Fleet World August 2018

August 2018

FLEETW RLD All that matters in the world of fleet

TELEMATICS: EVOLVED Navigating the challenges and opportunities of cutting-edge fleet technology

BVRLA Tech Congress The biggest tech trends shaping fleet management

Audi e-tron Up close with Audi’s zerocompromise, zero-emission SUV

Kona Electric Hyundai’s 280-mile electric SUV tested

Value of Data Exclusive results from Shell and Fleet World's pan-European survey fleetworld.co.uk

contents August 2018

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BVRLA Tech Congress The biggest tech trends affecting fleets.

39

The Value of Data Analysing the results of Shell and Fleet World's exclusive international survey.

FLEETW RLD All that matters in the world of fleet

TELEMATICS: EVOLVED Navigating the challenges and opportunities of cutting-edge fleet technology

BVRLA Tech Congress The biggest tech trends shaping fleet management

Audi e-tron Up close with Audi’s zerocompromise, zero-emission SUV

Kona Electric Hyundai’s 280-mile electric SUV tested

Value of Data Exclusive results from Shell and Fleet World's pan-European survey fleetworld.co.uk

Director Jerry Ramsdale jerry@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Editor Alex Grant alex@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Business Editor Natalie Middleton natalie@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Content Editor Jonathan Musk jonathan@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

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VFW Editor Dan Gilkes dan@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

Hyundai Kona Electric Game-changing electric SUV.

Fleet Consultant Steve Moody steve@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Account Directors Claire Warman claire@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Yvonne Wright yvonne@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Kevin Gregory – Van Fleet World kevin@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Account Executive Darren Brett darren@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Circulation Manager Tracy Howell tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Head of Production Luke Wikner luke@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Designers Dan Bennett dan.bennett@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Tina Ries tina@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

Published by

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Where next for telematics?

Masternaut and Geotab outline the future of the industry.

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

City, Slicker How data is de-mystifying multi-modal urban transport.

VAN FLEETW W RLD

• Cutting costs with training • Volkswagen Amarok Dark Label tested To subscribe to Fleet World visit: www.fleetworldsubscriptions.co.uk Certified circulation Jan – Dec 2017 18,001

fleetworld.co.uk / 03

fleetreview While the Government drags its feet over the transition to EVs, Fleet World editor, Alex Grant, reckons it’ll be forwardthinking suppliers and carmakers leading the charge.

EVs: pull, not push The term ‘game-changer’ makes such a frequent appearance in press kits and media bumf that it’s almost in danger of being worn out. But, amidst the bombardment with products claiming to turn the world as we know it on its head, a few are worthy of the title.

Last month, I spent a couple of days in Europe’s EV capital, Oslo, testing one such product. The Hyundai Kona Electric marks a meeting of worlds; the latest battery technology enabling a 280-mile range and (once the infrastructure rolls out to support it) short charging times, and launching in a segment that’s seeing soaring customer demand. And unlike the premium brand electric SUVs, it’s a wellappointed £32,000 car after the Plug-in Car Grant.

You can read my full verdict on page 34, but suffice to say I was impressed. It’s a car with enough range to be the only set of wheels in a household, enough performance to shrug off the ‘white goods’ image unfairly applied to many EVs, and good enough value not to be out of reach. Suddenly it’s production limitations, not technological ones, that’ll limit its suitability for fleets. It’s a big moment.

Arriving as BP and Shell are buying charging and utility companies, you’d have to be especially wedded to fossil fuels to overlook where this is all headed.

And – despite the ‘Road to Zero’ strategy finally appearing in July, it seems the progression won’t be driven by policy, but (even by the Government’s own admission) a very natural progression towards electric mobility. One driven by the genuine ‘game-changers’ who are really striving for mass-market appeal.

Introducing…

Change is happening at Fleet World, and we’ve got loads of exciting news in the pipeline for the final months of 2018 – some of which you’ll get a glimpse of in the next issue. But first, a nod to a new date in the diary for next year. 24 January 2019 is the date of the inaugural Great British Fleet Event; an action-packed day of exhibitions, launches, seminars and networking for our industry, culminating in an awards gala for attendees. You’ll find all the latest updates at greatbritishfleetevent.co.uk – and we’ll keep you updated over the coming months.

Hyundai Kona Electric could mark a step-change for EVs

04 / fleetworld.co.uk

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

Ford NEWS

inbrief

Five-star rating for All-New Ford Focus The All-New Ford Focus has been awarded the maximum five-star safety rating by independent crash test authority Euro NCAP – one of the first vehicles to be awarded the highest rating under new, more stringent Euro NCAP testing protocols.

Focus delivers sophisticated features designed to help prevent or mitigate the impact of an accident, including Ford’s Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection – commended by Euro NCAP – which can detect people in or near the road ahead, or who may cross the vehicle’s path.

The system automatically applies the brakes if it detects a potential collision and the driver does not respond to warnings; can now also detect cyclists; and functions in the dark using light from the headlamps.

Euro NCAP awarded high scores to Focus for both adult and child occupant protection – supported by a 40 per cent increase in front crash load capability from Ford’s all-new C2 architecture, and a body structure comprising 33 per cent ultra-high strength and press-hardened boron steels.

Focus also achieved maximum scores in tests designed to replicate car-to-car side impacts.

Technologies like Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection will reduce the demand on drivers, helping them focus their attention and be more confident at the wheel.

• The All-New Ford Focus range is now on sale including sporty ST-Line and luxurious Vignale series, with Active crossover available in five-door and estate body styles later this year.

New head-up display Ford’s first head-up display to be offered in Europe – one of the brightest and largest available - helps drivers focus attention on the road ahead, while a rear wide-view camera offers a 180-degree view for improved visibility when reversing from parking spaces or driveways.

Ford’s Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert warns drivers reversing out of a parking space of vehicles that may soon be crossing behind them, and can apply the brakes for the first time to avoid or mitigate the effects of collisions if drivers do not respond to warnings.

Other connectivity features available include: • Qi wireless charging pad • 4G LTE wi-fi hotspot for up to 10 devices • 675 watt B&O PLAY sound system • SYNC3 with eight-inch colour touchscreen • Rotary gear shift dial on eight-speed automatic transmissions

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

Ford News Feature // 05

Advanced features...

The All-New Ford Focus introduces a wider range of advanced driver assistance features than any Ford vehicle before, enabled by three radars, two cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors.

These technologies, under the umbrella Ford Co-Pilot360, enhance protection, driving and parking, and are designed to make driving more comfortable, less demanding and safer. They include: • Adaptive Cruise Control now enhanced with Stop & Go and Lane Centring on automatic transmission and Traffic Sign Recognition on all transmissions, for effortlessly negotiating stop-start traffic, and supported

by Lane Keeping Aid and Intelligent Speed Limiter technologies commended by Euro NCAP. • Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System with new camerabased predictive curve light and sign-based light that pre-adjust headlamp patterns for improved visibility by monitoring bends and – for the first time in the industry – road signs.

• Evasive Steering Assist, only available with Adaptive Cruise Control, uses radar and camera to detect slower-moving and stationary vehicles ahead and provides steering support to enable drivers to manoeuvre around a vehicle if a collision is imminent.

If an accident occurs, new PostCollision Braking technology helps to reduce the impact of a potential secondary collision.

i nbusiness

in brief Correction: Chargemaster In the July 2018 issue of Fleet World, the ‘EV Infrastructure’ Market Overview (Page 45) included incorrect igures for Chargemaster Plc. We can con irm that the company has 50,000 charging points installed in the UK, including 6,500 on the publicly‐accessible Polar network.

Great British Fleet Event 2019

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leet World is launching a new event next January, bringing decision‐makers and suppliers together and highlighting excellence within an ever‐changing industry.

Taking place on 24 January 2019, at Novotel London West, the Great British Fleet Event (GBFE) is taking place in partnership with IAM RoadSmart, Verizon Connect and SmartFleet Solutions. It offers a packed schedule for attendees, including an exhi‐ bition area for networking with the industry’s biggest suppliers and organisations, and a full programme of seminars to understand the changes affecting your industry.

The event also includes a gala awards line‐up recognising the 2019 Cars of the Year and Superstar accolades awarding innovation among businesses running company cars and mobility solutions. The GBFE will be held in addition to the annual Silverstone Fleet Show, which takes place in May, also offering test drive opportunities for cars, vans and bikes.

For more details about the event, and to catch up with the latest updates from suppliers, visit greatbritishfleetevent.co.uk.

In association with

smartfleetsolutions we tick every box

UK air quality plans ‘woefully inadequate’, says ClientEarth

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nvironmental action group, ClientEarth, has slammed the UK Govern‐ ment’s Air Quality Plan and Road to Zero strategies, claiming neither solve long‐standing problems with national policies, and arguing that they put shift the burden to local authorities.

Speaking at the Westminster Energy, Environment and Transport Forum in July, senior campaigner Andrea Lee said neither document put enough emphasis on alternatives to cars and LCVs, such as walking, cycling or devel‐ oping more efficient freight and logistics solutions, or took a strong enough national stance.

Lee stressed that, by no fault of their own, authorities’ clean air plans may be inadequate to address ‘long‐standing national policies’ focused on tech‐ nology rather than investing in public transport or other infrastructure.

“The Government’s Air Quality Plan is woefully inadequate, twice it’s been found to be unlawful by the High Court, but the buck has been passed onto local authorities, while failing to address national policy failures, which are part of the problem. We’ve seen the Government drag its feet for eight years, choosing to fight legal challenges instead of getting on with it. Which is why we need to keep this pressure on, and get them to work on it,” she said.

08 / fleetworld.co.uk

2%

Share of UK businesses willing to give up company cars. 48% are interested in mobility solutions.

Source: Arval UK CVO

UK Government looks to car and van free cities

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he UK Government has outlined plans to radically change transport, including measures to reduce car and van traffic in city centres, and even util‐ ising flying cars.

Call for evidence documents, posted at the end of July, kickstart the Future of Mobility Grand Challenge, which aims to make the UK a world leader in the movement of goods, services and people, while also developing cleaner, safer, more accessible transport and promote economic growth.

The proposals include electric light vehicles as last‐mile alternatives to the UK’s four million vans, and removing parking spaces from city centres ready for autonomous cars, in turn enabling more housing to be built. A £12.1m funding pot will support six projects simulating how connected and autonomous vehicles could contribute, while the Government says flying vehicles could also play a role in re‐shaping urban centres.

Transport minister Jesse Norman said: “This could bring significant bene‐ fits to people right across the country and presents enormous economic opportunities for the UK, with autonomous vehicles sales set to be worth up to £52 billion by 2035.”

inbusiness

in brief

New cars

Sygic to launch offline Apple CarPlay navigation

Audi Q3

A

udi will launch its second‐generation Q3 SUV this autumn, renewing its competition to the Jaguar E‐Pace and Volvo XC40. The newcomer gets the brand’s latest driver assistance technology, with new digital instruments and infotainment and matrix LED headlights with a main beam that shapes itself around other traffic. It launches with three turbocharged petrol engines between 148bhp and 227bhp, including the Group’s new 1.5‐litre unit. A 148bhp 2.0‐litre diesel will also be available, with a 187bhp TDI to follow.

Sygic is the irst company to con irm it will launch a navigation app for Apple CarPlay, with the advantage that it won’t require a mobile data connection. The app will include predictive routing, speed camera information and lifetime updates, as on the smartphone version, and launches as CarPlay opens to third‐party mapping apps with autumn’s iOS12 update.

Security risks for car sharing apps uncovered

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon

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ercedes‐Benz is extending the A‐Class range to include the first‐ever saloon bodystyle, said to offer class‐leading rear head‐ room and CO2 emissions from 107g/km. The newcomer won’t have the CLA’s frameless doors, but will offer a 10% increase in boot capacity versus the hatch, while sharing its trim levels and engines, returning up to 70.6mpg for the 1.5‐litre diesel. Launching later this year, the saloon joins a small car line‐ up growing from five models to eight, in line with record global demand.

New research from software security company Kaspersky Lab has uncovered security loopholes with car sharing apps which could enable criminals to gain access. Of the 13 applications tested, accounting for more than a million global downloads, all had vulnerabilities which could enable users to be spied on or have details stolen, or for cars to be stolen, the company said.

Drivers’ sight tests needed every ten years, says GEM Road safety organisation, GEM Motoring Assist, has launched a petition calling for compulsory eyesight screening for drivers every ten years, in line with licence renewals. The company pointed out Brake statistics showing 1.5m motorists had never had their eyes tested, adding that poor eyesight is linked to 3,000 fatal or serious injury collisions each year.

trading places

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Mark Sinclair joins TMC Industry stalwart Mark Sinclair has joined TMC in the newly created role of chief financial officer.

Sinclair will lead the Finance and Data Teams as well heading up a research project, in conjunction with universities in the North West, into journey patterns, fuel usage and driver behaviour, which will help steer TMC’s product development.

Harvey Stead appointed MD at FMG Accident management specialist FMG has appointed commercial director Harvey Stead as its new managing director with immediate effect.

The move comes as current incumbent Mark Chessman is promoted to a new role as chief operating officer of Redde, which acquired FMG three years ago.

BCA appoints international finance director BCA has appointed David Banks as finance director of its international operations.

Banks is a CIMA qualified accountant with a record of working as a commercial business partner, and will support JeanRoch Piat, CEO of BCA Europe, and the wider international BCA management team.

10 / fleetworld.co.uk

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UP TO CO2 143g/km BIK 29% P11D £ 28,055 MPG 45.6 For more information contact our business centre on 0808 168 5840 or visit Jeep.co.uk/fleet

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WHO’S DRIVING RISK IN YOUR BUSINESS?

UK steps up plans for ‘world-leading EV charging network’

The UK’s race to build a world‐leading national charging network has taken a major step forwards as the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act receives Royal Assent.

Announced in the Queen’s Speech a year ago, the new laws give the Government powers to make electric vehicle charge points mandatory at motorway services and even allow mayors to request installations at large fuel retailers in their areas – supporting plans for most new cars to be ULEVs by 2030 under the newly announced Road to Zero Strategy.

Expected to improve consumer con idence in charging their vehicles, the new laws also enable the Government to ensure new charge

You may have some hidden risks if your employees are driving their privately-owned cars for work.

points are ‘smart’, standardise payments and ensure key charge point information is made public while setting standards for reliability.

Insurance rules will be modernised to cover autonomous cars.

Jesse Norman, Roads Minister, said: “The increasing automation of our cars is transforming the way we drive, and the government is steadily updating our laws in order to prepare for the future.

“This act will ensure that the UK’s infras‐ tructure and insurance system is ready for the biggest transport revolution in a century.

[It] will ensure that the UK’s infrastructure and insurance system is ready for the biggest transport revolution in a century.”

EU-style CO2 targets vital post-Brexit, UK warned Post‐Brexit Britain must adopt at least the same CO2 targets as the rest of the EU, or it risks sti ling the market for ultra‐low emission vehicles, Trans‐ port and Environment has warned.

Speaking at the inaugural Oxford EV Summit, the organisation’s director of clean vehicles, Greg Archer, said there were only 30 electric vehicles on sale in Europe, compared to 430 combustion engine models. He added that secret shopper surveys had shown dealers were dissuading drivers from buying ULEVs, that these models typically had six to nine month waiting times, and only accounted for 5% of carmakers’ UK adver‐ tising spend last year.

DISCOVER MORE LEXAUTOLEASE.CO.UK/GREY-FLEET 14 / fleetworld.co.uk

This, he said, makes regulation essential. Manu‐ facturers are working towards the EU’s 95g/km average CO2 target in 2020/21, with ines for non‐ compliance and ‘super‐credits’ for sub‐50g/km vehicles. This means every low‐emission vehicle will be counted twice when calculating average CO2 emissions in 2020, aimed at encouraging manufacturers to prioritise selling those vehicles as well as improving conventional drivetrains.

“If the UK drops out of the car CO2 regulation, then manufacturers get no bene its selling those cars in the UK, and regrettably it may continue to be a supply‐constrained market here,” Archer explained.

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

in brief Limited behaviour change for plug-in fleets, says Alphabet

Hyundai’s hydrogen van due in 2020

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yundai Motor Group is aiming to launch hydrogen fuel cell electric light vans and pickups within two years, targeting cost‐parity with diesel from 2025.

Ki‐Sang Lee, senior vice president of the company’s Eco‐Technology Development Center, told Fleet World that the company sees commercial vehicles – particularly trucks and buses – as a potentially even larger market than passenger cars, due to the range requirements that these vehicles have.

Hyundai is already conducting on‐road testing of fuel cell buses in its home market of South Korea, and its new‐generation Nexo fuel cell SUV is launching in Europe later this year.

It is also partnering with Audi to accelerate bringing the technology to market.

But Ki‐Sang said the Nexo’s technology – which offers hundreds of miles of range, ive‐ minute refuelling times and the ability to offer a power take‐off for electrical equipment – would also be applied to lighter commercials.

“We have already started with that applica‐ tion, and in our domestic market we will launch it in around 2020. That’s vans or pickups in the 1.5‐tonne range. We can easily expand that to other countries,” he explained. “The next step, to 2025, is we want to reduce our fuel cell stack system on‐costs so they are comparable with current diesel technology. That’s our ultimatum for the fuel cell project.”

in n num numbers

Source: BVRLA

Fleets with ultra‐low emission vehicles are using them for the same mileage and life‐ cycle as petrol or diesel cars, showing lower than expected behaviour changes for the technology, according to Alphabet. Since it launched AlphaElectric in 2013, the company has found 89% contract hire over two‐to‐four year terms, and they are 8% more likely to take a maintenance package.

Ultra-fast EV chargers to go live within months The UK’s irst ultra‐fast EV chargers will go live within months, adding up 100 miles of range in ten minutes. Supplied by Tritium, the units will be part of the pan‐European Ionity network, with locations in Maid‐ stone, Milton Keynes and Thurrock due to be con irmed by the end of September.

TfL to axe hybrid C-Charge exemption Transport for London is proposing tight‐ ening Congestion Charge exemption criteria from April 2019, removing discounts for hybrids and private hire vehicles. The new Cleaner Vehicle Discount will only apply to Euro 6 compliant vehicles with a 20‐mile electric range, with proposals to restrict it to fully electric models in October 2021.

UK-first lamp post chargers go live The UK’s irst charging points integrated into lamp posts are now live, offering a solution for drivers without off‐street parking. Installed in Marlow, west of London, they use the post’s power supply and to cut installation cost, offer an output of up to 7.7kW, and are activated via a smartphone app.

50-70% Expected ULEV share of UK new car sales by 2030

720,000 ULEVs pledged to be registered

by BVRLA members by 2025 – up from 50,000 today.

OUR MOBILITY AUDIT WILL REVEAL ALL

Our Mobility Audit can identify extra costs and hidden risks to make your fleet more efficient.

Source: HM Government

FIND OUT AT LEXAUTOLEASE.CO.UK/GREY-FLEET fleetworld.co.uk / 15

inbusiness

Hero or Zero?

Last month saw the Government publish its long-awaited Road to Zero strategy.

Natalie Middleton looks at what it means for fleets.

What is the Road to Zero Strategy?

Essentially it’s a document that sets out the next steps towards cleaner road transport and delivering the Government’s Industrial Strategy, which was published last year alongside the Clean Growth Strategy and the ‘UK plan for tackling roadside nitrogen dioxide concentrations’.

The latter document, more commonly referred as the NO2 plan or clean air plans, has caused controversy for reiterating a 2011 government statement that sales of ‘conventional petrol and diesel cars and vans’ will end by 2040 but leaving it unclear whether hybrids – full and/or mild – will be banned under the move.

The Road to Zero strategy is intended to expand on these strategies and plans ‘by setting out new measures towards cleaner road transport and to put the UK at the forefront of the design and manufacturing of zero-emission vehicles’.

What are the main cruxes of the strategy?

There are some broad, sweeping statements. The document sets out an ‘ambition’ that by 2030, at least 50% – and as many as 70% – of new car registrations will be ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs), alongside up to 40% of new vans.

It also reaffirms the 2040 ambition in the NO2 plan and says the Government expects the majority of new cars and vans sold to be 100% zero emission and all new cars and vans to have significant zero-emission capability by then. By 2050 it wants almost every car and van to be zero emission.

The new document also outlines that to qualify as an ULEV, vehicles will need to be sub-50g/km from 2021 – down from the 75g/km that’s been used by OLEV since 2009.

Notably, the Government sets out that it has no current plans to ban any particular technology – including hybrids.

There will also be work to eliminate grid issues as well as a concerted push on the charging infrastructure and renewed action to encourage eco-driving among fleets and private motorists, including the creation of a taskforce with the motoring and insurance industry to promote the use of telematics.

16 / fleetworld.co.uk

Progress will be reviewed by 2025 to see if further action is required.

What doesn’t it say?

Quite a lot actually. By claiming there’s no ban on any technologies – other than restating that it will ‘end the sale of new conventional petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2040’, which amounts to something similar – it indicates that full, non-mains rechargeable hybrids and mild hybrids will still be around after this date.

But the anticipation of rapid market gains for zero-emission cars and vans, both newly registered and across the total vehicle parc, shows the Government thinks there will be something else driving the shift to such vehicles instead of political pressure – namely, technology and market developments.

There’s also no mention of plug-in vehicle range anywhere; just the reference to the sub-50g/km level of CO2 emissions to categorise future ULEVs. Both of these points are summed up in the response to the strategy by the Committee on Climate Change.

Lord Deben, chairman of the CCC, said: “Relying on the private sector to effect the shift to zero-emission vehicles by 2040 is risky, we had hoped for greater clarity on government actions to back this up and to ensure plug-in hybrids sold in the UK travel further in electric mode on a single charge.”

What’s the general response been?

Understandably, the focus on charging infrastructure has been widely greeted, although some were hoping for an earlier ban on vehicles, while LeasePlan has commented that 2025 is too far away to review progress.

There’s also been a call for incentives to drive ULEV takeup, including the BVRLA, which said there needs to be a greater alignment between the tax regime and efforts to improve air quality.

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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. 2018/19 tax year.

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FEATURE BVRLA Fleet Technology Congress

The future of fleet

The BVRLA’s fifth Fleet Technology Congress offered special insight into the key elements that will make up the future of fleet. Jonathan Musk reports…

“

There are three main areas we want government to really work with us on and look at resources in terms of delivering on this future mobility opportunity,” Gerry Keaney, chief executive of the BVRLA said at the 2018 Fleet Tech Congress, held at Williams F1. Those three subjects are: vehicle data, electric vehicles (EVs) and Mobility as a Service (MaaS).

Vehicle Data The BVRLA has produced a 21‐page guide on GDPR, which is considered concise, such is the complexity of the new laws.

And, despite Brexit and what that might mean for future UK law, Keaney stressed that GDPR is a Europe‐wide concern, not just a UK isolated problem. “We recognise that there’s not going to be a UK solution on vehicle data and access to it or ownership of it, or the utilisation of it. Whatever the solution, it will be a European‐wide solution. Key decisions are not made by UK national service companies,” he commented.

Besides possible setbacks caused by the governance of data like GDPR, automotive OEMs are pushing ahead regardless with connected vehicle technology. Nearly 40% of European automakers (OEMs) already offer an embedded connection within the vehicle and, “every fleet car by 2022, including fleet vans, will be connected”, said Keaney.

This has already been kick‐started by the European Union’s eCall mandate which, since April 2018, has required that all new cars and light vans are fitted with an embedded SIM that enables an automatic emergency response call in the event of an accident. In addition, automakers have adopted a “freemium” model that sees them provide consumers with complimentary access to embedded connectivity. And today 62% of premium new car sales, or 13% of the total volume of new car sales, already have embedded connectivity.

18 / fleetworld.co.uk

In broad terms, the implications for connected vehicles go far beyond nationwide borders. What the technology can provide leets is almost immeasurable, and it can be person agnostic too in its rawest format, alleviating some of the GDPR concerns about data sharing. Automakers can use vehicle data to help them hit important reliability or quality KPIs whilst also making the same data available for third parties to purchase so that they can enable their own set of use cases. In the case of rental and leasing compa‐ nies, vehicle data can bring a wealth of operational and asset management bene its. Connectivity and vehicle data are already disrupting the traditional economics and R&D focus of the auto‐ motive industry, as well as many of the legal frameworks and business models that have served the leet industry for so many years, the BVRLA said.

Data is also hugely important to leets in terms of much more real‐world day‐to‐day scenarios, as common as accidents. The problem is consistency, says Charles Smith, CEO Collision Management Systems. “Boxes are not made equal”, he commented, “the variance in the data that comes from them is a signi icant challenge.” The solution, he proposes is for a data management company to work between customer and telemat‐ ics. The other problem is sensitivity. At one end of the spectrum, telematics data can be set to report no false alerts whereas at the other they’ll report too many. The issue comes whereby the zero‐ false alert claims come with the caveat that they may not pick up a crash at all. “Less than 10%, or in the HGV market that lowers to 1‐2%,” Smith adds.

Electric Vehicles Fleets can play a major role in meeting government air pollution targets. However, short term failings including company car tax and VED are being seen by the BVRLA as disincentives to leets buying electric cars. Additionally, in the longer term, as

will take years to arrive, suggesting that mass adoption is more likely 20‐30 years away. “It’s a marathon, not a race”, he said, and there are simply too many unsolved problems. However, he added that fuel cells show great promise, particularly with ongoing investment from Japan and interest from China – and it is more suited to light and heavy goods transport than battery technology can offer today.

Perhaps the most telling statistic was offered by Cheetham, who said that 46.5% of leets said they’d look to electric or petrol/diesel hybrid for their next company car.

Mobility as a Service

electri ication grows, the tax yield based on emissions will inevitably decline for the government. “Discussions around taxing electric vehicles needs to be at the forefront of discussions,” added Keaney. “Whether it’s road charging or the energy used by vehicles, there needs to be a way for the exchequer to top up its coffers.”

A lack of charging infrastructure is often cited as a dissuasion against buying EVs. Therefore, the BVRLA believes government needs to address this, whether that’s a relaxing of planning regulations to enable simpler charge point installation, or the building of supplementary sub stations where power is inadequately supplied.

In order to avoid a chicken‐egg situation, the BVRLA made an ambitious ‘Plug‐in Pledge’ that will see its members’ combined plug‐in vehicle leet surge from 50,000 today to 750,000 by 2025.

The government predicts some 2.5 million EV sales in the UK by 2020, added Jeff Knight, forecasting editor at Cap HPI, while Pod Point’s Chris Cheetham, head of business development, pointed out that 95% of the time a car spends its life parked, meaning charging while at home or work should be priorities that enable and encourage electric vehicle adoption.

Furthering the case in favour of EVs, KPMG’s UK head of auto‐ motive, Justin Benson, said 85% of journeys in the UK are fewer than 25 miles and that by 2030, predictions are that 25% of the market will be made up of EV and hybrid, with the remainder a mix of petrol and diesel.

The move to electric propulsion doesn’t only bene it cleaner air. EVs were also proposed as having the potential to increase the lifespan of vehicles, which has a positive effect on TCO. And, by 2022, Benson predicted price parity should be reached between electric and petrol cars.

Offering a modicum of objection was Matthias Wellers, MD for AVL Powertrain UK, who said that EVs and autonomous vehicles

“14% of UK consumer spending is on transport. It’s bigger than food, clothing and more – it’s the single largest sector,” said Paul Campion, CEO Transport Systems Catapult. And of course all that food and shirts have used transport to get to shops before we buy them in the irst place.

Despite this fact, a word of caution is due when discussing MaaS as it can be a confusing all‐encompassing term. Ashish Khanna, partner at L.E.K. Consulting, said: “On the one side we have the public sector view; that the consumer has a seamless journey and a mass transport link. And at the other end of the spectrum we have the automotive OEMs: subscription services, car share services, car rental companies.”

Although relatively new to the market, car sharing and other new transport business models are themselves at risk of disruption. Khanna continues, “As soon as robo cars appear, car sharing goes away.” Despite many manufacturers including Jaguar Land Rover recently launching Liquid car rental service and Volkswagen announcing WE (its electric car sharing service due to start in Germany in 2019), there’s a real risk these business models won’t survive in the long term because it is dif icult for companies to see a return on investment when technology is moving quicker than a typical ive‐ten year business plan. A key takeaway is that disruptive technology can itself be disrupted.

“Uber today, is worried about being disrupted by Waymo,” Khanna added, “and Waymo will crush Uber’s business model.”

The knock on effect of these far‐reaching disruptive models comes when government tries to plan infrastructure. If govern‐ ments are tempted to adopt potentially lash‐in‐the‐pan technologies, they risk pointless and short‐lived expenditure.

Conversely, MaaS puts urban planning right at the centre of policy making and is an exciting area that leets can participate in, says the BVRLA. The question of how to get people to transition from vehicle ownership to MaaS, however, isn’t quite as clear. For one thing, consumers aren’t yet pushing for MaaS, but rather service companies are.

Challenges include changing the mind‐set of the millions of car drivers and people being used to changing them regularly, or every three years for leets. Scrappage schemes are often promoted as a means to rid our roads of the higher‐polluting vehicles, but the BVRLA says this isn’t necessarily a wise approach. Instead, Gerry Keaney illustrates the idea of mobility credits – a means whereby people aren’t swapping a car with yet another car – particularly when that car is not yet likely to be electric – and instead credits could be used on any feature of the transport system, from rental cars to trains, taxis and buses.

Autonomous vehicles are often touted as one answer to the future too, and this would likely mean cars are built to last longer, not fewer years as is the current model and mind‐set of consumers. KPMG’s Justin Benson says cars may be required to last two life‐cycles, or around 15‐years time. And beyond 30‐40 years’ time, it’s even possible to envisage that it may even be illegal for humans to drive at all. fleetworld.co.uk / 19

inbusiness

Electrik Techik Kyle Fortune rides along with Audi’s E-tron as it undergoes final testing, the plug-in electric SUV certain to be a disruptive player in the traditional fleet market.

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he E-tron will be Audi’s first volume, plug-in battery electric vehicle. Sized between the Q5 and Q7, it’s currently undergoing final testing before it reaches showrooms later in 2018. A brave new world, a plugged in, battery electric vehicle represents a future which, in time, will replace the internal combustion engine.

They’re already here, we’re run pure EVs on these pages, though the e-tron and its forthcoming Mercedes-Benz EQ C, BMW X3-sized EV and already here Jaguar I-Pace promise electric vehicle ownership without the compromises traditionally associated with them. Specifically that relates to range, Audi’s engineers saying the E-tron will deliver a range of 400km (248.5miles) on the more rigorous - read ‘representative’ – WLTP testing cycle, that potential range figure arguably the tipping point for more people buying into EV ownership.

It is predominantly people presently, too, admits Ed Jones, Audi’s national contract hire and leasing manager, with the retail/fleet split of EVs currently hugely in favour of personal, retail buyers. What the E-tron represents, then, is huge opportunity, and it’s one that Jones relishes. The fiscal advantages are clear for BIK users, though the sustainability too is motivation for customers, buying an EV being something of a statement.

“Previously EV’s have been limited by compromise,” says Jones. “The E-tron will change that, but we need to articulate that to customers.” Its useable, real-world range, and fast charging potential - an 80% charge possible with a 150kW high capacity charger in just 30 minutes will be instrumental in that, the E-tron spearheading a charge that will see Audi have as many as 20 EVs and plug-in hybrids in its range by 2025.

For Audi’s engineers the E-tron has been a challenge, because its drivetrain throws up new issues. There’s less ‘masking’ of noise from the drivetrain as it’s all but silent, so aeroacoustics have played a huge part of its development. Indeed, on top of the usual, conventional testing cycle a new model goes through almost 250 E-tron prototypes have driven more than five million kilometres, or 125 laps of the Earth - it’s spent over 1,000 hours perfecting its shape in the wind tunnel.

Reducing drag has been such an obsession Audi is offering the e-tron with cameras in place of conventional mirrors (optionally, and in markets where it’s allowed, legally) to

20 / fleetworld.co.uk

reduce drag. These, in combination with other wind-cheating measures gives the e-tron a drag figure of 0.28, some 0.07 less than a vehicle of similar proportions, that 0.07 improvement equating to additional range in the region of around 22 miles from the battery. Air suspension that drops at speed, ultra low rolling resistance tyres – with sidewall lettering inverted rather than raised to reduce turbulence - also feature, all in a bid to maximise the E-tron’s range.

Sitting in it, it’s typically EV quiet, the 355bhp/487lb.ft from the pair of electric motors allowing a 0-62mph time of around six seconds and a 125mph top speed. There are various drive modes, including all those off-road ones associated with a traditional SUV, which means this is an EV that can venture off-road. Not that any will do so, but it’s good to know it can.

As to the fleet potential, Jones is hugely optimistic, saying there is a real perception change in the marketplace, the huge interest creating demand. That’s crucial if the forthcoming generation of EVs are to conquer the current issue of poor retained values, though that’s steadily changing. The charging infrastructure still has a bit of catching up to do, too, Audi saying it will point users to a portfolio of suitable suppliers for work or home charging units, while looking to educate E-tron customers. “We’re on the crest of a wave,” admits Jones, the E-tron, and its rivals certain to have a disruptive effect, though the goal is to achieve that without compromises.

inbusiness

Q &A Andrew Leech, managing director of Fleet Evolution, on the future for salary sacrifice.

Does salary sacrifice have a future since the Government's Budget 2017 confirmations of the changes?

Yes, definitely. The impact of the tax changes to salary sacrifice schemes does not outweigh the tangible benefits of implementing a well-constructed car benefit scheme for both employers and employees.

We’re seeing plenty of interest in our salary sacrifice car schemes as increasing numbers of employers realise that the impact of the changes is typically cost-neutral.

In the majority of cases, there has been little or no increase in the amount that employees pay and we are pleased that we have clarity from the Government that cars will continue to feature as a valuable employee benefit going forward.

We also believe there has been a complete misunderstanding in the corporate world, and especially in the provision of corporate benefits, that salary sacrifice has now been priced out of the employee benefits equation.

In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Of the 3,000 new models currently available on the Fleet Evolution database, less than 5% have seen a price increase since Government introduced new salary sacrifice tax rules in April 2017.

Does salary sacrifice suit all employees?

We believe salary sacrifice cars can provide the perfect answer for employees who need the mobility but do not have the pay levels necessary to fund a new car through other financial arrangements, such as Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), as well as opening the door to new car ownership for many employees for the first time.

Analysis of the Fleet Evolution fleet reveals that 82% of employees who have taken a car through the scheme had never had a new car before.

Under our salary sacrifice scheme, all the stress involved in running the car is removed. The key features include all servicing and repair costs, road fund licence, fully comprehensive insurance, corporate discounts and no deposit.

We handle all the administration and our buying power allows us to acquire the vehicles at highly attractive frontend prices which we pass on to employees, but which they would never be able to access in their own right.

We also remove all the stress caused by the unexpected repair, servicing or MOT bills often associated with older cars and for which many employees have to resort to payday lenders to successfully resolve.

22 / fleetworld.co.uk

What does your new fleet management product bring to the industry and who are you targeting?

Our all-embracing stand-alone fleet management service has been launched to meet increasing demand from fleet customers who want a more flexible, personalised service.

We have seen the fleet management suppliers move away from providing top quality, personalised service to one that is purely based on price – and that is not necessarily the best thing for the customer.

What we are looking to be is different by providing a service that fleet customers actually want, that fully meets their every fleet need – rather than one that just ticks a box.

We know that, through the services we already provide to salary sacrifice customers, we have developed a track record of delivering up to a 30% reduction in fleet running costs whilst improving the service for the customer, employees, drivers and suppliers. We are now extending that approach to a wider audience.

You tend to focus on the SME sector.

What USPs do you bring?

While other salary sacrifice providers shy away from SMEs, Fleet Evolution actively targets small to mediumsized businesses. Our smallest customer has just 17 employees while our largest has more than 2,500.

Other providers have traditionally had less success with smaller employers as they demand more employer resource for administration which smaller companies generally cannot spare or do not have in the first place.

Hence, other providers shy away from the SME sector.

However with Fleet Evolution, whether it is salary sacrifice or fleet management, we are able to largely take away all of the administrative burden from both the HR and fleet functions – which undoubtedly increases the appeal of both services to smaller companies.

They know they can rely on us for a hassle-free service and, with salary sacrifice, we will also bear the risk on early termination which many of our competitors outsource.

As we are prepared to take the risk ourselves, this in turn allows us to carry out an implementation for our clients within half a day typically, provided they agree to our standard rules – and 95% of them do.

inbusiness

Light at the end of the tunnel?

As manufacturers offer ever-easier access to cars, and taxation drives endusers towards cash allowances, The Insider asks; are dealers missing a trick?

C

ar dealers have it tough; reduced margins, longer servicing intervals, higher investment in customer service and more reliable cars.

Not exactly a mouth-watering business model. Yet there remains positive talk about the valuable future for car retailing.

If you’ve read my recent Insider articles, you may have noticed that I like cars. So, let’s contrast two similar scenarios illustrating the changing role of the dealer.

Back in the mid-Eighties, my father got a new job including a company car allowance. Back then, this was an up-front cash advance so, armed with (if I recall correctly) a budget of £14,000, my father started to research his car choice. Which basically meant visiting most of the dealers in our mid-size town to collect brochures and price lists.

After narrowing things down with the help of What Car? magazine and an enthusiastic son, we visited a couple of dealers to test drive our shortlist.

Neither dealer had a turbo diesel demonstrator and the test drive only lasted about 20 minutes, so I’m not entirely sure of the value provided even back then. Nevertheless, after narrowing the choice down to a Peugeot 405 SRdT, my father played off two local dealers against each other, necessitating numerous visits to the sales teams until the deal was done.

After the glamour of new car handover day some three months later, the dealer relationship was one of regular servicing, which in fairness they did very well. Sufficient enough that, when my mother’s ancient Mini Clubman finally gave up the ghost, she purchased a 205 from the same dealer with no chasing around. A pretty good example of how valuable a local dealer could be.

Contrast this tale with the recent experience of a good friend of mine who chose a new job encompassing a car allowance.

Like my father, he drew up a shortlist of cars, this

24 / fleetworld.co.uk

time based on his internet search activity rather than anything printed. He then calculated how much his monthly allowance was and engaged with a number of online leasing brokers offering personal contract hire packages. I shouldn’t be surprised, but the choice of cars at a relatively modest monthly amount was enormous, including a vast selection from premium manufacturers. At no time did my father consider a premium car that’s today’s usership model generating excellent value for you.

As a family man, but still a car enthusiast, my friend needed reasonable passenger and boot space and he was pretty pleased with turning up a cracking two-year deal for a Golf GTD estate. He was even more pleased when he discovered a different broker offering a 320d Touring for a similar rental. But absolutely gobsmacked to see an alternative broker with an E-Class estate at a lower monthly cost than either.

Further internet surfing revealed a test drive programme from Mercedes-Benz UK, and a similar car was duly delivered to his home a week later for a 48-hour assessment. Impressed, my chum did the deal online with the leasing broker and, within two weeks, a new E-Class was delivered to his driveway.

The process took less than a month and at no point did he engage with a dealer. Nor did he want to. And why do so when he’s given a five-out-of-five review for all aspects of his transaction? And you can imagine the discount given by the supplying dealer. On the upside for his local dealer, he’ll take it there for servicing.

And maybe, in two years’ time, when there’s a greater choice of battery electric cars that require less significant servicing, my chum won’t be visiting a dealer at all during his next two year lease deal. For dealers, perhaps the light at the end of the tunnel is the oncoming train….

T H E N E X T G E N E R AT I O N O F E F F I C I E N C Y D i s c o v e r m o r e a t f o r d . c o . u k /m o n d e o - h y b r i d o r c o n t a c t t h e F o r d B u s i n e s s C e n t r e : 03 4 5 7 2 3 2 3 2 3 | f l i n f o r m @ f o r d . c o m

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Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Mondeo Titanium Edition Hybrid Electric Vehicle are: urban 57.7 (4.9), extra urban 74.3 (3.8), combined 58.9 (4.8). Official CO2 emissions 108g/km.

The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results (EU Regulation 715/2007 and 692/2008 as last amended), are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience. Information correct at time of going to print.

Model shown is Mondeo Titanium Edition Hybrid Electric Vehicle with options at additional cost.

inbusiness

Alternative Thinking With diesel demonised and severely taxed, is there a viable alternative for high mileage company car drivers?

Curtis Hutchinson reports.

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he demonisation of diesel is biting, and biting hard. Diesel car registrations plummeted by 30% in the first half of 2018 as user-choosers and decision makers address the dilemma of sticking with heavy oil or looking at the alternatives.

This perfect storm has been well documented. After years of successive governments encouraging usage, this one is actively discouraging usage by raising the BIK surcharge from 3% to 4% in April having previously signalled a willingness to drop it altogether.

Meanwhile ill-informed headlines confused the high NOx levels of older diesels with the latest ultra-clean Euro 6 compliant units, resulting in the market collapsing. A direct consequence was last year’s rise in CO2 levels - for the first time since 2000.

Furthermore, the anti-diesel agenda is causing some user-choosers and fleets to source cars that are perhaps inappropriate for high-mileage essential users.

Having once accounted for around half of all new registrations, diesel is currently tracking at a 33% market share, down from 44% just 12 months ago, according to half-year SMMT figures. Meanwhile petrol is up 11%, accounting for 62% of all new cars in the UK. So what of the hybrid and electric alternative? Well, they’re up 24.2% but from a very low base. So far this year just 72,847 alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) have been registered, compared with 812,535 petrols and 428,612 diesels. They still have a long way to go to close the gap and provide viable alternatives, especially for fleet usage.

Fleet drivers choosing a new car face a dilemma.

Raising the BIK surcharge has proven too bitter a pill for many user-choosers and, for some, hybrids and plug-in hybrids are looking like cost-effective alternatives.

Unfortunately the ownership experience rarely lives up to the expectations as real world driving reveals the shortfall between the claimed and actual fuel consumption figures.

Hybrids can be supremely cost-effective around town where electricity is the default source of power, which is why Uber drivers adore them, but those savings are soon wiped away at motorway speeds and over long distances. Many a diesel company driver has felt shortchanged by their new hybrid’s inability to match economy and performance they are accustomed to.

Venson Automotive Solutions, the fleet management specialist, has released the findings of its 2018 EV Attitudes survey of 200 drivers. The results will make depressing reading for anyone involved in the

26 / fleetworld.co.uk

government’s Road to Zero strategy which set an ambition to see at least half of all new cars having ultra-low emissions by 2030.

Only 15% of respondents said they would definitely make the switch to an AFV, compared with 85% just 12 months ago. Furthermore, nearly half said they would not consider making the switch for at least another 10-15 years. Charging and range remain the biggest deterrents, although the levels of both these concerns were down year on year, at 61% and 45% of respondents.

Alison Bell, a director at Venson, said: “Clearly more needs to be done to make information relating to the ownership costs of an EV more readily available. This was an overriding conclusion of the survey we conducted last year, so it’s disappointing to learn that it still needs addressing. Fleet managers, car retailers, manufacturers and insurers all have a part to play in achieving this.

“Only one in 10 company car drivers said they lacked clarity in terms of EV as a company car option, suggesting that a clear communication strategy in terms of the benefits of an EV for an employee, is making headway in promoting knowledgeable ownership.”

The message is clear. Company car drivers understand the EV alternative, but most do not believe it is right for them. However, for user-choosers planning their next car now they face the unenviable task of selecting a vehicle that’s appropriate for the job, the most cost effective from a BIK perspective and friendly to the environment. If they are high mileage drivers the choice is easier, but they know they will be penalised for doing so.

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Official fuel consumption for the new Volvo V60 range in MPG (l/100km): Urban 33.6 (8.4) – 53.3 (5.3), Extra Urban 48.7 (5.8) – 72.4 (3.9), Combined 40.9 (6.9) – 64.2 (4.4). CO2 emissions 160 – 117g/km. MPG figures are obtained from laboratory testing intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect real driving results.

BMW X4 Distinctive and more spacious, the new X4 is a serious coupe-SUV, says Martyn Collins.

SECTOR Large SUV PRICE £42,900-£55,725 FUEL 31.0-50.4mpg CO2 146-206g/km

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ith attractive rivals such as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, demand to be weighted towards the sportier versions, Mercedes GLC and Porsche Macan, it’s not really a particularly the mid‐spec M Sport. surprise that, according to BMW, sales of coupe‐ Engines comprise the familiar 190bhp 20d, 265bhp inspired SUVs have grown five‐fold since the first X4 30d and 326bhp M40d diesel engines, or the range‐ launched back in 2014. topping 354bhp M40i petrol – the 40mpg 20i petrol Now, a few months after its sister car, the new X3, offered in some markets won’t come to the UK. BMW BMW is renewing its position against those key rivals believes the 20d, tested here, will be the best‐selling with an all‐new X4. Looks‐wise, the jury is out as to engine for fleets, as it’s the most frugal. It’s best described whether this second‐generation car is any better‐look‐ as a bit grumbly at idle and when extended, but with the ing than the first. Think current X3 with a coupe‐like rear standard eight‐speed automatic gearbox and 295lb.ft of end and you won’t be far wrong. Although M Sport torque, the X4 gets off the line swiftly and feels willing on models have real presence with the the move. The 146 g/km CO2 figures more aggressive side skirts and larger and 50.4mpg economy in this spec are air intakes on the front apron. still competitive, too.

Move inside, and apart from the lower On the road, the ride on the standard driving position, you could be driving an M‐Sport suspension and optional 20‐inch X3. The interior layout and dashboard are alloys is best described as hard and all identical. Still, the driving position is unsettled. Things get better with the comfortable and multi‐adjustable. steering, which is precise and the turn is Legroom in the back is reasonable, quick, all adding to the feeling of sporti‐ although the heads of the tallest rear ness. This is all the more impressive passengers will be brushing the tapered considering this is a tall SUV. Although, at roofline. Being 7cm longer than the old low speeds the gearbox does seem to X4, the boot is a good size, at 525 litres, struggle working out what gear to be in, but practicality is compromised by the and the M Sport steering wheel has too high loading lip and it feels surprisingly chunky a rim in our opinion.

Bigger, more practical shallow too.

So the X4 looks likely to continue to and - BMW says – better The X4 will be offered in Sport, M divide opinions, but fans of its prede‐ looking that the last one.

Sport and M Sport X trims and, with cessor will find this a useful step prices starting at over £40,000, spec forward, getting the latest technology But it has the same issue levels are high. Leather trim, 18‐inch and engines. Despite the activity at the as the old X4 – an X3 alloy wheels, full LED rear lights and coupe end of this segment, we reckon offers few drawbacks adaptive LED headlights, sport suspen‐ the more practical, and just as engaging for its cheaper price. sion and a sport steering wheel are to drive, X3 sister car remains the fitted as standard to all models. Expect better option.

what we think

28 / fleetworld.co.uk

MG ZS Exclusive MG sees its new SUV as an inroad into fleet - Alex Grant reckons it stands a good chance.

SECTOR Medium SUV PRICE £15,495 FUEL 44.8-49.6mpg CO2 129-144g/km

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hile a record 4,440 UK registrations last year and feedback compared to some of its rivals. For most makes MG a small player, it’s one of few brands customers, it’s more than adequate. experiencing growth in a tough market, and it’s As are the engine options. Unusually, there will be no not slowing down. Now, having focused on retail, it’s look‐ diesel engine, though MG has hinted that electrified driv‐ ing to build relationships with SMEs, and reckons the ZS etrains are on the way. At launch, there’s a choice of two SUV is the right tool for the job. near‐equivalent petrol engines; the 104bhp 1.5‐litre There’s plenty of volume to fight for with the right offer petrol we tested, which is always fitted with a five‐speed on the table. So MG is differentiating itself with aggressive manual gearbox, or the 109bhp 1.0‐litre turbo, equipped pricing, a seven‐year warranty and a simple line‐up, with a six‐speed auto. backed by finance offers tailored to small fleet operators.

Again, there’s little to complain about. Drivers used to The aim is for growing retail and business volumes to turbocharged and downsized engines may find the need to complement each other, as customers rev the naturally‐aspirated 1.5‐litre a bit pass on good experiences and dealers tiresome, but it’ll happily return close to build a local profile. the claimed 44.9mpg on a motorway Awareness is key, and the ZS has a lot journey and there’s enough pull for over‐ in its favour. It’s slightly smaller than the taking. The smaller engine gets an extra Qashqai‐sized SUVs, priced in line with gear for high‐speed drives, and peak the Juke and its rivals, and has the usual torque comes in lower down the rev raised ride height, body cladding and range. It’ll feel significantly livelier as a skid plates to hint at a life lived off the result, despite the tiny uplift in power. beaten track. Visually, the worst criticism Cost‐cutting shows up the most you can level at it is a similarity to the inside. The cabin has space for adults last‐generation Mazda CX‐5, and front front and rear, two ISOFIX points in the and rear tracks that aren’t quite wide back, and a competitive boot capacity enough for the body. Even in this top trim extended into an under‐floor compart‐ level, the wheels are tucked in too far ment. It’s neatly designed and well laid The ZS ticks all the under the arches. out, with plentiful storage areas and an right boxes to give MG no longer builds cars in the UK, so 8.0‐inch touchscreen navigation system MG a foothold in this production takes place in China before featuring Apple CarPlay connectivity. being shipped here to be tuned for the However, its abundance of shiny black sector. Its toughest variable British road network, and the plastic and faux‐leather steering wheel task may be getting preferences of its users. It’s not a bad feels a little cheap, and MG’s infotain‐ drivers behind the chassis setup, competent over rough ment is sluggish. Minor details for a car wheel to find out. surfaces and reassuringly stable when which feels well placed otherwise to cornering, if a little lacking in weight take the brand to a wider audience.

what we think

fleetworld.co.uk / 29

Peugeot Rifter Part van, part MPV, part SUV, the Rifter is a multi-talented family-hauler, explains Alex Grant.

SECTOR Compact MPV PRICE TBC FUEL 49.6-68.9mpg CO2 109-131g/km

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umerous manufacturers have claimed to break new ground with their latest models, boasting segment� busting solutions to real�world problems. But Peu� geot has been clever with the Rifter, somehow packing an unnaturally long list of talents into a compact family car.

Partly because it bridges a gap. Young families tend to want the image and height of an SUV, despite actually need� ing the modularity of an MPV. The Rifter is perhaps biased towards the latter, but its raised suspension, body cladding and Tonka�esque rugged styling from the Partner van add a little emotional appeal to go with it.

Besides, the Partner isn’t a bad place to start – it means this is platformâ€?shared with the 3008 SUV, and ironically it’s more carâ€?like to drive than it is SUVâ€?like to look at. Diesel versions are quiet, it rides well, has the tech and options list you’d want in a car, and doesn’t roll like you might expect it to either. The biggest letâ€?downs are long gear throws (parâ€? ticularly the ďŹ veâ€?speed gearboxes), vanâ€?like hard plastics inside, and inadequate frontâ€?seat lumbar support – most noticeable on long journeys. Sadly, even the sporty GTâ€?Line versions don’t get upgraded seats.

For modularity, no SUV comes close. Headroom is preâ€? dictably generous, there’s space for three child seats in the back (rare in a ďŹ veâ€?seater), sliding doors for tight spaces,

and electric windows in the back – not portholes. Boot capacity is a third bigger than the 3008’s, with opening tail� gate glass and multiple levels for the parcel shelf, and all except the driver’s seat fold at. Peugeot even offers a third row of seats – removable, if you also opt for the 35mm extended version.

Granted, this isn’t likely to single�handedly turn around the terminal decline of MPVs in Europe. But it’s a rugged� looking, and genuinely useful segment�crosser, with a broader set of talents than the usual SUVs crop.

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Hyundai Tucson Jonathan Musk drives Hyundai’s refreshed mid-size SUV to find out what’s new…

SECTOR Medium SUV PRICE £21,845-£29,745 FUEL 37.7-58.9mpg CO2 125-173g/km

H

yundai has sold more than 15,000 Tucsons this year, making it the brand’s best‐seller in the UK accounting for nearly a third of its entire sales volume. On sale from 26 July, the new Tucson aims to further its appeal.

Changes include a more aggressive grille, bumper and new full LED headlamps with day time running lights. Inside, a totally new dashboard makes use of high‐grade soft‐touch materials for a more upmarket feel and, like most Hyundai, there’s a ‘floating’ infotainment 8.0‐inch screen sat atop.

Whereas the outgoing model lacked the space of its rivals,

Hyundai claims the new car to be class leading with the boot now a football or two bigger than rivals Renault Kadjar and Seat Ateca.

The new Tucson is available with a 1.6‐litre petrol, 1.6‐litre diesel or 2.0‐diesel with mild‐hybrid tech. The latter is equipped with a 48V mild‐hybrid system producing 183bhp while emitting just 151g/km CO2 and available with either a six‐speed manual or a new eight‐speed automatic and four‐ wheel drive. The “all new” 1.6 CRDi diesel with a choice of 113 or 134bhp will serve as the most popular choices; “Diesel is still the right choice for SUVs”, commented Hyundai’s head of powertrain, Dr Michael Winkler. Any anti‐diesel sentiment can be fulfilled by the 1.6‐litre GDi and T‐GDi petrols, offering 130bhp or 175bhp respectively.

Prices start from £21,845 for the base petrol model 1.6 GDi 2WD six‐speed manual, and ranges to £34,945 for the 2.0‐litre diesel mild‐hybrid.

The new 1.6‐litre diesel with manual makes for a reasonably enjoyable drive, but feels a little underpowered and would likely prove better with the higher power variant with DCT. Hyundai is on a bit of an SUV roll with the recent introduction of the fun Kona and plush Santa Fe. Tucson sits neatly in the middle and is a good all‐rounder with sensible updates that keep it in the running.

For even more reasons to choose Suzuki, contact us today. cars.suzuki.co.uk/business

WR 2IILFLDO &2˄ HPLVVLRQV IURP J NP WR J NP Fuel consumption figures are based on an EU test for comparative purposes only and may not reflect real driving results. Available from participating Dealers. Information correct at the time of going to print. Terms and conditions apply, see: cars.suzuki.co.uk/business

SsangYong Rexton SsangYong’s durable flagship puts the focus on roadgoing luxury, explains Alex Grant.

SECTOR Large SUV PRICE £27,500-£37,500 FUEL 34.0-36.2mpg CO2 204-218g/km

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iven its long‐established specialism in rugged off‐ generation – still a little plasticky, compared to rivals, but roaders, SsangYong feels well placed to take advan‐ surprisingly plush with its wood inlays and soft nappa leather tage of a UK market recording inexorably rising upholstery. It’s no driver’s car, but the Rexton offers quiet, demand for SUVs. And, with a portfolio of new, higher‐qual‐ comfortable high‐speed cruising ability, with a commanding ity products, electrified drivetrains and a renewed UK sales driving position even compared to other large SUVs, and a strategy, fleet will play a big part in ambitions to double its quick, intuitive touchscreen infotainment system too.

2017 volumes by the end of the decade – to some 8,000 units.

There are three trim levels for the UK. All feature SsangYong’s The Rexton is its flagship; slightly larger than key rivals, own 2.2‐litre, four‐cylinder diesel engine, which produces the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe, but with roughly a 179bhp, and there’s a choice of Mercedes‐Benz sourced seven‐ 10% price advantage over either, as an aid to visibility. That’s speed automatic, or a six‐speed manual gearbox. Standard a factor SsangYong hopes to bolster by establishing a fleet equipment is generous across the range, but the mid‐spec ELX dealer programme, optimising running we tested strikes perhaps the best balance, costs, and providing forecourt resale featuring leather and the larger 9.2‐inch values to the RV guides, as most stock touchscreen navigation, but still offered goes back through the network rather with a manual gearbox and seven seats, than being auctioned. All Rextons also which aren’t available on the range‐topping include a seven‐year, 150,000‐mile Ultimate version. Hyundai and Kia have warranty, covering pretty much every shown there’s a market for £40,000 Korean mechanical part. luxury SUVs – the ELX comes in at £34,000, There is an established, if small, market even with an automatic transmission. for this car in the UK. So the foundations The downside is it’s not as car‐like as its are pretty similar to the old Rexton; an main rivals; sluggish and noisy under load, ultra‐stiff body‐on‐frame construction, with a tendency to shudder over rough where most rivals have a monocoque surfaces because of the stiff chassis. Fuel chassis, and the 3.5‐tonne maximum economy of 30‐35mpg is typical on a towing weight that’s made its predeces‐ mixed route, running in two‐wheel drive, The Rexton manages sors a favourite with horse and caravan but that’s close to brochure figures and the to be true ute, with a owners. Switchable four‐wheel drive and 70‐litre fuel tank means drivers needn’t be softer side for on-road a sophisticated multi‐link rear axle, to aid too familiar with their nearest forecourt. traction off‐road, are standard fit.

SsangYong’s true fleet potential unlocks use. It’s a good sign for The difference here, is a much‐needed with the new Qashqai‐sized Korando next the brand’s significant focus on making what had been quite an year, and EV afterwards. But those who future fleet aspirations agricultural machine a lot more civilised need the Rexton’s all‐round capability in the UK. on the road. So anything you can see and have fewer on‐road compromises this touch is worlds apart from the previous time around.

what we think

32 / fleetworld.co.uk

COMING SOON Out with the October 2018 issue of Fleet World magazine, FUELLING CHANGE which will look at every aspect of the debate currently raging around diesel, petrol and hybrids. It will look at the political, social, economic and business aspects of fuel choice, as well as giving fleets ideas on how to save money and run their vehicles more efficiently. It will also consider the full impact of the new WLTP emissions testing regulations, and what this means for fleets.

Find out more by emailing info@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

A

SUPPLEMENT

Hyundai Kona Electric Hyundai’s electric SUV marks a tipping point for EVs, but there’s a catch. By Alex Grant.

SECTOR Compact SUV PRICE £29,495-£36,295* RANGE 194-300 miles (WLTP) 214-345miles (NEDC) CO2 0g/km

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If anything, it’s excessive performance for a car in this rom the gawky city runarounds of 10 years ago, elec‐ class. The Kona is an addictively quick car, not only off the tric cars have become rather more mainstream lately. mark but effortless right up to motorway speeds. And, Technology has lengthened ranges and shortened although it’s 300kg heavier than diesel versions, that extra charging times. Consumer demand has brought wider weight is mounted low in the body and paired with a choice, and less divisive styling. And talk of air quality reduced ride height, giving surprisingly sure‐footed has generated interest, eroding the arguments against handling. Green motoring doesn’t have to be boring. going electric one by one.

The upshot is, you don’t have to work it hard to make Hyundai might have the best ‘for’ argument yet. The Kona progress. There are four driving modes to stretch the range Electric takes one of the longest‐range batteries on the or performance as needed, plus paddles offering progres‐ market, and slots it into a car in Europe’s rapidly‐growing sively more aggressive regenerative braking, a bit like compact SUV segment. It gives the reassurance drivers downshifting on an automatic transmis‐ need, and the styling they want, without a sion. On a mixed route, we calculated premium price tag. Which makes it average energy economy good enough to a significant newcomer. get 290 miles to a charge, falling to 250 The Kona was engineered with electri‐ on a busy motorway. Far enough that fication in mind, and that shows up in the drivers would want a break anyway. packaging. The battery is under the back Importantly, that break needn’t be too end, so there’s no loss of cabin or cargo long. The Kona Electric can charge twice space, and the interior is similar to petrol as fast as most EVs, regaining 80% of its or diesel versions. It’s a little plasticky, range in less than an hour, or it will do considering the price, but aside from once there are 100kW chargers to selecting forward, reverse or park with a support it. For now, a rapid charger will pad of buttons, there’s nothing wacky to get it to the same level in two hours, get used to. while AC charging takes nine. But, per Hyundai is offering three versions, mile of range recovered, that’s no slower defined by the battery capacity and The Kona Electric feels than its rivals. range. SE and Premium versions come like a tipping point; an So, where’s the catch? Well, with with the 39.2kWh battery, returning 194 EV for one-car families, restricted supply, the focus for now is miles (WLTP) to a full charge, while the online sales to retail customers, which 64kWh pack extends the range to 300 with little stacked will delay the fleet recognition it miles for the top‐spec Premium SE. against it. But it could deserves. Ironic, really, that the biggest With a power increase from 134bhp to be a while before fleets barrier to mainstream EV uptake these 201bhp, plus the extra range, most see the benefits. days, is building cars quickly enough to UK buyers are expected to opt for the meet the demand. larger battery.

what we think

* Not including Plug-in Car Grant

34 / fleetworld.co.uk

NERVOUS ABOUT YOUR FLEET RESIDUALS? Falling residual values for conventional vehicles represents a growing risk.

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For a test drive or more information visit toyotalexusfleet.co.uk or call 0344 701 6186.

Jeep Wrangler A true off-roader that feels more at home away from the tarmac, says Craig Thomas.

SECTOR SUV PRICE £40,000 (TBC) FUEL 35.7-38.1mpg CO2 195-201g/km

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he Wrangler – or more accurately, its ancestor, the Willys Jeep – is ground zero for the current trend for SUVs, so the launch of a new generation is a notable event.

The all‐new version is still sturdy, rugged, and all‐Ameri‐ can – although that’s something of a double‐edged sword.

Design‐wise, it’s still strong, with the emphasis on classic elements such as the seven‐bar grille, flattened wheelarches and boxy styling leaving no doubt that this is built to tackle something tougher than a stretch of tarmac. It’s all very familiar, while at the same time updated and modernised.

It's the same story with the interior, with soft‐touch mate‐ rials, a touchscreen infotainment system, connectivity, and apps. There’s also decent cabin space, even in the rear of the two‐door version (although getting in there does require some physical flexibility), but boot space is as little as 192 litres in the two‐door – comparable to a city car – though it can be extended by folding the seats.

On the road, the Wrangler is sadly nothing to write home about: unresponsive handling, a jittery ride and a lot of wind and road noise mar the driving experience.

This lack of refinement is also apparent on the 2.2‐litre engine that will initially power the Wrangler (a 2.0‐litre petrol producing 268bhp is due in early 2019, followed,

intriguingly, by a plug‐in hybrid in 2020). This 198bhp unit is somewhat noisy and its fuel economy and emis‐ sions figures aren’t fleet‐friendly, either: 35.7 to 38.1mpg and 195 to 201g/km.

But for all its drawbacks, the Wrangler does have a very strong strongpoint: its off‐road abilities. For fleet users who need to head off the beaten track, the four‐wheel drive sys‐ tem is a real bonus and will get its occupants wherever they need to get to, to deliver or be in a position to fix stuff – par‐ ticularly with no Land Rover Defender as an alternative.

Ford Fiesta ST Is Ford’s latest Fiesta ST king of the current hot hatch crop? Jonathan Musk finds out…

SECTOR Supermini PRICE £18,995-£22,145 FUEL 47.1mpg CO2 136g/km

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ome 120,000 Fiesta units are expected to shift this year, with the ST accounting for an estimated 10% of them.

For the first time in a Ford Performance vehicle, a 1.5‐ litre three‐cylinder petrol turbo “EcoBoost” unit is used to pump out an impressive 197bhp and 214lb.ft torque. This translates onto the tarmac as 0‐62mph in 6.5 seconds onto a top speed of 144mph. Despite the available performance, fuel economy is a rated at 47.1mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 is just 136g/km.

Straight line speed is only fun if the car is able to handle its power and fortunately Ford has equipped the Fiesta ST with patented force vectoring springs and an optional Quaife limit‐ slip differential (LSD). ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’ driving modes control performance level and are more than just a gim‐ mick, transforming the ST from fire spitting hot‐hatch into neighbour‐friendly mode at the touch of a button.

Inside, there’s not much to differentiate the ST from a regu‐ lar Fiesta, aside from close‐fitting Recaro seats that may prove uncomfortable for larger individuals. Three‐ and five‐door variants are available and each trim – starting with ST‐1 – comes equipped with Sync3 infotainment and a 6.5‐inch touchscreen display (or optional 8.0‐inch screen). ST‐2 gets different 17‐inch alloys, while ST‐3 sports 18‐inch rims and a few extra toys like rear view camera and rain sensing wipers.

36 / fleetworld.co.uk

Racecar‐like hard suspension maintains the ST’s sporty appeal, though it does have the propensity to want to throw you into the nearest hedge. The engine is surprisingly flexible and offers plenty of low‐down torque and without any noticeable turbo lag. Cornering is kept under control thanks to Torque Vectoring Control and Torque Steer Compensation systems.

The Fiesta ST is astonishingly good, slightly marred by an overly skittish ride more suited to race than road, but is otherwise hard to fault. It’s also economical and with prices starting from £18,995, the Fiesta ST is something of a bargain.

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Kia Sorento GT-Line The sportiest Sorento makes the most of the flagship’s latest technology, explains Alex Grant.

SECTOR Large SUV PRICE £37,425-£42,925 FUEL 43.5mpg CO2 170g/km

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lthough the Sportage has had the biggest effect on transforming Kia’s street cred, the larger Sorento has quietly been re‐shaping opinions too. Luxurious and well‐equipped, almost a third of UK buyers opt for top trim levels, and it’s shown what had been a value brand can offer a premium‐grade SUV too.

So, while visual changes amount to little more than a visual nip‐tuck, there are some significant upgrades to be found here.

Most notably, a pair of GT‐Line versions which allow Kia to compete head‐on with the premium brands’ sportiest, most popular, equivalents. Based on the mid‐spec KX‐2 and KX‐3, these add 19‐inch wheels, black leather seats and, for those speccing the GT‐Line S, LED headlights too.

As with all Sorentos, power comes from a 2.2‐litre four‐cylin‐ der diesel engine, with four‐wheel drive. But the GT‐Line includes Kia’s new eight‐speed automatic gearbox, and (unlike KX versions) also gets paddles behind the steering wheel to shift between them. As a result, it also gets five different drive modes, tailoring steering and drivetrain responses to the journey ahead.

This makes a huge difference to the way it drives. The eight‐ speed box is quick, smooth and doesn’t over‐shift between its ratios as others can, and the high gearing keeps the already quiet engine from intruding into the cabin. Tune the steering

towards the sportier end of the drive modes and, with self‐lev‐ elling suspension as standard, it gains the sort of reassuring weight that older Sorentos lacked. It’s not a driver’s car, but it feels more agile, and safer, on British roads without resorting to overly stiff suspension. Though it does come with a significant economy sacrifice versus the manual gearbox, which isn’t available on either GT‐Line version.

That said, factored into a car which already looked the part, came generously equipped and offered seven‐seat flexibility, it’s another reason for premium‐brand SUV customers to consider the alternatives.

Mazda6 In a tough sector, the 6 offers something a little different to the norm, says Alex Grant.

SECTOR Upper Medium PRICE £23,195-£33,585 FUEL 64.2-41.5mpg CO2 117-156g/km

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aunched as part of an all‐new range in 2013, the Mazda6 perhaps arrived too late in Europe to get the recognition it deserves. Mazda’s former best‐selling nameplate faces the same challenges as its rivals; fending off SUVs (including its CX‐5 stablemate) and premium brands.

Surviving means doing things differently.

In a segment with a high diesel and fleet mix, those chal‐ lenges don’t get any easier. Reduced rental means half of UK Mazda6 sales are to private customers, while diesel has dropped from a 77% fleet share last year, to 59% this year.

38 / fleetworld.co.uk

Behind the new CX‐5‐esque nose, and significantly improved cabin, it’s adjusting to a toughening market.

However, it isn’t following the crowd. Mazda believes in ‘rightsized’ engines, so the 2.2‐litre diesel lives on in 148bhp and 182bhp guises, albeit now with AdBlue injection, and an automatic transmission that significantly hikes up CO2 emissions. These arrive in September. From launch, the 6 gets 143bhp and 163bhp 2.0‐litre petrols, and Europe is also getting the 192bhp 2.5‐litre petrol for the first time.

Mazda sees a future for diesel, but tax band parity with cheaper petrols could disincentivise some drivers. They are appealing to drive, offering quiet, progressive power delivery and close to published efficiency figures on a mixed route – particularly impressive for the 2.5‐litre, which can shut down two cylinders when it’s not working hard.

However, that’s reserved for the range‐topping GT Sport Nav+ trim, alongside the most potent diesel.

Otherwise, it’s incremental, barely‐detectable, changes to what was already a comfortable, but driver‐focused, option in its class. Adaptive cruise control is standard, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are optional, while SE‐L Lux Nav+ adds leather to the fleet‐favourite trim. Not enough to turn the segment around, but certainly worth a deeper look.

FEATURE Fleet Management

POWER OF DATA survey In association with

INTERNATIONAL

FLEETW W RLD In the third of our exclusive surveys, Shell and Fleet World analysed attitudes to telematics and emerging connected technologies from 252 industry executives to see how data is affecting the way they run their fleets. With respondents operating cars, vans and HGVs, the results suggest diverse attitudes to the benefits this can offer.

fleetworld.co.uk / 39

FEATURE Fleet Management

“The capability of the technology is expanding rapidly, against a backdrop of faster mobile data connections and increasingly connected cars, vans and trucks.”

→ From Black Box, to Big Data

T

elematics is a familiar technology with leets, with proven and tangi‐ ble bene its. And, as the cost of technology comes down and the function‐ ality increases, it’s also enjoying broaden‐ ing appeal. While it’s still most prevalent among heavy goods vehicle operators – 82% of whom said they use it – some 72% of leets with lighter commercial, and 58% of those with cars, are now incorporating telematics in their vehicles.

Respondents reported a multitude of reasons for doing so, but improving fuel ef iciency was the most common (63%), closely followed by improving driver safety (59%) and cutting costs (58%).

Ef iciency bene its are well established; analysing data from 10,000 vehicles, AirMax Remote recently claimed a 9.1% improvement in fuel economy as a result

40 / fleetworld.co.uk

of itting telematics. By monitoring behaviour, operators can promote more mechanically sympathetic driving, slash‐ ing maintenance costs, improving safety, and avoiding vehicle downtime, all help‐ ing to cover the outlay. Factors which are particularly important to large leets – those with fewer than 25 vehicles were far less likely to use telematics at all.

Telematics is a changing industry, and the capability of the technology is expanding rapidly, against a backdrop of faster mobile data connections and increasingly connected cars, vans and trucks. Utilising data from the on‐board diagnostic (OBD) port, leets are now able to monitor the health and perfor‐ mance of vehicles in real time, pre‐empt‐ ing faults and ixing them before they lead to costly downtime. Reading this

data is far more common in operators of the hardest‐working vehicles; heavy goods vehicles were twice as likely to use OBD monitoring (75%) than the overall average, and perhaps unsurpris‐ ingly demand is skewed towards those covering the longest distances.

Granularity is improving as well, as vehicles create more data and overlay it with other sources and compare with peers. It can identify which vehicles, engines and fuels it speci ic regions and industries, and even suggest which aren’t needed at all. This data can also provide detailed pictures of potential accident and traf ic blackspots, helping to show where improvements are needed in the road network, helping to bene it society as well as those who are directly deploy‐ ing the technology.

Connected cars, connected drivers

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he bigger picture for telematics, is that it can be part of what’s known as the ‘Internet of Things’ – where devices of all kinds share data to improve ef iciency. Most notable, for businesses at least, is the smartphone. According to the GSM Association, which represents mobile network operators, 85% of Europe’s population has a mobile phone, and 70% of those are smartphones. Connection speeds and reliability of mobile data, and processing power of the devices, is also on the up; 5G connections are already being rolled out, and broadband‐fast 4G connec‐ tivity will become the world’s most

common network technology during 2019, according to the association.

In turn, it means most drivers will have a device on board capable of connecting to a high‐speed data network, plus a GPS antenna and accelerometer – the basics of a telematics ‘black box’, without any need to hard‐wire into the vehicle itself. So, it’s hardly surprising that almost half of leets surveyed (49%) said they are now using smartphone apps to monitor their drivers and vehicles. However, even these results are weighted towards the biggest (200+ vehicle) operators, who are twice as likely (59%) to use apps as those with 25 or

fewer vehicles on leet. The usage also differs, with small leets tending to primar‐ ily use apps for journey planning and rout‐ ing, while the largest operators found it useful for monitoring driver safety and underpinning accident management. This could be because routing functions among larger operators are handled by a stan‐ dalone telematics system.

These apps don’t necessarily have to report back to the operator, they can just make life easier for business travellers.

Shell’s Fill Up and Go service enables long‐distance drivers to skip queues at service stations by paying for fuel through the app, for example. Spark EV Technology, meanwhile, has a plug‐and‐ play system which combines live and historic data to predict the range of an electric vehicle and suggest places to charge en route. And both Daimler and Jaguar have also recently launched apps which can analyse drivers’ daily usage and suggest whether they are able to switch into an electric vehicle. Tech‐savvy operators can also take advantage of wearables – a market which increased 10.3% globally, to 115.4m units in 2017, according to the International Data Corpo‐ ration – to help drivers keep track of their health, breaks and sleep patterns. Some 58% of respondents said they already use this technology with their drivers.

Winning hearts and minds

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espondents were unanimous about the bene its of telematics and connected technology in vehicles, but many still expect or have experienced resistance from drivers and senior management when rolling it out. This resonates with prior Shell research, in which over half of leet managers surveyed said they had faced negativity within the business while looking to deploy this sort of technology. So, how do you get buy‐in from co‐workers?

For drivers, the ‘carrot’ approach is better than the ‘stick’, and ‘gami ication’ – turning better driving into a game for end‐ users – is becoming more common. The latest version of Lightfoot’s driver behaviour monitoring solution, which launched last year, put an emphasis on creating league tables for drivers. This not only allows them to compare their perfor‐ mance to their peers, but it drives behaviour improvements by offering prizes for the most ef icient, mechanically sympa‐ thetic drivers. The company claims a 15‐20% reduction in fuel costs, while also cutting accident rates and vehicle mainte‐ nance bills.

For operators, it demonstrates a commitment to employee health. Optimising routes to avoid traf ic hot‐spots and danger‐ ous junctions helps reduce stress for drivers and can avoid unnecessarily long working hours too. Interestingly, many of those surveyed re lect a positive attitude from drivers. Some 39% said they saw it as a way to attract staff, while 34% added that it would help to retain them. That’s signi icantly higher

among HGV operators, 70.2% of whom said it was a useful technology when hiring drivers. However, it is seen as less bene icial for those with lighter vehicles, who were more focused on the driver safety improvements it can offer.

Ultimately, though, drivers will expect the sort of ‘on‐ demand’ services they get at home during their working lives.

With the rise of ‘Mobility as a Service’ and expectations of seamless, multi‐modal mobility, with one‐source billing, the world is becoming more data‐focused. For leets, the picture is clear; data is invaluable – ignore it at your peril.

fleetworld.co.uk / 41

FEATURE Multi-Modal Navigation

City, Slicker Connectivity and data is revolutionising urban travel. But how will cities, and business travelers, make sense of it all?

Martyn Collins reports from the inaugural Niu Urban Mobility Summit in Paris.

So, what do cities want to do with this data?

Cutting congestion and pollution are priorities for cities, and though that means investing in road and transport capacity the big trend is to improve the multi‐mobility and transport demand with availability in real time. The only way to make it happen, and help end‐users to get around efficiently, is via large amounts of data.

Cities are already collecting, sharing and publishing data, which could be seen as a good example for private operators to follow, as it gives the best solution and user experience, taking into account natural things like the weather forecast, to anticipate the needs of the consumer. For example, a user could go to an underground station in the city, travel for five‐ to six‐stations, then afterwards can take a scooter from outside the station to travel the last five‐or‐10 miles. The chal‐ lenge is connecting the different modes together and coming up with a much more efficient solution.

How could this accommodate the growth in remote working?

Electric scooter manufacturer Niu, which organised the summit, sees sharing services as a core part of its European expansion, and is already partnering with companies across the region. Niu’s CEO and co‐founder, Token Hu, says changing habits don’t mean an end to travel: “70% of people have a journey every day, this is why we’re working on a share programme ‐ it is really good for an emergency, or occasional trip out. I think this, combined with a system of connected services, will help with irregular commutes.”

This data will help match drivers to a mode that suits them,

42 / fleetworld.co.uk

whether that’s the fastest, or most comfortable, or the most cost‐ effective. For operators, it can also help anticipate scenarios, such as sunny days, when there will be more electric scooters on the road. In turn, it places more emphasis on how those forms of trans‐ port interact to form one journey.

What effect does the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) have on these projects?

GDPR isn’t just about informing people about what will be done with their data, the mobility sector believes it can only be positive and encourage people to share, if it’s done well. As the regulation evolves, this will allow companies and cities to work with this data and offer mobility services.

Gion Baker, CEO of Vodafone Automotive, says: “MaaS, or Mobility As A Service, is the one service that only works if we have data — we cannot deliver services without it. So our position is that it’s all about protecting the privacy of the people, with the transparency to choose how we use the data and for which medium. So, for GDPR, it’s all about security and privacy by design.

But to also design the data low with the customer, for the best approach to keep the customer in the economy of trust.”

According to Baker, the ‘economy of trust’ is the next evolution in Europe to come out of GDPR. It means data will be handled with transparency with state‐of‐the‐art technologies of security and privacy, monitored by consumers and providers. Instead of being about individuals, it will aggregate that data to help develop new urban mobility services.

What role can 5G high-speed mobile data play?

Handling all this data requires mobile infrastructure far more capable than today’s, and this is where 5G connectivity comes in, giving low‐level messages with a high level of ability and designed to have a higher density of connection. The implementation of 5G services is important for urban mobility solutions, as it will bring new opportunities for new services, within autonomous cars, managing data, security and more.

When? Well, Baker adds: “By the end of next year 2019, 80% of the city of Milan will be covered by 5G. To do this, we need to de ine a new case for using this connectivity. So we are envision‐ ing at least four different uses, one is a coordinated approach on traf ic with vehicles talking to each other. Then seeing what’s in front of traf ic, without overtaking — thus improving road safety — which is also a need we have for our cities. Plus platooning or automating the highway and speed control in the cities.”

Who will take the lead on providing the connected transportation infrastructure?

Local experimentation has, so far, been a cooperation between public and private businesses. Cities are taking an important role, not leaving it just to the operators. More operators and new modes of transport are coming on stream, which is posi‐ tive, but the challenge for cities is to somehow put that all together and have a global view on transportation possibilities.

Being able to adapt capacity to the demand, react to incidents and to make sure they put the right mobility on the road is key.

The multifaceted nature of modern commutes, plus the variety of options and modes of transport for people to get where they need to go, means we are likely to see a brand new range of sharing vehicles, including scooters, bikes and cars, that would all operate on the same platform. There is already an app aggregator in place for car sharing, but companies want to add to their solution, with Niu suggesting 80% want to add scooter sharing services. Consensus from the industry is that cities need to push for a global platform for urban mobility, to provide multi‐modal services. This would put everything – mass, or individual transit – all in one place, quickly streamlining diverse urban travel.

“We need to define a new case for using this connectivity. One is a coordinated approach on traffic with vehicles talking to each other.”

fleetworld.co.uk / 43

FEATURE Multi-Modal Navigation

And where does the electric scooter fit in?

Mobility is changing rapidly in a lot in cities – especially very big cities – and growing concerns over air quality are likely to accelerate this process. And, while car sharing offers a solu‐ tion for moving around urban areas, electric scooters are said to offer advantages of taking up a quarter of the space of a car, with no pollution. Stakeholders are suggesting it could become as common as bike sharing in the near future, provided regulation is designed to help, rather than hinder, the process.

Timo Buetefisch, CEO of Europe’s largest electric scooter sharer, eCooltra, explains: “The battlefield for us is the cities, so I think it’s very important to have a major position in the cities where we go. We’re currently in five cities: Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon, Rome and Milan. “Using Madrid as an exam‐ ple, the government has made us really welcome in the city, accepting this new mobility service. Regulation is coming up, it has to be a way to make money, but regulation doesn’t mean we can just operate in the city, it is more about helping us to operate in an efficient way.”

“Regulation has to be a way to make money, but it doesn’t mean we can just operate in the city, it is more about helping us to operate in an efficient way.”

In Madrid, Buetefisch explains, that there are not enough parking spaces because it wasn’t a city where people were used to riding scooters. So, the need for public parking for scooters would help them to operate better. However, this regulation is also expected to lead to consolidation, with three to four major players in cities.

The only stumbling blocks for scooter sharing growth is being able to fund the fleet of bikes, the regular threat of vandalism taking bikes off the road and what to do with the scooters after three years. There isn’t a second market for them yet in what is described as a ‘long game’ investment for investors, in what is likely to become a key part of connected city transport infrastructure. But while this is a complex process behind the scenes, for those who us it, navigation the urban jungle could become easier than it’s ever been.

44 / fleetworld.co.uk

INTERVIEW Edward Kulperger, Geotab

The Big Picture With a growing global customer base, Canada-based telematics company, Geotab, reckons there’s untapped value for vehicle data that goes far beyond the traditional fleet-focused use case, as vice president of business development, Edward Kulperger, explains.

What was the thinking behind data.geotab.com?

It started around six years ago. We were accumulating a lot of data, and we only had 150,000 units in the field, so we collab‐ orated with the University of Toronto and created a project internally, looking at the data, indexing it and storing it in a way we could retrieve in a quick manner.

We now have just under 1.2m vehicles providing approxi‐ mately 2.5bn data points per day, and we recognised that this is adding a lot of value. So two years ago we started using that as a self‐improvement tool, and every department has a data subject matter expert. Once we understood its value within our organisation, we realised it would valuable externally.

We had been working with a couple of municipalities, as well as a number of different organisations, over the past 18 months to aggregate and anonymise that data and overlay it with their datasets. Then we provide it to smart cities that have a thirst for understanding what’s happening within their communities.

Which cities have you been working with?

It’s available globally. We have an office in Las Vegas, and we have started working with the City of Columbus, Ohio in North America, and Barcelona and Madrid. We provide [the data] free, because the socioeconomic benefit is greater than letting it sit there and accumulate. Down the road, if it will enable fleets to lower their costs because they are subsidised by municipalities using their data, we see that some kind of balance will happen in due course.

How does acquiring hybrid and EV telematics specialist FleetCarma fit into this?

It’s a unique proposition, because [FleetCarma] understands the data flowing from an EV; when it is getting charged and what that does to the grid, and they provide this information to utility companies. As more fleets and consumers start adopting EVs, utility providers will need to balance the loads so there are no issues with brownouts. We’re understanding not only how vehicles can be used and how fleets can transi‐ tion to EVs, but helping utilities and fleets manage that current draw to charge their vehicles.

How could this change the role of telematics companies?

We are in the early stage of a transition, where you will still need hardware as a necessary component. But the data will go to a cloud environment, which will be non‐monopolistic, and application providers such as a TSP, service centre or insurance company will access portions of that data in a unified way. We need to work as an ecosystem. Not just fleets, but OEMs and other telematics companies need to start understanding this, or the alternative is change will happen and if you don’t evolve you’re going to become a Xerox or Kodak.

What can that data tell you?

Nine months ago we published a story looking at Barcelona’s accident blackspots, as we have a number of units travelling through those intersections and could look at the behaviour of those vehicles. We were able to extrapolate some interest‐ ing information and provide that to the city who can overlay that with whether to put ‘Slow Down’ signs near those inter‐ sections to curtail accidents.

We’re getting to unique and novel areas, such as under‐ standing when vehicles are circling looking for parking. We can provide that information back to the city as well, suggest‐ ing where they need parking facilities. So we’re providing the tools necessary to go in and grab that data, overlay it with other subsets and provide that insight to cities.

We also understand every time a vehicle is being serviced, and when a diagnostic tool is being plugged in. So we showed an OEM the services that happen in a month, and said here are the areas where you should have a service centre because they aren’t going to your dealerships. We had no idea that would even be of value.

fleetworld.co.uk / 45

INTERVIEW Albert Chu, Masternaut Telematics

Life after the ‘Black Box’ Telematics giant Masternaut is laying the foundations for a more data-rich future, and vice president of strategy and marketing, Albert Chu, reckons fleets need to take similar steps to stay ahead.

By Alex Grant.

Stronger foundations

Evolving fleet management

Launched this summer, Masternaut’s rebrand follows three‐ years spent examining where the telematics sector is heading, and fine‐tuning or re‐thinking its processes to cater for those changes. Chu says it’s become a different company behind the scenes; now ISO 27000 certified, home to restructured account management and customer services teams, and operating at 99.9% uptime. Changes which have recorded a 25‐point upswing in its net promotor score.

At the end of 2017, it added data scientists under its newly‐renamed Catalytix team, and shifted its focus from professional services, to deep analysis of the data coming from fleets. The aim is to give fleets the bigger picture, utilising their vast quantities of telematics data to find patterns, and re‐engi‐ neer how they operate. Essentially, it’s a shift from focusing on selling hardware, to selling data intelligence.

This sort of data gathering needn’t be arduous, says Chu, but it does mark the start of a new era for fleet operators. It’s already a technology‐rich sector, but the last decade has focused on digitising paper and pen processes rather than using that technology to drive efficiency. With regulation and decreasing hardware costs meaning most vehicles – certainly in fleets – will be sending data somewhere by 2025. That’s a massive amount of useful information to work with.

“The most obvious thing to do today is capture more of it,” Chu advises. “If you’ve got it sitting in pen and paper, that’s not going to cut it. While your competitors are finding operational effi‐ ciencies, you’re not going to have that data in front of you. You’ve got this data already, let’s start unlocking it with more context.

“Even if you can’t do smart things with the data today, capture it because you’ll be able to do something with it later.

46 / fleetworld.co.uk

“Even if you can’t do smart things with the data today, capture it because you’ll be able to do something with it later.”

And integrate your systems. Telematics isn’t seen as a technology sell, and we don’t talk with IT directors nearly enough. It has to be less siloed, there has to be additional linkages with IT, HR, finance, and this requires a different skillset. For fleet operators to be competitive, they have to be more than vehicles on the road. They have to be able to use data, and put it in context for efficiency improvements.”

What can this data do?

More than you might expect, Chu explains: Driver Safety: Aggregated telematics data offers a much clearer picture of road safety than the Government’s accident statistics, explains Chu. Analysing hotspots for harsh driving and speeding could be used to map out the UK’s most dangerous intersections, helping agencies cut congestion and improving safety.

Operational Efficiency: Masternaut has put around a dozen customers through its fleet optimisation process. It’s data rich enough to analyse not only frequency of use, but reflecting essential, specialist vehicles, and looking the size of depots to identify where short‐term rental could replace certain assets.

Chu claims this has brought 5‐10% reductions in fleet size so far.

Benchmarking: With 22 variables and thousands of customers’ data, granularity is a big benefit of richer data. Chu says the system can benchmark fleets’ fuel efficiency based on their industry, vehicle type, working hours and location. It will also launch a certification programme later this year to recog‐ nise the best performers.

Vehicle choice: Masternaut has a patented technology which can read fuel economy data, and thus CO2 emissions, directly from the car. This can suggest the sort of duty cycles specific makes, models and drivetrains suit, including where electric vehicles can be deployed. Chu says this could be an attractive value‐added service from leasing companies.

“The message we have for operators is don’t sit on your hands when all this stuff is happening,” explains Chu. “In order for all of this to be meaningful, and make sense, you need the infras‐ tructure to support the services that are coming. When you do that, you will be ahead of the competition.”

fleetworld.co.uk / 47

MARKET OVERVIEW Risk Management

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?

Key to services

ARI

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DriveTech (UK) Limited

IAM RoadSmart

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At DriveTech, we have developed a holistic approach to fleet risk management that looks after your fleet drivers, helps you remain compliant with the law, and provides a duty of care to drivers – whether company vehicle or ‘grey fleet’ users.

Our innovative fleet risk solutions and driver safety training includes everything from fleet risk audits, licence checking, driver assessment, online e-learning and on-road coaching and helps to provide a supportive environment for you and your drivers keeping them safe, improving business efficiency and helping manage your reputation “on the road”.

IAM RoadSmart is the UK’s leading independent road safety organisation and has been promoting road safety for over 60 years, by focusing on improving driver behaviour. It is estimated that a third of those killed on UK roads are on a work-related journey at the time of the incident. With businesses increasingly acknowledging that compliance with H&S legislation extends to ensuring the safety of at-work drivers, we offer a comprehensive suite of driver risk management tools including licence checking, driver auditing, risk assessment and e-learning, as well as targeted on-road training via a nationwide network of fleet-registered Approved Driving Instructors.

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 and qualifications; all are Fleet Approved Driving Instructors with the DVSA. In addition, all of our trainers have passed RoSPA’s Advanced Driving Test.

Contact: Colin Paterson Tel: 01256 610907 colin.paterson@drivetech.co.uk www.drivetech.co.uk

Contact: Customer Care Team Tel: 0870 120 2910 business@iam.org.uk iamroadsmart.com/business

Contact: Tayla Byrne Tel: 0121 248 2233 tbyrne@rospa.com www.rospa.com

48 / fleetworld.co.uk

our fleet BMW 740Le xDrive M Sport OUR Seven is making me look more stupid than normal thanks to its hands-free boot release.

Whenever I try to use this function, I end up looking like the local looney goosestepping at my car’s rear bumper while the boot lid resolutely refuses to open. And when I don’t want it to open, such as on three occasions while jet washing the car at my local supermarket the other day, it opens!

Having watched a video from one of the BMW Geniuses on the internet, I realise I need to perfect my right foot kick approach…

I think this is what is referred to as a first-world problem.

Julian Kirk

Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer SRi VX-Line Nav

SPACIOUS, practical, well-equipped, good-looking and a tidy drive. I’m certainly not short of compliments for our Insignia. But there’s a problem with VX67 MVT and, considering I took on this car in the middle of the summer heatwave, it’s a biggie! The climate control on our car appears to be on summer recess. In fact, I’m pretty sure this car is stuck in winter mode, when cabin temperatures hot enough to roast an ox would be welcome. I reckon a trip to the Vauxhall dealer is in order, before I melt like an ice lolly.

Martyn Collins

AlphaCity BMW 320d THE faithful BMW AlphaCity 320d has been put to good use for a variety of longer journeys this past month and by a number of colleagues all sharing the car using the managed booking system. Most still use the online service, but with Alphabet’s recent introduction of the AlphaGuide app, booking has become more flexible and can be done while out and about. The new app tracks mileage and offers easy-access assistance at the touch of, erm, a touchscreen. It can also be used to find a partner tyre garage if needs be or to log a claim, report damage and upload pictures of any incident. Not that we’ve had any issues, as the car’s been all-but faultless. Only a hiccup of our own making has occurred once when the car was booked but a colleague had to move it in the car park during the booking and used the keys (which we have for emergency use only) rather than the card the car was booked on. This caused the booked session to be cancelled. Aside from that self-inflicted error, colleagues have found the card system user-friendly, quick in operation and of course smaller in their pocket than traditional bulky keys.

Lloyd Ramsdale

fleetworld.co.uk / 49

our fleet Mazda6 2.2D 150 SE-L Nav WHILE I am not a huge fan of some modern driver assistance systems, lane-keeping in particular, automatic headlights and wipers do seem to work pretty well these days. Certainly, in the Mazda6, I leave both systems in their auto setting and rarely have to intervene. That is, unless it’s foggy.

On a recent trip, I hit a bank of fog that was taking a while to burn off in the early morning sunshine. Unfortunately, the Mazda’s light sensors, as with pretty much every other vehicle on the road that morning, didn’t ‘see’ the fog, as it didn’t get dark, so the headlights remained off until I manually activated them.

Indeed, it was quite surprising to see how many motorists simply assumed that daytime running lights were sufficient in poor visibility, never mind actual headlights. They seemed unaware that most DRLs only operate at the front of the vehicle, for instance, providing no warning to following cars at all. Technology can be a real benefit in some situations, but it doesn’t absolve the driver of the responsibility of actually driving. That includes turning the lights on when required.

Dan Gilkes

Volkswagen e-Golf THIS month, I managed to test the boundaries of the e-Golf’s range – and the limits of my own range anxiety.

I had to make a trip to Tetbury for a day testing some new BMWs, a total distance of 109 miles from my home in southwest London. I started off with a battery that was almost full, but assumed that wouldn’t have too much of an effect. I assumed wrong, as despite sticking to 70mph, I didn’t have enough range to get to my destination and had to pull into Membury services on the M4.

I thought I’d use the AC rapid charger at the services, but it wasn’t working, so I had to use a regular DC unit, which,

50 / fleetworld.co.uk

after 40 minutes, gave me a relatively paltry extra 20 miles’ range. After careful progress, I made it with 20 miles to spare, then charged at the venue.

To ensure I got home, I set the cruise control for 60mph.

I’ve never driven on a motorway at 60mph (by choice) in my life, but it worked. I reached home with 40 miles of range.

The lesson is therefore that the e-Golf can drive at motorway speeds and it can have a 150-mile range: you can’t, however, have both at the same time.

Craig Thomas

Peugeot 5008 GT Line BlueHDi 150 THE arrival of overseas relatives has pressed the rear seat functionality on the 5008 into use for a few trips – and it’s fared well.

True, such seats are better left to the kids in terms of head and legroom but they are easy enough to access, thanks to the individual middle-row seats’ ability to slide forwards, and there is oceans of space in the middle row. And the seats are a doddle to raise and lower plus there’s a rather simplistic but also rather nifty concertina-style boot floor that takes a matter of seconds to fold away.

I’ve been left a bit perplexed by what to do with the load cover though. It doesn’t fit in the rear seat footwell and I felt it was a bit inconsiderate to leave it my guests’ feet. There’s only a bit of boot space left with the seats erected. So it ended up the figures in the hallway for a couple of days OTR PRICE and has returned unscathed. £31,250* I’ve now become well and truly POWER dependent on the camera 129bhp @ 3,750rpm* system included as part of the TORQUE 221lb.ft @ 1,750rpm* £450 Visio Pack 2 on our test car.

0-62mph This has a 180-degree reversing 11.8 seconds* camera with lane markings as TOP SPEED well as an overhead camera 118mph* showing positioning and any COMBINED MPG 68.9mpg* obstacles – as well as audible CO2 alerts. I was too busy looking 108g/km (26% BiK)* around over my shoulder at first Figures are for a BlueHDI 130 GT to really make the most of it but Line. The BlueHDI 150 has been discontinued.

I’ve become au fait with incorpo-

rating a quick glance at the camera, particularly in the school carpark when people seem to suddenly dash behind you mid-manoeuvre, and I’m finding the technology invaluable.

However, the kids have different views over what’s invaluable. My youngest is enamoured with the tray tables and sunshades in the rear while my eldest enjoys playing with the touchscreen infotainment system and probably knows it better than me. There is a wealth of functionality there that I’m yet to grips with – but I’m sure a summer holiday traffic jam will give us ample opportunity to get acquainted.

Natalie Middleton

*

Audi Q5 S line 2.0 TDI Quattro IT’S a well-known fact that SUVs are growing in popularity and, in my surroundings, you don’t have to go far to find another one.

Typically parked on a driveway just a few feet away (i.e. next door) from the Fleet World Q5 is another SUV – it’s even the same make and model! It turns out that the fella next door (who, as it happens, is Mr Challen Snr) was in the market for something a bit more ‘accessible’ as getting into the Audi A6 was proving not as easy as it was when he bought the car four years ago. So with a shortlist of the Audi and a Volvo XC60, he stayed loyal to the German brand and hasn’t looked back since.

The difference in spec between the two is interesting – even down to the keys (ours has a silver plated boot release button,

while father’s is boggo plastic). However, he tends to tick almost every box when it comes to options on a new car, so there are sensors and cameras galore, as well as audible verbal warning about getting close to something else, not just the beeping sound.

As for ours? It’s still proving it’s worth as well as why it is such a popular product. A special mention must go to the climate control, which has been working overtime during the recent unseasonal English weather with amazing efficiency. From boiling hot to nice and cool in no time. No complaints from the three junior Challen occupants in the rear, either, which is always a good sign!

John Challen

fleetworld.co.uk / 51

our fleet Seat Alhambra Xcellence 2.0 TDI (184HP) OUR Alhambra suffered a multi-storey parking mishap at the end of June. It’s highlighted how much easier it makes family life, but some of the compromises too.

I’m still amazed by the space-inefficiency of transporting small kids, and having three ratchets that up to 11. My headaches are twofold; the child seats we’re bound to until the our eight-week-old turns 12, and our equally cumbersome buggy. Most ‘five-seaters’ won’t take three child seats (or two and an adult) in the back, and few of the growing crop of ‘seven-seat’ SUVs can do so without using the third row. Then where does the buggy go?

The Alhambra gets around all of this. It has

seven full-size seats, so none of our family of five has to go in the boot, and sliding doors which are essential for a car this wide.

However, I’d argue it’s bigger than we need, as I’ve only used row three once and there are London bedsits smaller than its boot. Car parks are a squeeze, as we’ve discovered.

Odd, really, with family cars becoming increasingly SUV-shaped, that there’s still no substitute for a proper MPV. But parenthood would be even easier if its best attributes could be packed into something a little smaller.

Alex Grant

SUPPLIER DIRECTORY electric vehicle charging Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

EV contract hire, leasing & finance Lex Autolease

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

accident management Selsia

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

fleet insurance

Ford Fiesta 1.0 (125HP) EcoBoost Titanium

insureFLEET Tel: 0333 202 3133 www.insurefleet.com

LAST month, I mentioned the heatwave thinking it was a fad, and how great the Fiesta’s super-size sunroof had been. With the sun still shining, it has continued to flood the cabin with light and much needed fresh air. This has been especially welcome on long journeys, incorporating the standstill motorway traffic of the holiday season.

Such trips have also served to highlight what a big-car feel the Fiesta exudes. This isn’t just down to the Titanium specification bumping up the standard equipment levels... it’s about the quality of materials used and the general refinement on offer meaning you rarely feel too weary arriving at your destination.

Luke Wikner

52 / fleetworld.co.uk

driver licence checking Jaama Tel: 0844 8484 333 www.licence2check.co.uk

TMC Tel: 01270 525 218 www.themilesconsultancy.co.uk Chevin Fleet Solutions Tel: 01773 821 992 www.chevinfleet.com

FLEETW RLD SUPPLIER DIRECTORY contract hire, leasing & finance Maxxia 020 7520 9450 www.maxxia.co.uk

daily rental

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

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

risk management

fleet management software ODO Drive Tel: 01438 317731

Tel: 01484 551060

www.ododrive.com

www.virtualriskmanager.net

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

Tel: 0141 332 2626 www.acvm.com 0845 2172 608 daysfleet.com

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

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

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

Nexus Vehicle Rental 0871 984 1947 www.nexusrental.co.uk

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

Lex Autolease

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

Thrifty Car & Van Rental Tel: 01494 751 550 www.thrifty.co.uk

Sofico NV Tel: 01905 887884

sgfleet Tel: 0845 154 0721 www.sgfleet.com

SHB Hire Ltd Tel: 01794 511458 www.shb.co.uk

www.soficoservices.com

www.bespokedrivertraining.com help@bespokedrivertraining.com

DriveTech (UK) Ltd Tel: 01256 610907 www.drivetech.co.uk

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

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

er 2014

RLD FLEETW Why fleets

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

Tel:+3292018040

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

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

subscriptions

fuel management

Fleet World magazine Sign Up today...

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

www.fleetworldsubscriptions.co.uk

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

PVS Ltd Tel: 01278 550270

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

Fleet Operations Ltd Tel: 0844 567 8000

www.fleetoperations.co.uk

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

Tel: 01792 222133 www.daysrental.co.uk EV FLEET WORLD Tel: 01727 739160 www.evfleetworld.co.uk

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

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

fuelGenie Tel: 0345 371 2490 www.fuelgenie.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.quartix.net Tel: 0870 013 6663 CanTrack Global Ltd Tel: 01908 330385 www.cantrack.com

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

vehicle CCTV & safety Parksafe Automotive Tel: 01773 746591

www.parksafeautomotive.com fleetworld.co.uk / 53

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8 February 201 2018 February 2018 February 2018

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VAN

August 2018

FLEETW RLD

at a glance DRIVER SKILLS

TESTED

NEWS

Driver training can cut operating costs

• Ford's Transit Custom • Volkswagen Amarok Dark Label

How to power a fridge body on an electric van and more....

vanfleetworld.co.uk

feature electric refrigeration

KEEPING IT COOL With the adoption of electric vans, comes a demand for alternative power for fridges, says Dan Gilkes.

t

emperature‐controlled specialist Paneltex is working in a consortium of companies, to develop alternative power for fridge and freezer bodies, that can be installed on electric vans and trucks. To date the group has built two vehicles, both based on an electric Fiat Ducato chassis cab, which will commence trials with operators in September.

The project, which is being led by thermal energy storage experts Sunamp, uses the company’s compact domestic Heat Batteries to provide the cooling for the van bodies. Sunamp inverts the Heat Battery technology, to create cold storage tech‐ nology, that is said to be more ef icient than lithium‐ion batter‐ ies and with a better power‐to‐weight ratio.

Originally, when the project started in August 2016, it had been thought that the cold storage units would be loaded into the vans in a similar way to older eutectic beams.

However, Sunamp has devised a way to make its cold stor‐ age batteries last up to eight hours from a single charge.

They are mounted in the freezer compartment of the body, providing temperatures down to ‐18° C. Cold air is then

56 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

transferred to the fridge compartment, where it provides ‐5°C and then on to the ambient compartment, which has been designed to work for the majority of supermarket home deliveries.

“They can drop a lot of temperature really quickly,” said Sam Berridge, European sales manager at Paneltex, making it possi‐ ble to carry out multiple door openings.

“We don’t want to change the way the customer operates. We wanted it to work for a retailer in the same way as a conven‐ tional diesel‐powered refrigerated van.”

The two Fiat chassis have been converted to electric drive by Turkish company BD Auto. The Ducato was chosen as it was one of the only van models available with a gross weight of 4.25‐tonnes, meeting the new maximum weight for an electric commercial vehicle that can be driven by a car driver without an Operator’s licence.

“We wanted 4.25‐tonnes for the supermarkets,” said Berridge.

One of the test vehicles will use the van’s traction batteries to power a conventional fridge unit, reducing the potential

Electric truck gets approval

driving range, while the second will be equipped with the Sunamp cooling pack. The results can then be directly compared and the savings measured.

“On an electric vehicle you really need to preserve the batteries,” said Berridge.

The cold storage batteries weigh around 120kg, similar to a conventional lithium‐ion battery. However, Paneltex has managed to save between 100‐200kg on the complete three compartment vehicle, compared to a comparable diesel van with the same body.

The real savings however are not in weight, but in cost, as the Sunamp storage is said to be considerably less expensive than a lithium‐ion battery pack. The storage is maintenance‐ free and it can be topped up during a lunch break and fully charged overnight.

Route Monkey and parent company Trakm8, will provide the consortium with optimisation of routes, scheduling and loads, along with real‐time data, including ambient temperatures and battery charge levels. The company already provides a deliv‐ ery scheduling system for food company Iceland.

“We’re not only considering groceries, but equally phar‐ maceuticals, anything that needs temperature control,” said Sarah Bee, Trakm8’s project director.

The three‐year project, due for completion in 2019, is being supported by the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) which will assist with dissemination of results.

Paneltex has just received approval to commence series production of its own Isuzu‐based 7.5‐tonne electric trucks. The company has been building electric vehicles for some time, testing at various weights with a range of customers. However, now with type approval, it can start to really push the electric vehicles.

The trucks are supplied to Paneltex by Isuzu in the UK, which takes back the diesel engine and transmis‐ sion to resell separately. Paneltex then installs Magtec motors, battery packs and drivetrain components, which now all it within the truck’s chassis rails.

One of the big changes has been the adoption of new nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries, replac‐ ing the previous lithium phosphate batteries. These are far more energy dense, allowing a more compact installation within the chassis.

The 80kWh batteries provide an 80‐mile range for the 7.5‐tonne truck and the fully equipped and bodied vehicle is actually 162kg lighter than the equivalent diesel version.

An on‐board 22kWh charger will allow a full charge in four hours, or customers can specify a 9kWh charg‐ ing system for overnight use.

Paneltex will market the electric trucks, with Isuzu dealers capable of handling service and warranty work on the chassis. Prices start at £100,000 for a chassis cab and the company will build a demonstration leet including a box body, a fridge and a cage tipper.

“We think up to 50% of what we do in the next ive years will be electric,” said Sam Berridge, European sales manager.

“In terms of what we do, it’s no different in the factory, but we expect that to come.”

vanfleetworld.co.uk / 57

inbusiness

Bare bones for a conversion F ord has introduced a skeletal chassis cab to the 2‐tonne Transit line‐up, with a low‐height chassis for low‐ loor conversions. The skeletal chassis deliv‐ ers a 200kg weight saving over a stan‐ dard chassis cab, boosting potential payload for customers. It is also 100mm lower than the regular front‐wheel drive Transit, offering a lower step height for loading and unloading.

The Transit skeletal uses an open‐ backed cab structure, to support walk‐

through conversions for parcel delivery.

It can be ordered in a choice of three wheelbases, with a wide‐track rear axle on the longest model that is optional on the shorter variants. All three have a gross vehicle weight of 3.5‐tonnes.

Powered by the EcoBlue 2.0‐litre diesel engine, leets can choose between 130bhp or 170bhp outputs. This can be paired with a six‐speed manual gearbox as standard, or an optional six‐speed automatic transmission.

“The new Transit skeletal chassis opens up exciting new opportunities for grocery delivery vehicles and other low‐ loor body conversions where ease of access is paramount,” said Hans Schep, general manager of commercial vehi‐ cles, Ford of Europe.

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

Hudson takes title Stephen Hudson, a van driver working for Asda, has been named as the Van Excellence Driver of the Year, following a testing day at Mercedes-Benz Vans’ Wentworth Park site near Barnsley. Luke Birchnall of racking specialist Bott, picked up the Young Driver of the Year award, along with second place in the overall competition.

“The Van Excellence scheme is raising compliance levels across the industry and each of today’s finalists has shown outstanding commitment, technique and expertise, all vital skills for today’s van drivers,” said Mark Cartwright, head of vans at the FTA, which administers the scheme.

Welsh wonders

Tyre monitor cuts costs P lant and tool hire company HSS Hire is to it the Wheely‐Safe Light tyre pressure management system across a leet of 250 vans, following a successful trial on 20 of the irm’s Sprinter dropsides.

The Michelin‐licensed technology replaces traditional tyre valve caps with sensors that auto‐pair with a solar‐powered wind‐ screen display. This can inform the driver of under and over‐in lation as well as rising temperatures, which can be a sign of tyre failure.

The vans are also assigned a contactless tyre pressure checker, which can be held next to the sensor to display the pressure via a digital readout, with no need to connect a pressure gauge.

“In just four months the system has changed the way our leet oper‐

60 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

ates,” said Martin O’Neill, national leet and logistics manager at HSS. “Previously we checked tyre pressures manually, but Wheely‐Safe Light has shown us our pressure management was not as good as we thought. Since itting the system we’ve noticed that fuel econ‐ omy has increased and tyre wear and spend is going down.”

Swansea Council has become the local authority with the biggest electric van fleet in Wales, after adding 40 Peugeot Partner Electric SE L1 vans to its operation. The vans will be used by Swansea’s corporate building services, waste management, parks, highways, car parks and street cleaning teams. Days Fleet has provided the vans on a five-year contract hire agreement, including maintenance and breakdown cover.

Rebranding vans Livery and branding company Mediafleet has won a deal with Wessex Water to rebrand the company’s 750vehicle LCV fleet. Initially the rebranding has been introduced on 350 new vans that are joining the fleet. Other vehicles will be included as they are replaced. Mediafleet has provided seven core livery designs across 50 artwork specifications, for panel vans, tippers and pickups.

Y O U WA N T A G R E AT D E A L .

W E H A P P E N TO H AV E T WO .

T O G E T H E R W E G O F U R T H ER.

0% APR R E P R E S E N TAT I V E O N 3 YEAR FORD ACQUIRE WITH BALLOON†

£500

* CUSTOMER S AV I N G

W H E N Y O U TA K E A T E S T DRIVE AND PURCHASE BY 31st AUGUST

ABOVE PROMOTIONS APPLY TO THE FORD RANGER LIMITED. TO FIND OUT MORE, VISIT FORD.CO.UK Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Ford Ranger Limited range: urban 24.8 (11.4) – 38.7 (7.3), extra urban 38.7 (7.3) – 47.1 (6.0), combined 32.1 (8.8) – 43.5 (6.5). Official CO2 emissions 231-171g/km.

The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results (EU Directive and Regulation 715/2007 and 692/2008 as last amended), are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience. *£500 Customer Saving (excl VAT) off the Recommended Retail Price of any Ford Ranger Limited. Test drive to be taken and vehicle contracted and registered at participating Ford Dealers between the 1st August and 31st August 2018. Retail (excl Advantage) and eligible Fleet customers only. The £500 Customer Saving cannot be used with the Ford Scrappage Scheme. For full T&Cs, see ford.co.uk/testdrive. Ford Acquire with balloon is a hire purchase product. Finance subject to status.

Guarantees may be required. Freepost Ford Credit. † The balloon payment is the final payment.

feature Driver CPC

Ticking all the boxes Maintaining a Driver CPC can be seen as an onerous chore, or an opportunity, says Dan Gilkes.

I

f you require staff to drive a truck for hire or reward, even a 7.5‐tonne truck, they will not only need the required driv‐ ing licence, but will also have to have an up‐to‐date Driver CPC. The Driver Certi icate of Competence is a legal require‐ ment for any truck driver, one that requires 35 hours of peri‐ odic training every ive years to maintain.

That 35 hours must be taken in ive seven‐hour blocks, though how you break that down is up to you. You can opt to do one day per year, or leave it until the ifth year and do all 35 hours in one hit.

While this may sound like a time‐consuming bit of red tape, taking drivers away from work for a day each year, companies can use Driver CPC training as an opportunity to refresh exper‐ tise or to learn new skills.

Only approved Driver CPC courses count towards the driver’s 35 hours, however the choice of course content is huge. This ranges from actual driving, for economy or safety purposes, through to loading and unloading; health, safety and emergen‐ cies; physical and mental health; prevention of criminality and traf icking; to regulation and company issues.

You can even use the DCPC course to spread good practice within the company leet. I recently took a two‐day Opti‐drive CPC course, with Renault Trucks. Designed to help drivers to get the best from Renault’s T‐range of heavy haulage trucks, it also serves as a train‐the‐trainer course, providing the oppor‐ tunity to trickle down fuel‐ef icient driving techniques through‐ out a company’s drivers.

The training, for up to four delegates, takes place in the class‐ room initially, with the irst morning spent going through the

62 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

controls and driver options of the T‐range Renault truck. The delegates then do a walk‐around of the truck, taking in daily check points and pre‐drive safety checks.

Then it is into the cab, where the bunk has been removed and three additional seats installed to allow ive to travel safely.

Drivers take turns at the wheel, putting what they have been taught, into practice on the road. The second day takes a similar format, but with less time in the classroom and more on the road.

Rather than simply trucking up and down motorways, the on‐road section includes the trickiest Cotswold terrain that trainer Clive Bond can ind. This is designed to make the driver use the various features on offer, to achieve the most econom‐ ically ef icient drive.

The Optidriver automated gearbox has 12 forward speeds and it’s true that you can simply put it in D and let the elec‐ tronics take care of things. However, there are a number of ways in which the driver can in luence the transmission, through the use of driver modes, multi‐setting adaptive cruise control, soft cruise resume, Optiroll transmission disconnect and Optivision, which uses GPS and topographical data to ‘learn’ regular routes and select and hold gears accordingly.

There is certainly plenty to learn, but the results can save a company a lot of money, particularly if spread across a leet of vehicles.

Driver CPC quali ications are a mandatory requirement for truck drivers across Europe. Maintaining your training hours however need not be simply a box ticking exercise. Taking a closer look at the training on offer, and tailoring it to suit your operation, can be a money‐saving exercise.

THE MITSUBISHI

L200 SERIES 5 THE BEST PICK-UP TO TOW 3.5 TONNES

2

Thanks to its trailer stability assist, smallest turning circle and the fact that it is one of the only pick-ups that can tow on tarmac in 2WD and 4WD3, the Mitsubishi L200 Series 5 is simply the best pick-up to tow up to 3.5 tonnes2. The L200 Series 5 Titan is available from ÂŁ199 per month+VAT1 over 3 years on a 8,000 p.a. mileage Contract Hire contract provided by Shogun Vehicle Leasing, which means that owning one is now more affordable than ever.

RUNNER-UP MANUFACTURER

Take on the world. Search L200 | Visit mitsubishi-cars.co.uk to ďŹ nd 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 10.92p plus VAT per mile. Vehicle must be returned in good condition to avoid further charges. The offer is valid for new vehicles registered between 1st July and 30th September 2018, whilst stocks last. Other terms and mileages are available on request. Available 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. 2. 3.5 tonne towing capacity is possible with 3 axle braked trailer; 3.1 tonne towing capacity is possible with 1 or 2 axle braked trailer; 0.75 tonne towing capacity is possible regardless of the number of trailer axles or trailer brakes. 3. Super Select 4WD is not available on L200 Series 5 4Life models. 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.

VAN

MARKET OVERVIEW Daily Rental

FLEETW W RLD R

How many commercial vehicles does your company operate?

How many rental locations does your company have?

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

Do you offer a delivery/collection service for vans?

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

Do you offer an on-line management reporting facility?

Do you offer vans fitted with satellite navigation systems?

Do you offer vans fitted with tail-lifts?

Do you offer refrigerated vehicles?

Do you offer a guaranteed no turn down policy?

How many vehicle groups do you offer?

Do you provide electronic invoicing and statements?

Do you provide online damage management?

Key to services

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Europcar

Europcar UK Group Continued investment in the diversity and quality of its commercial vehicle fleet and services demonstrates Europcar’s crucial role supporting UK businesses, with up to 7,500 vans available during peak periods. The fleet comprises of 4x4 pick-ups, 5 & 6-seater crew vans, Chapter 8 compliant vehicles as well as standard commercial vans such as CDV, SWB and LWB all available to hire at 4 hours’ notice. The network of 14 specialist vans hubs located in the major business cities provide businesses with support and expertise to ensure that the right vehicles are available in the right place at the right time.

Contact: The Business Support Team businesssupport@europcar.com

Tel: 0871 384 0201 europcar.co.uk

FleetEurope FleetEurope is a multi-award winning, independent provider of short- and midterm 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 industryleading 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 monitor and reduce your rental expenditure. Our award-winning De-Risk service provides cover for minor damage incurred to your rental vehicles valued at less than £500 to repair, regardless of who is at fault.

Contact: Rental Team info@fleeteurope.co.uk

64 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

Tel: 01494 435000 www.fleeteurope.co.uk

Nexus Vehicle Rental Nexus Vehicle Rental is the biggest corporate vehicle rental provider in the UK. We offer access to over 550,000 vehicles, including 100,000 specialist and commercial vehicles and 50,000 HGVs across 2,000 locations, which can be booked in just 10 seconds at the click of a mouse through our award-winning online rental booking and management system, IRIS. Our comprehensive fleet of rental vans provide the perfect solution for commercial use. With access to more than 100, 000 vans across the UK, we ensure optimum availability to consistently satisfy your mobility needs.

Whether you require a van for seasonal work, one-off projects and contractual work or for more regular hire requirements, Nexus can provide the perfect choice for your business.

Contact: Dean Rose Tel: 0871 984 1947 enquiries@nexusrental.co.uk www.nexusrental.co.uk

Ford Transit Custom Subtle changes keep Ford’s Transit Custom ahead of the pack, says Dan Gilkes.

I

t was a fairly easy decision, naming the latest Ford Transit Custom as our Van of the Year in March. Though a somewhat conservative facelift externally, the changes in the cab and beneath the metalwork tipped the scales irmly in the mid‐weight Ford’s favour.

Yet, there is always slight trepidation when you return to an award‐winner for a full road test. Did we make the right decision? Will a week at the wheel expose some critical law that we missed on the launch?

An early morning drive from Suffolk to Oxfordshire, taking in the many roundabouts of Milton Keynes, was all that it took to remember exactly why the Custom was such a deserving winner. It made light work of a three‐hour drive, from almost empty country roads to morning‐commuter city snarl‐ups.

In short wheelbase, low roof 300S guise, our test van was equipped with the mid‐range 130bhp version of Ford’s EcoBlue diesel engine, which is now by far the most popular leet option. This was twinned with the stan‐ dard six‐speed manual gearbox, a combina‐ tion that promises over 40mpg and just 166g/km of CO2. In a week of mixed driving the van was showing a commendable 37.4mpg, which is not far off the mark.

It’s the way in which the Custom goes about the business of driving that is the most impres‐ sive however. It has an incredibly re ined drive‐ train, making for very relaxed progress across country or on a dual carriageway. You do have to keep an eye on the speedo, as even this mid‐ power motor will cruise a little too rapidly if you’re not careful, , but that is hardly a criticism.

As mentioned, the most noticeable changes to the van are inside the cab and, in our test

what we think Ford’s big seller benefits from an improved interior, the latest technology and an enviably smooth, refined driveline.

specification MODEL Ford Transit Custom Limited 300S BASIC PRICE £25,950 ENGINE 4-cyl 1,995cc FUEL INJECTION Common-rail POWER 130bhp @ 3,500 TORQUE 385Nm @ 1,500 Weights (kg) GVW 3,000 KERB WEIGHT 1,915 PAYLOAD 1,085 MAX TRAILER WEIGHT 2,240 Dimensions (mm) LOAD SPACE LENGTH 2,554 LOAD SPACE WIDTH 1,775 LOAD SPACE HEIGHT 1,406 WIDTH BETWEEN W/ARCHES 1,351 LOAD HEIGHT (UNLADEN) 511 LOAD VOLUME 6.0m3 Cost considerations COMBINED CO2/MPG 166g/km /40.9mpg FUEL TANK CAPACITY 70 litres OIL CHANGE 2 year/36,000 miles WARRANTY 3 year/100,000 miles

van’s Limited speci ication, they are in the main very successful. The dash looks modern and has plenty of storage. The revised seats are extremely comfortable and there is plenty of steering wheel adjustment. The visibility is also good, particularly from the double‐lens mirrors.

The SYNC 3 multi‐media system works well, though the 8” touchscreen could perhaps be slightly angled towards the driver, rather than facing directly towards the middle seat passenger. I didn’t make much use of voice control, but it is part of the connectivity package, that also includes AppLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

You can load the van up with driver assis‐ tance packages if desired, but the standard speci ication has everything that most will require. This includes Side Wind Mitigation and Roll Stability Control, both designed to keep the van stable under dif icult conditions.

There is less to talk about in the rear of course, Custom is still available in short and long models, with a choice of two roof heights.

The full height steel bulkhead has a load‐ through hatch, to offer almost 50mm of addi‐ tional load length, which should prove useful to buyers of the shorter model. Both internal and external roof racks are available too.

But Ford didn’t need to update the load area, it already suits thousands of buyers across Europe. To be fair, there was little wrong with the previous interior either, but time marches on and manufacturers are always keen to keep things fresh and add the latest technology.

With more time at the wheel, I was pleased to see that our initial assessment was spot on.

vanfleetworld.co.uk / 65

Volkswagen Amarok Dark Label Volkswagen is tempting customers to the dark side with the latest Amarok, says Dan Gilkes.

T

here seems to be something of a power struggle at the top of the pickup market. Volkswagen’s V6‐powered Amarok has ruled the roost until recently, with a 224bhp output. However, with Mercedes‐Benz launching a V6 X‐Class last month, the bar has been raised.

The big Merc will boast a faintly ridiculous 258bhp output, with 550Nm of torque. Know‐ ing that, Volkswagen has boosted the output of its own truck, to 258bhp and 580Nm. What’s more, an overboost function will allow the power to rise to 272bhp brie ly when accelerat‐ ing, taking VW back to the top of the tree.

All of which is fairly academic for most leets, though the V6 Amarok has become a popular choice with plant hire and earthmoving compa‐ nies of late. Of more interest for many, is what’s been happening one step down the Amarok ladder. Having completely replaced the old 2.0‐ litre engine, the 3.0‐litre V6 is now available with 163bhp and a manual gearbox, or with 204bhp and a choice of manual or eight‐speed automatic transmissions. The 204bhp engine can also be had with VW’s permanent 4Motion all‐wheel drive system, making it, quite possibly, the pick of the range.

If that is your choice, you can have the truck in regular Highline trim, or as a Dark Label special edition, which lifts the equipment level further.

Based on the Highline trim, the Dark Label gets speci ic 18‐inch alloys, a choice of Carbon Steel grey, Indium grey or Deep Black paint and vari‐ ous matt black styling bars and decals.

It’s a similar story inside, where the over‐ riding colour scheme is a rather sombre black and grey, from the heated leather seats to the Dark Label loor mats. You get VW’s Discover

66 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

what we think The Dark Label package adds specification to what is already the pick of the Amarok pack.

specification MODEL Volkswagen Amarok Dark Label BASIC PRICE £33,650 ENGINE 6-cyl 2,970cc FUEL INJECTION Common-rail POWER 204bhp @ 3,000-4,500 TORQUE 500Nm @ 1,250-2,750 Weights (kg) GVW 3,290 CHASSIS KERB WEIGHT 2,222 MAX BODY AND PAYLOAD 1,068 MAX TRAILER WEIGHT 3,100 Dimensions (mm) LOAD SPACE LENGTH 1,555 LOAD SPACE WIDTH 1,620 WIDTH BETWEEN W/ARCHES 1,222 LOAD HEIGHT (UNLADEN) 780 LOAD AREA 2.52m2 Cost considerations COMBINED CO2/MPG 212g/km/38mpg FUEL TANK CAPACITY 80litres ADBLUE TANK CAPACITY 18litres OIL CHANGE 18,000 miles/2 years WARRANTY 3 year/100,000 miles

Media system, with a 6.33‐inch touchscreen and voice enhancer, along with automatic lights and wipers.

The 204bhp V6 still delivers a sturdy 500Nm of torque, from just 1,250rpm, giving the big truck surprising acceleration and it is easy to make rapid progress across country. The eight‐ speed automatic transmission is also incredi‐ bly smooth, slurring between ratios with little more than the engine note and the numbers on the dash to reveal a gearchange.

Of course, there is a price to pay for the power. VW claims that 34.9mpg is possible, but it requires a restrained right foot to achieve. That said, topping 30mpg is fairly easy and the Amarok does provide an incred‐ ibly relaxing drive on longer motorway trips.

It’s still not the last word in ride re inement however and it will be interesting to see how the coil suspension on the X‐Class deals with the increased power of the V6 engine.

Given the pulling power on offer, it’s also a shame that VW has pegged the Amarok’s towing capacity at 3.1‐tonnes. There are plenty of plant hire companies and farmers who want to tow the full 3.5‐tonnes where possible.

Despite the premium appeal, the VW is equally capable off the road and not afraid to get dirt on those expensive alloys. It comes with a host of driver assistance systems, including off‐road ABS, an electronic differential lock, plus Hill Start and Hill Descent Control.

Pickups continue to remain big sellers in the UK, thanks in part to their tax and bene it in kind advantages. As long as they don’t want the last word in power, VW will have little trouble turning buyers towards the dark side.

VAN SUPPLIER DIRECTORY FLEETW W RLD daily rental

contract hire, leasing & finance

risk management

tail lifts

fleet management software

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

Volkswagen Group Leasing Tel: 0870 333 2229 www.volkswagengroupleasing.co.uk

DriveTech (UK) Ltd Tel: 01256 610907 www.drivetech.co.uk

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

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

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

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

Full listings online at

Penny Hydraulics Tel: 01246 811475 www.pennyhydraulics.com

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

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

ODO Drive Tel: 01438 317731

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

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

fleetworld.co.uk accident management Selsia

Tel: 01792 222133 www.daysrental.co.uk

0845 2172 608

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

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

Nexus Vehicle Rental 0871 984 1947 www.nexusrental.co.uk

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

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

www.ododrive.com

daysfleet.com

telematics & tracking

CanTrack Global Ltd Tel: 01908 330385 www.cantrack.com

www.navmanwireless.co.uk

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

Full listings online at

fleetworld.co.uk fleet management

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

SHB Hire Ltd Tel: 01794 511458 www.shb.co.uk

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

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

Tel: 0141 332 2626 www.acvm.com

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

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

www.fleetoperations.co.uk

www.quartix.net

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

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

STEPS AVS Steps Ltd

Tel: 01939 235900 www.avssteps.co.uk

Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk van liners

fuel management

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

Fleet Operations Ltd Tel: 0844 567 8000

Tel: 0870 013 6663

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

TMC

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

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

driver licence checking TMC Tel: 01270 525 218 www.themilesconsultancy.co.uk

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

VAN FLEETW RLD SUPPLIER DIRECTORY

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

For more information, please contact Tracy Howell on 01727 739160 or email tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk vanfleetworld.co.uk / 67

K

TALKING FROM EXPERIENCE

WE DON’T JUST TALK THE TALK WHEN IT COMES TO ALTERNATIVE FUELS OUR GO ULTRA LOW COMPANY STATUS SHOWS WE WALK THE WALK PARTNERING WITH MOBILITY EXPERTS HAS NEVER BEEN SO IMPORTANT WWW.ALDAUTOMOTIVE.CO.UK