‘refuge’ area on trial

Jaguar E-Pace aguar is to enter the compact crossover class later this year, with the new E-Pace challenging cars such as the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Range Rover Evoque.

Positioned beneath the F-Pace, and launching in addition to the allelectric I-Pace SUV due next year, the E-Pace gets a platform unique to Jaguar and will be offered with front or four-wheel drive. On-road pricing starts at £28,500, with a choice of S, SE and HSE trim levels, each also available as a sportier-looking R-Dynamic version.

In turn, these can be equipped with three diesel engines and two petrols, the most efficient returning 60.1mpg and emitting 124g/km CO2.

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Daimler readying multi-marque telematics solution Daimler will launch a multi-marque telematics solution for fleet managers at the end of the year, building on the driver-focused ‘Me Connect’ system, offered since 2014.

Me Connect Business will offer a “much broader telematics suite”, according to UK head of fleet, Rob East, enabling fleet managers to access information such as location and maintenance data via an app or web portal, and add it to an existing Me Connect driver account.

The system uses factory-fitted hardware on Mercedes-Benz products, though other vehicles can be integrated into Me Connect Business using Daimler’s own black box unit, which takes around half an hour to fit. Both could also potentially provide data to third-party software, though this is not confirmed as a feature from launch.

10 / fleetworld.co.uk

An orange emergency refuge area is being trialled on the M3 smart motorway to see if it can improve driver awareness of what to do in an emergency. The new approach is part of an ongoing review into the design and spacing of such areas on smart motorways due to report in the autumn.

Waze now available for Android Auto Waze, the free smartphone navigation app, is now compatible with Android Auto, enabling drivers to use a selection of features via their car’s touchscreen system.

Owned by Google, Waze utilises realtime data from 85 million global users, who can report incidents in detail enabling other drivers to re-route around problems.

In Android Auto format, the user interface has been redesigned to limit distraction – there are fewer click-throughs to report incidents, it features voice commands and quick access to favourite locations, and important data will be overlayed over other apps.

The company said Waze is not yet compatible with Apple CarPlay, which only supports audio and messaging apps, though it is investigating integrating it with the SmartDeviceLink system, which would enable Apple users to stream the app to their car’s screen.

BUSINESS_BVRLA_FW_Aug17.qxp_Layout 1 03/08/2017 11:35 Page 2

inbusiness

Behind the numbers The BVRLA released the results of this year’s Fleet Technology Survey at its annual technology conference. Alex Grant found out what challenges and opportunities lie ahead for operators.

Only half of fleet operators said they were clear about their responsibilities under the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which comes into force in May 2018 and will be retained after Brexit.

GDPR makes those who process data liable if there’s a breach, which could include fleet operators gathering telematics information, warned Ashley Winton, a partner at Paul Hastings (Europe) LLP. That data applies to passengers as well as drivers, and there are substantial fines for non-compliance.

But, Winton added, it’s the potential for class-action lawsuits to be filed that perhaps poses a bigger threat – potentially including claiming for distress. He also advised fleets to have an automated process in place by next May, to handle requests for information.

54%

Almost all operators said they are unwilling to pay manufacturers to access data from connected cars.

Yet that rich data is incredibly useful to third parties, if it’s aggregated correctly, according to Edward Kulperger of Canadian telematics company, Geotab. Telematics data can offer a detailed picture of road conditions, which has enormous financial value.

“You could see so many different mobility models evolving from that,” he said. “The vehicle becoming a utility, the telematics platform becoming pennies on the dollar in terms of getting data from the vehicle and presenting it in a way people want. If the hardware is embedded, and [OEMs] send the data in the right way, that this will become a data play where the consumer will benefit and not have to pay certain costs.”

Most operators said they were concerned that manufacturers were able to restrict access to telematics data to further their own goals.

Connected cars have the ability to upload live diagnostic data, which could be used to channel work back into franchised dealerships rather than independent garages.

That’s the concern of aftermarket association, FIGIEFA, which is calling for a standardised data stream to enable third-party access.

It’s not an area that manufacturers are switched off to.

Kenneth Malmberg, of General Motors’ OnStar service, said the platform is open to third parties to develop applications which can use data from Vauxhall and Opel vehicles.

OnStar can also be integrated into third-party fleet management systems, with specific packages for fleet managers and rental companies, he said.

Most drivers are prepared to share diagnostic data to identify faults, but less than half (44%) are happy to share data about driver behaviour and performance.

Live information is has plenty of benefits. Robert Fisher, from automotive consultancy firm, SBD Automotive claimed the ability to receive over-the-air updates saves $50 (£38) per vehicle, per update. Dan Freedman of Direct Line, added that ongoing behaviour monitoring would enable insurers to assess and price risk more accurately.

However, the insurance industry is grappling with the pros and cons of cars being able to gain new features through software updates. Tesla’s Autopilot software update added advanced driver assistance overnight, Freedman said, which affected cars that were already on their books. Although insurers trust OEMs, it could mean risk changes mid-way through a policy with little warning.

79%

86%

95%

fleetworld.co.uk / 11

BUSINESS_Insider_FW_Aug17.qxp_Layout 1 03/08/2017 13:06 Page 1

inbusiness

Life-long learning The Insider applauds the increasing uptake of driver training in the US, and advocates incentives for responsible drivers. ’ve had a light bulb moment. As yet another elearning driving skills course is promoted, it occurs to me that the creators are selling to the wrong market. It all seems to be aimed at fleet, and yes I know that statistically around one-third of all accidents involve someone driving for work, but that still leaves two-thirds who weren’t. And even I can work out the bigger of those two numbers.

The marketers’ target should be motor insurers. Motor insurers insure everyone, not just the fleet market.

Everyone needs the sort of experience and learning tailored within these courses. So why not promote the elearning to all your customers with the promise of a meaningful discount on insurance premium for successful completion of a test at the end of the learning? Or a return of percentage of premium for a previous year’s safe driving? I guess there would have to be some way of ensuring the test was carried out by the actual driver, rather than subbed out to a knowledgeable friend; all tests to differ slightly, compiled from a multichoice question multiple-answer type scenario. There must be a way?

In fact in the United States, where the latest product being touted here originated, parents are urged to buy the eight module programme to brush up on their skills before teaching their own kids to drive. Or to buy it for their offspring as a way of added learning to help them gain confidence behind the wheel. Excellent; the Yanks have cottoned on to the wider market already. I really would like to see all British road users offered an opportunity to increase their knowledge and learn strategies for coping with behavioural challenges behind the wheel, which in turn should slash the number of actual accidents and incidents on our roads.

On a different subject, I’m having a bad attack of “I told you so” as I read the Serious Fraud Office is about to investigate rental companies for alleged inflation of repair costs for damage caused by the hirer, but which is outside the scope of an insurance claim. The suggestion is that customers are billed at a higher level than is subsequently invoiced by the repairer to the rental company, with the latter pocketing the difference.

I

12 / fleetworld.co.uk

Around five years ago I wrote here suggesting that repair costs were significantly higher than they needed to be, and was castigated by the then Chairman of the BVRLA’s Rental arm. It won’t be all rental companies by any means, and so I would have expected the gentleman to stand up for his members, but it seems someone, somewhere has produced some evidence at last.

It’s quite possible that no-one will win, of course, because even if there is retribution, profit still has to be made, so costs to end users will inevitably rise. Here’s another thought - these are major companies whose accounts must be audited annually. I wonder who the auditors were, and whether they are now feeling ever so slightly uncomfortable, or safe in the knowledge they have disclaimers to protect them in such instances?

Finally, isn’t it amazing what effect a bit of positive spin has on one’s take on a story? In stark contrast to VW’s Dieselgate, where the manufacturer is held to be the big bad wolf, Mercedes are offering a free ‘proactive software upgrade’ in order to improve the NOX emissions of their diesel range, and are doing it “because they can”, for the greater good of the planet, as it were.

Engines affected number between several hundred thousand and three million, depending upon whether you believe the manufacturer or The Times newspaper. But everything diesel registered in Europe over almost a five year period sounds like the higher end of the scale to me. I might have believed the manufacturer, had they not written in the very same press release “this is not a recall”. Indeed.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class diesel engine

BUSINESS_CURTIS_FW_Aug17.qxp_Layout 1 03/08/2017 12:55 Page 1

inbusiness

Servicing goes mobile Ford has found a novel way to reduce vehicle downtime with the rollout of a new mobile servicing programme.

Curtis Hutchinson, editor of Motor Trader, reports. ompany vehicle downtime is an unwanted inconvenience. For years drivers have been used to having punctured tyres repaired or windscreens replaced at their place of work but when it comes to getting their car serviced it means contacting the local dealer, planning around their workshop availability and hoping for a loan car to keep mobile.

That could change with a new programme rolled out

by Ford which offers mobile servicing, maintenance and warranty repairs to customers at their place of work or home.

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Ford had already taken a lead in offering flexible servicing options for fleets back in 2013 when it rolled out its Transit24 programme aimed at raising the service levels offered by dealers selling light commercials to local fleets. The programme was an acknowledgement of how LCV downtime can negatively impact the profitability of customers whose vehicles serve as workhorses.

At the time the step was an intriguing one as it raised the status of van operators by providing a service aimed at keeping them on the move with participating dealers expected to offer late night openings. Going mobile is the next logical step.

The new mobile service benefits from significant investment from Ford and has been undergoing fine tuning for some time. The initial pilot took place within the M25 with dealers in the factory-owned TrustFord group offering a mobile service for their light commercial customers.

The pilot was success and was extended to other parts of the country in early 2016 with the added benefit of covering non-Ford LCVs for mixed fleet operators.

From this summer the service has been extended further to include all Ford vehicles from the KA+ to the Transit; a bold move from the UK’s biggest fleet brand.

Central to the mobile service is a fleet of over 100 Ford Transit Custom vans run from 90 dealerships across the UK operating Transit Centres.

14 / fleetworld.co.uk

The liveried vans are equipped with 2.5-tonne jack and axle stands to allow the specially trained techniciandrivers easy access to the underside of vehicles. They also feature on-board 4G-enabled diagnostic equipment.

The potential vehicle throughput is impressive with each van able to service up to four vehicles a day.

There’s also the potential to offer fleets multiple services at the same location.

Andy Barratt, Ford’s UK chairman and managing director, sees the move as a game changer, describing it as “proof of our next level commitment to all our fleet customers.”

“We are delighted that the Ford Mobile Servicing vans are now in action across the UK. If you have an unplanned incident or need servicing then we will come out and do that. We are going to be more flexible and more nimble in the service space than ever before,” he said.

“It’s a big step forward in the way that we serve our customers and I’m really excited about it.”

The programme is a home grown UK initiative which has been embraced by larger Ford dealers across the country and will no doubt serve as a template for the brand’s other European markets. By adding mobile servicing to its aftersales mix and opening it up to cars, Ford now has a valuable USP in the competitive fleet market. Expect others to follow.

Ford rolls out all-makes parts As well as offering mobile servicing, Ford dealers are also gearing up to provide customers an allmakes servicing facility following the launch of its new Omnicraft replacement parts brand.

Ford dealers across Europe are now able to supply parts and servicing for all non-Ford vehicles with the 2,000 most commonly requested parts including oil filters, starter motors, alternators, brake pads and discs available at launch.

In the coming months Ford will introduce engine and cabin air filters, brake master cylinders and wheel hub assemblies, amongst other parts.

“Omnicraft completes the Ford family of parts, leveraging the strength of the Ford network while also enabling dealerships in Europe to be a onestop provider of parts that better serve used vehicle outlets, fleet managers and independent garages,” said said John Cooper, vice president of Ford Customer Service Division.

EVNEWS_FW_Aug17.qxp 03/08/2017 13:51 Page 1

Q &A

As Chargemaster moves to renewable energy sources for its POLAR network, and opens the first multi-brand, all-EV showroom in Milton Keynes, CEO David Martell says it’s a case of ‘when’ instead of ‘why’ for electrified fleets.

How much has the POLAR network grown this year? How many Ultrachargers are installed, and how many will you have by the end of the year?

Chargemaster operates over 750 rapid chargers on the POLAR network, including 50 of our latest, UK-made Ultracharge units. We are installing an additional 200 Ultracharge units across the network by the end of the year. Since July 2016, our number of active users has more than doubled, to 40,000 and the number of charges has increased by a third.

The Electric Vehicle Experience Centre (EVEC) in Milton Keynes opened this month – do you have plans for other sites around the country? And what services does this offer for fleets?

The EVEC in Milton Keynes is a unique initiative, developed by Chargemaster and Milton Keynes Council. We have had interest from several other towns, cities and even countries about them setting up something similar. We already have a Partnership Manager based full-time at the EVEC to engage with local businesses and fleets to help them look at the ways they can bring more EVs into their fleet and encourage their drivers to go electric.

Has business appetite for plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles changed over the last year?

As more electric vehicles have come to market – there are now around 50 models compared to nine or 10 in 2012 - with longer range and lower prices, they have become more of a ‘no brainer’ for more drivers. The attitude for many people has shifted from ‘why’ to ‘when’ in terms of making the shift to an electric vehicle.

What technology do you think will have the biggest influence on the ULEV market over the next few years?

It’s not necessarily one technology that will have an impact on EV uptake, but the combination of having electric vehicles with longer range, lower prices and crucially that are more desirable. The electric vehicles on the market now are very ‘normal’ cars and with the halo effect of brands like Tesla, and with Audi and Jaguar bringing out long-range, pure electric cars in the near future, they are incredibly appealing.

And how do you think the government could support the market better?

We are surging ahead with our investment in electric vehicle infrastructure in the UK and would of course welcome more government support. The most important thing that we, and the rest of the industry needs from government is consistency. To plan ahead and make investments, we need much greater stability in policy for things like incentives and taxation.

t : ++44 (0)1205 724754

THE FLEET MANAGERS’ CHOICE We manufacture the UK’s largest range of EV charge points specifically suited to the fleet and vehicle leasing industries AT HOME

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EVNEWS_FW_Aug17.qxp 03/08/2017 13:53 Page 2

For the latest EV news, visit evfleetworld.co.uk

DfT mulls changes to gross weight limits for electric vans he Department for Transport is considering raising the weight threshold for alternative fuel light commercial vehicles from 3.5 tonnes to 4.25 tonnes to offset their heavier drivetrains, in turn making them more cost-effective to operate.

A consultation is now under way, which would enable electric, hybrid or natural gas powered vehicles to be classed under Category N1, even if they exceed the 3.5-tonne gross weight. In turn, this would enable them to be driven on a Category B (car) driving licence, rather than a C1, said to cost £1,200 per driver. The DfT said this recognises that alternative fuel commercial vehicles under 4.25 tonnes are no more difficult to drive than petrol or diesel models under the 3.5-tonne limit.

This could also introduce an exemption from the operator licensing regime for these vehicles, and would remove a loophole which exempts vehicles over 3.5 tonnes from the same roadworthiness checks as cars. That exemption will apply to vehicles registered from March 2015 onwards, but not to milk floats.

T

Shell to offer EV charging in the UK

in brief Mercedes-Benz diesel PHEV due in 2018 Mercedes-Benz will launch its first diesel plug-in hybrid in 2018, likely to be a derivative of the facelifted C-Class which would be due around that time. The newcomer would be likely to use the new 2.0-litre diesel from the E-Class, and benefit from the 50% larger battery from the updated S-Class PHEV, offering a 30-mile range.

MINI confirms first production EV MINI’s first electric vehicle will be based on its three-door hatchback, and launch in 2019, the company has confirmed.

Production will take place at Plant Oxford, using an electric drivetrain shipped in from BMW Group factories in Germany.

There are no plans at present for an electric version of the five-door version, which accounts for 45% of UK sales.

AA Trust to offer free EV driver training

elected Shell service stations in the UK and Netherlands are to gain rapid charging points for electric vehicles, due to go live by the end of 2017.

Working with Dutch charging point manufacturer, Allego, the 50kW chargers will be installed at unconfirmed sites in Greater London and Derby, as well as in Randstad, the western part of the Netherlands containing its four largest cities.

It means drivers can typically gain 80% of their battery range within an hour, depending on the vehicle. They join Allego’s existing network of rapid and slower charging points in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.

Anja van Niersen, the company’s CEO, said: “Shell now actively contributes in creating a reliable and open charging network. A network that is accessible for all EV drivers, despite the brand of the car.”

in numbers

S

The AA Trust is to begin a pilot programme, offering free electric vehicle driving lessons in Milton Keynes to demonstrate how to get the best performance of the technology. It builds on a relationship with Chargemaster, and will be offered from the new Electric Vehicle Experience Centre which opened in July.

Peugeot Partner delivers for Royal Mail Royal Mail has purchased 100 Peugeot Partner electric vans, which will go into service from December this year. The rollout follows positive trials, and will be supported by a widespread installation of charging points for the new fleet.

250 miles

£20m

Range for the Volkswagen Gen. E electric research vehicle, which may offer a hint of technology and design due for the next Golf.

UK government funding for projects to develop and test technology enabling vehicles to return energy to the grid during periods of peak demand.

Source: Volkswagen

Source: Office for Low Emission Vehicles

fleetworld.co.uk / 19

BUSINESS_Q&A_FW_Aug17.qxp_Layout 1 03/08/2017 13:43 Page 1

inbusiness

Q &A The Driving for Better Business campaign has just celebrated its 10th anniversary with a complete refresh. Campaign director Simon Turner tells Fleet World how the campaign is evolving.

What are the key trends and changes you’ve seen in fleets over the last 10 years?

I think there are two key changes in fleet over the last decade that are important within work-related road risk – fleet make-up and vehicle safety technology.

Company cars have become less of a concern. HMRC has about 940,000 vehicles listed for company car tax but then there are also pool cars and rentals, but we’ve seen a consistent gradual decline in the total over the last 10 years. Cars in this section of the fleet are typically newer, safer vehicles and well maintained so are less problematic. They’re also more likely to be fitted with some of the modern Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technology.

The number of vans however has increased from three million to four million. These vehicles typically have a longer operational life and aren’t fitted with the latest safety technology. This brings more focus onto daily vehicle checks and effective defect reporting as these vehicles are going to spend large parts of their day on the road for a number of years.

The biggest change I’ve seen regarding fleet make-up has been the level of concern regarding grey fleet issues and, today, Lex Autolease reckons that a staggering 14 million private vehicles are used to make business journeys. Employers are now looking more than ever for expert guidance on how to effectively manage the grey fleet, both from risk and cost perspectives.

The second trend is the development of ever-more sophisticated ADAS technology. When you see research showing Autonomous Emergency Braking systems can reduce rear-end collisions by 38%, why would you not specify it? The savings could far outweigh the costs!

Volvo is still the only car manufacturer to fit it as standard to every car it produces and Volkswagen has just announced it is to fit it as standard all its new vans. I think manufacturers are missing a marketing trick by having AEB as an extra-cost option and more fleets should be putting pressure on manufacturers to fit it as standard across the range.

Are fleets more aware of risk management than they were a decade ago?

I think fleet managers in general are now undoubtedly broadly aware of their obligations to manage the risk.

20 / fleetworld.co.uk

The continuing challenge is that the risks often aren’t fully appreciated by the company’s directors and so insufficient attention is paid to managing their employees when driving. Part of our goal with the Driving for Better Business campaign is to help fleet managers get their directors on board by providing strong case studies from other businesses who’ve seen the benefit of managing it well.

How is DfBB evolving to meet changing fleet needs and what are you planning for the future?

The campaign has always been about the business message and that won’t change. Unfortunately, many employers don’t listen to a road safety message so the campaign uses advocates drawn from both the public and private sector, real business people who have personally wrestled with all the common fleet issues, to share their own stories of successfully managing those who drive for work and the business benefits they’ve seen.

Going forward, the campaign will be making more of our Business Champions’ experience, recruiting new ones across a range of sectors and fleet sizes, and updating the case studies of some of our longer-standing champions.

The campaign will be running a series of informative free events for business owners and fleet managers to attend around the country – we’re working on dates and venues for these at the moment. The new website has a range of free resources such as guides, risk assessments, templates to monitor fleet collisions and costs as well as more advanced risk management activities. If a fleet is just starting out on their risk management journey, or is unsure where to go next, these will be invaluable.

We’ll also be utilising a range of new communication opportunities to make the latest information available to fleets including blogs, webinars and social media.

Working with a range of partners, this will give us an opportunity to share the very latest information in management techniques, vehicle safety technology, legislation, and driver behavioural change.

My overall aim is for the campaign to engage as many businesses as possible and, whatever their current level of risk management, provide valuable information and resources to help them improve still further.

BUSINESS_Heroes_FW_Aug17.qxp_Layout 1 03/08/2017 17:19 Page 1

CASE STUDY Z-Tech Control Systems

Rethinking the wheel Z-Tech Control Systems – winner of the Fleet Heroes Best Business Sector Fleet for the last two years running – speaks to Natalie Middleton about the company’s many and varied approaches to cutting emissions while reducing road risk and improving customer service.

or Z-Tech Control Systems, which provides intelligent engineering solutions, winning two Energy Saving Trust (EST) awards is just the latest in a continuous process to green its fleet that dates back to its first EST Fleet Review in 2009.

In fact, the company’s work over the last eight years provides a key example of a ‘belt and braces approach’ that’s not only cut emissions but streamlined the company’s fleet operations, improved driver behaviour and enhanced its service to customers despite a rapidly expanding fleet – all with the help of some innovative measures too.

F

The approach In its first analysis, the EST found that nearly half of Z-Tech’s vehicles could be replaced by ULEVs, significantly reducing costs and emissions.

As a result of its flexible ULEV-focused policy, 38% of company cars (5 out of 13) are now plug-in or hybrid vehicles as of 2016 and the company has a commitment to continuing the shift to newer, more efficient vehicles every four years. Z-Tech also has no grey fleet, thanks again to its flexible vehicle policy.

To ensure successful uptake of ULEVs and more efficient driving, Z-Tech has fostered a culture of change in the workforce from the board of directors downwards, and implemented initiatives such as Driver of the Month – which incentivises environmentally conscious behaviour, as well as a bespoke driver training programme run by a dedicated fleet manager to increase driver awareness.

On the van side of things, the company has switched to downsizing vehicles and as well as running two Nissan eNV200s for its Transport for London contract, it’s also evaluating a further two Nissan eNV200 electric vans under a Highways England trial. It deployed its first BMW electric motorbike in 2016, replacing a diesel van and added a second in 2017.

Z-Tech has adopted a technology-led focus, installing speed limiters and cameras in all company vehicles, and developed its own mobile-optimised work tool Z-One, which features mileage management telematics software to provide in-depth analysis of MPG. Data collected also facilitates extended audits of fleets and automation of service scheduling to ensure vehicles are kept in optimum condition.

The results Since its first EST review, the company has continually worked to reduce CO2 emissions, implementing all recommendations within the report and meeting its 15% CO2 reduction target in 2013 – earlier than planned – leading it to further tighten the target.

Meanwhile thanks to training drivers to behave more efficiently, accident rates are down, despite the fleet having increased in size – up by around 25% in 2016. Also the firm's fleet MPG has improved through increased driver awareness, the fitment of telematics, cameras on management cars and speed limiters while it also says it’s saved a fortune in insurance claims from the use of the cameras.

And Z-Tech’s in-house scheduling tool for verification teams reduced re-visits and downtime by around 90% and associated carbon by 20% throughout 2014-15.

What of the future?

The company says it remains open to taking advantage of any initiatives going forward.

It’s currently looking into enhancing its integrated driver technology, developing on from the tracker integration with its own software for timesheets etc. This will use workers’ mobiles to provide a unique identifier, sending tracking info as well as any vehicle engine codes, service and performance issues. Z-Tech also remains committed to being an early adopter of new technology and continuing to review and promote where appropriate.

Heroes Wanted Applications for the 2017 Fleet Hero awards are open until 20 September, with winners due to be announced at an event in the London Docklands Museum on the 9 November. To enter, visit: fleetheroawards.org.uk/welcome-fleet-hero-awards-2017

22 / fleetworld.co.uk

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ASK EXPERTS_FW_FCA_Aug17_v2.qxp_Layout 1 03/08/2017 12:28 Page 1

FEATURE Fleet advice

Ask the EXPERTS Our panel of experts answers your latest fleet conundrums...

With the announcement that all sales of new petrol and diesel car sales will cease in the UK by 2040, what does this mean for my fleet and what should I be doing to prepare?

Q

The good news is you have up to 23 years to prepare for all the cars you buy or lease to be Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEV)s. What is certain though is that measures to address air pollution and ever tightening vehicle CO2 targets will mean that you should be making preparations for their use in your fleet now. Planning early and introducing them where possible will smooth the inevitable transition to zero emission cars for you and your successors.

Over the last five years we have worked with over 200 fleets helping them to identify opportunities to use pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles operationally and cost effectively. Admittedly there are range and charging obstacles to be overcome for their use across all aspects of a typical fleet today but this is changing – and fast. Pure electric car range is increasing with each new and revised model

A

Creating a choice list that suits your business...

With so much choice in today’s automotive sector, selecting the right manufacturer partners for your business and your drivers needs can be a significant challenge.

Here at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), we prefer to take a multi-branded approach - offering our customers a wide variety of choice from different brands. We provide a ‘one-stop-shop’ for any business fleet needs – and with cars as diverse as the iconic Fiat 500, the robust but luxurious Jeep Grand Cherokee and the new Alfa Romeo Giulia, the line-up of vehicles can tick every fleet box.

Fiat is best known for offering fun and style in a great value package, while Abarth takes those attributes and injects a performance element. Alfa Romeo represents

24 / fleetworld.co.uk

Ian Featherstone Fleet Advice Manager Energy Saving Trust

launched and charging rates up to seven times higher than the 50kW rapid charge units found at service stations today are being developed, which will dramatically reduce enroute charging times.

Plug-in hybrids can work well now, again the range of models on offer is growing almost daily, but their cost-effective use today depends on drivers being able and willing to recharge at home and/or work and have driving patterns which allow the vehicles’ electric driving capability to be optimised. Working on company car and van policies and getting them right and in place now will allow your organisation to take full advantage of vehicle and charging technology developments as they happen, and you won’t notice any change in 2040 as you will have been a zero-emission fleet for years already!”

Francis Bleasdale Fleet and remarketing director FCA Fleet and Business

style, performance and technology, while Jeep is about freedom, the great outdoors and living every day as an adventure. Fiat Professional’s range of practical vans enables professionals to live and work in comfort and style.

FCA Fleet and Business has been specifically designed to bring all of these brands together under one umbrella to make things simpler for businesses. As a result, we’ve been recognised as the ‘Most Improved Fleet Manufacturer’ at the Fleet World Honours Awards and our brands are appearing on many more fleet policies, with customers able to appreciate the value of a multi-brand solution – and it’s a portfolio we’re incredibly proud of.

ASK EXPERTS_FW_FCA_Aug17_v2.qxp_Layout 1 03/08/2017 12:28 Page 2

in association with

There appears to be an increase in the level of ‘demonisation’ regarding diesel engine vehicles. What is the best course of action for fleets to take when setting out their company vehicle acquisition policy in the future?

Q

Peter Eldridge Director ICFM

“Diesel vehicles are by necessity part of the solution towards achieving climate change targets.”

The ICFM’s perspective is that ‘demonising’ any form of powertrain – diesel vehicles included – is not the right approach, since it will inevitably generate erratic decisions being taken when setting out the structure of a fleet policy.

With a backdrop of about one in two new vehicle choices being diesel last year and the progression towards more Euro6 emission diesels being available, then diesel vehicles are by necessity part of the solution towards achieving climate change targets.

Having too much or too little of any one type of vehicle propulsion, or a fleet manager having all their fleet eggs in any one basket is riddled with risk and the trick, of course, is to ‘balance’ the fleet and promote a range of powertrain options that best suit the needs of the business and the aspirations of company vehicle drivers.

What’s more, by taking a ‘balanced’ approach, fleet deci-

A

sion-makers will be future-proofing the fleet they manage.

Different powertrain options linked to varying employee usage and journey profiles is by far the best approach and it is distinctly possible that within many fleet operations diesel, petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid or 100% electric cars could all be utilised.

Does this sound like a bridge too far? Well challenges of this sort are well suited to the combined stakeholders with fleet responsibility from HR, finance/procurement, fleet and compliance and their combined strength and influence will inevitably make the task of implementing such a policy more straightforward.

In summary, keep an open-minded approach to the fastdeveloping changes that are occurring within the fleet vehicle marketplace and consider all options thoroughly to ensure that the fleet operation is in harmony with the choices that are available.”

FCA Fleet and Business offers functional and versatile business solutions, developed in partnership with you. With a multi-brand approach spanning Fiat, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Abarth and Fiat Professional, and numerous purchasing, rental and leasing options, there are options for fleets of all shapes and sizes.

For more information call the FCA Fleet and Business Centre on 0808 168 6898

fleetworld.co.uk / 25

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BiK FROM 23% | CO2 FROM 105G/KM | UP TO 70.6MPG With groundbreaking services like destination download and hotel bookings courtesy of Vauxhall OnStar, New Insignia Grand Sport has connected car features designed to assist your drivers in ways you might never have imagined.

Isn’t life brilliant.

Fuel consumption information is official government environmental data, tested in figures mpg (litres/100km): Urban: 25.2 (11.2)-61.4 (4.6), Extra-urban: 39.8 (7.1)-78.5 (3.6), 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. 2017/18 tax own tax position. New Insignia Elite Nav 2.0 (260PS) Turbo 4X4 auto model illustrated (P11D of £27,155) features Darkmoon Blue two-coat premium paint (£655), VXR Styling Pack (£850) details. Includes 12 months of OnStar services from date of first registration and a 3 month/3 GB Wi-Fi free trial period (whichever comes first) effective from the date the customer and account with OnStar Europe Ltd. Wi-Fi Hotspot service requires account with OnStar Europe Ltd. and nominated network operator. Charges apply after free trial period. The coverage and charges. An OnStar advisor can help you book a hotel room using Booking.com, subject to Booking.com user terms and privacy statement, which can be found on the or your hotel. Email address and credit card required. Vehicles purchased without OnStar cannot have the required technology retro-fitted. Destination download only available on

VFL8869.008-Fleet World Insignia DPS July AW.indd 1

25/07/2017 14:06

Pre-book your New Insignia 3 Day Test Drive.

Visit vauxhallfleet.co.uk/newinsigniatestdrive accordance with the relevant EU directive. New Insignia Grand Sport range fuel consumption Combined: 32.8 (8.6)-70.6 (4.0). CO2 emissions: 197-105g/km. year. 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 and Driving Assistance Pack Four (ÂŁ595), optional at extra cost. 3 Day Test Drive terms and conditions apply and vehicles are subject to availability. Please call 0330 587 8221 for full accepts the nominated network operator Wi-Fi Ts&Cs. OnStar services and 4G Wi-Fi Hotspot are subject to mobile network coverage and availability. OnStar services require activation OnStar subscription packages could be different from the services included in the free trial package. Terms and conditions apply. Check vauxhall.co.uk/OnStar for details of availability, Booking.com website, and the applicable terms and conditions for your hotel. OnStar assists you in making a booking and is not responsible for the services provided by Booking.com vehicles with factory installed navigation systems. All figures quoted correct at time of going to press (August 2017).

VFL8869.008-Fleet World Insignia DPS July AW.indd 2

25/07/2017 14:06

ROAD-Renault-Koleos-FW-Aug17.qxp 03/08/2017 14:21 Page 1

Renault Koleos Renault’s luxurious flagship has several roles to fill, explains Alex Grant.

SECTOR SUV PRICE £27,500-£34,200 FUEL 47.9-57.6mpg CO2 128-156g/km

enault’s recent sales growth owes a lot to its expanduously-variable automatic gearbox from Nissan, rather than ing crossover line-up. Its UK sales have doubled Renault’s double-clutch unit. Neither offers particularly since the Captur launched in 2013, and, while vast brisk performance, though the bigger engine feels more improvements elsewhere certainly help, more than half its suited to a car of this size. However, the four-band BiK UK customers were in Capturs and Kadjars last year. So, has increase and price uplift could push company car drivers that range come on enough to revive the Koleos? towards the just-about-enough small diesel instead.

This is an area Renault has ventured into before. The Of course, based on demand, the Koleos may eventually dip previous Koleos was, like this car, a D-segment soft-roader, further into the X-Trail’s engine options; the 163bhp, and launched just as Nissan brought the first Qashqai to 45.6mpg 1.6-litre petrol turbo could suit some drivers, as market. But it didn’t find anywhere near the same followcould the 175bhp, AWD hybrid from the Rogue, as it’s badged ing, eventually disappearing when Renault slimmed its in North America. Diesel may be the dominant fuel in this model range at the end of 2012. A deparsegment, but best-in-range CO2 emissions ture quiet enough that the new one is of 128g/km and no two-wheel drive autoalmost starting from scratch. matic version could limit its appeal.

This looks more promising. It’s styled Which would be a shame, because the to match the handsome Talisman – the new customers it’s hoping to attract would Laguna’s replacement, which isn’t sold in find that the Koleos reflects a rapidlythe UK – and positioned to take what improving product range. Material quality would have been that car’s space in the feels worlds apart from its predecessor, range. It’s Renault’s return to the Dand equipment is generous. Both UK trim segment, so almost all customers will be levels include a panoramic roof, handsnew to the brand, and half will go to fleets. free entry and start, and the portrait Predictably, the platform is shared with touchscreen infotainment system from the the Nissan X-Trail, though this is a wider Megane, with Apple CarPlay and Android car. It’s the same size as an Audi Q5, so Auto. However, anyone who is upsizing bigger than a Honda CR-V, smaller than a from the Kadjar may be disappointed to The Koleos is an Ford Edge, and similar to a Skoda Kodiaq. find that it offers no extra boot space. appealing newcomer, However, despite Renault’s background Overall, though, the Kadjar is a far but its presence in in MPVs, it’s only offered with five seats; better fit for UK tastes than its predecesit’s pitched as more as a high-riding sor. It looks and feels upmarket, it’s quiet fleet would benefit estate than a people-mover. and composed at speed, and generously from a wider model The UK will get a diesel-only line-up; equipped. But, with a limited engine range and lower128bhp 1.6-litre and 175bhp 2.0-litre range and no seven-seat version, it’s got CO2 engines. engines from the X-Trail, the latter with some tough competition – premium and four-wheel drive and an optional continmainstream - to fend off in this segment.

R

what we think

28 / fleetworld.co.uk

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ROAD-Volvo-XC60-T8-FW-Aug17.qxp 03/08/2017 18:46 Page 1

Volvo XC60 T8 The plug-in hybrid variant is stylish, tech-laden and accomplished, reckons Craig Thomas.

SECTOR SUV PRICE £56,850 - £57,950 FUEL 134.5mpg CO2 49g/km

hat electric and hybrid revolution we’ve been patiently regularly and use the motor for a significant amount of your waiting for, with its accompanying reduction in our fuel driving, you should still get economy figures that are at least bills, seems to be more of an evolution, if sales figures comparable to a diesel. Without charging, however, fuel are any indication. economy hovers around the mid-thirties in mpg.

In 2016, just a shade under 89,000 of the cars registered There’s also the 402bhp on tap, which means that the T8 in the UK were ‘alternatively fueled vehicles’ (AFVs), as the is nippy enough to be something of a hot hatch-worrier, SMMT describes anything that isn’t petrol or diesel, with thanks to its 5.3-second 0-62mph performance. It feels it, demand for plug-in hybrids and petrol electric hybrids too, especially when in Power mode, one of the five drive increasing by 41.9% and 25.1% respectively. That certainly modes that can be chosen by the driver. In addition, there’s sounds like good news and suggests that we’re heading in Pure, for all-electric propulsion; Hybrid, the default setting the right direction. However, AFVs were still only 3.3% of regular daily driving; AWD, which maximises traction in slipthe overall total of registered cars, so we pery conditions; and Off Road for, well, still have some way to go before we hit off-roading below 25mph, if you need to that eco-car tipping point. go on-site regularly (or if the mood for a Volvo’s recent announcement that it mud-filled adventure overtakes you). will only build hybrids and EVs after Electric power can also be stored for 2019 will contribute in its own premium later use – useful for future emissionsway, so the latest plug-in from the free zone driving – thanks to a Hold funcSwedish carmaker is interesting as a tion, while Charge uses the petrol engine shape of things to come. to partially top up the battery.

The XC60 T8 is the petrol/electric The XC60 also looks the part, with its hybrid version of the company’s hugely sleek, Scandi-design take on the SUV popular mid-sized SUV (it still sold over form. It’s not easy to make a 4x4 look 16,000 last year, despite being eight years good, but Volvo’s design team has pulled old) and there’s nothing about the new it off again, blending a minimalist styling car to suggest that it will be any less credo with a modernity that will impress T8 has stiff competition popular with buyers. in the executive car park. in the form of the Audi Indeed, a plug-in hybrid option will Combine that with a thoroughly modern Q5, BMW X3 and Jaguar only enhance its appeal, especially to cabin – with a large touchscreen eliminatcost-conscious fleet users. OK, so the ing the need for lots of switchgear and the F-Pace, but that plug-in headline 134.5mpg and 49g/km figures most comfortable (leather-covered) seats hybrid capability is a won’t be replicated in real-world driving, in the business – plus all the latest safety very useful USP to unless you’re able to do all your journeys kit (including a semi-autonomous piloted have in its armoury. in 28-mile chunks (the electric-only driving feature) and you have what range of the T8), but if you can charge amounts to a hugely appealing package.

T

what we think

30 / fleetworld.co.uk

ROAD-XC60-D4-FW-Aug17.qxp 03/08/2017 18:48 Page 1

Volvo XC60 D4 R-Design The most popular choice among VC60 buyers for a reason, says Craig Thomas.

SECTOR SUV PRICE £39,705 - £43,705 FUEL 54.3mpg CO2 136g/km

As it’s a Volvo, there’s also lots of safety kit, including City olvo’s on a bit of a roll at the moment. The new XC60 Safety autonomous emergency braking, which also recogcontinues the work done by the Swedish carmaker nises pedestrians, cyclists and large animals. Also available in the XC90 and S90/V90, showing that it is making is the optional Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous system that desirable, stylish, well-equipped cars that offer a real point provides an insight into a self-driving future, as it helps keep of difference at the premium end of the market. The minithe car a safe distance from the car in front, at a constant malist Scandi design theme that is well executed, inside and speed, and within its lane. It’s a very handy system: it feels out, not only helps the car stand out on the road, but also a bit weird at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s very offers buyers a comfortable, connected – and, of course, safe useful on long motorway journeys.

– driving experience.

The additional £4,000 Pro package for R-Design adds air The XC60 is available in three trim levels: Momentum, Rsuspension (a welcome addition when driving on British Design and Inscription. R-Design, with its focus on a more roads, as it smooths a lot of the harsher ‘sporty’ experience is the most popular, aspects of the R-Design’s set-up, and is accounting for what Volvo anticipates also available as a standalone £1,500 will be 30% of sales. In addition, the option) and Volvo On Call, which enables company has introduced Pro packages, your smartphone (or smartwatch) to bundles of the most popular options, control various functions remotely and aimed at the fleet market, with the Rcan automatically contact the emergency Design Pro thought to appeal to another services in the event of a crash.

10% of buyers.

The XC60 comes with a choice of four R-Design cars come with a stiffer suspenengines: D4 and D5 PowerPulse diesels, sion set-up (which proves to be too firm), T5 petrol and T8 petrol-electric hybrid. and exterior styling additions and interior The most popular choice (53% of touches that include sports seats (Volvo’s buyers, if Volvo’s projections are correct) seat remain among the most comfortable is the 188bhp D4 2.0-ltre unit, which you can experience in any car). returns 54.3mpg, emits 136g/km – both These aesthetic additions come on top The D4 R-Design should decent figures for a midsize SUVand of the highly specified equipment levels prove to be the most competitive for the class – and can found in the ‘base’ Momentum model, popular variant, as its manage the 0-62mph sprint in a credwhich includes a 9-inch touchscreen for itable 8.4 seconds. It offers plenty of controlling, well, almost everything, with package combines performance, with plenty of torque low Volvo continuing to dispense with much of decent performance down in the rev range, while the eightthe switchgear found in modern cars: so and economy with a speed automatic gearbox is decent there’s navigation, climate control, connechost of useful features. enough, especially if you’re not trying to tivity and smartphone integration, and hurry the car along too much. cloud-based apps such as Spotify.

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ROAD-Vauxhall-Crossland-FW-Aug17.qxp 03/08/2017 15:45 Page 1

Vauxhall Crossland X There’s more to Vauxhall’s compact SUV than meets the eye, explains Alex Grant.

SECTOR Crossover PRICE £16,555-£23,530 FUEL 57.3-78.5mpg CO2 93-123g/km

ot so long ago, families with needs straddling the litre diesels at 99bhp or 118bhp, all from PSA rather than family hatchback and supermini segments could GM. Most are offered across all trim levels, Elite and Tech have satisfied their capacity requirements with Line get the full set. either a small estate car, or an ultra-functional MPV. Two Petrol derivatives are fairly competitive, with CO2 from parts of the market now almost completely obsolete, as 116g/km, but it’s the diesels which are still likely to have manufacturers scrabble to meet demand for fashionable, most traction with fleets; up to 78.5mpg and 93g/km for flexible small crossovers. versions on smaller wheels, compared to the Mokka X, which Vauxhall, of course, already has one of these; the Mokka X doesn’t come under 100g/km. However, this isn’t as quiet as is a mainstay of the crossover class, straddling (size-wise) Vauxhall’s latest 1.6-litre diesel, and the more powerful of the Juke and Qashqai segments and racking up 120,000 UK the two has a tendency to snatch at rough surfaces while sales since 2012. Although the Crossland X looks and feels accelerating. It’s also worth noting that PSA’s small diesels similar at a glance – it's only 63mm use AdBlue – that’s something the GM shorter – the gap between them is wider equivalents make do without. than it first appears.

The Crossland X’s dashboard feels The newcomer is a much neater packmuch like the Astra’s, albeit with a smatage; smaller overall, but with almost a tering of Peugeot switchgear. All versions fifth more boot capacity, and plenty of include an intuitive, if occasionally laggy, headroom in its upright, heavily-glazed touchscreen along with OnStar, Android cabin. Slide the rear bench forwards and Auto and Apple Carplay, and most there’s almost 50% more capacity than its versions have satellite navigation. Curisibling, fold it flat and it’ll accommodate ously, being based on the infotainment longer boxes, too. If it’s practicality you’re used in most new PSA products, it still has seeking, the Crossland X trumps its touchscreen climate control functions, stablemate. If kerbside appeal is a priordespite the physical controls underneath. ity, then that awkward, upright, MPV-like This could have felt almost unnecesshape could be a barrier. sary, being so similar in size to the popuIn many ways this is a It’s the tip of the iceberg. The Crossland lar Mokka X – but, from a strictly rational better all-rounder than X, and the Qashqai-sized Grandland X due perspective, it’s perhaps the better soluthe Mokka X, but that later this year, were developed under a tion for segment-straddling families. It partnership with PSA Group, hatched in might seem like the compact MPV class awkward styling will 2012. It means this car has more in has disappeared into obscurity, but this divide potential buyers common with a Peugeot 2008 than a indirect replacement for the Meriva in a segment where Mokka X. That includes the engine lineshows it’s still alive and well, hiding style counts for a lot. up; three 1.2-litre petrols with 81bhp, beneath plastic body cladding and faux108bhp and 128bhp, and a pair of 1.6aluminium skid plates.

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ROAD_FW_Nissan_X-Trail_Aug17.qxp 03/08/2017 14:07 Page 1

Nissan X-Trail Qashqai’s revised big brother has enhanced its appeal – but is it enough, asks Craig Thomas?

SECTOR SUV PRICE TBC FUEL 45.6-57.6mpg CO2 129-158g/km

he X-Trail always used to be a quietly popular SUV an element of greater refinement. OK, so it's no Audi or that was well-thought-of, by buyers and critics, but it BMW, but Nissan is slowly but surely, like its mass-market never exactly set the world alight. rivals, trying to get at least within some sort of touching Its somewhat worthy boxiness meant that its admirably distance of the premium carmakers. practical nature was overlooked by buyers who wanted Practicality has been improved with the addition of a something a little more appealing, a tad sexier. handsfree tailgate, a feature that is steadily trickling down Nissan rectified that when it launched the current model, from premium models, while the boot capacity of five-seat the third generation, in 2013. Adopting the more consumervariants increases from 550 litres to 565 litres: the 445 friendly, shapely styling of a crossover, while still maintainlitres in the seven-seat version chosen by 40% of buyers ing a winning combination of the height and practicality of remains unchanged. an off-roader with the on-road comfort of a car, the X-Trail Also unchanged is the range of three engines, a pair of has become, according to Nissan, the diesels and a petrol unit. Dispensing with world’s best-selling SUV. It certainly the 161bhp 1.6-litre petrol that returns looks like the kind of modern off-roader 45.6mpg, fleet users are left with 128bhp that will appeal to a wide range of buyers 1.6-litre and 175bhp 2.0-litre diesels. in the market for something larger than Each is available with a six-speed manual a Qashqai (Nissan uses the nowgearbox or continuously variable transcommonplace marketing-speak about it mission (CVT auto) – the latter of which being “the perfect car for family advenis surprisingly good. Front-wheel or fourtures”). It seems to be working, too: sales wheel drive is available with both have increased by 97% since 2014. engines. The lower-powered 1.6 does feel Four years on from its initial launch, slightly sluggish (the 0-62mph benchthe requisite mid-life facelift sees a mark takes 10.5 seconds, at best) and the number of enhancements, both cosmeti2.0-litre doesn’t perform vastly better (9.4 cally and in tweaks to the specification. seconds), while both are less refined than The exterior changes include the likes they could be: the engine note isn’t gruff Although X-Trail is of front and rear bumpers, new grille, new most of the time – indeed, the cabin is more appealing than headlights and fog lights, new alloys and, pretty quiet most of the time – but if you ever before, the Land on Tekna grade cars, a chrome side mouldadd some urge, it’s definitely more audiing. The changes have also resulted in the ble than you’ll find elsewhere in the class.

Rover Discovery X-Trail’s length increasing by 50mm.

There are four trim levels on offer, with Sport offers premium Inside, the upgrades continue with a most buyers opting for the N-Connecta quality at an often thicker, flat-bottomed, multifunctional (39%) of range-topping Tekna (47%) similar price. steering wheel, heated seats in the rear, versions, which come with the likes of plus interior trim improvements to add touchscreen sat nav as standard.

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SWOT_FW_Aug17.qxp 03/08/2017 14:23 Page 1

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

Strengths

Weaknesses

Opportunities

Threats

GA Practical, good spec and dynamically vastly improved in its latest guise.

GA The premium brands stack up very well in terms of monthly rental which makes life even more difficult for the more volume-orientated brands.

GA Already a household name, with fresh design and dynamics it should appeal to existing users or those who are looking for a change from the competition.

GA The premium brands are very accessible, and there’s also pressure from other sectors, primarily the SUV scene. There’s plenty of choice, which is having an effect on demand here.

AC So much more practical than the old car, with more boot and passenger space and enough pull for everyday use.

Low list price along with very competitive CO2 figures will mean low tax bills.

MJ The car looks great – essential if it is to reach people’s shortlist. It has a bigger cabin and load volume, and larger overall dimensions than its predecessor, but use of lightweight steels sheds around 200kg of kerbweight.

Equipment levels are high, with tremendous rear leg room.

MW An all-new car, the Insignia looks brilliant and drives even better. GM really has pulled out all stops to get this car right throughout.

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AC Vauxhall will be hoping that residual values can hold their own a bit better than previous models but there is plenty that they can do to help achieve that and it will depend on how the vehicle is sold.

MJ Vauxhall’s powertrains step outside of the norm but the 134bhp 1.6 CDTI is actually comparable with most 148bhp units on torque and broadly similar performance, plus emits a respectable 119g/km of CO2. Could be a touch too big for some people.

MW Badge snobbery still has a part to play; this could fail to attract new customers simply because of its name.

AC Massive improvements over the old model and competitive pricing will certainly open opportunities.

MJ As BiK continues to rise, corporate buyers may be attracted to the aggressivelypriced high spec Insignia, rather than a significantly more costly (and smaller) upper medium sector estate. It’s also a comfortable fit with PSA’s current line-up.

MW Should attract new customers to showrooms as the advertising campaign is good and appears to be effective. The design of the car is flawless and will stand out in a crowd.

AC The Insignia’s main threat is Skoda Superb, which has an even bigger load space and competitive BiK. This entire segment is also threatened by SUVs. MJ PSA acquisition may cause buyers to hesitate. The huge choice of efficient SUVs has eroded estate car sales, and many large estates are bought based on need rather than desire.

MW This sector is under growing threat from SUVs and crossovers, which shows no sign of slowing down. The threats come from within!.

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Martin Ward (MW) Manufacturer Relationship Manager, CAP

Vauxhall Insignia

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

Mark Jowsey (MJ) Director, KeeResources KWIKcarcost

Strengths

GA Competitive premium brands are a threat.

AC VW Group cars drive better.

MJ Could be a touch too big for some.

MW Brand snobbery still an issue.

Vauxhall Insignia Elite Nav Sport Tourer 1.6 Turbo D 136PS OTR: £25,870 Standard equipment: P11D: £25,655 • DAB, Bluetooth, USB, WiFi Fuel: 62.8mpg • Apple CarPlay, Android Auto CO2: 119g/km • Sat nav (8-inch) with OnStar RV*: £8,925 (35%) • Adaptive cruise control BiK: 25% • Parking sensors (f/r) SMR: £2,036 • Dual-zone climate control Fuel costs: £5,020 • Heated leather (f/r) Insurance: £2,655 • Matrix LED headlights Finance: £3,463 • Keyless entry and start NI: £2,903 VED: £440 Optional equipment: Cost per month: £925 • Metallic paint £555

Strengths

Skoda Superb Sportline 2.0 TDI Estate

GA Practical, good spec and dynamically vastly improved.

AC Large, practical and with low BiK. MJ Looks great, with lots of room and equipment.

MW Looks brilliant and drives even better.

Weaknesses

Skoda Superb

GA For many the pick of the bunch; spacious, well built, Sportline looks great, too.

AC Colossal interior and biggest boot.

MJ Great all-rounder: space, style, spec.

MW A great people and load carrier, which offers value for money.

GA Still some Skoda brand stigma.

AC Brand lacks appeal to many.

MJ Not as engaging a drive as some.

Lacks power tailgate.

MW Some still won't buy a Skoda.

OTR: £29,700 P11D: £29,485 Fuel: 64.2mpg CO2: 115g/km RV*: £10,200 (35%) BiK: 25% SMR: £2,358 Fuel costs: £4,911 Insurance: £3,210 Finance: £3,980 NI: £3,337 VED: £440 Cost per month: £1,044

Strengths

Volkswagen Passat GT 2.0 TDI 150PS Estate

Weaknesses

Volkswagen Passat

GA Well-known, reliable, spacious, wellbuilt and clean on paper.

AC Strong brand status, high interior quality.

MJ Well finished, almost premium, product. Best MPG & best CO2 in this group.

MW Sought after new and used.

Standard equipment: • DAB, Bluetooth, USB, SD, WiFi • Apple CarPlay/Android Auto • Sat nav (9.2-inch) • Adaptive cruise control • Rear parking sensors • Dual-zone climate control • Heated alcantara (front) • Bi-Xenon adaptive headlights • Keyless entry and start Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £555

GA Subtle looks.

AC Still not overly exciting.

MJ Superb is a true threat.

MW Strong competition.

OTR: £29,400 P11D: £29,185 Fuel: 65.7mpg CO2: 113g/km RV*: £8,450 (29%) BiK: 24% SMR: £2,001 Fuel costs: £4,799 Insurance: £3,000 Finance: £3,940 NI: £3,182 VED: £440 Cost per month: £1,060

Strengths

Mazda6 2.2d 150PS Sport Nav Estate

Weaknesses

Mazda6

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

GA Frugal, practical and reliable. Feels more powerful than it is.

AC More rewarding to drive.

MJ Great value. Something different.

MW Plenty of opportunity to grow sales.

Weaknesses GA There are more dynamic and stylish offerings.

AC Lacking in practicality against the biggest here.

MJ Awareness still not great..

MW Not as well known as the others.

OTR: £27,895 P11D: £27,680 Fuel: 64.2mpg CO2: 116g/km RV*: £8,755 (32%) BiK: 25% SMR: £2,706 Fuel costs: £4,911 Insurance: £3,210 Finance: £3,737 NI: £3,132 VED: £440 Cost per month: £1,030

Standard equipment: • DAB, CD, Bluetooth, USB • Sat nav, digital instruments • Adaptive cruise control • Parking sensors (f/r) • Three-zone climate control • Heated leather/alcantara (front) Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £595 • Apple CarPlay/Android Auto £165 • LED headlights £730 • Keyless entry and start £405

Standard equipment: • DAB, CD, Bluetooth, USB, aux • Sat nav (7-inch) • Cruise control, speed limiter • Parking sensors (f/r) and camera • Dual-zone climate control • Heated leather (front) • LED headlights • Keyless entry and start Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £560 • Adaptive cruise control £800

* 3yr/60k

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IVIEW_FBleasdale_FW_Aug17.qxp_Layout 1 03/08/2017 11:49 Page 1

INTERVIEW Francis Bleasdale, FCA Fleet and Business

Part of the family With the right products and processes in place to target businesses of all shapes and sizes, FCA has the foundations in place to put fleet at the core of its UK operation. Alex Grant spoke to Francis Bleasdale, fleet and remarketing director, to find out more.. iat Chrysler Automobiles is barely recognisable as a descendent of the brand which, just 10 years ago, was taking the wraps off the reborn 500. A decade during which a company which had only recently returned to profit has grown to become a multinational group of brands, home to a complementary line-up spanning city cars to large SUVs and commercial vehicles.

Behind the scenes, its reinvention in fleet is just as radical.

FCA Fleet and Business, under director Francis Bleasdale, not only has that broad multi-marque offer to take to market, but it’s streamlined the way it goes to market to make it as easy as possible to do business with. The result; fleet now accounts for almost half its UK sales, almost twice the share it had five

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years ago – efforts recognised by collecting the ‘Most Improved Manufacturer’ title at the 2017 Fleet World Honours this year.

“We’re getting opportunities which we have never had access to; genuine volume, single and double-badge opportunities,” says Bleasdale. “I’ve got four or five tender opportunities which previously we would have been excluded from because we didn’t have the product, or where we’d only have been able to offer Fiat Professional. Now we can offer a greater depth of range choice solutions, and each of the brands brings something different in that portfolio.

That process isn’t finished yet; by the end of the financial year, the Jeep Compass will take FCA into the premium C-

IVIEW_FBleasdale_FW_Aug17.qxp_Layout 1 03/08/2017 11:49 Page 2

FCA fleet proposition...

New Tipo fills an important niche for Fiat, and extends the soon-to-grow ‘functional’ side of the line-up – complementing the ‘aspirational’ 500 and 124 product lines. crossover sector – up against the likes of the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 – while Alfa Romeo will launch its first SUV, the Stelvio, on the same platform as the long-awaited compactexecutive Giulia sports saloon. Fiat Professional, meanwhile, now has a line-up including not only the Talento van, but the Fullback pickup, and specialists finding opportunities for them among corporates and SMEs. The breadth of the range offered from one supplier is finding increasing traction, too.

“The level of coverage [in Fiat Professional] is there with any of the leading manufacturers, if not beyond. That story has been going on for five or six years, and the work that Sebastiano [Federigo] did when he was running Fiat Professional, getting business through BT Fleet and Royal Mail, really serious blue-chip volume players, we’ve been able to build upon that. The real opportunity for Fiat Professional is how we sell more within the SME sector, and the medium fleets.”

That the product range has reached maturity is reflected by the way it’s going to market. Bleasdale sees a role for around 40 business specialist dealers across the UK – a strategy reflected across Europe – building on the 28 it has now. But within the network, there’s a move towards pairing premiumbrand Alfa Romeo and Jeep on shared sites, and running Fiat alongside Abarth on others. Service standards, under its aftermarket brand MOPAR, will apply to all of them.

“The response we’ve had from customers is they like that single point of contact,” Bleasdale explains. “They know where to go with us, and they’re familiar with the people they’re dealing with. That’s a trend we’re seeing with fleet managers; like all of us they are time poor, and their time available to see manufacturer representation is less than it was. We see that in terms of our activity, in terms of having access to them. Whenever you have a meeting it has to be to the point, and it has to add value.”

With that in mind, efforts to find new customers have been supported by working with agency ROI; its 30-strong sales team freeing up FCA’s own staff to focus on developing relationships, offers and the customer experience. A better database and new financial products, launching later this year through FCA Financial Services, means they’re able to streamline communications and offer something more tailor-made for customers, and to focus on doing so at the right time.

“It’s a great set of brands to work with,” he says. “We’re in a marketplace which has never been more competitive, and it often is the brand that makes the difference. Plus having the right people, the right range of solutions, and the right support available through your dealer network as well. The fundamental changes in organisation have happened – it’s about delivery now.”

An important part of the FCA product offer for large and small fleets, the commercial vehicle line-up now spans four vans and the Fullback, Fiat’s first pickup.

Retail-weighted Abarth’s fleet appeal is among userchoosers; a line-up recently extended by the 168bhp 124 Spider roadster.

Compact executive Giulia kick-starts a new line-up, closely followed by Stelvio, while a rear-wheel drive Giulietta replacement is due before the end of 2018.

The C-crossover Compass returns to the UK early next year, and could almost double Jeep’s fleet sales in Britain.

Range-topping Wagoneer SUV will follow.

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TELEM_GDPR_FW_Aug17.qxp_Layout 1 03/08/2017 12:23 Page 1

FEATURE Telematics

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GDPR

New European legislation comes into effect next year which will have serious implications for anyone handling data generated from vehicles. Julian Kirk explains. n less than a year’s time, the fleet industry has got to wake-up to the serious ramifications of not complying with a new EU data directive – or risk facing fines of up to €20 million.

On May 25, 2018, the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) replaces the Data Protection Act - the biggest shake-up in data protection for 20 years. It has been designed to harmonise data privacy laws across Europe to protect all EU citizens’ data privacy. Currently, data laws are applied

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inconsistently across Europe, with the UK and Ireland seen as having a lighter regulatory burden than other countries.

And this will have a huge impact not only on the automotive industry as a whole, but the fleet industry in particular with its widespread use of telematics devices to generate information on employees from their vehicles.

Under GDPR, there will be more emphasis on the rights of individuals both in terms of consent and access to their own data. As a result of this, it will

be essential for fleet operators to keep audit trails to evidence that specific and unambiguous consent was freely given. This should be in the form of a statement or an affirmative action. It will no longer be acceptable to gain consent via ‘pre-ticked’ boxes and inaction – companies will have an ongoing responsibility to ensure they have permission to harvest data, and that the data is relevant.

Paul O’Dowd, head of sales at In-car Cleverness, agrees: “The crux of the

TELEM_GDPR_FW_Aug17.qxp_Layout 1 03/08/2017 12:23 Page 2

matter is consent. From a fleet point of view – involving company cars or job need vehicles – our priority has been to ensure the employer working with their employee produce a written agreement – a consent form, otherwise the data gathered is not actionable. That form will determine whether the data is available for private and business usage, and to whom that data can be passed on to.

This is critical when car incidents happen because the level of detail our technology generates is significant.”

A BVRLA spokesman added: “Should an individual ever make a claim, the burden of proof will fall to the organisation so it will be essential for fleet operators to keep audit trails to evidence that specific and unambiguous consent was freely given. This should be in the form of a statement or an affirmative action. It will no longer be acceptable to gain consent via passive ‘pre-ticked’ boxes and inaction.

“To ensure compliance, some operators may need to completely overhaul their data management processes.

This is likely to place a significant burden on many fleet operators as dedicated time and resource will be required to get everything in order before the new rules set in.

“Another area of change is that the new rules place emphasis on shared responsibility, making everybody who handles and processes data liable, not just data controllers. Everybody in the supply chain will need to understand their obligations to ensure compliance and this is going to require a change in mindset as people across the industry have different views on who they think is liable for data. This is evident in the BVRLA’s study which shows that 36% of members and 41% of fleet managers agreed that everybody had responsibility for data protection. The rest placed the responsibility at the door of either the lease company,

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FEATURE Telematics

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GDPR →

manufacturer or fleet manager. There is clearly a big job to do to ensure compliance across the industry.”

According to Rhys Harrhy, telematics product manager at ALD Automotive, transparency is key and fleet managers must be absolutely clear with their drivers from the outset about why they are collecting specific vehicle journey data. He added: “This should involve the implementation of a clear policy that details exactly what data is collected, what data is shared with the employer and for what purposes the data will be used – e.g. to monitor and reduce CO2 emissions across the fleet, or as a tool to accurately measure fuel costs, for instance.

“Employers also have an on-going responsibility to ensure that the need to collect data about their employees remains relevant, so regular reviews of the policy should be implemented in line with company objectives.

“Telematics is as much a tool for employees as it is for their employer, so the driver benefits should be surfaced to encourage greater buy-in.”

And conversely, it is worth companies putting in the effort because of the value of the data they receive, helping to make efficiency savings on their fleet through moves such as better journey planning and optimised route guidance to avoid time lost in traffic and the ensuing rise in fuel costs.

ACFO legal adviser Alex Ktorides, head of ethics and risk and a partner at law firm Gordon Dadds, said: “There is huge value in gathering data, but that must be balanced against people having a right to privacy. Employers must put people’s rights at the forefront and show good governance and gain consent.”

Attitudes to data The BVRLA has canvassed opinion from around 300 fleet industry figures, from members of the organisation to fleet managers and company car drivers.

Responses to its Fleet Technology

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Survey highlight the difficulty companies face under the new GDPR rules – namely, drivers are happy to share information from their vehicles and telematics devices which can be used to diagnose vehicle faults and which can help the business operate more efficiently, but they aren’t so keen when that data includes details of their driving performance, location and behaviour.

The survey also found that 54% of companies are ready for GDPR and 52% have a clear strategy regarding collection and use of data from vehicles.

“Employers also have an ongoing responsibility to ensure that the need to collect data about their employees remains relevant.”

Rhys Harrhy, ALD Automotive

What about after Brexit?

Legal issues

The Government has indicated it will implement an equivalent or alternative legal mechanism to the GDPR once the formal split from the EU occurs. The EU expects that any such new UK legislation will largely follow the GDPR, given the support previously provided by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

Basically speaking, if you process data about individuals in the context of selling goods or services to citizens in other EU countries then you will need to comply with the GDPR, irrespective as to whether or not the UK retains GDPR post-Brexit. And UK businesses complying with GDPR can seek continued access to the EU digital market regardless of politics.

While the headline figure of fines of up to €20 million dominate reporting of GDPR, there is also the potential for class action lawsuits as well.

According to Ashley Winton, a partner at Paul Hastings LLC, GDPR will present greater litigation risks – especially in light of the Court of Appeal’s ruling in the case of Google v Vidal-Hall (basically involving Google circumventing the Safari web browser’s privacy settings). This case ruled that the claimants can claim for distress without having to prove pecuniary loss. This greatly increases the scope for compensation claims in the future given an invasion of privacy will rarely be accompanied by actual monetary loss.

He said: “In the UK, pursuant to Google v Vidal-Hall, it is now very easy to bring a successful claim for damages. Data subjects are entitled to compensation from a controller or processor that has caused them damage, unless the controller or processor can prove it is in no way responsible for the event giving rise to the damage. This is a reversal of the standard burden of proof.”

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Countdown checklist Many of the GDPR’s main principles are much the same as those in the current Data Protection Act. However, there are new elements to consider. The Information Commissioner’s Office, which will be responsible for monitoring and prosecuting under the new GDPR rules, has compiled a checklist to enable firms to ensure compliance: 1. Make sure people in all areas of your business are aware of the new law.

2. Document what personal data you hold, where it came from and who you share it with.

3. Review your privacy notices and put in place a plan for making changes necessary under GDPR. 4. Check procedures to ensure they cover all the rights individuals have.

5. Plan how to handle requests from subjects under the new rules.

6. Make sure the legal reasons for processing personal data are crystal clear and update your privacy notice.

7. Review how you seek, record and manage consent and refresh to the new standards.

8. Think about if you need to put systems in place to verify individuals’ ages and to obtain parental consent.

9. Make sure your systems for dealing with a data breach are correct and robust.

10. Familiarise yourself with the ICO’s code of practice on privacy impact assessments.

11. Designate someone in your company to take responsibility for data protection compliance.

12. If you work across borders, determine which is your lead supervisory authority.

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TELEM_Connected_FW_Aug17.qxp_Layout 1 03/08/2017 12:06 Page 1

FEATURE Telematics

DATA DATA EVERYWHERE Richer data from connected cars could radically alter the telematics sector; so is there still a role for the traditional ‘black box’? Craig Thomas finds out. y 2020, there will be 250m connected vehicles on the road globally. Over the two decades beyond that, almost the entire car and van parc will become connected, offering huge opportunities to OEMs to take advantage of the huge amounts of data that they’ll be gathering.

But where does this leave aftermarket telematics suppliers? Is there a place for them in this brave new connected world, alongside the car and van manufacturers? Or will they and their black boxes become redundant, consigned to the landfill of car technology history?

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The suppliers we spoke to are optimistic, confident in the knowledge that what they’ve learned over nearly two decades won’t be replicated by car companies in a few years.

“Telematics is not about hardware: hardware is just the beginning point of data collection. For the most part it’s all about the collection of data,” Cletus Nunes, director of sales at Octo Telematics North America told us.

“What drives the value proposition is not that a vehicle rolls off with some telematics – that’s critical for sure – but analytics, driving data, crash alerts and crash assessments, determining

driver scores, vehicle scores, warranty scores, fuel economy. All this analytics is super-important and taken years to evolve.

“We’ve analysed over 155bn miles of data and over 400,000 crashes, and we connect with over 90 different partners. You can’t just create one or two labs in Silicon Valley to be able to keep up with the entire industry.”

And even if carmakers decided tomorrow that telematics was their biggest priority – and, with the focus of electrification and autonomous driving, that’s not going to happen – there’s all the existing vehicles on the

TELEM_Connected_FW_Aug17.qxp_Layout 1 03/08/2017 12:06 Page 2

“You can’t just create one or two labs in Silicon Valley to be able to keep up with the entire industry.”

Cletus Nunes of Octo Telematics

road to consider, as Charlie Rosenberg, who works on strategic business development for connected cars at Masternaut, pointed out.

“Aftermarket telematics hardware will continue to bridge the gap for many years for older vehicles or vehicles without pre-installed telematics.

Many vehicle brands are represented in most commercial fleets, so aftermarket telematics Software-as-aService (SaaS) platforms are not threatened, but rather strengthened by the growth of pre-installed telematics.

“Established aftermarket telematics players can also integrate data from a range of vehicles from different OEMs, as well as from aftermarket installations of telematics.”

Better together?

BMW’s Mobility Mirror concept shows how vehicle data could be displayed in drivers’ homes.

So the logical next step for OEMs is to partner with an established telematics supplier. This might not necessarily be straightforward, though.

“Strategies and ecosystems may require OEMs and other stakeholders to form partnerships in order to provide a more holistic solution for both drivers and fleet managers,” Rhys Harrhy, telematics product manager for ALD Automotive, suggested. “But vehicle manufacturers are fiercely competitive and protective over their market share, so this could present a challenge.”

Ownership of data is a major stick-

ing point, as Nunes told us. “It’s still an issue between manufacturers and, frankly, everyone else. The insurers want the data and want to dictate the terms, and so does the consumer, and so does the fleet owner. The industry does not want to have to be beholden to the manufacturers, who will dictate the terms of the data. And let's remember that the manufacturers have a long history of having data and being very cautious about sharing it, because of the liability that that may present.”

Telematics companies can carve a niche for themselves, however, as Sean Morris, automotive business unit director for TrakM8, explained.

“We’re trying to encourage the OEMs to work with us so we can get to the same end goal. Ultimately what we would want to do is be the piece in the middle, the piece that can take the different protocols into our system, aggregate that and push it back out to our customers in a single language.

“The OEMs don’t want to play with each other, because they feel they’re giving secrets away, so the aftermarket companies might become a useful ally to them, so they don’t have to share their information with rivals, but they can share it with us, knowing that we won’t share it back to their competitors.”

“Connectivity is top of the agenda for vehicle manufacturers as this will ultimately be the enabler for the highly coveted autonomous vehicle race that all manufacturers are invested in,” said Masternaut’s Rosenberg. “This trend ties in with the needs of fleet operators: they need to have access to insightful data to help them run their fleet more efficiently, safer, at a lower cost and more sustainably. There is absolutely a role for aftermarket telematics. Customers want to select their platform of choice and purchase hardware by the easiest method available to them.

“The amount of data we run through our platform every second is similar to what the biggest banks process. We have over 100,000 active users on our

fleetworld.co.uk / 43

→

TELEM_Connected_FW_Aug17.qxp_Layout 1 03/08/2017 12:07 Page 3

FEATURE Telematics

DATA DATA EVERYWHERE →

platform, with individual customers handling fleets of over 1,000 vehicles and over 5,000 locations at any given point in time. We handle sensitive topics like data security and integrate with our customers’ IT systems. We run our own data centres, maintained to highest EU standards, and geographically redundant to ensure seamless disaster recovery. That is not a business OEMs will want to get too deep into.”

Beyond data It is specialist services such as these that aftermarket suppliers can continue to offer fleet users. “Open APIs can integrate with back office solutions, ranging from software solutions for route optimisation, order management systems, CRM systems, white-collar fleet or company cars – or it could be software solutions that leasing companies are using for asset management,” George de Boer, leader of connected car initiatives for TomTom, said.

Vauxhall’s OnStar system enables connected car data to be integrated into third-party telematics software.

44 / fleetworld.co.uk

Nunes added: “Integration into back office systems requires technical expertise and experience. But you have to build strategies, business cases, real value, an approval process: partners who can help do that are critical for the entire process. I don’t see anytime soon the manufacturers as being able to provide that level of experience and guidance.”

The aftermarket is confident that black boxes are going nowhere in the next few years, as Chris Miller, CEO of ABAX explained – as long as they are careful to adapt to a changing market and the needs of drivers. “I think if we look at a complete shutdown of the aftermarket and move towards OEMs, you’re probably looking at 20-25 years further down the line. There’s still very much an industry for the black box at the moment to move into. With the ability to offer multiple services that connect that to vehicle telematics, the market can go anywhere.

“So the person we now need to look at, as an aftermarket company, isn’t necessarily the fleet manager and how we help him: we have to look at how we help the people in the vehicles in their everyday life, that we can connect back through telematics.”

Carmakers might currently be making huge strides in the technological capabilities of their vehicles, but they can only do so much. Connected and autonomous vehicles will continue to be their priority in the coming years, so the use of the data might take a back seat.

The aftermarket suppliers are sufficiently experienced and astute to understand this, recognising that it offers hope for not only their continued survival, but even for a chance to carve a profitable niche out for themselves.

Data might be king, but aftermarket telematics companies could still be the power behind the throne in the decades to come.

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TAXATION_FW_Aug17.qxp 03/08/2017 15:35 Page 1

FEATURE Taxation & Funding

Is there a future for cash allowances?

Professor Colin Tourick wonders if changes to taxation on cash allowances could lead companies to drop them altogether. he Chancellor introduced some pretty radical changes in the Spring Budget and this month we will get into the details of one change that has been exercising the minds of many fleet managers. The title of this article is fairly bold: is there a future for cash allowances? But it’s a question that needs to be asked and answered.

T

What’s the issue?

The Finance Act 2017 introduced the concept of Type A and Type B ‘optional remuneration’ arrangements. We will ignore Type A, which relates to salary sacrifice arrangements and will look at Type B – arrangements where an employee receives a company vehicle instead of remuneration. The effect of this is that an employee is liable to pay either Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax on their company car, or income tax that would have been payable had they taken the cash allowance, whichever generates the highest income tax bill.

Why is this a problem?

Many employers give their employees the option to take a cash allowance instead of a company car. It is seen as a valuable part of any flexible benefits scheme. Most employees tend to go for the car but in any organisation there will be some who opt for the cash. For the others, the mere fact that the cash option existed means they could be liable for tax on the allowance rather than BiK tax on the company car.

What’s this going to mean in practice?

If I as an employee am entitled to a car my employer may give

46 / fleetworld.co.uk

me a list of cars to choose from (this is often called a ‘fixed list’ allocation policy). Alternatively, I will be told that I can choose any car, with a few general restrictions, up to a certain cost – probably the leasing company’s monthly rental (a ‘user chooser’ policy).

Let’s say that my employer operates a user chooser policy, that there are 100 people at my grade in the company and that we can choose cars with contract hire rentals up to £400 per month. As an alternative, we can receive a cash allowance of £400 per month and charge the company for business mileage.

I log onto the leasing company’s online system and select a car with a list price of £19,000 and a 1400cc engine that emits 109gm/km of CO2.

Company car BiK tax is calculated as List Price multiplied by the Appropriate Percentage [as published annually by HMRC] multiplied by the employee’s marginal rate of income tax. In this tax year the Appropriate Percentage for a car emitting 109gm/km of CO2 is 20%, so BiK tax would be my marginal tax rate x £3,800.

Under the new rules I will be taxed this year on the higher of £4,800 [i.e. £400 x 12] or £3,800. So in fact I will pay tax on the cash allowance of £4,800, even though I haven’t taken a cash allowance. The mere fact that I could have taken it means I’ll be taxed on it.

We need to bear in mind that over the next three years the appropriate percentage for this car will gradually rise from 20% to 26%, so the calculation will need to be rerun annually to see which generates the highest tax bill; the cash allowance or the benefit of having the company car.

TAXATION_FW_Aug17.qxp 03/08/2017 15:37 Page 2

Under the new system, drivers may be tempted to choose higher-CO2 cars.

Now let’s consider my fellow-employee Andy. We are the same grade, have the same terms and conditions of employment and are due to replace our cars at the same time. Like me, he has never taken the cash option and can never see any circumstances in which he would want to do so.

We discuss the car I’ve chosen and he raises his eyes when he realises that this year I will be paying tax on £4,800 rather than £3,800.

He discovers that within his allowance of £400 per month he can get a car he really likes. It has a list price of £19,500 and an 1,800cc engine that emits 124gm/km of CO2. The appropriate percentage for this emission level is 23%, giving a taxable benefit of £4,485. As this is less than £4,800, he will be taxed on the £4,800.

“Aha!” he exclaims. “I’m getting a car with a bigger engine and a higher list price than yours and I’m not going to be paying a penny more for it.” Which is true this year but not later in a couple of years (because appropriate percentages rise every year). But in his excitement about getting the more powerful car he may not notice (or care about) this.

Why is this bad news?

The old system always incentivised the employee to choose a low-CO2 car. But under the new system, if they are going to pay the same amount of tax anyway, many – like Andy – will ignore CO2 emissions. So the average emissions level of your fleet – which has probably been falling steadily for years – may stop falling unless you intervene to do something about it. Higher emission cars tend to cost more to run, have lower mpg and

cost more in Class 1A national insurance (13.8%).

Andy was able to get a car that was more expensive and had a bigger engine than mine. It emits much more CO2, which he was indifferent to because it didn’t affect him.

The new rules are also bad news because many employees will feel aggrieved and will expect you to do something about it.

“Let me get this right, I’m being taxed this year on the benefit of £4,800 cash that I didn’t receive rather than the £3,800 benefit I did receive? That can’t be right!”.

What should fleet managers be doing about this?

If you offer cash allowances as an alternative to a company car, carry out some detailed work on whether this policy is still serving your company.

• How many people actually take the cash? Why do they do so?

• Do employees who normally take a company car really value the cash alternative? Canvass them to find out.

• Could you withdraw the cash option totally from some employees or employee grades, maybe retaining it for just those few employees who really value it?

• Look at the level of cash allowance you are offering. Is it really quite generous? Might it be sensible to reduce it?

So, is there a future for cash allowances? The answer is yes, though I suspect that many companies may well feel they aren’t worth the bother and will abandon them for most employees.

Professor Colin Tourick MSc FCA FCCA MICFM University of Buckingham

fleetworld.co.uk / 47

MKT_Risk Mgt_FW-Aug17.qxp 03/08/2017 17:12 Page 1

FLEETW RLD

Do you offer on-line Risk Assessment?

Do you offer psychometric driver profiling?

Do you offer risk assessment as part of your programme?

Do you offer an on-the-road driver training programme?

Do you offer a classroom-based driver training programme?

Do your instructors provide a demonstration drive?

Do you offer a vehicle inspection service?

Do your instructors carry out a driver eyesight test?

Do you offer a licence checking facility?

Do you offer nationwide trainer coverage?

Do you offer training for all vehicle types?

Do you offer Post Accident investigations training?

Do you offer e-training as part of your programme?

MARKET OVERVIEW Risk Management

ALD Automotive

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ALD Automotive

The ALD Automotive group is the second largest vehicle leasing operation in Europe and manages over 1.4 million vehicles across more than 40 countries worldwide. Within the UK ALD is widely recognised as one of the industry’s leading service providers, with a proven portfolio of award winning products for major plc’s, small businesses and individual drivers alike. An integral part of ALD’s product range is its award winning DriveSafe programme offering a straightforward, practical and cost effective solution to help establish a lasting road risk reduction programme for all employees who drive on business. Utilising the expertise of specialist partners DriveSafe provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated solution, all managed under one roof and uniquely delivered via ALD’s threesixty online portal.

Contact: Paul Lomas paul.lomas@aldautomotive.com

Tel: 0370 00 111 81 www.aldautomotive.co.uk

RoSPA

As one of the UK’s leading safety organisations, our wide range of safety training courses reflect our passion, expertise and leadership in this area.

RoSPA's range of Fleet Management solutions equip senior managers with the knowledge and guidance to stay on top of this essential and often overlooked area of workplace safety.

Our team of driver trainers boasts the highest credentials; all are Fleet Approved Driving Instructors with the DVSA. In addition, all of our trainers have passed RoSPA’s Advanced Driving Test at Gold grade and hold RoSPA’s National Diploma in Advanced Driving instruction.

Contact: Tayla Byrne tbyrne@rospa.com

48 / fleetworld.co.uk

Tel: 0121 248 2044 www.rospa.com

Roadmarque®

Reduce risk, protect your people, save money. These are the benefits you can realise by using Roadmarque®.

We understand that no two organisations’ requirements are the same. We focus on delivering the best return on investment for you, following an analysis of your objectives.

Roadmarque® contains a number of elements: Compliance (licence check and grey fleet management), Mileage logs, communication, factual Driver Survey, Aptitude Assessment, Training recommendations / implementation.

We don’t impose a fixed programme, but provide the flexibility for you to achieve your aims and comply with legislation.

We work with organisations of all sizes delivering practical and effective solutions. As an independent provider working with many partners we guarantee that we won’t sell you what you do not need. Contact us now to find out more…

Contact: Dr Gerhard Manogg Tel: 01792 824438 hello@roadmarque.com www.roadmarque.com

LTT_FW_Aug17.qxp 03/08/2017 12:50 Page 1

our fleet Renault Megane Sport Tourer GT-Line dCi 110 I’m a fan of the new Megane. After almost a decade of being at the functional but forgettable end of the ultracompetitive C-segment, this feels like a return to form. The new one looks distinctive, drives well and still has all the right rational qualities underneath to work as a fleet car – it’s the best bits of the previous two generations. And what we have here might just be the best way to test how both ends of the product range perform.

We’ve opted for the GT-Line Nav, Renault’s alternative to the now-prerequisite sports-styled versions of most rivals.

It’s almost indistinguishable from the 202bhp RenaultSport-tuned GT, especially in Iron Blue, even getting the cabin upgrades, including excellent bucket seats and a thick-rimmed, flat-bottomed steering wheel. We’ve added the LED headlights and 8.7-inch infotainment system to bring it up to GT spec.

The advantage, of course, is that GT-Line is offered with a wider engine range. So, despite those sporty looks, it’s powered by the familiar 109bhp 1.5-litre diesel, returning 76.4mpg and with 96g/km CO2 emissions. Based on previous experiences with this engine in other cars, it should be capable of well over 60mpg on a gentle motorway run. We’re still running it in, so we’ll update on that in later months.

We’re also getting a sense of how well it works as a loadmover, Sports Tourer versions being well suited to the jobneed end of this segment. Add in smaller wheels and with a less aggressive suspension setup than the GT, and it adds up to a car mixing RenaultSport kerb appeal with ride comfort, refinement, fuel economy and low Benefit-in-Kind.

Having emerged from the shadows a little, it’s become a very tempting all-rounder.

Alex Grant

Peugeot 3008 Allure 1.2 PureTech 130 SO I said last month this is one of the best cars I have driven in years, and another four weeks or so has not changed my opinion of that.

I’m doing very high mileage at the moment so the engine has loosened up noticeably (it was on delivery mileage when it first came in) and is revvier, has a sporty exhaust note and is actually fun to drive for a family crossover, while at motorways speeds the suspension feels well sorted, so there is little roll and it smoothes out rough sections of road.

The double height boot floor has also proved very useful and I like the way you can latch it up to easily get things in and out of the lower area.

That said, the infotainment has had a few wobbles. One day the radio contracted what sounded like interference and no amount of twiddling could change station or volume level. Only a full switch off, key out, lock and back in cured it.

Another day the volume got stuck on silent and required similar therapy. Also, the DAB stations can hide sometimes (in areas I know there to be signal) and I can’t fathom where they have gone. Then they suddenly all leap out and reappear, like they were hiding behind the dashboard. Minor irritants though, in what is still a mightily impressive car.

Steve Moody

fleetworld.co.uk / 49

LTT_FW_Aug17.qxp 03/08/2017 12:51 Page 2

our fleet BMW 520d M Sport I’D love to write about how the 5 Series has driven this month, but it has been to the dealership – the service department specifically.

It’s nothing major, but it is worth writing about. the first sign was an error message telling me that the emergency call button wasn’t working. I called BMW head office, who tried to remotely reset it, but that didn’t work. Next, on the way back from Southampton, the sat nav decided that it would take me up the country. Fortunately I knew where I was going.

A call to Chandlers Brighton (the first of many, it turned out) and the car was to be fixed and picked up before a trip to Heathrow. Upon collection, the service staff assured me it HAD been fixed. Although it hadn’t, because when I got to Heathrow the sat nav was telling me I was in Lewes and the emergency call still wasn’t working.

Another call to Chandlers and the car was re-booked in – only this time they diagnosed that a new part was needed and instead of being done that day as promised, it would be two weeks, so a rental car was arranged. In the meantime, voice control had also decided to down tools, while the ‘Comfort Access’ system decided that locking the car wasn’t for it.

Upon collection, I was told that it was all fixed, but again it all wasn’t. the emergency call system is still faulty and the comfort locking feature is still absent. I know these are minor irritations – almost ‘first world problems’ – but they are also not things you expect. this column has reminded me that another call is due to the dealership to book the car in again. Hopefully this time it won’t require multiple follow-up calls to ask for news.

John Challen

SEAT Leon ST FR Tech 1.4 TFSI ACT Its interesting how many manufacturers are keen for us to try petrol engines in long term fleet vehicles at present.

Certainly the Volkswagen Group’s 1.4 tSI has become a popular choice in place of the firm’s 1.6-litre diesel.

With more than 5,500 miles on the clock, our Leon St is still returning over 48mpg, which is impressive given its ability to rapidly cover the miles. However it does have a relatively small 50-litre tank. the downside is you’re looking for fuel every 400 miles, the upside is that it costs less than £50 a time.

Dan Gilkes

50 / fleetworld.co.uk

Alphacity BMW i3 REX FOR all the technology on board, and the typical carsharing obstacles that it’s managed to overcome, there are some aspects of pool cars that you can’t always escape. the AlphaCity system is embedded into the infotainment screen in our i3; it requires each driver to go through a set of questions about the condition and cleanliness of the car at the start of the loan. So, in turn, you’re helping to monitor who treats it properly, and who isn’t, as well as flagging up the need for repairs or maintenance.

Our car rarely sits still during the week, passed as it is between the different titles sharing the Fleet World office.

One of whom has clipped the mirror, removing a slither of piano black paint, and several successive loaners hadn’t spotted the damage. that’s made it quite hard to trace – though it turns out this happened at the start of a journey, after going through the sign-in process, and was forgotten when it was returned to the office.

It’s been a relatively easy fix, albeit one that’s meant two trips to our local BMW dealership, Barons in Borehamwood to put right. there’s no substitute for a busy, forgetful mind.

Alex Grant

LTT_FW_Aug17.qxp 03/08/2017 12:51 Page 3

Skoda Kodiaq 1.4 TSI Edition WITH the popularity of petrol on the rise as drivers seemingly turn their back on diesels, recent weeks have seen a number of announcements from both the Skoda and Volkswagen camps of new petrol engine variants added to selected line-ups.

This includes, for some models, the 148bhp 1.4 TSI with ACT (Active Cylinder Technology) that our Skoda Kodiaq long-termer comes with.

With 44.8mpg and 143g/km, it’s a worthy engine to consider and performs surprisingly well despite its diminutive size and the heft of the Kodiaq, leading a number of passengers to refuse to believe it’s a 1.4-litre.

Meanwhile the ACT technology helps drive economy under light load.

But it did cause a bit of a kerfuffle the first time I went to fill up and found a large sticker inside the fuel flap saying it takes super unleaded with minimum 95 RON octane rating. As there’s no super unleaded at my local Morrisons and no details of the octane ratings on the pumps, I ended up doing a 13-mile round trip to fill up and was left a bit stumped what to do in the future.

Thankfully we looked into it and found that the terminology for unleaded gradings varies significantly and that in some countries – excluding the UK – you can buy 91 RON fuel, which is classed as ‘regular unleaded’. Closer inspection of the pump revealed a BS EN228 rating – the British Standard for 95 RON fuel – and I’ve been happily filling up since.

Forgetting about the question of whether the super unleaded would bring about improvements in performance or efficiency, it does mean I save between 5p and 10p a litre depending on where I refuel.

But it’s an important note for fleet drivers and just one area to factor in when it comes to any possible switch to petrols.

Natalie Middleton

Kia Optima Sportswagon 1.7 CRDi GT-Line S auto WE’ve been impressed with how easy our Kia is to live with, and are enjoying all the many gadgets fitted as standard, but how does the Optima stack up from a financial perspective?

Our top-spec model has a P11D value of £30,540 and CAP estimates it will be worth £10,225 after three years and 60,000 miles on the fleet, during which time it will have cost £2,168 in service, maintenance and repair.

Rivals? A Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Titanium X Pack Powershift, priced at £ 30,830, will be worth £9,400 and the SMR bill will be £2,211. Trumping them both, though, is the Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI 190 SE L Executive DSG – more expensive at the front-end (£31,215), but an RV value of £11,000 gives less cash lost over the same period. SMR is cheaper too, at £1,968.

Julian Kirk

fleetworld.co.uk / 51

LTT_FW_Aug17.qxp 03/08/2017 12:51 Page 4

our fleet Honda Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo SR “WE’ll never get that desk in: it's only a Civic, after all.” Ah, how foolish I was to underestimate the size of a modern hatchback’s boot.

A minor refurbishment of younger daughter’s bedroom resulted in the swapping of a desk with a friend. I thought we’d struggle to fit it into the Civic long-termer: my wife was confident we could do it. My wife was right and I was wrong. As usual.

The 1,267-litre boot easily swallowed up the desk, but the real test will be a family trip to Wales this month. We usually fill a large estate or SUV up to the gunwales with our stuff (we Thomases don’t travel light), so it will be interesting to see how the Civic copes with luggagegeddon.

In other news, I discovered the better USB, neatly hidden below and beyond the centre console, after last month’s whinge about connectivity. This has unlocked the secrets of Apple CarPlay. Hooray!

Apart from when it decides to disconnect itself and say: “Device not found’, while still playing music. Boo! More concerning is my fuel economy. It did nudge upwards after a recent Sunday day trip

SUPPLIER DIRECTORY electric vehicle charging

to Cambridgeshire, but fell back to 33.4mpg when back around town. At least regular trips to the filling station is keeping my Nectar points topped up.

But a 400+-mile round trip to Wales should help to loosen the engine up. And some proper country roads will also tell me more about how the Civic handles – and how the three-pot engine likes hills.

Craig Thomas

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

accident management Selsia

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

Ford Edge Titanium 2.0 TDCi 210ps PowerShift I MUST admit, when I first saw Ford’s new Edge in the metal, I couldn’t quite work out what it was a rival for. Its proportions are deceptive and the super-high front bonnet underlines that this is a chunky SUV... and it feels big on the road as well. The rivals incidentally include Renault’s excellent new Koleos, Nissan’s X-Trail, Kia’s Sorrento and Hyundai’s Sante Fe, to name but a few.

And getting behind the wheel reveals a car with a distinctly different character to its rivals.

Frankly, it feels a little American – unsurprisingly perhaps for a car that has been on sale in the US since 2015 – and once you get used to both its dimensions and the relaxed way the automatic gearbox makes you drive, it really starts to grow on you. Actually, considering that outward American-ness it’s reasonably competitive with European rivals in this spec. Its 2.0litre diesel produces a very necessary 208bhp to haul its near two-tonne mass around, while returning a respectable 48.7mpg on the combined cycle - that's pretty much mid-table in its class – and there’s plenty of room on board too. Signs that this chunky SUV should have no problems finding a foothold on this side of the Atlantic.

Luke Wikner

For more information, please contact Tracy Howell on 01727 739160 or email tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

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

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

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

TMC Tel: 01270 525 218 www.themilesconsultancy.co.uk

52 / fleetworld.co.uk

SUPPLIER DIRECTORY_Aug17.qxp_SUPPLIER DIRECTORY_Aug'07 03/08/2017 12:47 Page 2

FLEETW RLD SUPPLIER DIRECTORY contract hire, leasing & finance Contract Hire a Car Tel: 0370 218 8015 www.contracthireacar.com

sgfleet Tel: 0845 154 0721 www.sgfleet.com

Maxxia 020 7520 9450 www.maxxia.co.uk

Zenith Tel: 0344 848 9327 www.zenith.co.uk

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

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Cardinus Risk Management Tel: 01733 426015 www.cardinus.com

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

ALD Automotive Tel: 0370 00 111 81 www.aldautomotive.co.uk

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

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

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

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

Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental Tel: 01786 468 700

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

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

daysfleet.com

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

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

Lex Autolease

Tel: 0344 824 0115 www.lexautolease.co.uk Total Leasing Solutions for your business

Telephone 0113 250 0060

www.jct600vehicleleasingsolutions.co.uk

Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk fuel management

misfuelling

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

AFF Tel: 0844 879 4770 www.autofuelfix.com

Tel: 01792 222133 www.daysrental.co.uk Fourways Vehicle Solutions Tel: 0344 8000 385 www.fvsl.co.uk

Tel: 01484 551060 www.virtualriskmanager.net

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

Tel: 01905 887884 www.bespokedrivertraining.com help@bespokedrivertraining.com

Nexus Vehicle Rental 0808 256 7223 www.nexusrental.co.uk

FLEET

November 2014

All that

FLEETW RLD

matters

in the

world of flee

t

All that matters in the world of fleet

interview

MODE L PUP IL

Behind the

Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk

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MODELPUPIL

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intervi Michael O’Shea of Volks ew wagen stoppi ng pow should er check their brake s

Michael O’Shea of Volkswagen

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W RL D

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2014 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

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

Fleetmatics Tel: 0800 975 4566 www.fleetmatics.co.uk

Airmax Remote Limited Tel: 0333 358 3488 www.airmaxremote.com

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

Trakm8 Tel: 0330 333 4120 www.trakm8.com

TMC Tel: 01270 525 218 www.themilesconsultancy.co.uk

www.quartix.net Tel: 0870 013 6663

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

BOX Telematics Tel: 0330 333 4118 www.boxtelematics.com CanTrack Global Ltd Tel: 01908 330385 www.cantrack.com

AMBER CONNECT Tel: 01789 774413 www.amberconnect.co.uk

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

Teletrac Navman Tel: 0345 604 8813 www.teletrac.co.uk Tel: 0345 055 8555 Ctrack www.ctrack.co.uk

www.navmanwireless.co.uk

fleetworld.co.uk / 53

ADVERT_DVA2Z_VFW_Aug17.qxp_Layout 1 03/08/2017 18:29 Page 1

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VAN

August 2017

FLEETW RLD

p58 Mercedes-Benz enters the pickup market with the X-Class

at a glance electric upgrade First drive in Renault's extended range Kangoo Z.E. 33

plus...

The GATEway Project assesses the impact and viability of driverless last-mile deliveries

vanfleetworld.co.uk

VFW_ROAD_Renault_Kangoo_Aug17.qxp_Layout 1 03/08/2017 14:44 Page 1

Renault Kangoo Z.E. 33 Improved battery and motor technology boosts Kangoo Z.E.’s range by 50%, says Dan Gilkes.

enault’s Kangoo Z.E. in both standard and Maxi bodies, has topped the European small electric van market for the last six years, with more than 25,000 of the zero-emissions LCVs sold across Europe. Now the French manufacturer is updating the electric van’s driveline, to provide up to a 50% improvement in driving range, along with easier and faster charging capability.

The Kangoo Z.E. 33, which represents the 33kWh capacity of the lithium-ion battery, now boasts a claimed 170-mile range on the NEDC cycle. That is equivalent to around 120 miles in real-world driving, which is up to 50% further than the original van and suitable for around 85% of small van owners, according to Renault.

Yet while the battery offers increased range, it is physically no larger, so takes up no more space beneath the load floor in the back of the van. The additional capacity has been achieved by improving the chemistry within the battery itself, rather than adding additional cells.

In addition, Kangoo Z.E. now comes with a more efficient R60 motor. This 60hp motor is based on the drive unit from the recently updated ZOE electric car and, in combination with an optimised battery management system, uses less power.

With cab heating capable of consuming large amounts of battery output in colder months, the third component that helps to improve range is a heat pump within the climate control system. This reduces the use of electrical resistors that consume power and range and can be used in conjunction

R

56 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

what we think Increased driving range and improved charging ability should boost customer interest in Renault's market-leading ELCV.

specification MODEL Kangoo Z.E. 33 BASIC PRICE NA ENGINE Synchronous electric motor POWER 60hp @ 12,000rpm TORQUE 225Nm @ 225-1,870rpm Weights (kg) GVW 2,130 KERB WEIGHT 1,505 PAYLOAD 625 MAX TRAILER WEIGHT 374 Dimensions (mm) LOAD SPACE LENGTH 1,731 LOAD SPACE WIDTH 1,219 LOAD SPACE HEIGHT 1,251 LOAD VOLUME 3.0m2 Cost considerations NEDC DRIVING RANGE 170 miles CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS 0 BATTERY POWER 33kWh OIL CHANGE 2 year/24,000 miles WARRANTY 4 yr/100,000 miles

with the pre-conditioning system that allows drivers to set cab temperature while the vehicle is charging.

Talking of which, Renault has added a new charger, that is twice as powerful as the original model. This 7kW AC charger will provide a complete recharge from a 7.4kW wall box in around six hours, down from seven hours. More importantly the Z.E. 33 can be topped up with 22 miles of range in a one hour fast charge period, for instance during a lunch break.

Of course there is little change from the driver’s seat and over an extended test route there was never any suggestion of range anxiety. Tackling unfamiliar urban and country roads in the Kangoo Z.E. is simplicity itself with, in effect, a singlespeed automatic transmission allowing the driver to concentrate on the road ahead.

The van has plenty of acceleration and handles uphill sections with equal ease.

There is rarely a need for braking at lower speeds, as the regeneration slows the van sufficiently.

With the ability to carry over 625kg in either body, the Kangoo Z.E. 33’s additional range should make it an even more popular choice. It could also put electric vans on the potential shopping list for a growing number of fleets.

Renault is also looking at offering a range of conversions based on the Z.E. vans that are currently available in France. These include a fridge van, that uses older drive batteries to power the fridge unit and a 6m3 insulated box van conversion for increased urban deliveries.

PEUGEOT BOXER. NO JOB TOO LARGE. COLOUR TOUCHSCREEN + INTEGRATED SAT NAV*

REAR PARKING AID†

ALARM & DEADLOCKS†

TO ARRANGE A TEST DRIVE, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL PEUGEOT DEALER, FIND OUT MORE AT BUSINESS.PEUGEOT.CO.UK/BOXER OR CALL PEUGEOT FLEET LINE ON 0800 285 1705 ^

PEUGEOT BOXER

VERSATILITY

Official Fuel Consumption in mpg (l/100km) and CO 2 emissions (g/km) for the Boxer Van Range are: Urban 40.9 (6.9) – 43.5 (6.5), Extra Urban 46.3 (6.1) – 49.6 (5.7), Combined 44.1 (6.4) – 47.1 (6.0) and CO 2 168-158g/km. MPG figures are achieved under official EU test conditions, intended as a guide for comparative purposes only, and may not reflect actual on-the-road driving conditions. Model shown is a Boxer Van Professional L3 H2 version. Model shown includes front fog lights and front LED daytime running lights available as cost options at £95.00 and £150.00 respectively (excl VAT). *Available on Boxer Professional Panel Van only. †Available as standard or optional extra cost depending on trim level. ^Calls are free of charge from all consumer landlines and mobile phones. If you are calling from a business phone, you should check with your provider whether there will be a charge for calling an 0800 number.

PEF1164_Boxer_Full_Page_Ad_210x297m_Van Fleet World_v2.indd 1

17/07/2017 16:01

VFW_SPOTLIGHT_Merc_X-Class_Aug17.qxp_Layout 1 03/08/2017 15:06 Page 1

VFW SPOTLIGHT Mercedes-Benz X-Class LCV or SUV While there will be working variants, X-Class aims to bring new levels of SUV luxury to the pickup market. There are six seat coverings on offer, including two types of leather, plus a COMAND Online multimedia system with 8.4” screen. Mercedes car customers will also recognise the multi-function touchpad located by the centre console that allows fingertip spelling and control.

Pick-ups with the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission will get five drive programmes, from Comfort to Offroad and the X-Class will come with Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Traffic Sign Assist as standard. Also on offer will be Trailer Stability Assist, tyre pressure monitoring, cruise control and emergency call systems.

The truck will feature a communications module with integrated SIM card that will make it possible to access the vehicle by smartphone, to check fuel levels and tyre pressures. The Mercedes me app will also make it possible to transmit navigation information to the truck from a phone.

Class act Mercedes-Benz finally takes the wraps off its X-Class pick-up, which hits the market towards the end of the year, says Dan Gilkes.

design and technology Despite the Mercedes nose, it’s easy to see the origins of XClass, in Nissan’s latest Navara.

That’s no bad thing of course, as Navara is currently our top pick in the 1-tonne truck market.

X-Class will be available in three trim levels: Pure, Progressive and Power. The XClass Pure is the most rugged of the three, with black bumpers and non-body colour front apron plus 17” steel wheels, halogen lights, fabric trim and air conditioning. Progressive models come with body-coloured bumpers and 17” alloy wheels as standard, along with electric heated and adjustable mirrors, upgraded fabric trim and improved audio systems.

The Power model gets chromed bumpers and 18” alloys, LED lighting, Artico man-made leather upholstery, electrically adjustable seats, climate control and keyless go.

58 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

FLEET FACT European X-Class trucks will be built in Barcelona, alongside Nissan’s Navara and the Renault Alaskan.

VFW_SPOTLIGHT_Merc_X-Class_Aug17.qxp_Layout 1 03/08/2017 15:07 Page 2

what we think...

While perhaps not quite as aggressive as early concepts suggested, the X-Class looks sufficiently different to Navara and Alaskan to appeal to Mercedes buyers. Mercedes seems determined to have the most powerful and highly specified truck on the market, but expect pricing to reflect that.

power and performance The truck will be launched with two versions of the Renault-Nissan 2.3-litre diesel engine. The X220d will be a single turbo with 163hp and the X250d a bi-turbo with 190hp on tap. A V6 diesel-engined X350d will join the line-up next year, boasting a class topping 258hp, with 550Nm of torque.

A six-speed manual gearbox and selectable four-wheel drive are standard on the two four-cylinder models, with a seven-speed 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission available as an option on the X250d. The auto box and full-time all-wheel drive will be standard on the X350d.

As with the Navara, the X-Class benefits from coil spring suspension front and rear, giving the truck an improved ride on and off the road. A 20mm higher riding suspension set-up is available as an option. Mercedes has opted for ventilated disc brakes all round on all models. Payload exceed 1-tonne and the trucks can haul a 3.5-tonne trailer.

vanfleetworld.co.uk / 59

VFW_ROAD_VW_Caddy_Aug17.qxp_Layout 1 03/08/2017 14:47 Page 1

Volkswagen Caddy TGI Volkswagen promotes natural gas as a bridging technology to electromobility, says Dan Gilkes.

SECTOR Small van GVW 390-530 miles CO2 112-126g/km LOAD VOLUME 3.2-4.1m3

n the quest to reduce exhaust emissions and find alterthe DSG, while the larger Maxi produces 116g/km and natives to conventional petrol and diesel drivelines, sev126g/km respectively. As the gas cylinders sit beneath the eral manufacturers have looked at compressed natural load floor there is no impact on interior space or load sill gas (CNG) as an option. Mercedes-Benz, Iveco and Volkheight, however they do take around 100kg from the availswagen have all offered CNG vans here before and, in the able payload. case of Iveco’s Daily they still do.

Where CNG is available, re-fueling takes around six minWhile VW doesn’t currently have any CNG commercials utes and the CNG vans have the same service intervals as the on sale in the UK, the company is pushing the fuel in its standard petrol version of the Caddy. The gas tanks do have home market in Germany, and across other parts of the to be removed and refurbished at four year intervals though. world. The VW Group has no fewer than 19 car and van The availability of gas has been a problem for UK buyers, models available with the fuel, including but in Germany there are 900 CNG stathe popular Caddy van. tions, rising to 2,000 by 2025.

The Caddy TGI BlueMotion comes in Fuel cost is a potential benefit, alongboth short wheelbase and Maxi bodies side the reduced emissions. The 1.4-litre and in LCV and people-carrying versions. motor is 28% more fuel efficient that Unfortunately the gas-powered van is not the previous 2.0-litre naturally aspicurrently available in right-hand drive. rated engine that VW used in the old The TGI BlueMotion uses a 1.4-litre turCaddy EcoFuel. bocharged petrol/CNG engine, producing Gas is purchased by the kg rather than 110hp and 200Nm of torque. This can be the litre and 1kg of CNG has the same paired with a six-speed manual or, for the energy content as around 1.3-litres of first time in this sector of the market, a diesel or 1.5-litres of petrol. Taking that DSG gearbox. into account, gas currently has a price Both Caddys have a 13-litre petrol advantage of around 11% in Germany. tank, as the engine starts on petrol and That seems to appeal to drivers, with requires the fuel to operate at low temaround 100,000 CNG-powered cars and The Caddy TGI offers a peratures. The short wheelbase Caddy vans on German roads today. The councost-effective alternative comes with four steel gas tanks beneath try aims to increase that tenfold by 2025, to the regular diesel the load floor holding 158 litres (25kg) of to more than 1m. van, but it remains an gas. This gives the van a useable range of If there was demand, there is no reainterim solution on the around 390 miles. The Caddy Maxi has son why the next generation Caddy five tanks holding 202 litres (32kg) proshould not be offered with the gas conincreasingly rapid journey viding up to 530 miles of driving range. version in right hand drive too. Although to electromobility.

The Caddy TGI emits 112g/km of CO2 by then we may also be looking at a with a manual gearbox or 123g/km with hybrid or full EV van.

I

what we think

60 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

£199

PER MONTH

1

PLUS £1,194 ALL RENTALS INITIAL RENTAL + VAT AT 20%

BUSINESS CONTRACT HIRE

THE MITSUBISHI

L200 SERIES 5

SHOWING THE WORLD HOW IT’S DONE

The Mitsubishi L200 Series 5 Titan is now more affordable than ever. From £199 per month+VAT1 over 3 years on a 10,000 p.a. mileage Contract Hire contract provided by Shogun Vehicle Leasing, and with outstanding 4WD ability, it really does show the world how it’s done. We call this Intelligent Motion.

Take on the world | Visit mitsubishi-cars.co.uk to find out more 1. L200 Series 5 Titan rental shown is for manual transmission. Business users only, subject to status provided by Shogun Vehicle Leasing (a trading style of Lex Autolease Ltd, SK3 ORB). Excess mileage charges of 11.4p plus VAT per mile. Vehicle must be returned in good condition to avoid further charges. The offer is valid for new vehicles registered between 29th June and 27th September 2017, whilst stocks last. Other terms and mileages are available on request. Available at participating dealers in the UK (EXCLUDES Channel Island and I.O.M) subject to availability. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and is correct at time of going to print. The air conditioning system contains fluorinated greenhouse gases. Chemical name: HFC-134a. Pre-chased weight: 0.52kg. Global-warming potential ratio: 1430. Converted CO2 weight: 0.74t.

M42606 Q3 2017 L200 Series 5 What Van Fleet World Mag 297x210.indd 1

24/07/2017 14:35

VFW_Gateway Project_Aug17.qxp 03/08/2017 14:32 Page 1

FEATURE GATEway Project

GATEway Project Autonomous grocery deliveries test possible future technology, says Dan Gilkes.

The All-New Crafter.

It’s so safety conscious it even protects your bottom line.

You asked for a more safety conscious vehicle, suitable for driving in congested city streets. Well, the all-new Crafter Trendline certainly delivers. We’ve worked with you to introduce many driver assistance systems, like Side Protection and Front Assist. In fact, all Volkswagen vans now come with City Emergency Braking as standard. These systems help avoid potential vehicle downtime caused by an accident. So not only does this protect the contents of the van, it can also reduce insurance costs.

Search ‘New Crafter’ or visit your local Van Centre to experience this game-changing van for yourself.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Working with you.

Image may not reflect standard UK specifications.

VFW_Gateway Project_Aug17.qxp 03/08/2017 14:32 Page 2

hile much of the news around autonomous technology is understandably focussed on passenger-carrying vehicles, the potential for self-driving goods vehicles is equally important. Take a close look at the traffic on any urban street and you will see that vans make up a surprisingly large proportion of the vehicles occupying our roads.

The TRL-led £8m GATEway (Greenwich Automated Transport Environment) research project in south London has been jointly funded by government and industry. It aims to understand and overcome the technical, legal and societal challenges of implementing automated vehicles in the urban environment.

The project has already pioneered driverless shuttles for passengers at the O2 in Greenwich, but more recently has turned its attention to grocery deliveries. Working with home delivery specialist Ocado Technologies, the project has employed a CargoPod autonomous vehicle developed by Oxford-based Oxbotica. This in turn uses Oxbotica’s Selenium software, to enable real-time navigation, planning and perception in dynamic environments.

The CargoPod is based on a standard electric delivery van, that has been converted to run autonomously. Under current restrictions the vehicle has to have a ‘driver’ who can take over the controls if required. In real use the vehicle would not require the driver’s compartment.

Ocado Technology has been trialling the CargoPod for lastmile deliveries within the Royal Arsenal Riverside development in Greenwich. This smart housing development of more than 5,000 homes has little traffic, making it easier for the vehicle to operate among pedestrians and cyclists.

The CargoPod is equipped with eight delivery bays that illu-

W

minate and unlock on arrival at the customer’s address. The customer is forewarned of the delivery and has to be waiting at the side of the road to take delivery of their goods.

As mentioned the trial is not intended to be a realistic delivery vehicle or even a delivery method, but it is being used to prove the software and logistics behind autonomous deliveries.

“For us the GATEway trial is all about last-mile deliveries,” said David Sharp, head of Ocado Technology.

Ocado has 580,000 active customers and makes 230,000 deliveries a week, each averaging at least 50 items. More than 50% of those orders now come through smartphone applications, which is one of the reasons that Ocado Technology now employs around 950 software engineers.

The company is looking at the entire process, from user interaction to warehousing and robotics, artificial intelligence to cloud-based delivery algorithms.

However the potential market for last-mile delivery software extends beyond Ocado’s own operations, as the company intends to licence the technology to other delivery specialists.

We are still some way off fully autonomous grocery deliveries, but the GATEway trial will help to guide a wider roll-out of autonomous vehicles.

“This trial with Ocado Technology provides an ideal platform to help us understand where these vehicles could best operate and whether people would accept, trust and like them as an automated delivery service in the city,” said TRL principal research scientist Simon Tong.

“We envisage that cities could benefit massively if deliveries could be made by quiet, zero emissions automated vehicles when congestion is minimal.”

volkswagen-vans.co.uk/craftedbyyou

MKT-Daily Rental-VFW-Aug17.qxp 03/08/2017 14:04 Page 1

MARKET OVERVIEW Daily Rental

Europcar

Arnold Clark Car& Van Rental

Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental is one of the UK’s largest, independently owned rental companies with over 50 years’ experience providing long and shortterm tailor-made economical fleet solutions. We have a nationwide, multi-franchise fleet with over 4,500 commercial vehicles, operating in 38 branches throughout the UK. Close manufacturer relationships mean we can offer competitive rates on a range of up-to-date vehicles, which are all under one year old. Our impressive range of high quality commercial vehicles allows us to cater to all industry sectors and provide fleet solutions tailored to meet each client’s individual requirements.

Operating 7,500 vans at peak times and working with all the key van and truck manufacturers, the Europcar fleet now includes 4x4 pickups, 5 and 6 seater crew vans and Chapter 8 compliant vehicles as well as the full range of standard commercial vehicles. With an average age of 14-15 months, Europcar vans offer the best in security and functionality as well as delivering important cost and environmental benefits. And 14 specialist sites in all the major business conurbations across the UK ensure that the right vehicles are available in the right place at the right time.

Contact: Sales Team car.rental.sales@arnoldclark.com www.arnoldclarkrental.com

Tel: 01923 724400 europcar.co.uk/business businesssupport@europcar.com

Tel: 01786 468700

FleetEurope

FleetEurope is a multiaward winning, independent provider of short- and mid-term commercial vehicle rental. Our extensive network provides access to 175,000+ commercial and specialist vehicles from 1,500+ locations nationwide for delivery to your home or office address within two hours. Additional benefits include an industry-leading online booking system, dedicated account management, 24-hour emergency support, one-way vehicle rentals, a market-leading 99% invoice accuracy rate and extensive management reporting to continuously monitor and reduce your rental expenditure. Try our van rental service for free today. Visit www.fleeteurope.co.uk and rent a Transit Connect, Transit Custom or Long Wheelbase Transit Van free for a day.

Contact: Rental Team info@fleeteurope.co.uk

Tel: 01494 435000 www.fleeteurope.co.uk

Fourways

Fourways Vehicle Solutions offers a distinctive customer service based approach to corporate vehicle rental. Through our vast supplier network we provide short and long term car, commercial and specialist vehicle hire right across the UK. We can source all types of commercial vehicles, including but not limited to: Car derived vans, SWB/LWB vans, Luton vans, Crew-cab Tippers and dropsides, Refridgerated vans as well as Welfare vans. We can also provide additional requirements such as towbars, roofracks, truckman tops and Chapter 8 livery to suit your needs.

We would be delighted to talk to you about tailor making a solution to suit your vehicle rental requirements.

Contact: Julia Barwick/Lucy Stokes Tel: 03448 000385 info@fvsl.co.uk

SHB has a diverse national fleet of over 16,000 vehicles ranging from cars, 4x4s, standard and specialist LCVs, HGVs, golf buggies and ATVs. We possess the largest 4x4 rental fleet in Europe as well as the biggest hire fleet of HGV tippers, crane lorries and Traffic Management in the UK. We are able to provide spot, flexi, and long term hire, fleet management and support services. SHB specialise in all market sectors and offer bespoke hire packages to all requirements including highly specific and modified specialist vehicles.

Thrifty Car and Van Rental

Contact: Hire Team enquiries@shb.co.uk

Contact: Caroline Gallagher caroline.gallagher@thrifty.co.uk

SHB Hire Ltd

64 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

Tel: 01794 511458 www.shb.co.uk

www.fvsl.co.uk

Thrifty Car and Van Rental has 100 UK locations, offering a full range of commercial vehicles. Thrifty has a dedicated Central Reservation Team, providing an immediate response to enquiries and offering highly competitive rates, with access to a quality fleet of vehicles nationwide and an efficient delivery and collection service. Fast, accurate billing and detailed management information is available along with a dedicated account manager. For longer-term hires, Thrifty’s Flexi Fleet programme enables customers to rent vehicles on a short to medium term basis without being tied into a long-term commitment.

Tel: 01494 751615 www.thrifty.co.uk

MKT-Daily Rental-VFW-Aug17.qxp 03/08/2017 14:03 Page 2

VAN

Do you provide online damage management?

Do you provide electronic invoicing and statements?

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Do you offer a guaranteed no turn down policy?

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Do you offer vans fitted with tail-lifts?

Do you offer vans fitted with satellite navigation systems?

Do you offer an on-line management reporting facility?

Service unavailable

Do you offer an on-line booking facility for vans?

-

Do you offer a delivery/ collection service for vans?

Service provided

Do you offer a one-way rental facility for vans?

✔

How many rental locations does your company have?

Key to services

How many commercial vehicles does your company operate?

FLEETW RLD

Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental

4.5k

38

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7

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7.5k

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Want to know how much your commercial vehicle fleet costs to run?

Visit www.fleetworld.co.uk to gain greater control, with the all-new Fleet World Workshop webtools...

FLEETW RLD Comparator and calculator webtools for f leets vanfleetworld.co.uk / 81

VFW SUPPLIER DIRECTORY_Aug17.qxp_VFW SUPPLIER DIRECTORY_Aug'07 03/08/2017 12:48 Page 1

VAN SUPPLIER DIRECTORY FLEETW RLD daily rental SHB Hire Ltd Tel: 01794 511458 www.shb.co.uk

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

contract hire, leasing & finance

racking systems

tail lifts

fleet management software

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

Bott Ltd Tel: 01530 410600 www.bottltd.co.uk

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

Drive Software Solutions Tel: 01438 317731 www.drivesoftwaresolutions.com

Zenith Tel: 0344 848 9327 www.zenith.co.uk

Full listings online at

fleetworld.co.uk

Penny Hydraulics Tel: 01246 811475 www.pennyhydraulics.com

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

Ratcliff Palfinger Ltd Tel: 01707 325571 www.ratcliffpalfinger.co.uk

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

accident management

Tel: 01792 222133 www.daysrental.co.uk Fourways Vehicle Solutions Tel: 0344 8000 385 www.fvsl.co.uk

ALD Automotive Tel: 0370 00 111 81 www.aldautomotive.co.uk

Selsia

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

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

Tel: 0141 332 2626 www.acvm.com

telematics & tracking

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

www.quartix.net Tel: 0870 013 6663

Nexus Vehicle Rental 0808 256 7223 www.nexusrental.co.uk

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

Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental Tel: 01786 468 700

Volkswagen Group Leasing Tel: 0870 333 2229

www.arnoldclarkrental.com

www.volkswagengroupleasing.co.uk

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

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

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

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

Trakm8 Tel: 0330 333 4120 www.trakm8.com

fleetworld.co.uk

Full listings online at

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

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

Tel: 0345 055 8555 Ctrack www.ctrack.co.uk

AMBER CONNECT Tel: 01789 774413 www.amberconnect.co.uk

Exeros Technologies Tel: 020 8303 1188 www.exeros-technologies.com

Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk fuel management

STEPS AVS Steps Ltd

TMC Tel: 01270 525 218 www.themilesconsultancy.co.uk

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

Tel: 01939 235900 www.avssteps.co.uk

van liners United Vanliners Ltd Tel: 01778 561900 www.unitedvanliners.co.uk

driver licence checking TMC

risk management IAM RoadSmart Tel: 020 8996 9600 www.iamroadsmart.com

Tel: 01270 525 218 www.themilesconsultancy.co.uk

VAN FLEETW RLD SUPPLIER DIRECTORY

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

66 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

For more information, please contact Tracy Howell on 01727 739160 or email tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

ADVERT_DVA2Z_VFW_Aug17.qxp_Layout 1 03/08/2017 18:29 Page 1

DON’T GIVE UP YOUR DAY JOB! You want your vans to work efficiently and economically for your business.

Make testing and choosing them just as time and cost-effective.

DriveVansA2Z at Silverstone is a ground-breaking show, the only one of its kind, that allows you to test drive lots of different vans and talk to suppliers about your particular requirements, all in just one day.

So you can then get on with running your business.

And in keeping with the efficiency theme, Fleet World subscribers go FREE! Just enter the code FWG2017 online for your free entry ticket.

Drive, Discuss and Decide at DriveVansA2Z

13 September 2017 SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT Visit

in association with

to get tickets and more information.

the rom

sults. ed on tions

THE ALL-NEW

SUZUKI SWIFT

PACKED WITH FEATURES FOR BUSINESS SAFETY When it comes to you and your passengers, the cargo is more precious than any car. So the all-new Swift comes with the latest safety features to give you the ultimate reassurance that you’re protected. Six separate airbags, from SRS front airbags to side and curtain airbags, are included as standard.

TECHNOLOGY The all-new Swift comes with hands-free Bluetooth so you can keep in touch safely; DAB digital radio to soundtrack your next adventure; USB connectivity to your smartphone; plus Apple CarPlay* or Android Auto* and more space than ever for everything you’ll need on the way. Plus, a dashboard with intuitive controls to help you drive smarter. It’s a driving experience like no other.

PERFORMANCE Take fun to a whole new level with the powerful all-new Swift.

Its light body gives it a speedy, agile feel on the road, making it even more fun to drive. And the range of engine and transmission options give you the freedom to pick the perfect drive for you. *SZ-T and SZ5 models only Apple, Apple CarPlay and iPhone are all trademarks of Apple Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Android Auto, Google, GooglePlay and other marks are trademarks of Google inc.

THE ALL-NEW

SUZUKI SWIFT

TAKE YOUR BUSINESS TO THE NEXT LEVEL

COMMITMENT TO THE FLEET INDUSTRY – “THEOURSUZUKI BUSINESS CHARTER – BEING PROUD

OF OUR BRAND, OUR PEOPLE, OUR DEALER NETWORK, ALONGSIDE EXCITING & AFFORDABLE CUTTING EDGE PRODUCTS. Graeme Jenkins Head Of Fleet, Suzuki GB

”

FOR MORE REASONS TO CHOOSE SUZUKI FOR YOUR BUSINESS: VISIT CARS.SUZUKI.CO.UK/BUSINESS EMAIL BUSINESSCARS@SUZUKI.CO.UK PHONE 01908 336130

Filename:

10053977 Swift Fleetworld Wrap

StM:

CrD:

Client:

Suzuki

Client No.:

1012106

PrM:

Des:

Tag No.:

10053977

Date:

18/06/17

ArtD:

AccD:

CW:

AccM:

Artworker: Jim/V2

Publication: Fleetworld Wrap

Notes: