Fleet World December 2014

contents

18

What ACFO’s Julie Jenner has learnt in 20+ years in fleet.

30

We get behind the wheel of the impressive new Corsa.

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

38 44

Sales Executives Darren Brett darren@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

Meet Audi’s new technik tour de force – the amazing Prologue.

If it is broke, fix it. The cleaning up of fleet brokers...

Claire Warman claire@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

49

Circulation Manager Tracy Howell tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

Find out more about next year’s Fleet Show.

Head of Production Luke Wikner luke@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Designers Tina Ries tina@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Samantha Hargreaves sam@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

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

59

The winners in EST’s 2014 Fleet Hero Awards

VAN FLEETW RLD

75

Latest LCV news, Richard Collier of Vauxhall CVs, risk management, Fiat Ducato.

STAG Publications

®

To subscribe to Fleet World visit: www.fleetworldsubscriptions.co.uk Certified circulation Jan – Dec 2013 17,985

fleetworld.co.uk / 03

fleetreview This month, editor Steve Moody on greater co-operation between fleet and Whitehall, the effect of £15bn on roadbuilding and why Twingo, i8 and C4 Cactus are 2014’s stars...

Do ACFO Awards signal a change?

I went to the ACFO Awards last month, and it was a packed event with around 250 people in the room. The actual awards themselves were interesting, with the DVLA voted the Fleet Service Company of the Year for its close work with the industry in establishing new online tools, including driver licence validation checks, V5C vehicle registration certificate access and a vehicle enquiry service. I can’t think of another fleet awards event where a Government department has won anything. Perhaps it signals a change of closer co-operation from Whitehall with the industry? I wouldn’t hold your breath, mind.

Another signifier of change at the awards: the Mercedes-Benz A-Class winning Fleet Car of the Year. Mercedes has made huge strides in fleet in the last few years, having always been a bit behind BMW and Audi in recognising the importance of the sector, but it has most certainly caught up now.

My Awards As it is the end of the year, I thought that I would put my favourite cars of the year through a rigorous voting process.

I sat down with a coffee and came up with the top three new cars I’ve driven and why I liked them best. So in no particular order:

BMW i8 If the powertrain and tech in this is the future of the motor car, then we are in for a treat over the next decade, with clean, lean travel full of intelligence and character.

Roadbuilding: is it the answer?

Renault Twingo Cheap, cheerful and brilliantly packaged. A small car with a big personality.

The massive £15bn roadbuilding initiative announced by the Government must be applauded because it has been put together on the back of the realisation that British business is being stymied by congestion.

But, I use the M1 from Northampton to London and the M25 from Luton to the M3 a lot and both have been subject, in the last decade, to huge road widening schemes. And all I ever do on them is sit in traffic jams. Nothing seems to have changed. So will this £15bn make a big difference? I hope so, but I doubt it.

Citroën C4 Cactus Not every new car has to be more “Germanic”, and feel like the boardroom of a FTSE100 company.

The Cactus proves you can make lovely cars that deliver a different experience but of just as high quality.

04 / fleetworld.co.uk

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

Ford NEWS All-New Ford Mondeo advances the art

inbrief Innovative technologies

THE all-new Ford Mondeo delivers the widest and most technologically advanced powertrain range in the model’s 21-year history, offering fleets an unprecedented choice of refined, low CO2 and high performance engine options.

The first-ever Mondeo petrol-electric hybrid achieves 85mph in electric mode and delivers 187PS with 67.3mpg and 99g/km CO2 emissions.

It is available now, together with engine options including 1.5-litre and 2.0litre EcoBoost, 1.6-litre TDCi with class-leading CO2 emissions and sub100g/km CO2 even in estate bodystyle and enhanced 2.0-litre TDCi with 150PS or 180PS and with reduced CO2 and NOX emissions.

The new 210PS 2.0-litre TDCi featuring twin sequential-turbocharging and delivering 450Nm of torque, 1.5-litre TDCi, 1.0-litre EcoBoost - the first 1.0-litre petrol engine in the Mondeo segment - and all-wheel-drive transmissions go on sale early in 2015.

Every Mondeo diesel engine at launch will deliver sub-130g/km CO2 emission options, supported by standard Auto-Start-Stop technology across the range, including with automatic transmissions for the first time.

The all-new four-door Mondeo Hybrid is the first hybrid electric vehicle ever manufactured by Ford in Europe. It uses the third-generation Ford petrolelectric hybrid system that delivers the efficiency and refinement benefits of an electric powertrain in many driving scenarios while maintaining the driving range and freedom offered by a traditional combustion engine.

Two electric motors are used in the hybrid system – one to support the petrol engine in driving the wheels and another to enable regenerative charging to the 1.4kWh lithium-ion battery, located behind the rear seats. The Mondeo Hybrid’s high voltage electric system is designed to life standards similar to Ford’s traditional combustion engines and transmissions.

All-New Mondeo: The ideal business car The all-new Ford Mondeo is being considered as their next business car by more than half of Britain’s company car drivers, according to Sewells Intelligence.

In the largest study of its kind, half of those asked and who usually consider lower, upper and executive cars in the User Chooser Barometer survey said they would definitely or be likely to consider the Mondeo as their first choice for their next company car.

“Given that this generation of Mondeo will also offer a hybrid petrol-electric option, a first for Ford in the UK, it’s only likely to increase interest from drivers,” said Sewells Research and Insight commercial manager Simon Staplehurst.

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

Ford News Feature // 05

The all-new Ford Mondeo features innovative driver assist and safety technologies, introduces in Europe a new integral link rear suspension for improved ride comfort and interior noise reductions and offers Ford’s new SYNC 2 voice control connectivity system with eight inch touchscreen for easy operation of phone, entertainment, climate and navigation systems.

Technologies include Ford’s first adaptive LED headlamps in Europe and Active Park Assist featuring Perpendicular Parking, which enables drivers to detect suitably-sized parallel parking spaces and reverse hands-free into spaces parallel to the road and side-to-side with other cars.

This advanced parking feature will be supported by both ParkOut Assist, which helps drivers to exit parallel parking spaces and Side Parking Aid, which provides an on-screen visual representation and audible warning of obstacles to the side of the vehicle, as well as to the front and rear.

These technologies all potentially reduce the risk of minor but expensive damage to bodywork and bumpers.

All-new Mondeo also debuts Ford’s new Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, which can detect people in the road ahead – or that could cross the vehicle’s path – and automatically apply the brakes if the driver does not respond to warnings.

inbusiness

£15bn road regeneration aimed at helping business

M

inisters have unveiled plans to spend £15bn on improving England’s roads in a bid to help British business work better.

Announced by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin and Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander, the move will see the Government invest in more than 100 new road schemes over this parliament and next, including 84 newly announced schemes.

Over 1,300 new lane miles will be added by schemes being delivered over the next parliament on motorways and trunk roads, tackling congestion and fixing some of the most notorious and longstanding problem areas on the network.

This includes £1.5bn of investment to add an extra lane onto key motorways to turn them into smart motorways, boosting connectivity between London, Birmingham, Manchester and Yorkshire.

Patrick McLoughlin said: ‘Today I am setting out the biggest, boldest and most far-reaching roads programme for decades. It will dramatically improve our road network and unlock Britain’s economic potential.

‘Roads are key to our nation’s prosperity. For too long they have suffered from under-investment.

‘This government has a long term plan to secure the country’s future and this £15bn roads programme is demonstration of that. Better roads allow us to travel freely, creating jobs and opportunities.’

RAC chief engineer, David Bizley said: ‘Today’s announcement is to be applauded as a victory for common sense and a clear blueprint for investment in England’s strategic road network which will deliver long-term benefits for all road users and for the UK economy.’

A-Class for ACFO Mercedes-Benz won the Fleet Car of the Year Award for the first time with the A-Class at the recent 2014 ACFO Awards.

The German marque became just the sixth manufacturer in the 31-year history of the ACFO Awards to win following BMW, Ford, Vauxhall, Volkswagen and Audi.

A surprise winner in the Fleet Service Company of the Year was the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

The DVLA secured the most votes among ACFO members ahead of more than 20 other nominated service suppliers. Its success was recognition of the engagement with fleet decisionmakers over the ongoing implementation of a range of online solutions for the corporate sector.

Fleet Car of the Year Winner – Mercedes-Benz A-Class Runner-up – Ford Focus

Fleet Safety Initiative of the Year Winner – AA “Think Bike” sticker campaign Runner-up – West Yorkshire Police Fleet Service Company of the Year Winner – Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency Runner-up – LeasePlan UK Environmental Initiative of the Year Winner – BMW i3 Runner-up – Alphabet Small Van of the Year Winner – Volkswagen Caddy Runner-up – Ford Transit Connect Large Van of the Year Winner – Ford Transit Runner-up – Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Green Vehicle of the Year Winner – BMW i3 Runner-up – Tesla Model S

06 / fleetworld.co.uk

The gift of vehicle tracking.

Quartix makes vehicle tracking easy. With the online system and new mobile apps, you can get quick and permanent access to all the data related to your fleet’s activity. The system’s extensive reporting can help reduce your fuel expenses and outgoing emissions, as well as save time on everyday operations. Opting for a flexible and transparent approach, we offer direct rental on both short and long term contracts, from £13.40 plus VAT per month, as well as purchase options.

Contact our team today for more information, an online demo, or a custom quote.

Download from Windows Phone Store

0870 013 6663 enquiries@quartix.net www.quartix.net

inbusiness

Short-term solution Sourcing high quality daily rental cars can be an issue, but Kia thinks it has come up with a solution: its dealer network.

Curtis Hutchinson, editor of Motor Trader, reports.

f

inding a good local short term rental provider can be an issue for many businesses. The easy option is to source from one of the large national providers but access to them can be dependent on where your business is based. While firms in large conurbations can often cherry pick their provider, those located elsewhere can struggle. Also, while the national providers are able to offer a good cross section of vehicles, can they offer the bespoke service you require for business-specific mobility needs?

For SMEs the logical place to source rental vehicles for staff should be their local car dealers. Indeed, in the US dealers will typically have a dedicated rental desk, often manned by implant staff from the big national daily rental companies.

The concept has never really taken off in the UK. The latest to try it is Kia, which has come up with a business model which it thinks will appeal to local firms. Its approach is low key, with the service initially only available through a select number of sites, but it is scalable and will be rolled out if it is successful.

The move shows the brand's commitment to growing the fleet side of its business.

Under Kia Rental, 12 sites will offer business customers a flexible package enabling them to hire new cars, across its full range.

With the participating dealers not planning to keep the vehicles for long on their fleets, customers will effectively enjoy a new car driving experience each and every time with vehicles prepared and maintained to main dealer standards. Something that cannot be said of some of the big specialist players whose cars can age quickly through high volume usage.

The programme was trialled earlier in the year by Triangle of Chesterfield, which was chosen as it had already established a strong local reputation for its fleet service.

‘Many of the businesses using Kia Rental have said that if our quality of service is as strong as that of our fleet sales, they would prefer to come to us as it outperforms other providers,’ said managing director, David Dench.

John Hargreaves, head of fleet and remarketing at Kia said the rental programme had already struck a chord with customers.

10 / fleetworld.co.uk

‘Kia Rental has had a positive start: we’ve even had one rental customer who was so impressed with the car he came back and bought it. The overriding feedback from customers has been that service, not price, counts. Kia Rental reflects a grown-up attitude to business’ fleet needs.’

Hargreaves confirmed that Kia hopes to expand the service although it will not be offered by all dealers.

‘We do not expect to have all the dealers operating the rental programme as, quite simply, not all territories would have enough opportunity to make it viable. We do expect the numbers to grow, possibly to about 20 dealers by the end of 2015 which we intend to spread in such a way that we maximise geographical coverage.’

Importantly the programme is a clear statement of intent from Kia as it looks at ways of increasing its local fleet business.

‘Local fleet represents a sizeable market opportunity which is often understated when local fleets choose to contract hire their cars which means they are registered both off territory and also appear in the large fleet category of the official statistics.’

Kia has been actively targeting this sector for some years having partnered with ALD Automotive to offer its Kia Contract Hire package to fleet managers and user-choosers through its entire dealer network.

Furthermore dealers are set fleet targets to encourage them to build lasting relationships with local SMEs. ‘We include a significant fleet content within the targets of all our dealers and they need to perform well in this area to reach their objectives.

‘We would expect all our dealers to have the basic competencies to handle a local business enquiry without the need to have dedicated staff. All dealers are trained on the use of the Kia contract hire system and all have a basic knowledge of the various methods of vehicle funding. At the next level up, we have a Business Specialist Dealer programme which does require the employment and training of a dedicated fleet specialist.’

As a highly successful retail brand Kia has worked hard to deliver a consistently high level of customer service across its dealer network. This, together with its comprehensive vehicle range, should make it ideally placed to offer a compelling fleet rental service.

inbusiness

Health care The Insider wonders whether fleet managers should do more to help drivers manage health conditions and lifestyle changes.

D

iabetes is the biggest threat to the workforce, so we are told, with the number of people diagnosed more than doubling from 1.4 million in 1996 to 2.9 million in 2013, and an expected rise to five million by 2025. With an increasing number of our employees suffering from diabetes, employers are being asked to consider how they can offer support.

The symptoms are hard to detect accurately as many are shared with other conditions. An employee trying to control their blood sugar levels is likely to need to eat more often or suffer from dizziness, struggle to concentrate, be prone to sweating, drowsiness and possibly slightly slurred speech and may faint. As a manager, unless you were familiar with the condition, you may well not pick up on those symptoms as being diabetes specific, and if the employee is fieldbased, you are even less likely to notice any symptoms.

In terms of absence from work, and lost productivity, the increase in the number of sufferers could have hefty financial implications for employers. And for sure we will have a problem if their condition causes an accident, so as fleet managers what can we do about it, and other illnesses and conditions too?

Our fleet policy will refer to the necessity for disclosure of medical conditions, and give advice on safer driving – suggesting drivers avoid delaying or missing meals and snacks, taking breaks on long journeys, keeping any required medical treatments available in the car, and avoiding alcohol before driving. But all of that is policy and whilst we can insist a driver confirms they have read policy, actually ensuring they do, and abiding by the contents, is nigh on impossible. Maybe we need more practical solutions.

The Equality Act 2010 places an obligation on employers to make reasonable adjustments to the workplace to enable staff with disabilities to continue to work, and to prevent them from being placed at a substantial disadvantage, and its definitions can include people with diabetes. When deciding whether an adjustment is reasonable, an employer may take into account its likely effectiveness and practicality, versus the costs involved.

Reasonable adjustments may include allowing an

12 / fleetworld.co.uk

affected employee time off to attend diabetesrelated educational courses, which teach them to manage their condition better. Or it may be altering their working hours so that, for example, an employee who experiences difficulties managing their condition in the morning can start later in the day. But are there other things we can do, given the likely financial impact on our companies?

Specsavers recently launched a specific driver eyecare voucher for employers. Aside from ensuring our drivers are well within the legal requirements necessary to drive, eye tests can reveal the presence or likelihood of diabetes, as well as high blood pressure. If we made tests compulsory, we might discover potential problems earlier, and the cost of paying for testing would be relatively small.

We could have a wellbeing intranet site, giving staff access to online tools such as a health risk assessment, which they could use to detect the early warning signs of disorders. Here we can also raise employees’ self-awareness around the prevention and management of diabetes through exercise and a healthy diet. Other practical solutions might include discounted gym memberships, or workplace sports clubs encouraging employees to take adequate exercise.

These are opportunities in which field-based staff can still participate. Given a frequent pre-disposition for field workers to feel neglected and somewhat out on a limb, we may have a hard task ahead. And yet these revenue earners are the very people we need to look after and retain.

Each idea has implementation costs attached, and a business case needs to be made balancing the outlay against the cost of getting employees on longterm sick leave back to work, plus the cost of lost productivity, and additional temporary resources.

Whilst the employer has that over-quoted “duty of care” to perform, and whatever practical measures we pay to put in place to aid employee wellbeing, surely the onus must still be on the individual to remain responsible for their own welfare, and to stop ignoring the consequences of living a poor lifestyle?

inbusiness

Q &A

Mike Hind, communications manager at CAP, talks about the firm’s acquisition by Solera Holdings (owners of Audatex, HPI and CarweB) and what it will bring to fleets.

What are Solera Holdings’ plans?

Solera will help CAP to leverage the numerous synergies between its strengths and core data assets to bring benefits across Solera’s global platform. This is intended to enable the rapid development and deployment of solutions that will add unique value to both CAP and Solera customers. Because CAP is such a natural fit for the existing Solera family the intention is to rapidly deliver immediate wins for the customers of CAP and all of Solera’s businesses across the full spectrum of the vehicle lifecycle. The goal is to achieve a full “cradle-to-grave” suite of risk and asset management tools. Solera will help CAP to expand from its current primarily UK-centric focus across advanced European and other markets.

CAP will also receive investment in technological platforms so all sectors will see accelerated development of products designed to bring more confidence for its customers at every point in the vehicle lifecycle.

For fleets this will mean an easier experience of sourcing, using and disposing of vehicles.

What will it mean for fleet customers?

International expansion by CAP means that contract hire and leasing companies with an international presence, who have already benefited from CAP for many years in the UK, will have a familiar and trusted partner in other territories. Among the benefits for fleet customers, therefore, will be the potential for greater efficiency and consistency in their operations across different counties. It will also unlock new value from the existing data assets of Solera and CAP with, for example, more granular vehicle identification data. The combination of VIN-specific enhanced specification data with valuation of specific options will be of great value to fleets. This can give fleets greater confidence to offer options to drivers and build more sophisticated contract hire packages, with reduced risk.

What will it mean for the business going forward?

It means CAP can take a truly long-term view because the business now has a permanent home. This will bring tremendous benefit to CAP’s customers because the business will be able to maintain a genuinely strategic focus. What customers will see is an even greater focus on increasing the quality of CAP’s core offering, with the development of more robust technological platforms on which to build class-leading solutions underpinned by the best possible processes.

This will be, in part, leveraged by the connection with Solera assets where appropriate, which are themselves already among the best. Underlying all of this will be a “business as usual” approach to maintaining CAP’s already strong relationships in the fleet and other sectors.

UK connecting the UK’s fleet community ~ Formerly Fleet Academy

14 / fleetworld.co.uk

Will there be any changes to the executive management team?

No. Solera has invested in the whole CAP business.

CAP’s quality and growth has been identified as, in part, an achievement of the existing leadership team.

Solera will look to ensure continuity and Ian Rendle will remain as CEO.

Join the debate... theukfleetforum.co.uk

The Android Tablet Designed Specifically for Fleet Management

Our fleet solution for commercial vehicles and HGV truck routing, the fleet 670 combines the purpose-driven Garmin navigation experience with the openness and flexibility of Android.

With the fleet 670, service providers can introduce customized applications and value-added services that meet their unique requirements as well as connect and control a wide range of external devices over Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth® or serial cable. www.garmin.com/uk/solutions

©2014 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.

fleet™ 670

The new C-Class Estate.

Practically engineered.

Only 109 g /km* CO2.

A Daimler Brand

The numbers work.

Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the new C-Class range: urban 40.4 (7.0) –72.4 (3.9), purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors. *Model featured is a new C 220 BlueTec Sport Estate at £33,620 on-the-road with optional metallic paint at availability. Prices correct at time of print 12/14.

extra urban 61.4(4.6)–83.1(3.4), combined 51.4(5.5)–78.5(3.6). CO2 emissions 133–94 g/km. Official EU-regulated test data are provided for comparison

£645 (on-the-road price includes VAT, delivery, 12 months’ Road Fund Licence, number plates, first registration fee and fuel). Some combinations of features/options may not be available. Please contact your local Retailer for

inbusiness

What I’ve learnt

Following the news that Julie Jenner, ACFO director, is to stand down at the end of the year, she comments on her experiences with the organisation.

Why I joined ACFO and the benefits it brings I joined ACFO in 1992 after inheriting responsibility for 35-40 company cars when working in the personnel department of my then employer. I knew I had a fleet knowledge gap and needed to learn fast. It was then that I discovered ACFO, and started to attend East Anglia Regional meetings.

That gave me the platform to pick the brains of fleet managers and learn from them. A bit like the American businessman Victor Kiam who ‘liked the shaver so much, I bought the company’, I was so impressed with ACFO that I got more involved – becoming a director in 2003 and national chairman for seven years till 2013.

Why experience as a fleet manager has helped me as a “poacher turned gamekeeper” I was a fleet manager, at one time in charge of 800 company cars, until I joined GE Capital Fleet Services in 2006. That background means that I can relate to the daily challenges fleet managers face when I hold meetings with them on behalf of my employer. Different stakeholders – drivers, directors and HR, finance and procurement departments – all have different agendas and the fleet manager must meet those while also managing costs. However, 14 years as a fleet manager did not fully prepare me for the transition to the supply side. I needed to gain far more knowledge, notably in relation to vehicle funding and tax issues. The learning curve was greater than I anticipated.

The company car remains a key benefit There are fewer company cars on the road than there once were, according to HM Revenue and Customs. However, the company car continues to remain a vital part of recruitment and retention packages for employers and employees alike.

Despite company cars remaining aspirational, the market has evolved significantly over my more than two decades in the industry: new funding routes (salary sacrifice and employee car ownership), longer replacement cycles and improved vehicle reliability and technology among them. But perhaps the biggest changes have been basing choice lists on total cost of ownership data and fleets of all sizes seeking out manufacturer support.

18 / fleetworld.co.uk

Fleet management by committee The single biggest change I have seen is the diminishing role of the dedicated fleet manager or old-style transport manager. In their place has come fleet management by committee – finance, HR and procurement – with perhaps a fleet manager involved in some organisations. The different stakeholders have conflicting agendas and that has, and continues to be, a major challenge to embrace for suppliers. In trying to meet each department’s agenda the law of unintended consequences comes into effect and it can be tough delivering a result that satisfies all parties.

How to achieve successful supplier relationships Fleet managers will gain the most from their suppliers by forming a long-term partnership with them. A multi-bid approach is gaining in popularity among some fleets, but that does not deliver the maximum benefit and means that fleet managers have multiple suppliers to manage, multiple contracts and different sets of report to collate. Additionally, some fleets continue to take a short-term view and switch suppliers in a bid to save a few pounds on a contract.

However, taking a long-term view and forming a true business partnership will deliver multiple benefits including consultancy services. That does not prevent fleet managers from benchmarking their suppliers every year or two, but the regular switching of suppliers can prove costly over the long haul.

Dealing with the Government Over the years I have attended regular meetings with ministers and civil servants and apart from the five years (2002–2007) when John Healey was a Treasury Minister it has been extremely challenging. Mr Healey was Economic Secretary and then Financial Secretary and had a grasp of the fleet industry and what ACFO was trying to achieve. Since then there has been a disappointing slide in the level of engagement with Government as civil servants and ministers do not retain their brief for long. Consequently, they have little grasp of the importance of fleets within the wider business community. Additionally, the wider motoring community’s view that the Government treats drivers as a “cash cow” has built up an unhealthy level of mistrust. Dealing with Government is hugely frustrating and that is disappointing.

G H I B L I

THE HEAD SAYS YES. THE HEART SAYS DEFINITELY, YES.

MASERATI GHIBLI. THE ABSOLUTE OPPOSITE OF ORDINARY. STARTING FROM £49,160

THE NEW MASERATI GHIBLI IS POWERED BY A RANGE OF ADVANCED 3.0 LITRE V6 ENGINES WITH 8-SPEED ZF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, INCLUDING, FOR THE FIRST TIME, A V6 TURBODIESEL ENGINE. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE MASERATI GHIBLI, CALL 01943 871660 OR VISIT MASERATI.CO.UK

Official fuel consumption figures for Maserati Ghibli range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 18.0 (15.7) – 37.2 (7.6), Extra Urban 38.7 (7.3) – 56.5 (5.0), Combined 27.2 (10.4) – 47.9 (5.9). CO2 emissions 242 – 158 g/km. Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are based on standard EU tests for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Model shown is a Maserati Ghibli S at £69,638 On The Road including optional pearlescent paint at £1,776, 21” Titano design alloy wheels at £3,670 and Red brake callipers at £432.

www.maserati.co.uk

BAROMETER Making sense of the surveys

We’ve pulled together the pertinent points from the myriad of research done in the fleet industry this month to give you a clearer view of what’s really going on...

scheduling concerns

Source: TomTom Telematics

Almost half of UK service companies have drivers turn up at the wrong address on a regular basis and poor communication remains customer's biggest gripe, new research commissioned

by TomTom Telematics has revealed.

The study discovered this is a weekly occurrence for 5% of companies, and happens monthly for a further 43%.

Further to this, 43% of those surveyed also admitted that two mobile workers have arrived at the same job.

‘These results suggest that a number of companies are still not communicating effectively enough with staff or are updating work schedules on the fly, causing costly mistakes to be made,’ commented Giles Margerison, director UK and Ireland, TomTom Telematics.

41% of companies communicate work schedules to drivers via text and a further 34% by phone. Only 2% send job details directly to the driver's satellite navigation device.

Poor communication emerged as the most common cause of disagreement with customers, cited by 28% of those surveyed. This was followed closely by response times (23%) and the time slots given to customers for jobs (23%).

motorway fuel prices

Source: The RAC

A new survey conducted by the RAC reveals that motorway service stations "bump up" fuel prices by as much as 10p per litre over the national average, much to motorists’ disdain.

74% of the 1,463 motorists surveyed by the RAC Opinions Panel said motorway fuel is “very expensive”, with 26% of drivers refusing to buy petrol or diesel at services as a result.

63% said prices should be capped so fuel is no more expensive than non-motorway forecourts.

19% admitted to putting in “just enough fuel to get by” at a motorway services to then find a cheaper alternative later.

76% of motorists surveyed said service stations should display the price of their fuel well before the exit, so they know how much it costs before leaving the motorway.

In May 2013, as part of a review into motorway fuel prices, David Cameron said motorway services could be forced to advertise their fuel prices in advance, but, according to the RAC, to date there has been no obvious progress in making these changes, nor has there been an update on tackling high motorway fuel prices.

20 / fleetworld.co.uk

in-car technology A new survey of 2,000 UK drivers about their attitudes towards heads-up displays and voice controlled systems reveals that the majority of motorists are open to this kind of emerging technology, but don’t necessarily understand how to use it.

Experts say that the smart windscreen will evolve into a new augmented reality version. Its functionality could aid the driving experience by alerting motorists to potential hazards, pedestrians, other vehicles or adverse weather conditions – mostly controlled through tracking the driver’s eye movement.

50% of the drivers surveyed said they did not know what heads-up display is, but were interested in new windscreen technology.

However, current in-car technology is not being fully utilised, with just 20% of drivers regularly using the voice control functionality that is available on other smart devices.

34% said they prefer to operate devices manually instead, with 27% saying they doubt the efficiency of voice control.

speeding at work

Source: Autoglass

‘Education will be crucial in order to demonstrate to drivers how these new technologies will make life easier and improve, rather than detract from, their individual driving experience,’ explained Dr Chris Davies, head of technical superiority at Autoglass.

Source: Masternaut

According to new research carried out by Masternaut, just under half (48%) of British motorists who drive for their job admit to speeding whilst at work, with a quarter of those saying they’re more likely to speed in a vehicle provided by their employer than their own.

Masternaut conducted the research as part of Road Safety Week and surveyed 2,000 UK employees that drive as part of their job, to discover how willing employees are to speed whilst driving for work.

The research coincides with a white paper from Masternaut that calls for transport companies, fleet operators and field service organisations to place the reduction of corporate risk and improving health and safety for staff higher up on their agenda.

Top five speedy UK cities: Exeter 84% York 65% Leeds 60% Leicester 59% Oxford 58%

The “Compliance in the Mobile Workforce – Corporate Risk and Health and Safety Guidelines” white paper is available on request, and details how companies can ensure compliance in the mobile workforce.

*% indicates number of people from each location who admitted to speeding

for the latest daily news from the fleet industry, visit fleetworld.co.uk fleetworld.co.uk / 21

g fleet e k

Hush

Griffin Survivor All-Terrain for iPhone 6 Plus Claimed to be the toughest case the company has ever made, the Survivor All-Terrain won’t just stop your iPhone 6 Plus from bending, but it’ll protect it from dirt, sand, rain, shock and vibration too.

It meets US Department of Defense standards for protection, and includes builtin covers for the screen, camera lens and all ports. Fitments for other smartphones and tablets are available too.

Price: £29.99 from store.griffintechnology.co.uk

Think of these as ear plugs for the digital era.

Controlled by an app, they cut outside noise for uninterrupted sleep, and can play soothing or noise-cancelling sounds to help you drift off.

The app lets you select which phone calls will ring through to the headphones, and set alarms which won’t disturb anyone else, and the storage case has a built-in battery to charge them when they’re not in use.

Price: £63 see hush.technology for details

Amazon Echo Echo is Amazon’s digital assistant, an always-on wireless speaker which can answer your requests. It listens for the wake-up command, and can then take dictated notes, give weather forecasts, set alarms or add to your calendar, and it continues to learn and add functionality the more you use it. Stock is limited, so Amazon is getting customers to request an invitation to buy.

Price: £125 from amazon.com

Moleskine Livescribe Notepads Moleskine now offers a range of its iconic notebooks compatible with Livescribe smartpens, which means each inked penstroke can be transferred to the paired smartpone app via a Bluetooth connection.

The pens can record audio synchronised with the notes, so you can easily find key quotes afterwards, and scattered ideas can be organised with annotations on screen.

Price: £23.50 from store.moleskine.com

apps of the month

Scout

The Perfect Shot

Daedalus Touch

Telenav reckons it has a rival for the premium navigation apps but with an important difference – it’s free. Offline access to one country is included with the download, and additional country mapping is cheap, at £1.99 each. Scout also gives speed camera warnings and traffic information, and the latter can be upgraded to realtime data from INRIX. Price: Free from Google Play and iTunes Store

A useful tool for coffee geeks , this app takes the variables out of brewing an espresso. It’ll record data like extraction times, grind settings, temperature and pre-infusion with the option to log which coffee machine you were using at the time, and offers quick access to past brews to ensure 100% consistency in every cup. Plus it has a social media function, enabling you to wow – or bore – with your caffeinated creations.

Price: Free from iTunes Store

Designed to do away with complicated folders and files, Daedalus Touch is classic note-taking in digital form. An endless stack of blank pages, navigated and organised via swiping, pinching and dragging, all backed up to iCloud.

Files can be exported in common formats, and uploaded to services such as Dropbox for simple sharing, and there’s a built-in web browser for fast fact checking.

Price: 69p from iTunes Store

24 / fleetworld.co.uk

renault.co.uk

RENAULT CAPTUR

Renault Captur Dynamique MediaNav ENERGY dCi 90 S&S. Great looks + great fuel efficiency = happy drivers • Touchscreen navigation • Climate control • Removable, washable seat covers

• 76.4 combined mpg • 95g/km of CO2 emissions • 15% BIK • P11D price £16,540

Renault Business Quality Commitments • Like for like vehicle replacement • Guaranteed delivery date • Free collection and delivery T&Cs apply. For full list of commitments visit renault.co.uk/business for details

Visit renault.co.uk/business or call the Renault Business Team on 0800 040 7344

The official fuel consumption figures for the Renault Captur Dynamique MediaNav ENERGY dCi 90 S&S are: Urban 67.3 (4.2); Extra Urban 83.1 (3.4); Combined 76.4 (3.7). The official CO 2 emissions are 95g/km. EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008 test environment figures. Fuel consumption and CO 2 may vary according to driving styles, road conditions and other factors.

Car shown has optional metallic paint, available at an additional £495 (or £595 for i.d. paint), plus £300 for painted roof.

inbusiness

R

enault UK has launched a Full Purchase option for the ZOE and Kangoo Z.E. electric vehicles, enabling ownership of the battery for the first time, in a move expected to drive incremental sales growth in the fleet sector.

The offer is unique to the UK market, based on feedback from fleets and residual value setters, and will enable both private and retail customers to choose whether to own the battery outright or lease it for a fixed monthly cost, as per all sales to date.

Vehicles with the battery included will be badged as ZOE i and Kangoo Z.E. i and specifically marked out on its V5C documents, helping identification on the used market. These are expected to account for the majority of fleet sales, mostly new customers rather than cannibalisation from the Battery Hire scheme.

Ken Ramirez, managing director, Renault UK,

26 / fleetworld.co.uk

said: ‘The battery leasing scheme has proved popular with customers for the flexibility and lower purchase prices it offers. The addition of full purchase versions on our core EV models will offer private and business customers a greater choice and further strengthen our position in the UK EV market.’

Full Purchase adds £5,000 to the list price of both vehicles, though some of that is offset by being able to claim a larger amount through government grants. With the grant, the Kangoo Z.E. i is priced from £16,161 (plus VAT) while the ZOE i range starts at £18,443, undercutting the Volkswagen e-up!’s post-grant price of £19,270 and remaining the cheapest electric car on the market.

Battery Hire, expected to remain the option favoured by retail customers but also offered to fleets, has also had a temporary price reduction of £20 per calendar month, available until March.

The fast way to cut business fuel costs by an average of 25% *

Barclaycard Fuel+, developed in association with The Miles Consultancy (TMC), is the next generation fuel card†, proven to reduce fleet fuel expenses by an average of 25%*. It’s powered by Visa, meaning it’s accepted almost everywhere** and features an award-winning Mileage Capture and Audit system. With no transaction charges and total visibility, you can take full control of your business fuel spend. It’s the clear way to move your fleet forward.

To see how our fuel solution could make a difference to your business visit barclaycard.co.uk/business/fuelplus or call 0844 822 2400*** †

Please note that, at present, Fuel+ is available only to organisations with a business fuel spend of more than £100,000 p.a. *This is based on the first year business fuel savings of 24 TMC customers calculated in 2012. TMC is a trading name of The Miles Consultancy Ltd, a provider of Mileage, Fuel and Mobility Management solutions. Registered Office: TMC House, Minshull Vernon, Cheshire CW1 4RJ. **Please note that a few small fuel retailers with a shop may be classified by their Visa processing bank as a supermarket or convenience store and your card may therefore be declined. Only an outlet classified as a fuel retailer will accept your card. ***For BT business customers, calls will cost no more than 5.5p per minute, min call charge 6p (current at October 2014). The price on non-BT phone lines may be different. Calls may be monitored and/or recorded.

Barclaycard is a trading name of Barclays Bank PLC. Barclays Bank PLC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register Number: 122702) and subscribes to the Lending Code which is monitored and enforced by the Lending Standards Board. Registered in England No: 1026167. Registered Office: 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP.

Barclaycard Fuel+. Miles ahead.

THE BMW 5 SERIES

NOW WITH EMISSIONS FROM 109G/KM.

The BMW 5 Series range is now a more compelling executive choice than ever before. New engines inspired

by BMW EfficientDynamics technologies emit lower emissions and achieve even more impressive fuel economy, keeping Benefit in Kind down to as little as 17%. The new more efficient engine in the BMW 520d Saloon emits just 109g/kg CO2, while achieving fuel economy of 68.9mpg (combined).

Coupled with a high level of standard specification, including BMW Business Advanced Navigation system, Dakota leather upholstery and front and rear Park Distance Control, this is an executive decision you will definitely want to make.

To find out more visit www.bmwcorporate.co.uk or call 08081 280034.

Official fuel economy figures for the BMW 5 Series Range: Urban 22.8 – 57.6 mpg (12.4 – 4.9 l/100km). Extra Urban 38.7 – 76.3 mpg (7.3 – 3.7 l/100km). Combined 30.7 – 68.9 mpg (8.8 – 4.1 l/100km). CO2 emissions 214 – 109 g/km.

RANGE.

BMW Corporate Sales

bmwcorporate.co.uk

The Ultimate Driving Machine

Vauxhall Corsa A substantial update of the ubiquitous supermini puts it among the segment’s best, says Alex Grant.

SECTOR Supermini PRICE £8,995–£15,980 FUEL 47.9–88.3mpg CO2 85–139g/km

T

here are few cars which can claim to have touched the lives of as many motorists as the Vauxhall Corsa.

An affordable first car, ubiquitous with driving schools and popular with all age groups, sales in 2013 – the outgoing car’s last full year in showrooms – topped 84,000 units in the UK. It’s probably harder to find people who haven’t at least had a passenger ride in one.

Such is Britain’s love for the supermini that the Corsa accounted for one in every 27 cars sold in the UK last year, and a third of Vauxhall’s sales. With a refreshed small car portfolio comprising designer ADAM, entry-level Viva and big-volume Corsa, this new version joins a trio which can compete for 50% of UK market volume.

Strictly speaking, though, this isn’t an entirely new Corsa. Beneath fresh bodywork, the structure from the bulkhead backwards is carried over from its predecessor.

A move which Vauxhall says has allowed for improvements to design, finish and driveability, without compromising on flexibility. It’s such a thorough update that the DNA links are near impossible to trace. dard on all except the entry-level trim level. That means the Aesthetically, it’s a two-generation leap forward. The majority of company car drivers will be able to take advantage interior feels much like the ADAM’s, with soft-touch plasof a cheap navigation bolt-on – the BringGo navigation app tics with chrome or aluminium accents to take streams from a smartphone, and costs £37.99. it upmarket, while the creased bodywork Beneath the tangible upgrades, none of the susFLEET FACT looks as modern as the latest models in the pension or steering components have been carB-segment, despite its familiar silhouette. ried forward. The centre of gravity is 5mm lower, The UK is Catering for young and tech-savvy buyers, while new geometry reduces pitching and rolling the update adds a plethora of new technology and the electronic power steering has been tuned the biggest to the options list. Automated parking, bito feel more natural and mechanical. The driving market for xenon headlights and the front camera system experience is vastly different – sharper and more new Corsa. are available for the first time, while all cars confident, and more comfortable too. get a lighter City Mode on the power steering, Several of the engines are familiar, including and the Corsa’s large windscreen is now heated, answering updated versions of the 1.2 and 1.4-litre petrols at the entrycriticisms levelled at the old car. point of the range, while upgrades to refinement and econNotably, the IntelliLink seven-inch touchscreen is also stanomy for the 1.3 CDTi are likely to continue its popularity with fleets. However, this was not available to drive on the launch.

Instead, Vauxhall put the focus on its two excellent new 1.0 and 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engines which, with the tide starting to turn against diesels for cost and air quality concerns, are expected to record increased demand from retail and fleet buyers.

The new 1.0-litre three-cylinder, shared with the ADAM, is the star of the range. It is an all-new unit available with either 90bhp or 115bhp, and impresses not only for its lively performance throughout the rev range, but also for lacking the growly soundtrack which usually marks these engines out against a four-cylinder version. With CO2 emissions from 104g/km, and £950 separating the lowerpowered unit from the equivalent diesel, Vauxhall reckons it could make sense on whole-life costs.

The demands on this sector are high, and the competition is pushing harder to claim volume. But with upgrades in the right areas to feel like a much more modern car, the Corsa is out to challenge the best in its segment.

30 / fleetworld.co.uk

what we think

highlights Updated 1.3 CDTi engine offers improved refinement and 85g/km CO2 emissions.

Fresh styling and upmarket materials have done a great job of lifting the overall feel of the Corsa compared to its predecessor. With excellent new petrol engines in the range, though, it’s worth considering moving away from the default diesel.

Simplified range is ÂŁ2,000 cheaper than the outgoing car.

IntelliLink with seven-inch touchscreen standard on most trim levels.

key fleet model Vauxhall Corsa Design 1.3 CDTi (95PS) ecoFLEX fleetworld.co.uk / 31

Mercedes-Benz B-Class With BMW hoping to steal sales, the B-Class has shaped up for 2015. Alex Grant finds out more.

SECTOR Compact MPV PRICE £21,500–£30,050 FUEL 50.4–78.5mpg CO2 94–134g/km

M

ercedes-Benz can lay claim to founding the premium MPV segment with the original A-Class back in 1998. But, with the latest version of its entry-level model now adopting a more conventional hatchback body, the B-Class has had the segment all to itself for the last two years.

At least, it has until recently. BMW’s 2 Series Active Tourer has doubled the options for corporate buyers wanting more space than a hatchback, but a shorter footprint than an estate car, and the knock-on result is a mid-life sharpening of the B-Class.

Though most of the sheet metal is untouched, there’s a noticeable move to bring the B-Class in line with the widening choice of models on the brand’s small car platform. So the headlights are subtly reshaped and the grille is wider, and the range now includes an AMG Sport trim with the same flared air intakes and large part-polished alloy wheels as the A-Class, CLA-Class and GLA-Class.

There are more hints of the A-Class inside, with a new steering wheel, dials and a larger eight-inch tablet-like and emits 94g/km – down from 74.3mpg and 98g/km display screen perched on the dash top. The Connect Me offered by its predecessor. With no Efficient Dynamics smartphone app, which allows remote setting of cabin model on the equivalent 216d Active Tourer, the B-Class temperature, geofencing, checking of fuel levhas the edge as a low-carbon premium MPV. els, tyre pressures, mileage and location, will Both of the larger diesel engines are now FLEET FACT also be standard equipment from next Spring. based on the 2.1-litre four-cylinder unit used But the hatchback can’t match the versatilthroughout the Mercedes-Benz range, offer40% of ity on offer here, with generous headroom all ing 136bhp in the B200 CDI or 177bhp in the round, and a rear bench which folds flush with B220 CDI. It’s a smooth engine in terms of UK B-Class the boot floor as well as sliding back and forpower delivery, and CO2 emissions from volume goes wards to increase legroom or load space.

104g/km and economy of up to 70.6mpg in to fleets.

Some of the engine range is carried forward SE spec are impressive, but it’s gravelly under from the old car, and it’s the 109bhp 1.5-litre load and the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox Renault-Nissan diesel that’s still expected to be the biggest can be over-eager to shift up through its ratios. selling model in the UK. With the Eco package, offered as However, the most interesting addition to the range is a no-cost option on SE models, this now returns 78.5mpg the Electric Drive. Launching as a single-trim variant and priced in line with the B200 CDI automatic in AMG Line trim (after the £5,000 government grant), it features a fully electric 180bhp drivetrain developed with Tesla Motors, including a battery housed in its partial double floor with enough capacity to cover 125 miles on one charge.

Mercedes-Benz isn’t openly predicting sales figures for the new addition, as it’s the first time the brand has offered a fully electric car. But, with pricing only £1,000 higher than the smaller i3, and not significantly more expensive than mainstream-brand electric cars, it’s a unique and versatile offering marred only by the inability to rapid charge for occasional longer trips.

So, while the B-Class is no longer alone in this segment, it’s still putting up a good fight to its new rival. Priced at around £700-£1,000 less than the 2 Series Active Tourer, and with similar fuel efficiency across the core of its range, drivers who need the practicality of an estate and the cachet of a premium badge have two convincing options to choose from.

32 / fleetworld.co.uk

what we think key fleet model Mercedes-Benz B180 CDI Sport

A versatile choice for young families, the B-Class now has the styling to fit in with the rest of the Mercedes-Benz small car portfolio and a desirable electric option to woo buyers. But opting into the best-looking models can put a real dent in fuel economy.

highlights Flexible MPV interior includes a sliding rear bench which folds flat with the boot floor.

2015 range includes the first fully-electric Mercedes-Benz, with a 180bhp drivetrain developed by Tesla Motors.

New AMG Line version joins SE and Sport trim levels, B180 CDI ECO model cuts CO2 to 94g/km.

fleetworld.co.uk / 33

Fiat 500X

Blatant misuse of the Fiat 500’s name, or something more significant? Danny Cobbs investigates.

SECTOR Crossover PRICE £14,595–£25,845 FUEL 56.5–74.3mpg CO2 109–144g/km

Y

ou could be forgiven for thinking the new 500X is Fiat and two diesel engines, and a choice of six-speed manual or merely cashing in on the 500 family successes. After a nine-speed automatic. There are also six trim levels, with all, it took an oddball MPV, stuck a 500L badge on the the option to choose between front wheel-drive and the alltailgate and told the world this is how legendary Italian wheel drive system. Fiat is adamant that this car will have a designer Dante Giacosa would have done it, if he were alive mass market appeal, regardless of gender, age or lifestyle. today. And all those good folk who were smitten by the The entry-level 1.6-litre E-torQ POP starts at £14,595, but cutesy 500 but wanted something a little more practical since this wasn’t available at the launch it’s going to have to actually believed them, and consequently made the 500L wait until nearer the 500X’s April on-sale date to get a our Europe’s best-selling car in its class. verdict. The other three engines, however, were available.

The 500X, however, really does appear as if it could be a At £17,595, the 1.4-litre MultiAir 140bhp petrol has a modern interpretation of Giacosa’s classic design, mirrored £1,500 price advantage over 1.6-litre turbodiesel (which within the 500X’s pumped-up metalcosts £19,095), but that’s about it. Once work. The flared arches, strong shouldriven, the difference between the two der-line, protective cladding and 179mm makes the additional investment seem a of ground clearance all do just enough to small price to pay. Not only does the give it the appearance of a soft-roader. diesel provide plenty of low and midAlthough the cabin borrows elements range torque, it also delivers the best from the 500, it manages to have a unique ride. The extra weight of the engine presence, and one of quality, too. There’s seems to negate the slight bodyroll found a 6.5-inch touchscreen with satellite navwith the petrol. There are greater effiigation and Uconnect smartphone conciencies to be gained too, 74.3mpg and nectivity. It’s superior to anything Fiat 108g/km of CO2 emissions, compared to 56.5 mpg and 139g/km for the MultiAir. has produced for a long, long time.

The 2.0-itre MultiJet is the sole Whilst its footprint may be larger than fodder for the flagship all-wheel drive many of its rivals, which is good for comCross and Cross Plus. This is the only fort, the cargo area is actually one of the Fiat’s timing on bringing model where the automatic ‘box is stansmallest in its class. It’s just 350 litres, this car to market dard (though after driving it, the quesexpandable to 1,000 litres with the rear couldn’t have been better; tion remains; Why the need for nine cogs seats folded. Fiat says a small boot won’t when it only ever seemed to use the first have an adverse effect on sales as 60% of it’s bang on target to hit seven?). Underbody protection, chunkier buyers in this segment are influenced by the booming compact bumpers, 18-inch alloys, a leather gear styling first and foremost. crossover segment right shifter and HID headlamps are included For the remaining 40%, and those who between the eyes. too, but it will send the price skywards of are curious about the mechanical bits £24k, and even higher as the Cross Plus. and the way it drives, there are two petrol

what we think

34 / fleetworld.co.uk

Smart ForFour

The new four seat Smart is a very clever car, but is it too expensive, Steve Moody wonders.

SECTOR City car PRICE £11,620–£13,720 FUEL 67.3mpg CO2 97g/km

I

f you remember the last Smart ForFour, it was a colThat is not a criticism of the Renault, but more an obserlaboration with Mitsubishi that proved to be a lukevation that Smart is targeting a slightly different buyer – warm effort. After the innovation of the ForTwo it felt one who is more fashion-conscious perhaps, more afflua bit like trying to cash in on the brand rather than a genent certainly, because entry level prices are some £2,000 uinely clever, more commodious Smart. higher than for the Renault.

This new ForFour though, is a different propostion That said, the ForFour comes with a lot of equipment as because instead of being an entirely different car, it is effecstandard including 15-inch alloy wheels, climate control tively a stretched ForTwo, or a rebadged Renault Twingo, and the Smart audio system with Bluetooth connectivity. depending on your point of view, as the two brands collabThere are three model lines available: passion, prime and orated very closely in developing these cars. The result proxy, which boasts 16-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic though is a city car that feels much more in keeping with glass roof, leather effect Artico and cloth upholstery, lane the Smart way of doing things: cheeky keeping assist and the Sports Package yet thoughtful and fun yet practical. which includes suspension lowered by The ForFour shares a lot with the 10mm, interior upgrades and an exhaust Renault Twingo: platform, engines and finisher in chrome. So as city cars go, this most of the vehicle architecture. is a pretty grandiose affair although However, the Smart has a more adaptwhether this premium pricing, which able interior – its rear bench folds into takes it into supermini territory, will the area where the Twingo has an work is another thing. Do customers under-seat storage compartment, and equate Smart with premium brands? the rear doors open to a wider 85From launch the Forfour will feature degree angle. With a folding passenger the 71bhp engine and twinned with a seat, it can take larger loads than you manual gearbox returning up to might expect.

67.3mpg while emitting 97g/km of CO2, going on to a top speed of 94mph and But unlike the city cars from Peugeot, boasting a turning circle of just 8.65m Citroën and Toyota, the ForFour and Cleverly designed and kerb-to-kerb. A 90bhp version, and the Twingo feel like very different proposiwell-conceived, but optional automatic gearbox, will follow. tions, which is quite a neat trick to have pricing is the biggest issue.

Certainly it rides well and drives with pulled off. enough zing for a city car, and the refineAlthough there are elements that are With no budget model a similar, such as the ability to use the drihuge swathe of the market ment levels are excellent. The light airy cabin makes the ForFour feel very spaver’s smartphone to display radio, sat nav has been ignored to target cious as well and the engineers have and apps, most of the fixtures and fittings more affluent customers. pulled off the neat trick of making the are bespoke to Smart and are finished to ForFour small yet upmarket. a higher level than in the Twingo.

what we think

36 / fleetworld.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT Audi Prologue

Tomorrow’s Technik A showcase for Audi’s design and technology, the Prologue concept shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show suggests exciting things for the brand’s next-generation cars, says Alex Grant.

DESIGN With a new A4 due next year, the Prologue offers not only a hint that Audi is working on a two-door model to rival the S-Class Coupe, but it gives some idea of how its next compact executive car might look, too. Like the TT, it features sharper lines than current models, while the trapezoidal front grille is lower and wider, flanked by straight-edged air intakes.

Audi was early to adopt LED daytime running lights in the late 2000s, and the Prologue shows how this might work in the next generation of cars. The headlights use laser technology, adopted from Audi’s Le Mans racers, to offer a much further-reaching beam and more flexibility for designers too. At the rear, a narrow, all-LED light bar wraps around the entire back end – as the brand’s early Nineties cars once did – to form tail lights with three-dimensional illumination.

38 / fleetworld.co.uk

INTERIOR An extension of the Virtual Cockpit already fitted to the latest TT, there are three touch screens built into the large horizontal area across the dashboard. Screens to control the lighting and assistance systems are located on each side of the steering wheel, while the passenger has their own media and comfort functions on a third screen, and can swipe to send navigation routes to the driver.

Another curved display, designed to be within constant reach of the driver’s fingers, rises out of the centre console as the engine starts, and provides access to the functions currently bundled into Audi’s MMI system. Driver and passengers are identified by their smartphones, and the car automatically adjusts seating and climate control to suit, as well as suggesting media content and routes they might be interested in.

CHASSIS & DRIVETRAIN

WHAT WE THINK...

Audi has equipped the coupe with its latest-generation air suspension, capable of adjusting both the height and ride comfort to suit the road. Its multi-link suspension is made of lightweight materials, while the front and rear carbon-ceramic braking system also contributes to reducing unsprung (i.e. not part of the body) weight, in turn useful for improving handling and for cutting noise and vibration into the cabin.

Fuel economy for the 605bhp 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine is boosted by the brand’s 48-volt electrical system, which is close to launch on production models. This takes high-powered electrical systems and moves them onto their own subsystem, separate from the normal 12-volt system, as well as driving an electric turbocharger which can recover energy to the lithium-ion battery while decelerating.

Audi is hinting that it might soon launch an A8-derived luxury coupe, but the Prologue will also influence models lower down the range. While the next A4 is unlikely to adopt all of the cuttingedge technology shown in the concept, features such as the expanded Virtual Cockpit, sharp body lines and three-dimensional lighting could set the brand’s next compact executive contender apart from its rivals. AG fleetworld.co.uk / 39

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

Strengths

Weaknesses

Opportunities

Threats

GA “Golf” nameplate will attract many as it’s the most aspirational name in the sector. Low CO2 and strong economy can only strengthen its position. German build quality and refinement will help.

GA Some may say it’s not a “proper” or “traditional” Golf and we’ve seen these slightly different incarnations struggle in the past. Slightly higher list price won’t help.

GA There’s no doubt that Golf SV can make an impact in this sector. People are certainly looking for an alternative to the bread and butter contenders.

GA Higher pricing means this model could be off the list for some company car drivers.

Drivers don’t tend to be as brand sensitive in this sector so the pull of the VW badge may not be as strong.

AC A massive improvement over the Golf Plus, now far more practical, better to drive and more efficient too. Push the rear seats forward and boot space is bigger than the C-MAX and Scenic, however Renault’s removable rear seats give more total space.

AC Compared to these rivals, it looks a little on the expensive side. The Golf Plus didn’t pull up any trees in the UK market and therefore the Golf SV will have some convincing to do.

MJ Well-respected brand is a key strength of Golf SV’s proposition. Well equipped, and more upmarket styling than the Golf Plus.

MJ Load volume is only 1,520 litres with rear seats down – 200 litres less than the C-MAX, and well below the 1,851 & 1,870 of the C4 Picasso & Scenic. SE is the minimum trim to consider, as budget “S” trim has steel wheels and a plastic steering wheel.

MW All new, looks good, has loads of good ideas on board, with low CO2 and good fuel consumption.

MW The Golf Plus was not a great seller, and was a bit dull, the SV will have to shake off this unfortunate image.

40 / fleetworld.co.uk

AC The Citroën is very popular and has far more flair and style.

Throw into the mix the new BMW and Mercedes compact MPVs, and the Golf SV may struggle to draw on as many customers as VW were hoping.

MJ The accommodation in the SV, although not huge, is very flexible with split rear seats that slide and fold. BMW and Mercedes products may create more appropriate targets, rather than mainstream five-seat MPVs. MW This sector is bound to grow as this is what the public want now. More versatility, more practical and not much more in cost than the hatch or estate it is based on.

AC This segment is quite competitive already, then you throw into the mix the versatile crossovers, which will appeal more on looks if not practicality.

MJ There are strong competitors among established MPVs and new premium entrants. Golf hatch is also a threat – its lower operating costs and greater desirability make SV’s limited additional space costly.

MW As desirable and popular as they are, there is a limit as to how many can be absorbed into the used car market.

Martin Ward (MW) Manufacturer Relationship Manager, CAP

Volkswagen Golf SV

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

Mark Jowsey (MJ) Commercial Director, KeeResources KwikCarCost

Strengths

GA Golf nameplate is attractive. Low CO2.

AC A big improvement over the Golf Plus.

MJ Well equipped, upmarket styling.

MW Low CO2, good fuel consumption, clever ideas.

Strengths

Ford C-MAX 1.6 TDCi Titanium

GA Still looks fresh and modern.

AC Better dynamically.

MJ A consistent seller, and a good all round performer. Stable WLCs. MW Strong fleet following and is popular with drivers.

GA Higher CO2, but remains a favourite.

AC Firm ride, not the most spacious.

MJ 19% band compared with 16% for the SV, lowest MPV here.

MW Looking a bit dated now.

OTR: £20,650 P11D: £20,595 Fuel: 62.8mpg CO2: 117g/km RV*: £6,075 (30%) BiK: 19% SMR: £2,063 Fuel costs: £5,597 Insurance: £2,655 Finance: £2,780 NI: £1,705 VED: £60 Cost per month: £818

Strengths

Citroen C4 Picasso e-HDI 115 Airdream Exclusiv

GA A strong contender with fairly low CO2 output.

AC Stylish, largest boot space.

MJ Practical, competitive and great looks. Strong RVs and WLCs. MW Good value, and strong styling.

Standard equipment: • Bluetooth and USB inputs • Cruise control and speed limiter • DAB Radio/CD player • Dual zone climate control • 17-inch alloy wheels • Auto lights, wipers, dimmer Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £525 • Rear parking sensors £225 • Sat nav £750 • Auto park, sensors, electric mirrors £525

GA Deals to be had.

AC Touchscreen is unintuitive.

MJ Helping to overcome brand resistance.

MW Legacy of poorly made French cars to overcome.

OTR: £21,810 P11D: £21,755 Fuel: 70.6mpg CO2: 105g/km RV*: £6,795 (32%) BiK: 17% SMR: £2,096 Fuel costs: £4,979 Insurance: £2,775 Finance: £2,937 NI: £1,621 VED: £40 Cost per month: £813

Strengths

Renault Scenic 1.5 dCi 110 Limited

Weaknesses

Renault Scenic

Standard equipment: • Bluetooth, USB and aux inputs • Adaptive cruise control, AEB, speed limiter • DAB/CD, 5.8-inch touch screen • Manual air conditioning • 16-inch alloy wheels • Auto lights, wipers, dimmer Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £540 • Parking sensors £455 • Leather upholstery £2,115 • Satellite navigation £760

GA High list price, not a “traditional” Golf.

AC Premium brands are a threat.

MJ Maximum load space is small compared to rivals.

MW Golf Plus was a bit dull, and not a big seller.

Weaknesses

Citroën C4 Picasso

Volkswagen Golf SV 1.6 TDI SE OTR: £22,785 P11D: £22,730 Fuel: 72.4mpg CO2: 101g/km RV*: £7,875 (34%) BiK: 16% SMR: £1,395 Fuel costs: £4,853 Insurance: £2,655 Finance: £3,069 NI: £1,600 VED: £40 Cost per month: £792

Weaknesses

Ford C-MAX

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

GA The original, now facing strong rivals.

AC Removable rear seats give added practicality.

MJ Still competent. Sat nav and panoramic roof are standard.

MW A good all-rounder.

Weaknesses

GA Credible but no longer the leader.

AC Styling a little bland, interior quality not the best.

MJ A little overshadowed by newer rivals.

MW Outdated ideas of French quality.

OTR: £21,795 P11D: £21,740 Fuel: 68.9mpg CO2: 105g/km RV*: £6,000 (28%) BiK: 17% SMR: £1,951 Fuel costs: £5,101 Insurance: £3,000 Finance: £2,935 NI: £1,620 VED: £40 Cost per month: £846

Standard equipment: • Bluetooth, USB and aux inputs • Cruise control and speed limiter • DAB with 7-inch touch screen • Dual zone climate control • 17-inch alloy wheels • Auto lights and wipers • Rear parking sensors • Satellite navigation Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £520 • Auto parking with front sensors £600

Standard equipment: • Bluetooth and USB inputs • Cruise control and speed limiter • Radio/CD player • Satellite navigation • 16-inch alloy wheels • Auto lights and wipers • Panoramic roof • Rear parking sensors Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £525 • Leather/Alcantara upholstery £1,500

* 3yr/60k

fleetworld.co.uk / 41

flashback a look back at the company cars of yesteryear

model Jaguar X-Type sector compact executive UK sales 121,608 successor Jaguar XE

T

here’s a familiarity to the language of Jaguar’s launch material for the X-Type. Back in the late Nineties, the brand was looking to move into new segments and broaden its appeal. The X-Type would allow it to compete against the dominant German compact executive saloons, and become a player in the fleet sector too.

Launched when Jaguar was part of Ford’s Premier Automotive Group, and during a period when sales were already growing for the larger S-Type, the X-Type was the brand’s first ever compact executive car, with options such as sports seats and carbon fibre trim hinting at a younger target audience. Sales were expected to double with the X-Type in the range, transforming Jaguar from niche sports car manufacturer to mainstream premium player.

But beneath the downsized XJ styling, itself not necessarily conducive to finding younger customers, the saloon was very much a product of its parent company. Like the Land Rover Freelander with which this shared a production line, the platform was derived from the second-generation Ford Mondeo’s – a controversial move.

However, Mondeo customers would have recognised very little of the model range. While German rivals, and carbon-based taxation, was starting to favour diesel engines, the X-Type launched with a choice of 2.5 and 3.0-litre V6 petrol engines, both unique to Jaguar, and both equipped with four-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive arrived a year later, but again with a six-cylinder petrol engine.

42 / fleetworld.co.uk

Jaguar bolstered the engine offering in 2003 to include a pair of Ford-derived common-rail diesels.

These comprised a 126bhp 2.0-litre shared with the Mondeo, and a 155bhp 2.2-litre with an overboost function and optional diesel particulate filter. Jaguar’s first ever four-cylinder diesel engines were an important addition, and brought CO2 emissions down to 152g/km (later 149g/km) for the most efficient version.

Coming further in line with the Germans, the X-Type range grew to include the brand’s first series-produced estate in 2004. Claiming the largest load space in its class, the X-Type Estate launched with a choice of the 2.5 and 3.0-litre V6 petrol engines in the UK, or the 2.0litre diesel as the only front-wheel drive option. Its tailgate glass could open separately to the rest of the boot hatch, and there was a concealed compartment under the floor for valuable items.

Sadly, while the X-Type was Jaguar’s biggest-selling car throughout its eight-year lifecycle, it didn’t manage to double the brand’s sales footprint. Slowed by thirsty drivetrains, controversy over its Ford underpinnings and the surging German offerings, the final cars rolled out of Halewood in December 2009, shortly after Tata took ownership of the brand.

That’s a niche it’s taken Jaguar five years to fill. Next year, the lightweight and modern-looking XE will once again take the fight to the German premium brands and sales expectations are ambitious. With investment in its own engines, platforms, technology and the fleet sales team, it looks set to capitalise on the X-Type’s hard work.

WE’RE ALWAYS RIGHT BEHIND YOU IT’S OUR WAY OF PUTTING YOU IN FRONT

Recalculating...

When it comes to vehicle leasing and fleet management, we work hard to understand our customers’ business objectives. Our team has the knowledge and expertise to deliver a first-class service to achieve those objectives.

So whatever your requirements are, we’re here to help deliver a solution that best suits you.

Keeping you one step ahead. www.aldautomotive.co.uk

FEATURE Fleet Brokers

FIXING

BROKERS

44 / fleetworld.co.uk

New Financial Conduct Authority rules aimed at cleaning up brokers are helping to stabilise the sector, giving SME fleets increased confidence in sourcing vehicles. By Danny Cobbs.

O

‘With more stringent FCA rules and industry codes of practice, it seems that brokering is undergoing a resurgence.’

ver the past few years there’s been an exponential growth in the car leasing broker industry. It’s matured into a credible vehicle sourcing option, recognised by all the major vehicle manufacturers and primary funders as a valuable and important route to market.

Success will always gather followers, and there will always be those who, in a hairsbreadth, jump on the bandwagon and take full advantage of a growing sector, hoping to emulate, or even better, the main players.

For the budding entrepreneur then, the setting up of a car brokerage business, on paper at least, doesn’t seem to be a costly one, nor too complex.

There’s no need for a prominent high street shop front, not when a well-designed website can deliver the same illusion of integrity and establishment.

And as for office equipment, a kitchen table, laptop and printer should suffice for the first few months, past the “teething” stage.

As for any legal requirements, the main thing that’s needed is a consumer credit licence, which, for the past four decades, has only entailed some form filling and a cheque made payable to the Office of Fair Trading. Ever since the introduction of the 1974 Consumer Credit Act, if credit is being offered, and irrespective of the business type, then a Consumer Credit Licence (CCL) needs to be held.

The furniture retailer who offers four years’ interest-free credit, even the dentist who promises a Hollywood smile on a fixed-monthly term, should all be in receipt of a valid CCL. But there’s a problem. With more than 50,000 licences currently in circulation in the UK, and policed quite liberally, the system has been left open to misuse, which became evident in 2013, when payday lenders found themselves in front of a Houses of Parliament Select Committee Meeting. The committee’s report paid particular and obvious attention to the payday loan sector but it also cast a long shadow over the whole system, including vehicles, suggesting a shake-up was well overdue. It’s now the responsibility of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to issue credit consumer licences, and regulate them.

¡

fleetworld.co.uk / 45

FEATURE Fleet Brokers

FIXING BROKERS Even before the committee’s report was ¡ published the FCA had been consulted on a new regulatory framework. They had underlined key aspects, suggesting more stringent affordability checks and stronger regulation to ensure only those companies with appropriate mechanism for judging affordability would be able to operate in the market.

Although none of these changes will have a direct impact on the leet manager who uses a broker to assist in inancing vehicles, it will make a leasing agreement more transparent, with terms and conditions clearly set out, and give the consumer (ie. leet) more rights. It’s also hoped these changes will wheedle out and curtail the activities of the unscrupulous boiler-room car brokerage irms who spring up from nowhere, offering too-good-to-betrue leasing deals (because invariably they are), take deposit monies and then disappear into the ether just before the bailiffs knock on the door.

The new rules, which came into force on April 1 2014, now require the FCA to conduct an in-depth level of due diligence on all those seeking authority to offer a credit service (Consumer Credit Licences are not issued anymore, they are FCA granted – the

subtext may have changed but the headline remains the same).

Chris Smith, operations director for broker Lease Options, welcomes these new rules. He says: ‘the introduction of the enhanced regulations the FCA are imposing on the industry will only improve and further the reputation of brokers who act diligently and compliantly with the Regulator.’

Once granted, the FCA still has the power to revoke a CCL if their guidelines and regulations are not vehemently adhered to. Anyone found in breach of these rules can expect to pay heavy ines and a criminal prosecution for the worst offenders.

The meticulousness of this new application process, and the assignment of a case of icer to assess the suitability of each individual business, and then monitor them should give a guarantee, of sorts, that the less-than-reputable vehicle broker won’t fall through the FCA’s ever-closing net. Inevitably though, there will always be a rogue trader waiting for the opportunity to slip through.

Undoubtedly, these new measures will alleviate some of that uncertainty, and when it comes to choosing the right broker further authentication

CASE STUDY Marchants

I

t’s no secret that in 2009, when the UK recession was biting at its hardest, estate agencies were one of the first in the firing line.

‘In the past, we had always paid cash for our cars.’ says Paul da Costa (right), managing director of Brighton-based Marchants Estate Agents, ‘but if we were to survive the economic downturn we needed to radicalise our entire business, and quickly. Not only was the housing market dying on its feet, our fleet of 12 vehicles, averaging an age of three years, all needed to be replaced. After weighing up all the options on offer, and wanting to ring fence our modest war chest of cash, just in case things got even worse, I found the most beneficial way we could do it was to finance them all. It really was a no-brainer. I’m only sorry we hadn’t made the switch sooner.

‘Since then, we’ve used a variety of methods to finance our vehicles but settled on contract hire coupled together with a service plan best suited to my company. For the first time since going into business for myself, some 30 years ago, I don’t have to worry about vehicle depreciation or a surprise maintenance bill.

‘Last week we took delivery of two new Mercedes. One was a replacement for a car which was nearing the end of its contract life, while the other was leased for a new member of staff. This was arranged by Eagle Oak, who supplied the two previous cars. Again, they sourced the cars and offered them to us on a pair of very favourable 36-month term, service-maintenance contracts – bettering the deal the main Mercedes-Benz dealer could offer. Each car is financed by two different lenders, presumably to take advantage of the lowest rates, with one being funded through the French bank, Arval BNP, while the other is through Lex Leasing.’

46 / fleetworld.co.uk

¡

Non-smokers look smarter, smell cleaner, perform better and have more money in the bank.

Choose hybrid and clean up Quitting diesels for cleaner petrol full hybrids makes business sense. With low CO 2, near zero NOx and zero particulate emissions, companies save through lower tax, reduced NI contributions and better fuel efficiency. Drivers also save through lower BIK tax liability.

Desirability Reliability Rangeability

Sustainability Serviceability Affordability

Quit smoking and save. Find out how at brilliantforbusiness.co.uk

brilliant for business

FEATURE Fleet Brokers

FIXING BROKERS ¡

is simple to acquire, if needed. Ideally, a good broker will have been established for many years and will be able to demonstrate testimonials from existing customers. The best brokers will all offer various funding options and have direct relationships with the manufacturer. If more certainty is required, ask if they are members of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA).

If they are, it means that you can go to them if you have a complaint or are unable to resolve a dispute.

Their conciliation process is quick and free, and means you have the same level of support regardless of whether you have leased from a member directly or via one through a broker.

BVRLA spokesman Jamie Fretwell explains: ‘Using a BVRLA member means you’ll get a high standard of service, quality assurance and expertise, with all members adhering to our mandatory Code of Conduct, which is there to ensure that the customer bene its from the highest standards of service, fair terms and conditions, transparent and accurate information and a complaint resolution service. The code requires members to provide safe and roadworthy vehicles, use accurate advertising and give clear information about their products and services. Any company that doesn’t have the BVRLA logo may not operate to such high standards, resulting in a worse service.’

The advantages of using a brokerage service, especially for smaller businesses where they lease less than 50 vehicles, are immeasurable, as Smith explains: ‘Essentially the majority of brokers utilise more than one funding source and therefore offer a competitive alternative to a single funder. Larger brokers, such as ourselves, use a panel of mainstream funders (in our case seven inance houses) which enables us to ensure that we can provide the most competitive option for the customer.

‘Additionally, links with manufacturers (where available) provide in many cases stronger terms than those available to mainstream leasing companies (manufacturers recognise that the broker channel is highly competent at promoting speci ic products and in luencing purchasing decisions).

This means that many brokers can offer better leasing terms than those directly from the funders themselves. Leasing Options has long-standing arrangements with most major vehicle manufacturers and can combine the bene it of attractively priced vehicles with the best funding options from the panel used.’

48 / fleetworld.co.uk

In addition to the obvious advantages of competitive pricing, brokers will claim to offer a more personalised approach rather than the more corporate stance from the larger leasing company, whose primary business revolves around high volume leet customers. Also, the range of inance products is wide from a broker too, incorporating not only contract hire and PCH, but also inance lease, contract purchase and PCP. ‘There will also be occasions where credit facilities may be exhausted with a single source funder,’ says Smith, ‘and the broker can spread the credit lines between funders to satisfy customer needs.’

Brokers will generally acquire the chosen vehicles via the main dealer network and will seek to establish long term relationships with reputable and capable dealers whose service standards would be monitored accordingly. Some brokers, like Leasing Options, will also negotiate directly with manufacturers and from time to time commit to volume and batch deals to facilitate keener pricing.

The level of ongoing support from the broker will depend on the size of the customer and the number of vehicles leased. A good broker, however, would ensure ongoing support and contact with customers of all shapes and sizes and in most cases would be on hand to assist with “in-life” queries and additional vehicle requirements.

With more stringent FCA rules, industry codes of practice and manufacturers more con ident that their product will be sold in the right way, it seems that brokering is undergoing a resurgence.

DIARY DATE

SPONSORED BY

SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT

12TH MAY 2015

To find out more about Fleet Show 2015, call +44 (0) 1727 739160, email info@thefleetshow.co.uk or visit www.thefleetshow.co.uk fleetworld.co.uk / 49

WHY YOU NEED TO BE THERE...

• The Fleet Show attracts a significant

• EXHIBITOR

• Attendance has increased every

• Space-only stands in the Silverstone Wing exhibition area

audience of senior fleet buyers

year since the show was launched

SPONSORED BY

• One-day format makes the event

highly cost-effective for exhibitors

The Fleet Show has seen a tremendous growth in visitor numbers with an increase of nearly 40% in 2014

• Accompanied test drives provide the perfect sales opportunity

• Broad-based content encourages visitors to stay all day

THE Fleet Show is attended by a significant and rapidly growing audience of senior fleet buyers from a wide range of SME, national and public sector fleets. The show is designed to provide exhibitors with the highest possible return on their investment by keeping costs down, while attracting a high-quality audience through extensive pre-event marketing. A wide range of indoor and outdoor activities ensure that visitors have plenty of reasons to spend a whole day at the show and meet many new and existing suppliers.

• Shell scheme stands in the Silverstone Wing exhibition area • Outdoor exhibition space and pit garages in the Paddock area • Track driving for cars on the National and International circuits • Track driving for cars and vans on the Stowe circuit • New technology demonstration area • SPONSORSHIP • OPPORTUNITIES • Headline sponsorship of Fleet Show 2015 • Sponsorship of the Eco-Driving Hub

FLEET SHOW VISITOR GROWTH 2011-2014

672

493 36

%

367

+

4

%

+3

230

0%

THE Fleet Show is an established event in the fleet calendar, taking place at the iconic Silverstone Circuit on Tuesday 12th May 2015.

By bringing together leading fleet industry suppliers with senior fleet decision makers in a one-day event, the show offers a low-cost, high return opportunity for exhibitors from all sectors of the fleet industry.

The Fleet Show is the perfect environment for discussing new business. Highlights include a superb indoor exhibition area, a well attended conference and seminar programme, alongside world famous track driving experiences.

The Fleet Show has seen tremendous growth in visitor numbers with an increase of nearly 40% in 2014, over 2013, following a similar increase the previous year.

The event provides fleet buyers with the perfect opportunity to see and drive the latest cars and vans, while also evaluating new fleet service providers and networking with fleet industry colleagues.

The indoor exhibition area features motor manufacturers alongside fleet service providers and industry bodies.

The outdoor exhibition in the Paddock area accommodates motor manufacturers’ hospitality units, providing direct access to outstanding track driving opportunities on the Stowe, National and International circuits.

OPPORTUNITIES

+6

• Sponsorship of the seminar programme • Sponsorship of the “networking” area • Sponsorship of the catering area • Sponsorship of shuttle bus service • Other sponsorship and branding opportunities on request

SEMINARS A team of expert fleet managers will become trainers for the day when they host a series of workshop-style sessions at the Fleet Show 2015. This format proved to be immensely popular in 2014 as it allowed experienced fleet managers to pass on their knowledge and expertise in a series of interactive sessions where audience participation was actively encouraged.

Each session will be presented by two or three fleet managers, with topics ranging from understanding the basics of fleet management, to the formulation of a comprehensive risk strategy.

TRACK DRIVING SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT offers a superb range of safe, queue-free track driving opportunities on the National, International and Stowe circuits, providing the best possible testing ground for all the latest fleet cars and vans.

Motor manufacturers can choose which circuits they wish to use, according to the type of vehicle and their choice of co-driver. All drivers at The Fleet Show must be accompanied by a manufacturers’ representative, or a pro driver. This highly successful system ensures that customers can get a full and detailed understanding of the vehicle they are driving, while also having the benefits personally explained.

• State-of-the-art indoor exhibition area

• Eager audience of

willing fleet buyers

INDOOR EXHIBITION

• Cost-effective way of

meeting new prospects

THE indoor exhibition, which was busy throughout the day in 2014, takes place in halls 1-3 of the Silverstone Wing. This is a new, state-of-the-art building that offers all the facilities required for a successful show.

The indoor exhibition area is also a focus for those wishing to meet up with colleagues from the fleet industry and the unique ”networking” opportunity provided by the show gives an invaluable means of keeping up to date with the latest fleet industry developments.

This ensures that those exhibiting in the Silverstone Wing have a willing and eager audience of senior fleet buyers with decision-making responsibility, who are prepared to take the time to meet new suppliers.

ECO-DRIVING ECO-driving Hub is the focus for a range of fuel and cost saving initiatives at the Fleet Show 2015. It is designed to make fleet managers aware of the wide range of products and services available in this area of the fleet market. The Eco-driving Hub will be located on Stowe Circuit, where those manufacturers with strong low-CO2 subbrands can demonstrate the fuel efficiency of their vehicles, and how they can be driven in the most economical fashion.

Drivers who visit the Eco-driving Hub will be able to experience expert eco-driving training from corporate driver training specialists. Eco-driver training benefits fleets by ensuring drivers can see and appreciate the benefits of driving in a safe and fuel-efficient way.

LCVs THE Fleet Show 2015 introduces a new focus on the light commercial vehicle (LCV) sector, recognising the significant level of activity in the market. LCV manufacturers are invited to display their vehicles in halls 1-3 in the Silverstone Wing (depending on height), on their stands in the Paddock outdoor exhibition area, and to give demonstration drives on Stowe Circuit.

Visitors to the show in 2014 included a number of significant LCV fleets and the 2015 event will be supported by the FTA and other relevant industry bodies.

THE ALL NEW 100% ELECTRIC NISSAN e-NV200

ELECTRIFY YOUR BUSINESS AS the most successful manufacturer of electric cars in the UK, Nissan has extended that expertise into the light commercial vehicle market, with the launch of the all new e-NV200.

With an optimum cargo capacity within a compact body, zero emission drivetrain, rapid charging capability and the availability of both a panel van and a Combi, the e-NV200 is a breakthrough van for business users.

Zero Emissions Using a proven 100% electric drivetrain from the best-selling Nissan LEAF car, that produces 0g/km of CO2 while driving, the eNV200 is capable of up to 106 miles from a single charge, offering incredibly low running costs. The van has three charging modes delivering a full charge in 12 hours from a domestic supply, in just four hours with a dedicated wall-box and providing an 80% charge in just 30 minutes through a rapid charger.

Regenerative braking can also be used to extend the range depending on use. In addition, Nissan’s CARWINGS telematic solution provides remote access to the vehicle for fleet monitoring and predrive activation of air conditioning and heating systems.

Business Transport As e-NV200’s batteries are installed below the floor, there is no loss of carrying volume in the cargo area. The e-NV200 maintains its class-leading 4.2m3 of load volume with a payload of up to 703kg. e-NV200 can also be specified as a Combi, with a second row of seats to carry up to five people as well as 2.1m3 of goods. With the rear seats folded the Combi’s carrying capacity rises to a generous 2.9m3 and up to 649kg of payload.

Financial Economy The e-NV200 qualifies for the Government’s Plug—in-Van grant of 20%, while the Combi makes the most of the 25% Plug-in-Car grant. In both cases the e-NV200 is exempt from the London Congestion Charge, offering maximum savings for businesses working within the Low Emission Zone.

With a 5 year/60,000 mile warranty on all electric components and 12 month/18,000 mile service intervals, the e-NV200 delivers remarkably low running costs.

CASE STUDY Ergro Building services provider Ergro Group recently trialled an e-NV200 van for its central London business and found that electricity accounted for just £1.20 over a day’s travel.

“The running costs speak for themselves and are a real no-brainer, but there’s a lot more to this van than cost savings,” said Ergro chairman Chris Wollen.

“We’ve been really impressed by the eNV200 and what it can do.”

More information on Nissan’s electric vehicle fleet solutions and success stories can be found at www.nissan.co.uk/e4business.

CASE STUDY British Gas “We have been extremely impressed with the performance of the Nissan e-NV200 during our winter trial,” said Colin Marriott, general manager, fleet at British Gas. “The feedback from our engineers speaks for itself, with the majority saying they would be happy to keep the van permanently.

“Taking on 100 of these vehicles on a permanent basis demonstrates our continued commitment to leading the adoption of this technology amongst large vehicle fleets in the UK. With technology and infrastructure improving all the time, we look forward to expanding this number in the coming years.”

CASE STUDY University of Birmingham “We had been eagerly awaiting the launch of the eNV200 for about two years and so we were delighted to be the first to place an order and one of the first to take delivery,” said Monica Guise, University of Birmingham’s post, portering and transport manager.

“We’ve been really impressed by its performance, versatility and handling. In terms of the emissions, the e-NV200 will help us deliver on our environmental commitments and will play a big role meeting the carbon targets that trigger additional central funding.

“Anything we can do to reduce the CO2 emissions from within our fleet directly impacts on our funding from government. That’s one of the reasons we’re aiming to have 40% of our fleet fully electric by 2020.”

To find out how the e-NV200 can benefit your fleet, simply go to nissan.co.uk/env200fleet or call 0800 294 0579. It could change the way you work forever.

advertisement feature

FEATURE Risk management

No small risk

The fleet risks to small and medium-sized businesses have lead Volvo and Fleet 21 to develop a help and guidance package, called Co-Pilot. By Katie Beck.

V

olvo Business Sales has joined forces with its driver risk consultancy partner, Fleet 21, to offer SMEs a risk management strategy that can help keep employees safe, help employers stay on the right side of the law, and make businesses more pro itable.

Commenting on Volvo’s partnership with Fleet 21, Selwyn Cooper, head of corporate sales, said: ‘SMEs and the risks they face continue to be our focus – both in terms of cost, reductions in pro itability, and indeed the risk to their reputation by not acknowledging driver risk or failing to do something about it.’

The hidden cost behind a crash According to Volvo, businesses are haemorrhaging an estimated £1.2 billion every year through their vehicle leets due to uninsured losses incurred from accidents involving company cars and drivers.

Every day, more than 150 vehicles being driven on company business crash, with

54 / fleetworld.co.uk

uninsured losses stacking up to an average of £22,000 per vehicle.

Uninsured costs include hire cars, absenteeism and loss of productivity, missed deadlines, legal and administration fees, and even damage to brand and reputation – not to mention the human cost.

The wider knock-on effects are severe, too.

Transport for London estimates that the delays and congestion caused by collisions in the capital alone result in £2bn in lost economic output every year.

The Co-Pilot scheme Most big companies will have stringent risk management and driver policies in place, while SMEs tend to be less prepared due to ignorance of the regulations, or a lack of resources to implement a review. It is for this reason that Volvo Business and Fleet 21’s partnership program, Co-Pilot, is targeted specially at the SME sector.

Co-Pilot is an initiative to help local

businesses meet the requirements of driver risk compliance, improve the safety of their business drivers and reduce the cost of crashes and low speed vehicle damage through driver training.

Volvo recognises that while superior vehicle technology can go a long way to achieving its 2020 mission that nobody will be killed or seriously injured in or by a new Volvo by 2020, driver education is also essential. Crashes are usually caused by driver error borne of a lack of understanding by the driver of the consequences of how they behave, which is where Fleet21 comes in.

When a business buys or leases its irst new Volvo, the leet will receive a “Business Driver Compliance Toolkit” through the Co-Pilot scheme (worth £495). The Toolkit includes a comprehensive driver policy written by leetspecialist legal experts – an essential tool for setting out the standards of behaviour required of drivers.

How safety systems can help...

I

t is estimated that 90% of accidents can be attributed to human error, and active safety systems with automatic braking can mitigate risk by reducing the force of impact or, in the best-case scenario, even entirely avoiding an accident in the first place. Volvo prides itself as being at the forefront of accident-prevention research, and latest safety technology innovations include: Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) If sensors detect that a vehicle has moved into the car’s blind spot, a warning system is activated.

‘SMEs and the risks they face continue to be our focus.’

Cross Traffic Alert Uses the same sensors as BLIS, but angles are changed to assist drivers reversing out of a parking space.

Selwyn Cooper, head of corporate sales, Volvo

City Safety Uses a radar at the top of the windscreen to scan out front of the vehicle and automatically brake if the driver does not respond to a perceived hazard. Standard on all Volvo’s currently in production.

Ensuring compliance The Toolkit includes a printed policy handbook for each driver, personalised with the company logo and emergency contact details. It also includes essential facts and igures on important issues such as speed and braking, mobile phone distraction and the “morning after” effect of alcohol consumption to help educate drivers on some of the more common issues of high-risk driving.

The first driving licence check is included for each driver, directly against the DVLA database. Also included is an online driver risk profile tool which measures each driver’s exposure to risk while out on the road. Drivers and nominated administrators receive a driver profile report showing any areas where they are at risk, and are given guidance on how to keep that risk to a minimum.

Driver Alert Cameras monitor where the road markings are compared to where the driver is positioning the car. A coffee cup symbol lights up on the dashboard if the driver is deemed to be inattentive.

Lane Keeping Aid Adds steering wheel rumble and beeping if the driver drifts out of lane.

Park Assist Pilot Uses front, rear and side sensors and cameras. The system scans for a space that is 1.2 times the car’s length, and registers if the space is large enough. The driver then takes their hands off the steering wheel and controls the speed of the manoeuvre as the vehicle parks itself, shunting backwards and forewords as necessary.

fleetworld.co.uk / 55

MANAGEMENT Telematics

Can telematics revolutionise business?

Just how can telematics save money, improve driver behaviour and make your business run more efficiently? Experts at a recent FIAG workshop gave their opinon.

A

number of leets and leet consultants explained the bene its of telematics and how they can transform a business at a recent Fleet Industry Advisory Group workshop staged at the Arnold Clark Group’s GTG Training Academy in Wolverhampton.

Multi-million pound savings at Travis Perkins According to Graham Bellman, director of leet services at Travis Perkins, millions of pounds worth of savings to the business have been delivered as a result of real-time information generated by the technology resulting in: Almost 400 vehicles cut from the commercial vehicle leet – virtually all trucks – as a consequence of improved vehicle utilisation delivering operating cost savings of more than £50,000 per year per HGV removed.

A 70% daily reduction in vehicle idling – the average vehicle spent more than 100 minutes per day idling, “wasting” up to three litres of diesel.

A 12.6% reduction in vehicle accident costs.

Major fuel savings as a result of improved journey route planning, scheduling & smoother driving style.

There have also been a range of other “added value” bene its including daily defect reporting, axle weighing, a crackdown on fuel and product theft, a near 50% reduction in speeding offences as well as improvements in productivity. Mr Bellman said: ‘The cost of the system was paid for by the fuel savings we have made. Everything else has been a bonus.’

Telematics changes driver behaviour at Stannah Employees at Stannah have online access to their own telematics records and self-manage their driving behaviour within parameters set by the company.

Martin Carter, operations director of Stannah Management Services, said: ‘Stannah was not “targeting drivers” but focusing on improving “driver behaviour”.

56 / fleetworld.co.uk

‘Our use of telemetry is not about the technology. We are focused on psychology and the culture of driving and that is what we are changing. Drivers sit in their own little bubble when on the road with no feedback. We have changed that and are giving them that feedback,’ he told delegates.

No invasion of privacy Organisations must ensure their drivers are aware they are being monitored and the standards they must adhere to amid concerns in some quarters that itting telematics to vehicles is an invasion of privacy.

How telematics data was going to be used and whether the data gathered was secure were two key issues that leets had to tackle in protecting drivers’ privacy amid a mine ield of legislation including the Human Rights Act, Data Protection Act and employment rights, according to Michael Appleby, partner in London law irm Bivonas: ‘Data gathered from telematics must be used for legitimate reasons for managing vehicle assets,’ he told the workshop.

Historically businesses have faced accusations of “Big Brother” and “spy in the cab” when introducing telematics, but Mr Appleby said: ‘I believe drivers today are far more engaged with technology and concern about privacy will diminish.’

But, he warned: ‘Data must be used positively and employers must set out their policies and procedures for collecting the information; the bene its to the business and employees; and how the data will be used in supporting a driver’s guilt or innocence.’

A white paper called “Telematics Explained” is available as a free download to FIAG members at www.fiag.co.uk. To join FIAG and for further information, go to www.fiag.co.uk, email enquiries@fiag.co.uk or telephone 05603 686869.

ACHIEVE MORE TOGETHER. Fleet management for better team and business performance WEBFLEET® is the easiest way to be informed about your vehicles. With WEBFLEET your drivers and office staff work closer together and everyone makes smarter decisions. That’s the key to happy customers, great governance and the ability to keep moving towards your business goals.

Call 020 7255 9774 or E-mail business.uk@tomtom.com to request a free demonstration from Europe’s leading fleet management and vehicle tracking provider.

www.tomtom.com/telematics

Fleet World Group

International Fleet World

The Fleet Show

EV Fleet World

fleetworld.co.uk

THE online resource for fleet decision-makers

Follow us on Twitter @FleetWorldGroup

Join us on Linkedin Fleet World Group

MPG Marathon

EVENTS Fleet Hero Awards

Heroes Welcomed!

Celebrating organisations setting an environmental example for the UK’s fleet industry, the Energy Saving Trust’s 2014 Fleet Hero Awards showed carbon reduction is a diverse and innovationled task for the sector. ¡

fleetworld.co.uk / 59

EVENTS Fleet Hero Awards

¡ And the winners were...

Ted Brown of Energy Saving Trust with Sam Clarke of Gnewt Cargo.

Transport Solutions Supplier Gnewt Cargo

Mark Constable of EDF Energy, Alistair Clarke of eConnect Cars and Baroness Kramer.

Plugged-in Fleets Award eConnect Cars

All-electric last-mile logistics company Gnewt Cargo has grown 200% during 2014, in turn demonstrating the bene its and viability of electromobility in an LCV leet. With TNT and Hermes as clients, operating within London and consolidating deliveries offers a dramatic 80% reduction in miles travelled, as well as improving local air quality.

Operating 10 Nissan LEAF private hire vehicles out of Canary Wharf, eConnect Cars not only shows there is a viable business case for a 100% electric fleet, but it’s a vital advocate for the technology.

Customers get to experience electric vehicles on the road, and the company’s fast chargers encourage others locally to consider switching too.

Jerry Ramsdale of Fleet World Group, with Kate Armitage & Emma Maclean of Route Monkey.

Innovation and technology Route Monkey

Emma Maclean of Route Monkey, with Stephen Miller & Ian Rodham of University of Cumbria.

Grey Fleet Management University of Cumbria

Route Monkey’s modelling, procuring and scheduling software is an invaluable tool for alleviating leets’ fears about switching to plug-in vehicles. It plots effective duty cycles, including charging, determining the most ef icient routes to maximise use and calculating return on investment. A pay-per-use version will launch soon, further broadening accessibility for leets.

Achieving an incredible 36% reduction in grey leet mileage and resulting 16% cut of CO2 emissions, the University of Cumbria is an example of how crossdepartmental co-operation can solve a tricky operational problem. Issuing travel plans for staff and students, and establishing a travel hierarchy which incentivises car clubs and rentals and offers free irst class upgrades on Virgin Trains have all contributed to this impressive result.

Ted Brown of Energy Saving Trust with Jacqueline O’Donovan, Michael O’Donovan & Shane Brown of O’Donovan Waste Disposal.

Commerical Vehicle Management O’Donovan Waste Disposal Defending their title after last year’s win, O’Donovan’s ongoing commitment has also secured the FORS Gold Standard for a third successive year. But work is ongoing and the company has achieved a 14% reduction in carbon emissions for its leet, through driver training and a large investment in telematics, as well as targeting vulnerable road users.

60 / fleetworld.co.uk

Ryan Bushell of Enterprise with Andrew Brown & Steve Thompson of West Yorkshire Police.

Best Public Sector Fleet West Yorkshire Police Despite the challenges of an unpredictable operating environment, West Yorkshire Police achieved Motorvate Gold Level status in 2014 for its carbon reduction plan.

Improving behaviour, adopting more ef icient vehicles and reducing mileage travelled have all saved money and can be seen as an example to other organisations.

Baroness Kramer with Jovan Balach & Roy Smith from Park House Healthcare.

Eco-driving Park House Healthcare Lee Rabjohn of Volkswagen UK, with Mike Cross & Paul Stephenson of Willmott Dixon.

Best Business Sector Fleet Willmott Dixon Despite an already award-winning baseline, Willmott Dixon’s hard work has yielded a further 11% year-on-year reduction in CO2 emissions and continues to promote this thinking to staff. Sub90g/km vehicles and car sharing are incentivised, cycled miles can be reimbursed and its successful van driver league table has been extended. Bespoke leet management has cut its leet by 10%.

Long-term reductions in carbon emissions are a significant challenge for any fleet, so judges were impressed to note that Park House had recorded a further 10% cut on top of the 22% improvement beforehand. Telematics has enabled ongoing analysis and the worst-performing drivers to be identified and trained further, while a 44% reduction in idling times is impressive too.

Andrew Brown, alongside runner-up Vicky Reed (of Fleetdrive Electric) & Ted Brown of EST.

Ted Brown of Energy Saving Trust with Barry Beeston of Nissan UK.

Ultra Low Emission Vehicle Manufacturer Nissan UK Already the market leader for EV sales with the LEAF, Nissan is also setting examples with leets, offering specialist advice and engaging with potential customers to help them adopt the technology. Investment in the Electric Highway rapid charging network and electric vehicle trials, such as the My Electric Avenue smart grid project, plus the arrival of the e-NV200 electric van, show a long-term commitment to the sector.

Individual Achievement Andrew Brown, West Yorkshire Police Undeterred by the unique challenges of an ef icient police leet, Andrew Brown has led the ongoing drive towards widespread carbon reduction. Championing telematics to optimise mileage, bunkered diesel to cut costs and low-carbon vehicles to improve environmental performance, the projects he has led have been recognised not only by other UK-based emergency services, but have been used as an example by the Hong Kong police force too.

fleetworld.co.uk / 61

MARKET OVERVIEW Fleet Management Software

Bynx

Chevin Fleet Solutions

Bynx is a market-leading developer of software solutions for vehicle management. bynxFLEET enables leasing, fleet management and rental operators to manage vehicles, contracts, transactions and drivers and control inlife costs. Customers are able to retain asset value and engage with stakeholders online. bynxFLEET provides a platform, plus the tools and applications required, to run every aspect of a vehicle business whether the fleet is owned or managed. The product utilises functionality to automate and streamline processing and enables greater productivity, efficiency and utilisation. bynxNET improves the user experience and communication between dealers, customers, suppliers and drivers by bringing it all online.

With 24 years of fleet management software expertise, Chevin Fleet Solutions provides fleet operations with the right tools to effectively manage their vehicle, asset and driver information, streamlining processes into one intelligent integrated solution. Their award winning software, Chevin FleetWave®, has one of the most comprehensive module offerings available on the market. Increasing the visibility of KPI’s, paired with advanced control of procedures, clever automation, alerts and reminders. Extremely flexible configurations are designed to meet the demands of any operation from any sector looking for solutions to significantly improve their operational efficiency, reduce administrative resource, ensure compliance and risk requirements, and highlight ongoing cost savings.

Contact: Gary Jefferies sales @bynx.com

Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

Tranman fleet software has a proven track record for enabling fleet managers to achieve cost and utilisation benefits through improved management information and analysis. With over 500 customers built up over 30 years, Tranman is a leader in a number of markets.

Customers include large commercial fleet operators, 90% of police forces, 40% of fire brigades and over 100 local authorities.

Tel: 07773 814277

Jaama’s market leading, multi award winning Key2 system is a totally integrated vehicle, asset and driver management solution covering everything from owning to disposing of vehicles, plant and asset related equipment. Recent enhancements include: EDS – a repository for fleet information allowing drivers (company car and grey fleet) to submit expense claims on-line and keep personal and vehicle data up to date as well as reducing administration for fleet managers and providing a fully auditable duty of care trail. Jaama continue to invest heavily to ensure the world’s only web based fleet system to use next generation .Net Microsoft ‘Smart Client’ technology – Key2 – remains visibly and functionally years ahead of the market. Designed for all fleet sizes and budgets, Jaama links users live to data providers, customers, suppliers, vehicle telematics and the DVLA.

62 / fleetworld.co.uk

DRIVE Fleet Management and Leasing software is a single generic product applicable to vehicle management requirements worldwide and which represents over 150 man-years of development by our software experts.

DRIVE is a proven product our policy of continuous product enhancements and DRIVE’s modular structure enables it to be configured to meet the precise and unique needs of each of our clients. This has been enhanced with our managed service host offering DRIVE-Direct.

DRIVE is used throughout the world by leading vehicle leasing companies, major vehicle manufacturers, and other operators of large fleets to whom we continue to provide additional services and on-going 24/7 support.

Contact: Simon West-Oliver Tel: +44 (0)1438 317731 simon.west-oliver@drivesoftwaresolutions.com www.drivesoftwaresolutions.com

Jaama

Contact: Ellie Whiten enquiries@jaama.co.uk

Tel: 01773 821992 www.chevinfleet.com

Drive Software Solutions Limited

Civica UK Ltd

Contact: Jonathan Roberts jonathan.roberts@civica.co.uk www.civica.co.uk/tranman

Contact: David Gladding sales@chevinfleet.co.uk

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

UK connecting the UK’s fleet community ~ Formerly Fleet Academy

Join the debate... theukfleetforum.co.uk

Do you offer software that calculates EV wholelife costs (inc work/home charging) ?

Is your system suitable for multiple-user networking?

Do you provide on-line P11D submissions to HMRC?

Does your system permit electronic download of data from suppliers?

Does your fleet software provide electronic supplier invoice reconciliation?

Does your system include a vehicle order tracking function?

Does your fleet software provide on-line grey fleet management?

Does your system include a fuel management module?

Does your system allow users to design their own reports?

Does your system use exception reporting?

Does your system integrate with external telematics systems?

Do you offer a KPI dashboard?

Is it smartphone and/ or tablet compatible?

FLEETW RLD

Bynx

-

Chevin Fleet Solutions

Civica UK Ltd

-

Drive Software Solutions Limited

Jaama

-

KeeResources Limited

Sofico

-

Teletrac, a Trafficmaster Company

-

-

-

-

Key to services

Service provided

-

Service unavailable

Sofico Sofico is an international software provider with over 25 years of experience in the industry. We have a solid reputation in the market due to our extensive know-how. Sofico stands for innovation and technological leadership.

Through continuous strategic investment our software solution, Miles, always evolves with the market both in terms of technology and functionality. Sofico employs 165 people across its offices in Belgium, France, Australia and Japan and has customers in 16 countries. Our systems help manage over 1 million vehicles worldwide.

Contact: Jan Bouckaert cm@sofico.be

Tel: +32 9 210 80 40 www.sofico.be

Teletrac, a Trafficmaster Company Teletrac’s Fleet Director® is the most advanced and interactive fleet automation software on the market, equipped with easy-to-use navigation and safety capabilities. With innovative features that include on-board navigation, lane guidance and two-way messaging, it is the premier software for fleet tracking intelligence. Tracking more than 250,000 vehicles globally, Teletrac saves fleet owners time and money while reducing their carbon footprint. Teletrac customers report up to 30% lower fuel usage, an average of 15% less driver overtime, 12% higher productivity and less unauthorised vehicle use.

Contact: Mark O’Neill fleetsales@teletrac.co.uk

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

fleetworld.co.uk / 63

FEATURE Taxation & Funding

Whole-life costs: a decision After feedback and discussion from readers, Professor Colin Tourick is ready to finally define TCO and WLC…

I

n this column for the last two months we have been lease rentals (if the vehicle is leased); 74% included insurdiscussing whole-life costs and total costs of ownership ance premiums and the contribution the driver makes (TCO). What exactly are they? Are they different? Why towards the cost of the vehicle; 73% included taxation costs are they important? (corporation tax, irrecoverable VAT and class 1A NIC); 52% Whole-life costs are important. They are the best measure included the cost of fuel used for business mileage; 38% available to a fleet manager when choosing which vehicles included the cost of component failure and non-accident to place onto the fleet; far better than allowing employees to repairs; 33% included excess mileage charges and 17% said select vehicles up to a certain list price, P11D value, contract termination charges should be included. hire rental or any other method. Yet there is no universallyYet taxation, NIC, fuel and insurance premiums are routinely agreed definition of this expression, or indeed TCO, within left out of many leet managers’ whole-life cost calculations. the industry.

Given that so many fleet vehicles are funded on contract During October and November we invited you to complete hire it is perhaps understandable that many companies use a brief reader survey on this topic and – as they say – the the maintenance-inclusive contract hire rental to decide votes are now in so we can report what you had to say. (We which vehicles to allow onto the fleet. This is a simple are keeping the survey open and you can still vote at: number, instantly available online from the leasing company www.surveymonkey.com/s/wholelifecost). and everyone understands it.

To the question ‘Do you think that “total cost of ownership” However, two vehicles with identical contract hire rentals and “whole-life cost” are two may have widely different tax ways of describing exactly the and national insurance costs, same thing?’ 75% of you said may have different insurance Yes and 25% said No. costs and will often have differWhen invited to de ine total ent fuel efficiency (this latter cost of ownership not one point being relevant if you are respondent chose to do so, reimbursing for mileage on the which may well show that basis of actual fuel cost). there is some uncertainty about Let us consider just one of this expression. these; fuel cost. The calculation When asked which elements of whole-life costs is already a should be included in the daunting task but it’s likely to get calculation of whole-life even more complicated because cost/total cost of ownership, so many new types of vehicle are Fuel cost has always been fairly straightforward 100% of respondents said coming on to the market. to calculate but new engine technology will depreciation, servicing and It is relatively easy to predict make it more problematic in the future. maintenance, interest cost and the cost of, say, the fuel that will

64 / fleetworld.co.uk

To take part in the online survey, scan the QR code or visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/WholeLifeCost

be used by a diesel car with a particular mpg that is driven a certain number of miles. But what about the fuel cost for an electric car itted with a range extender? How should you calculate the fuel element of the whole-life cost on this vehicle?

The cheapest miles will be those driven on electric power, the battery having been charged from a free power source or perhaps a power point at the employee’s home or work, though sometimes the car may have to be charged at an expensive city centre charging point. Are these likely to be full charges or just top-ups?

At other times the car will be powered by the internal combustion engine. What assumptions will you make about the mix of miles that will be driven under electric and petrol power and how will you calculate the cost of the electricity used?

In an ideal world you’d like the employee to drive on electric power wherever possible: that’s the cheapest option and best for the planet. So perhaps you should assume they will

Colin Tourick’s latest book “Whole Life Costs: a guide for fleet professionals” will be published in January. We have five copies to give away. The first five names drawn out of a hat on publication day will receive a free copy of the book.

If you would like a copy, just email: competition@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

always use electric power and that there will be no petrol cost? No, that can’t be right: if the employee never expected to use the internal combustion engine there would have been no point paying thousands of pounds extra to have a range extender in the first place.

We know from recent research by Alphabet, published by Fleet World in November, that 80% of the drivers of plug-in hybrid vehicles in the Netherlands spend less than half of their time driving on electric power. Plug-in hybrids and electric cars fitted with range extenders aren’t exactly the same proposition, but this research does seem to suggest that that may be attracted to the tax incentives available on these cars rather than the opportunity to “drive green”.

We are talking here about the complexity of calculating just one element of whole-life cost yet similar thought and consideration needs to be given to every element to be included in your whole-life cost calculations.

INDUSTRY VIEWPOINT The calculation of whole-life costs is already a daunting task but it’s likely to get even more complicated because so many new types of vehicle are coming on to the market.

fleetworld.co.uk / 65

MANAGEMENT UK Fleet Forum

UK connecting the UK’s fleet community ~ Formerly Fleet Academy

Join the Keeping tabs on your carbon emissions

David Brennan, Chief Executive, Nexus Vehicle Management

Fleet World magazine’s UK Fleet Forum – formerly Fleet Academy – provides a forum where fleet industry experts can exchange views on a wide range of topics, from taxation to speeding fines.

At the heart of the UK Fleet Forum is a team of fleet professionals who play a key role in the industry, either as fleet managers, consultants or fleet suppliers. These fleet experts provide a regular feed of information that is posted on the website forum in the form of discussion topics.

Typical areas of interest include, but are not limited to: taxation, finance and accounting, legislation, environmental issues, fleet safety, insurance, fleet management, supply issues and security.

Fleet suppliers are permitted to respond to queries if it is felt that their response represents honest and impartial advice. This aspect of the service is strictly moderated in order to ensure that the quality of information provided remains of the highest standard.

We have already attracted a strong network of fleet professionals, and our expert contributors have submitted a number of thought provoking discussion topics, a few of which are previewed to the right.

We hope you will consider joining us in this exciting new venture into the world of fleet.

To find out more about the UK Fleet Forum and request membership, please visit:

theukfleetforum.co.uk 66 / fleetworld.co.uk

With proposed changes from DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) on how to record emissions, it’s likely much more detailed carbon reporting will become a mandatory practice for all companies.

This will mean all external activities a company undertakes to offset emissions will need to be recorded. But what exactly does this mean for fleets?

It could be a great incentive for fleet managers to take further steps towards being more “environmentally friendly” which can often be challenging, particularly for organisations with large numbers of heavy vehicles and plant equipment.

The changes will of course be particularly challenging for rented fleets, due to the large number of CO2 producing vehicles used at one given time. If the proposals come into place, fleet managers will have to keep close tabs on their emissions and reveal their reduction targets and strategies, plus additional activities to offset carbon.

Over the years, we’ve seen increasing demand for customers to be able to monitor the CO2 emissions of their rental vehicles so our innovative IRIS system helps address this by allowing fleet managers to book their vehicles based on CO2 levels and vehicle size. We also give the option to run a report detailing their carbon CO2 footprint, which would save a lot of time should the DEFRA changes be put into place. We’re always working with customers to anticipate their needs and address them accordingly.

Fleet managers are increasingly showing more interest in low CO2 vehicles, though soon it will be imperative, rather than just “nice to have”.

The proposed changes will no doubt be a motive for fleet managers to consider the type of vehicles they choose for their fleets, and to be more aware of the CO2 emissions of their fleet. More importantly, they must have the necessary reporting systems in place to meet these requirements.

In 2012, a third of companies refused to answer the Carbon Disclosure Project questionnaire, but there’s now no leeway for fleet managers who don’t pay full attention

debate... to their outgoing carbon emissions with this system, and a lot of preparation will certainly be needed.

What plans do you already have in place and how do you feel these changes will affect you?

A bad workman always blames his tools

Natalie Middleton, Business Editor, Fleet World Stories from the consumer motoring magazines about the inability of various cars to achieve – or even get close to – their published combined cycle fuel consumption figures continue to abound.

The latest “bad boy” to be brought to book is the Volvo V40 T5 which, at 32.5mpg only achieved 67.8% of its claimed 47.9mpg.

I wonder why? Could it be that the sort of people who buy a performance car like this don’t actually drive it in the most economical way? Indeed, why would you?

In this year’s MPG Marathon two young Formula Ford racing drivers managed to get 75.77mpg from a Fiesta 1.6 ST – a 58% improvement over the car’s (coincidentally identical to the V40) combined figure of 47.9mpg.

And I have no doubt that these highly skilled drivers could do much the same with the Volvo V40 T5 if they put their minds to it. For this issue is not all about the car, it’s about the driver, as the results of the MPG Marathon clearly show.

John Davidge, Head of Fleet Technical at Cardius Risk management Limited, replied…

There seem to be a plethora of these “bad workmen” who similarly cause disproportionate tyre wear, brake wear, etc to their vehicles.

The professional will always seek to get the best out of his tools – as for the others they can be encouraged to understand the difference they can make with good training, whilst not detracting from journey times.

There is no getting away from it; we will only travel at the speed that traffic jams and speed cameras allow us to – any attempt to “beat the traffic” costs money and creates risk and undue stress.

Meet the experts...

Malcolm Maycock, Director, Licence Bureau Ltd Malcolm set up Licence Bureau Ltd (LB) in 2003 after three years of negotiation with the DVLA and Information Commissioner to provide a business solution to driving licence management. Prior to setting up LB, he spent over 24 years investigating crimes committed against blue chip clients as a director of WM Investigation Ltd, and before that with the Metropolitan Police.

Quentin Hunt, Barrister, bestcriminaldefencebarrister.co.uk Working from award-winning chambers in Bedford Row, Quentin regularly applies his specialist knowledge of criminal and regulatory law to high profile cases. He can now do the same for the public directly, delivering a specialised service without the expense of commissioning a QC. Quentin has had cases featured on the BBC’s “Panorama” and his work is regularly profiled in the National News. Quentin also lectures for the College of Law, Transport for London and the Health and Safety Lawyer’s Association.

Les Owen, Senior Compliance Associate, Compliance Bureau As a senior officer in charge of roads policing in London, Les investigated numerous collisions and was responsible for reducing deaths on the Capital’s roads. Currently working as a consultant for reducing work related road risks, his specialities include crash history analysis and policy review. Les has spoken at major UK conferences and abroad in the fleet management environment, showing how we can all do something to reduce incidents on the road.

fleetworld.co.uk / 67

our fleet Honda CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC SE-T

the figures

I must admit that I view faux by fours much like a 320d with an M badge; if it looks like a 4x4, then it should have drive to all four wheels. The market however feels differently, with the majority of crossovers and compact SUVs now offering power to the front wheels alone.

Honda’s previously 4x4-only CR-V has joined this club, with the arrival of the firm’s 1.6i-DTEC diesel engine, which is only available with drive to the front wheels. The compact motor’s 118hp and 221lb.ft of torque are more than enough for reasonably rapid progress, with the high-riding CR-V a very easy and relaxing companion on motorways and long journeys.

The real bonus of the downsized engine and two-wheel driveline comes at the pumps though, with Honda claiming an easily achievable 62.8mpg. Even in regular day-to-day use the CR-V is regularly returning mid to high 50s, without

any need for hypermile throttle pedal caution.

Unfortunately the Honda is less accomplished when tackling country roads, particularly if you press on, with a bouncy ride, uncommunicative steering and plenty of body roll. The front wheels scrabble for grip on a wet road like a puppy on a laminate floor.

Best to stick to dual carriageways for rapid progress.

I can, however, see the benefits of the CR-V. It is incredibly spacious front and rear, with a voluminous boot that gets even larger with the simple pull of a tag to drop the rear seat backs. In SE-T trim it’s also well equipped, with everything a business driver could want.

Perhaps oddly, the two-wheel drive CR-V arrived on 4x4 SUV tyres. It will be interesting to see how it handles the winter months and, depending on weather conditions, whether the full-fat 4x4 might have been the better option.

Dan Gilkes

OTR PRICE £25,825 POWER 118hp @ 4,000rpm TORQUE 221lb ft @ 2,000rpm 0-62mph 11.2 seconds TOP SPEED 113mph COMBINED MPG 62.8mpg CO2 119g/km (19% BiK)

Peugeot 308 SW Active BlueHDi 120 IT’S a little over a year since I last drove Peugeot’s Car of the Year-winning 308 on the international launch event, and back

68 / fleetworld.co.uk

then there was no option to drive the most efficient diesel engine. So getting a few chances to drive our long-termer, which is powered by the Euro 6 compliant BlueHDI 120 diesel, has been an interesting refresher course.

I think it’s entirely deserving of the praise I gave it back then. Clearly benchmarked against the German hatches, the quality of design, materials and seating is worlds away from Peugeots of old, and on the small wheels of the Active trim it rides impeccably too. This said, for the tiny loss of economy, I’d still be tempted to move up

to the Allure for the cosmetic upgrades, particularly those slimmer LED headlights.

But comfort is only part of the reason this excels as a long-distance car. The BlueHDI 120 engine is a real asset to the range, not only because its 85g/km CO 2 emissions are incredibly tax-efficient, but because it’s a delight to use. Punchy from low revs, quiet even when under load and capable of around 70mpg on the motorway, it makes the 308 a fantastic workhorse for drivers with high annual mileages.

Alex Grant

our fleet Mazda3 SKYACTIV-D 2.2 SE-L Nav MAZDA recently released a set of videos, demonstrating the advantages of SKYACTIV Technology by pitting the Mazda3 against a number of breeds of dog. I’ll admit it sounds slightly cheesy, but it’s a brilliant way to get consumers to understand the advantages offered by the comprehensive redevelopment of its recent cars, which must be a little abstract to communicate in showrooms and brochures. They’re worth a watch.

I’ve become accustomed to the power and torque available from our car’s 2.2-litre diesel engine, and the rapid restarts from i-Stop (raced against a greyhound in Mazda’s videos) mean it’s unobtrusive to live with. The body is light, well-balanced and strong, which is reassuring, and it’s supermini agile with it. This might not be a hot hatch, but it could certainly keep pace with one while cornering.

Mazda once marketed the MX-5 as having “Jinba Ittai” built in – adopted from the Japanese term for a horse and its rider working in unison. As a rider myself, I can entirely relate to this as a concept. Just as you get to know your own horse, there’s a confidence, poise and communication with the driver which makes the Mazda3 an absolute delight to drive.

However, it’s getting behind the wheel which is probably the best marketing tool around. It’s hard not to fall for a car which bursts into life when required yet returns mid50s to the gallon, which can soak up the bumps of a longdistance drive yet never feels unstable to drive, and which I think is amongst the prettiest hatchbacks in its class.

Mazda is a brand on the rise in fleet, and with cars like this in the range, I’m far from surprised Anne Dopson

Audi A5 Sportback S Line Ultra AS a motoring journalist one is often asked to explain the difference between a launch report, a road test and a long-term test.

OK, in many respects it’s pretty obvious, but many’s the time I’ve been on new car launches when fellow journalists have been gushing in their praise for a car, often because it goes like a rocket, corners as if it’s on rails and rides superbly on the new, EU-funded roads where the launch has taken place.

Then you drive the same car on UK roads a couple of months later and wonder what all the hype was about – it can be a cruel expose, but that’s the beauty of the longterm test where we live with a car for a period of months.

One of the features that most often makes its presence felt only after several thousand miles behind the wheel is seat support and comfort. Some seats that seem great at first start to lose their support after a while – something a two-day launch or one-week road test would never reveal.

70 / fleetworld.co.uk

So congratulations to Audi’s A5, which must rank among the most comfortable in its class. My slightly unusual 300mile commute picks out any minor flaws in a seat, but the A5 has none. Anyone who has had a bad experience in this area will know what I mean.

Ross Durkin

SEAT Leon 1.6 TDi Ecomotive

Kia Carens 1.7 CRDi “2” Manual I find it somewhat ironic that having finally got my mitts on a seven-seater car, I’m suddenly finding less call for those extra seats over the winter months.

But, the truth is I feel rather well placed knowing that I can transport more passengers, such as family or the kids’ friends, should such a need suddenly arise.

In the meantime I’m finding the Carens rather handy as an MPV-cum-estate, thanks to its 40-odd inches of load length (my measurement) with the rear seats up, which means I never have to worry about boot space – already a bonus when it comes to Christmas shopping.

Natalie Middleton

Renault ZOE Dynamique Zen RENAULT has just solved my only two issues with the ZOE. I can see the new option to own the batteries really expanding its sales footprint, especially as it still undercuts the smaller e-up!, and it removes the need to take mileage limits and lease costs into account when thinking about monthly costs.

But on a day-to-day basis, it’s a cosmetic improvement that I’m most interested in.

The cream dashboard top, which reflects onto the windscreen in bright sunlight, has been superseded by a navy blue one. A smart move which shows Renault listens to customer feedback.

Alex Grant

THERE’S a certain irony that one of the Leon’s most desirable features – its incredibly efficient heated front seats – won’t come into their own in our tenure. Alas, it’s time to defleet our trusty ST Ecomotive, and as long-term test vehicles go, it’s been pretty hard to fault.

That said, driving another of our FW fleet favourites, the Mazda3, did highlight that even though you gain amazing fuel economy – the Leon has regularly returned 65mpg in my hands – you have to accept a compromise in performance. Not that the Leon is tardy, it just underlines the difference between a car capable of posting 80mpg+ on the combined cycle and one in the mid-60s.

As we’ve said before, the Leon does everything so well and has been perfect for our requirements.

Whether it involves a 400-mile round trip to Manchester or a 500-mile support stint following the MPG Marathon, it hasn’t missed a beat, and all of its 7,500 miles have been as comfortable as you could wish.

Sure, the cabin errs on the side of conservative but it’s ergonomically faultless and everything is where you’d expect it to be. In addition, isn’t it nice when things just work...? Want to hook up your phone to the Bluetooth, no problem, and it’s all so intuitive, you can tell it’s designed by someone who gets the end-user.

We’ll miss the Leon, but in our 308 SW HDi, we have a worthy replacement, allowing for the lack of heated seats. Everyone who has driven the SEAT has nothing but praise for its comfort, handling and economy. And if you need a little extra performance than the 110bhp option, there’s always the 2.0 TDi with 150-184bhp.

Luke Wikner

the figures OTR PRICE £20,920 POWER 108bhp @ 3,200–4,000rpm TORQUE 184lb.ft @ 1,500–3,000rpm 0-62mph 10.6 seconds TOP SPEED 124mph COMBINED MPG 85.6mpg CO2 87g/km (14% BiK)

fleetworld.co.uk / 71

our fleet Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GH4hS AS the winter has closed in, I have found myself being less green. I have to charge the Outlander by running a cable out of a downstairs window and with the darker, colder, wetter nights I find I am doing it less, and running on petrol more. I think that’s a natural course of action many might take.

So my advice would be to get a wallbox installed so you don’t end up with a draughty house. Some other interesting behavioural changes: even when on petrol I now drive ridiculously slowly.

It’s as if the guilt of using the combustion engine forces me to potter everywhere, barely revving the thing at all.

One thing that has irritated is the flap which houses the plug sockets keeps opening when I’m on the move. The spring seems to have gone in the hinge. But when the PHEV is charged up, the colder days mean you can live with the aircon off and that adds a good five

SUPPLIER

DIRECTORY electric vehicle charging

miles to the overall range of the car, for which about 25 miles has been my best.

That’s a decent commute to and from home done on EV power every day, if you can charge it, and would save a fortune over two or three years if you consider a car doing 50 miles a day at 40mpg would use £7 in fuel daily, whereas a full battery charge costs about £1.

Steve Moody

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

Volkswagen Golf GTD OUR Golf GTD is away to be fitted with a set of winter tyres, now that winter has begun to make a showing. That's the good news, as far as I'm concerned. When it comes back it will be spending some time with Fleet World editor Steve Moody, mainly because I have need of a larger car as Christmas approaches and the Insignia estate that's just joined the Fleet World fleet is better suited to such purposes. So from my perspective being parted from the car is the bad news as it has been such a remarkable all-rounder to live with.

Ensto UK Ltd Tel: +44 7432 701524 ensto.com/chago

And that really is a large part of it. It's a car to enjoy every time I get behind the wheel.

The chassis is impressive as is the performance. And no doubt if the performance was not so good, I would have achieved better fuel consumption, although a fast car that regularly returns over 50mpg makes a compelling case for itself as far as I’m concerned.

The only thing I would change if I was buying the car myself is the manual gearbox, because the DSG alternative is so good. Otherwise, it’s a highly accomplished all-rounder.

John Kendall

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

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

Bluedrop Services Ltd Tel: 01706 658608 www.bluedropservices.co.uk

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

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

72 / fleetworld.co.uk

FLEETW RLD SUPPLIER DIRECTORY contract hire, leasing & finance

daily rental

risk management

fleet management software

Tel: 0845 769 7381 www.lexautolease.co.uk

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

Europcar Tel: 0116 217 3530 www.europcar.co.uk

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

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

JCT600 Contracts Limited Tel: 0113 250 0060 www.jct600contracts.co.uk

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

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

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

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

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

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

AA DriveTech Tel: 01256 495732 www.AAdrivetech.com/fleetsafe

Civica Tranman Tel: 01454 874002 www.civica.co.uk/tranman

Lex Autolease

Tel: 0845 603 4590 www.acvm.co.uk Vehicle Management

DriveTech

Pendle Vehicle Contracts Tel: 08456 025697 www.pendlelease.co.uk

Zenith Tel: 0113 348 8667 www.zenith.co.uk

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

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

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

Concept Vehicle Leasing Tel: 0800 043 2050 www.conceptvehicleleasing.co.uk

Volkswagen Group Leasing Tel: 0870 333 2229

Arnold Clark Car and Van Rental Tel: 0845 702 3946

Drive Software Solutions Tel: 01438 317731

www.volkswagengroupleasing.co.uk

www.arnoldclarkrental.com

Roadmarque Tel: 0845 053 0331 www.roadmarque.com

www.drivesoftwaresolutions.com

sgfleet Tel: 0845 154 0721 www.sgfleet.com

Venson Automotive Solutions Tel: 08444 99 1402 www.venson.com

Nexus Vehicle Management Ltd Tel: 0871 984 1947 www.nexusrental.co.uk

Cardinus Risk Management Tel: 01733 426015

Tel:0121 288 5935/07815 601622

Tel: 0845 815 0019 www.dayscontracthire.co.uk

Maxxia 020 7520 9450 www.maxxia.co.uk

Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk

Sofico

www.cardinus.com

www.soficoservices.com

Bill Plant Ltd Tel: 01765 645023

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

www.billplant.co.uk

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

November 2014

FLEETW RLD All that matters in the world of fleet

interview Michael O’Shea of Volkswagen

stopping power Why fleets should check their brakes

car valeting MODEL PUPIL Behind the wheel of Tesla’s remarkable Model S

Val-Tech Solutions Ltd Tel: 0333 011 6540 www.val-techsolutions.co.uk

2014

MPG Marathon

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

telematics & tracking

Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk

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

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

Teletrac, a Trafficmaster company Tel: 0345 604 8813 www.teletrac.co.uk

Trakm8 Tel: 01747 858 444 www.trakm8.com

Quartix Ltd Tel: 0870 013 6663 www.quartix.co.uk

Tel: 0845 055 8555 Ctrack www.ctrack.co.uk Telogis Tel: 0203 005 8805 www.telogis.co.uk

misfuelling

fuel management

AFF Tel: 0844 879 4770 www.autofuelfix.com

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

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

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

TRACKER Network UK Limited Tel: 0845 602 3981 www.TRACKER.co.uk

Shell Fuelcards Tel: 0800 915 6021 www.shell.co.uk/euroshell

Navman Wireless UK Ltd Tel: 0845 521 1188 www.navmanwireless.co.uk

Esso Fuel Cards Tel: 0800 626 672 www.essocard.com

fleetworld.co.uk / 73

greener fleets

An opportunity in the making Matt Dale, an operations manager at ALD Automotive, looks at fleets’ rising take-up of alternatively fuelled vehicles and the opportunities for the future.

‘

Motorists are beginning to recognise that switching to a Nissan LEAF is not a compromise but an opportunity.’ So said Paul O’Neill, EV manager at Nissan Motor GB Limited, following record sales of the carmaker’s 100% pure electric vehicle. And it’s a statement that we at ALD Automotive concur with in regard to all alternatively fuelled vehicles, as sales start surging.

For some time now, the fleet industry has very much operated with a “wait and see” mindset with regards to AFVs due to concerns over hefty upfront costs, everyday operation and maintenance issues and residual values. This has hitherto left just a handful of brave pioneers to take the leap of faith, typically those firms with a strong eco or CSR message to promote.

But thanks to the raft of 100% electric and plug-in hybrids entering the market, such as the intensely stylish Tesla Model S or the well-priced Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, and the latest generation of pioneering models like the Nissan LEAF and Toyota Prius, the AFV market has suddenly got a lot more exciting – and appealing for fleets.

In fact, thanks to the constantly increasing range of models available, there are now 20 plug-in models to choose from in a range of body styles including coupés and SUVs: in 2011 buyers were restricted to just six models.

And rising choices are leading to rising sales, as shown by the fact that the SMMT figures. AFV data from the SMMT shows that registrations for the first 10 months of 2014 are already 12,000 ahead of the full-year total for 2013.

The SMMT data also shows that while petrol-electric hybrid cars have long been the most popular choice for AFV buyers, other variants are gaining in popularity.

Registrations of pure electric cars have more than doubled over last year, while those of plug-in hybrid and rangeextended models look set to quadruple by the end of 2014.

And this year’s MPG Marathon, which was again sponsored by ALD Automotive and TRACKER, also firmly showed the cost effectiveness and reliability of electric vehicles, which participated in the event for the first time.

Three electric vehicles, two Nissan LEAFs and a Renault ZOE, attempted the same two-day course as the line-up of conventionally powered diesel and petrol cars and vans.

All three electric vehicles produced very similar results in terms of overall energy usage. However, by a short head,

Contact ALD Automotive:

74 / advertisement feature

t 0870 0011181

the overall winner was Jerry Clist, maintenance controller at ALD Automotive and co-driver Peter Thompson.

Driving a Nissan LEAF Acenta equipped with the upgraded 6.6kW on-board charger, their performance equated to an astonishing 249mpg in a comparable diesel car, at a cost of just 2.6p per mile.

Close behind were Rhys Harrhy, ProFleet2 product manager at ALD Automotive, and co-driver Peter Thomas, content and data manager at Next Green Car, who recorded a cost of 2.7p per mile. And with the participants having completed the same course as the conventional vehicle drivers, in a roughly similar time, without any worries over recharging and without any range anxiety for the drivers, the event underscored the everyday practicality of EVs in the right circumstances.

Upping the ante But that’s not to say the industry’s work is done and at ALD Automotive we believe that the industry has much more work to do to ensure the future evolution of this sector.

This includes product development by the manufacturers, backed up with innovations by dealers.

Meanwhile the remarketing industry needs to establish the used buyers’ market for such vehicles – with a call to make sure that residual values are set accurately.

Finally the leasing industry has a vital role to play too – making that leap into the unknown to ensure the door to electric vehicles for fleets is firmly opened. Vital to this is the provision of expert consultancy to assess the viability of EVs for fleets’ own bespoke needs. And once fleets have elected to go down the EV route, their leasing partner should ensure their every need is pre-empted and supported – as with conventionally powered vehicles.

It’s something that we’re looking at very closely at ALD Automotive. We are already leasing both electric and hybrid models to our customers – we have recently delivered a batch of Nissan e-NV200 vans – and are watching the developments in hydrogen vehicles with keen interest.

Our long-term view is that in the not-too-distant future, companies will come under increasing pressure to consider AFVS for their fleet – and fast-paced manufacturer developments will make it increasingly likely that such vehicles will hold attraction.

For more information on how ALD Automotive can work with your fleet on assessing and running AFVs, please contact ukinfo@aldautomotive.com or phone 0870 00 111 81.

e ukinfo@aldautomotive.com

w www.aldautomotive.co.uk

VAN

December 2014

FLEETW RLD

p88 The new Ducato is comfortable, economical and well equipped, even in base trim.

at a glance driven...

Fiat Ducato

plus...

Daily rental, seasonal drivers, INTERVIEW: Richard Collier, Vauxhall’s national commercial vehicle manager vanfleetworld.co.uk

inbusiness

Skilled drivers are not just for Christmas

t

he Freight Transport Association is warning of a crippling shortage of skilled drivers, as the seasonal rush of Christmas deliveries approaches. It claims that almost one in four purchases made are expected to be online, with shoppers spending up to £1.75m per day in the run up to Christmas.

Of course all of those customers will then want those goods delivered, in the case of click and collect, the next day.

However the FTA says that the problem is bigger than simply a peak in seasonal demand, with growing concern over a lack of skilled drivers throughout the year.

‘It is clear from the FTA survey that the issue of driver shortage is one of genuine concern,’ said Sally Gilson, FTA skills policy manager.

‘This is the busiest time of the year for many businesses. With “Black Friday” looming and thanks to the e-commerce explosion with so many people buying goods on line, it is only going to get busier. It may appear that there are more trucks on the road, but they are simply

trying to deliver the goods ordered. The simple fact is that this is a case of supply and demand, but the real problem is that there simply aren’t enough drivers to meet it.’

The FTA asked delegates at its recent Transport Manager Conference about their freight operations and 94% said that they saw driver shortages as a real concern to the freight industry. The Association estimates that more than 45,000 drivers need to be recruited over the next few years to meet existing demand.

‘With just a month to go until Christmas day, it is clear that the festive season is at the forefront of our minds,’ said Ms Gilson.

‘But driver shortage is not just a seasonal issue, but a long-term problem.

FTA has long voiced its worries regarding driver shortage and is calling on the government to support the freight industry with funding in order to encourage new drivers to enroll in the logistics industry.’

(Seasonal driver feature on page 82)

Partner Electric takes to the waterways

T

he Canal & River Trust has added two Peugeot Partner Electric vans to its fleet, among the first to be supplied in the UK. The Trust has been operating the two vans around Liverpool’s South Dock estate in a six-month trial, before introducing additional Partners elsewhere in the country.

‘As the vans are using cutting-edge technology, we wanted to trial the vehicles for six months before looking at introducing them at other locations on our waterway network,’ said Ian Jarvis, financial controller at the Canal & River Trust.

‘According to staff who use them on a daily basis, they have been a great success.

76 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

They are reliable and far more versatile than people might expect. They can cover about 80-90 miles before they need recharging which, for many waterway tasks, is perfectly adequate.’

The vans take up to nine hours to recharge, with the Trust paying around £2.50 per charge on a green energy tariff.

Over the six-month trial the Trust says it has saved 1.2 tonnes of CO2 emissions, contributing to its Carbon Trust Standard.

The Trust runs 431 LCVs, with each vehicle averaging 15,000 miles per year.

While it recognises that electric vans are not suitable for all locations, the Trust intends to replace 20% of the fleet with electric vehicles in the next five years, with a potential annual CO2 saving of up to 275 tonnes.

‘The performance of the electric van is exactly the same as the diesel vehicle, just without the noise and the pollution,’ said electrical technician Peter Cole.

‘In fact, because the van is so quiet, we’ve even had to install a manual bleeper to alert pedestrians of our presence.’

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

Alphabet adds LCV partner network Business mobility provider Alphabet has launched an LCV approved partner network, to run alongside its own commercial vehicle team. The nationwide network includes 12 approved LCV conversion specialists, providing construction bodies, dry freight handling, internal conversions, wheelchair accessibility, welfare vehicles, refrigerated vans, plus livery and media capabilities.

‘This is the first step in our plan to develop and grow the LCV area of our business significantly over the next couple of years,’ said Alphabet COO Matt Sutherland.

Sainsbury’s opts for Fraikin management Fleet services company Fraikin has signed a two-year contract to fleet manage all of Sainsbury’s home delivery assets in the south of England. Fraikin will look after 1,000 vehicles operating from 120 stores, more than 50% of the supermarket’s national fleet.

A team in Coventry will provide comprehensive round the clock support for the temperature-controlled vehicles, with Fraikin committing to replace any vehicle that cannot be put back on the road within three hours.

Van check-ups at Volkswagen dealers Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle Van Centres across the UK will be providing van customers with a free winter health check until the end of February 2015. The 29-point Express Visual Check includes tyres, wipers and lights, plus a battery check.

‘Ensuring your vehicle is safe for the roads throughout winter is extremely important to prevent accidents and breakdowns,’ said Kevin Rendell, head of service and parts at VWCV.

NEW

. STRONG BY NATURE.

THE BES T DAI LY EV ER HAS ARRIVED, AND IT’S ALL NEW. A brand new van architecture, best in class in terms of load efficiency (10.8 m 3) and volume ( up to 19.6 m 3) .

Truck derived chassis frame up to 7 tonnes gross vehicle weight.

New suspensions, enhanced handling and superb interior comfor t.

Diesel engines 2.3 and 3.0 litres, power from 106 to 205 hp, and up to 14% fuel savings when fitted with the full Eco Pack.*

Di s cove r the Van of t he Yea r a t you r loc a l I V EC O d ea ler now.

V i sit w ww.newdaily.co.u k or c a ll 080 0 915 00 40.

W W W. I V E C O . C O . U K

Image shown for illustrative purposes, model shown is a 35-150. *Fuel consumption refers to the urban cycle calculated in accordance with EU Regulations 715/2007 and 692/2008, and UNECE Regulations 83 and 101, compared with the previous range.

Iveco with

INTERVIEW Richard Collier, Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles

Viva Vivaro!

With new Vivaro becoming an increasingly common sight on UK roads, VAN Fleet World talks to Vauxhall’s national commercial vehicle and B2B sales manager Richard Collier.

VFW: What is Vauxhall’s position in the fleet LCV market at present?

RC: ‘Total sales are up 3.16% to the end of October and all of our model lines are performing ahead of plan. As you are aware, this year has seen the launch of New Vivaro, which has been our best van launch ever.

‘Whilst we are currently fourth at total level and third at retail, we have over 12,000 orders for new Vivaro alone and the outlook for 2014 and 2015 is very positive. The Vivaro plant in Luton is looking forward to a bright future with a second shift being added in January, creating around 250 new jobs.’

VFW: As new Vivaro arrives with UK fleets, is the van changing your mix of fleet and retail customers?

RC: ‘Vivaro competes in the medium van segment, which represents almost a third of all commercial vehicles sold in the UK. In 2013 Vivaro represented 24% of this segment and our sales volume was up by 34%, a significant achievement for a vehicle first launched in 2001 and in its run out year.

‘New Vivaro is a great whole-life cost proposition and is proving to be a very popular choice for both fleet and retail customers alike.’

VFW: How do Vivaro sales break down in terms of engine power and body volume?

RC: ‘Most customers are opting for the all-new 1.6 CDTi BiTurbo Stop/Start 120PS model, with 155g/km CO2 and 47.9mpg combined. That is followed by the 1.6 CDTi Stop/Start with 90PS, with 160g/km CO2 and 46.3mpg combined. It’s a fairly even split between base and Sportive trim.

‘Approximately 75% of customers are choosing the L1 body, which is an increase over the outgoing model and represents a significant whole-life cost benefit. This is no doubt due to the fact that we’ve increased the load length in both the L1 and the L2, which increases the load volume to 5.2m3 and 6.0m3 respectively.

‘With it’s FlexCargo bulkhead, the option of two hatches – one in the bulkhead and one under the passenger seat, creates the possibility to load even longer items. That means lengths of up to 4.15m can be carried by the L2 – that’s longer than any other van in the segment and almost as long as a Movano L4. In addition, the payload of the new Vivaro is still well ahead of key competitors.’

New Vivaro

78 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

VFW: Is the UK van dealer network as you would like it to be?

RC: ‘Our network of 116 heavy van distributers, 272 heavy van authorised repairers and 100 Premier Van Centres is where we would like to see it. Our Premier Van Centres offer a one-stop shop in terms of sales, service and finance expertise and can cover 90% of all UK businesses within a maximum 30 minute drivetime.

‘In turn, this helps maximise mobility and minimise downtime for our customers, who can expect diagnostics without appointment, lead times no longer than three days and a dedicated Premier Van Helpline. All Premier Van Centre sites carry out Class 7 MOTs and have a 5-tonne lift on-site.’

VFW: How is Vauxhall doing in other sectors of the UK LCV market?

RC: ‘Very well. At a total level Corsavan is up 10%, Combo is up 41% and Movano is up 37%.’

VFW: With a new Corsa car just being launched, how long until we see an updated Corsavan?

RC: ‘We are due to make an announcement on this very soon so watch this space.’

VFW: Why should fleet mangers pick Vauxhall for their LCVs? RC: ‘We have great network coverage for sales and aftersales, a dedicated commercial vehicle team of 17 people and a proven track record in supplying fleet customers for many years. That’s in addition to a solid UK manufacturing base that makes us Britain’s only volume van manufacturer.

‘The decision to continue production in Luton represents an investment of £185m and secures 1,200 jobs well into the next decade. Our UK based suppliers are also set to benefit from £600m worth of new business with the UKsourced content for Vivaro increasing from 24% to 40%.

‘We have a full range of products too, with an ever expanding range of core and recognised conversions over 300 different variants for Movano as well as recently adding the new Combo L2H2 and Combo Crewvan to our portfolio.

‘We can also provide turnkey solutions to meet customer requirements and have our own in-house Vauxhall Conversion Centre, that provides a one-stop-shop end of production line conversion capability if required. There’s also a UK-based engineering team that will work closely with convertors to meet bespoke requirements.’

‘New Vivaro is a great whole-life cost proposition and is proving to be a very popular choice for fleet.’

vanfleetworld.co.uk / 79

A Daimler Brand

The Citan delivers.

Economy, safety, uptime.

Discover the Citan. www.mbvans.co.uk/fleet

FEATURE Risk Management

Seasonal security Taking on additional drivers to meet seasonal demand for home deliveries may not be as simple as it sounds, says Dan Gilkes.

SEASONAL DEMAND With the Christmas season fast approaching, many home delivery companies, couriers, supermarkets and parcel firms will be looking to boost their fleets with additional drivers.

Even the recent explosion of “click and collect”, where customers order online but pick up the goods at a local branch of the store, will require a huge logistics push to ensure next day availability is maintained.

Recent figures from Interactive Media in Retail Group (IMRG) show that online sales grew by 14% in October alone and they are expected to continue to soar as we approach the festive season.

‘The increase in online sales is fantastic news for the industry and demonstrates the strength of the e-commerce arena,’ says chief sales and marketing officer Paul Doble, of independent logistics operator DX. ‘However, it also heaps a lot of pressure on online retailers and their logistics partners to adapt to the changing market.’

To meet this massive seasonal demand, delivery companies will almost certainly need additional staff. City Link alone has announced that it will almost double its UK van

fleet to meet demand this year. The firm runs 550 vans and drivers throughout the rest of the year, but will gradually take on up to a further 500 vans and drivers for the peak of the festive season.

However, incorporating potentially less experienced drivers into your fleet, at perhaps the most difficult time of the year, with poor weather and shorter daylight hours, can be hazardous. So what should fleet managers do to maintain operating standards?

TICKET TO RIDE Firstly, they should do just that, as Mark Cartwright, head of LCV and logistics at the Freight Transport Association says: ‘Don’t let standards slip. It is business as usual.’

It is perhaps easier to find truck drivers than van drivers through driver agencies, so many companies will be looking at a variety of recruitment streams for their seasonal staff.

In each case though, the same rules apply and fleet managers should not leave it to agencies to have completed their own essential checks.

“The driver is a brand ambassador.

We would always select someone with good inter-personal skills.”

Driver Hire.

82 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

¡

It… is about being local and global.

ARI is known and trusted by fleet management decision-makers worldwide to streamline operations and control costs. We know that every company has unique fleet challenges and we meet these complexities with tailored solutions. We dig deeper and go further to unlock your fleet’s performance with sustainable business solutions. Across the globe, across the country, across your town—our fleet management experts are around the corner.

Learn more about ARI’s professional fleet management services: 0844 8000 700 www.arifleet.co.uk

FEATURE Risk Management

¡

‘We use local agencies and national suppliers with local offices, as the need for local road network knowledge is essential,’ says Patricia O’Neill, head of transport at City Link.

‘Licences are checked and photocopied upon arrival on the first day and a pre-brief will ask about knowledge of the local area.’

Licences and compliance will no doubt be the first point of call for any fleet manager, ensuring that drivers are qualified to drive the vehicle in question and that they meet your insurance company criteria. However a simple glance at a driver’s plastic card and accompanying paper document are not enough, you really need to check with the DVLA to ensure that everything is as it should be.

The recently launched Association for Driving Licence Verification, rather confusingly known as the ADLV, is now working with DVLA to provide a digital service for fleet customers to check licences in real-time. However as Licence Bureau points out, managers must obtain consent from drivers before making online checks, to avoid breaching privacy laws.

‘You should ask if an agency does visual or has an online checking facility,’ says a spokesperson for Driver Hire Nationwide.

‘Online is a much safer way of checking and can highlight issues that sometimes aren’t picked up on a visual check.

When one of our Licence Check customers completed an online check on one of their drivers, they discovered that restrictions on their licence meant that they should have been driving a specially adapted vehicle. If the driver had been pulled over at a roadside check, they would have been prevented from continuing their journey.’

VAN EXPERIENCE Once you are sure that the driver has the requisite qualification, it is also worth ensuring that they are happy behind the wheel. Have they, for instance, driven a 3.5-tonne

van before and are they capable of simple reversing and parking manoeuvres?

‘How long have they held the licence. For instance we wouldn’t be happy putting a relatively inexperienced driver in a long wheelbase van,’ says Driver Hire.

Having satisfied yourself that a driver is both legal and capable of handling your vehicle, you should introduce them to your daily check and vehicle defect regime, running through necessary oils and liquids, tyre checks, lights, mirrors and general condition of the vehicle.

‘At first arrival at the depot the pre-brief explains company requirements for H&S (this is signed for) and trains the driver on the daily vehicle walk round checks and talks through the agency disclaimers for fitness to drive (health & drivers hours),’ says City Link’s Ms O’Neill.

‘Also any scanner training will be given. For contract staff, half a day is spent on all shifts as part of a week-long induction which also covers all the company policies and procedures.

‘We will also de-brief at the end of shift, assessing the success rate of parcel delivery.’

‘It is important that they have a good knowledge of delivery work, with past experience of doing up to 70 drops a day,’ says Driver Hire.

‘Personality is important too. The driver is a brand ambassador representing both the Driver Hire brand and that of our customer. For multi-drop work we would always select someone with good inter-personal skills.’

So, while simply adding more vehicles and drivers to the fleet might sound like a simple solution to the increasing demand of seasonal trading, there are a number of points that fleet managers should take a close look at. Delivery companies will be working hard to boost their productivity in the coming weeks, but one point remains unchanged – safety is not competitive.

SEASONAL DRIVER CHECKLIST Driving licence check with DVLA Driver assessment, experience and abilities Daily checks, vehicle familiarity including speed limits and lane use if towing, tachographs and driver cards if necessary Safe loading, handling and working practices Operation of additional equipment, such as tail lifts and temperature-controlled body systems, including hygeine Company rules and legislation, no smoking in vehicles, policies regarding mobile phone use, alcohol and drug use, particularly in a party season Local road network knowledge and multi-drop experience Is the driver a good ambassador for your company

84 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

www.renault.co.uk

ALL-NEW RENAULT TRAFIC. YOUR SUCCESS BOOSTER.

• Redesigned cabin with mobile office for clever storage and technology solutions • Up to 4.15 metre load-through-bulkhead, making it the most flexible LCV in its class • Formula One inspired ENERGY engines with fuel efficiency of up to 47.9mpg combined*

trust europe’s no.1 van manufacturer

*EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008 test environment figures. Fuel consumption and CO2 may vary according to driving style, road conditions and other factors.

MARKET OVERVIEW Daily Rental

Alliance Asset Management

Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental

Built on service, growing by reputation Contact: Riane Cooke Tel: 0844 4142998 rcooke@fleetcentre.com www.fleetcentre.com

Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental is one of the UK’s largest, independently owned rental companies with over 40 years experience in the provision of long and short term tailor-made economical fleet solutions for corporate and retail clients.

With access to a nationwide, multi-franchise fleet of over 55,000 vehicles in branches throughout the UK and close links with vehicle manufacturers, Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental offers extremely competitive rental rates on a range of the most up to date cars and vans.

An on-line booking facility for both retail and corporate clientele is available and business users can also benefit from a dedicated on-line management reporting facility.

Contact: Business Centre Tel: 0845 702 3946 central.reservations@arnoldclark.co.uk www.arnoldclarkrental.com

Thrifty Car & Van Rental As the largest privately owned rental business in the UK, Thrifty Car and Van Rental occupies an enviable position in both the car and light commercial vehicle market. Operating from a network of 95 locations, with the youngest fleet in the industry and a UK based Reservation Centre capable of handling multi-location, dynamic vehicle bookings it’s easy to see why Thrifty is expanding in the LCV market. Our experienced and loyal staff base provides industry leading service and our on-line IT system means that clients can easily access information and vehicles. Why not contact us to see for yourself…

Contact: Graeme Lumley Graeme.lumley@thrifty.co.uk www.thrifty.co.uk

Tel: 01494 751500

UK connecting the UK’s fleet community ~ Formerly Fleet Academy

Join the debate... theukfleetforum.co.uk

86 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

Enterprise Rent-A-Car Founded 1957, Enterprise RentA-Car has developed into an internationally recognised brand with more than 6,000 corporately owned neighbourhood and airport locations in the United States, Canada, the U.K., Ireland, Germany, France and Spain and a growing franchisee network throughout Europe.

Specialising in the provision of replacement vehicles and courtesy cars that are relied upon in the event of an accident, Enterprise also provides daily and weekend rental for private or business use. In the UK alone, Enterprise operates in excess of 65,000 vehicles through a network of more than 370 branches. The size of this branch network means that 91% of the population are within 10 miles of an Enterprise branch.

Contact: Tony Francis anthony.b.francis@erac.com www.enterprise.co.uk

Tel: 01784 221 300

Nexus Vehicle Management Nexus is the leading provider of corporate vehicle in the UK. We are the only provider that can offer you any vehicle, any-time, anywhere. We also provide fleet and rental management solutions, allowing you to focus on what matters to your business. Our unique range of hassle free services are unmatched by any other vehicle rental provider.

Contact: Dean Rose feedback@nexusrental.co.uk www.nexusrental.co.uk

Tel: 0871 984 1940

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?

VAN FLEETW RLD

Key to services

Alliance Asset Management 100k 1.7k

All

-

Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental 2.5k 35

7

-

Enterprise Rent-A-Car 10k+ 370+

All

-

6k 170

4

Leasedrive 45k 1.2k

30+

Nexus Vehicle Management Ltd. 80k 1.75k

All

Thrifty Car & Van Rental 5.5k 95

42

Service provided

Service unavailable

Europcar

THE online resource for fleet decision-makers...

internationalfleetworld.com

fleetworld.co.uk

vanfleetworld.co.uk

vanfleetworld.co.uk / 87

Fiat Ducato

Does a dedicated engine range put clear space between Ducato and its French partners, asks Dan Gilkes.

F

iat Professional’s revised Ducato van range has one major USP when compared to the Citroën Relay and Peugeot Boxer that are built alongside it.

Where the French duo use a 2.2-litre diesel engine to provide a choice of 110hp, 130hp and 150hp, Fiat has its own 2.3-litre MultiJet II motor, offering a similar power choice.

When we first tried the new Ducato in Italy earlier this year, first impressions suggested that the Fiat had the better engine installation, the 2.3-litre lump being both smoother and quieter. That feeling has translated to right hand drive and the 130hp engine that we have here is both easy on the ear and relatively unnoticeable when cruising.

It’s powerful too, with 130hp and 320Nm of torque more than enough in this short wheelbase low roof format. Indeed the feeling of sprightly performance and fairly rapid acceleration was increased when we opened the back doors, to discover a pallet of cement bags strapped inside providing a test load.

Unlike the French duo, that only offer a Stop/Start system on the 130hp engine, Fiat makes Stop/Start an option on both 130hp and 150hp models. Oddly though, much like the Peugeot and Citroën 130hp vans that we have tested, Fiat Professional in the UK chose not to fit the system to our van.

Even without Stop/Start the 130hp model offers a claimed 44.1mpg with 170g/km of CO2 in this 8m3 body, which is better than the French duo. While Fiat asks a further £350 for Stop/Start, it would deliver consumption of up to 45.6mpg and

88 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

what we think The new Ducato is comfortable, economical and well equipped, even in base trim.

The firm’s own MultiJet II engines provide that allimportant selling point and certainly don’t disappoint.

specification MODEL Fiat Ducato 35 SH1 2.3 MultiJet II BASIC PRICE £23,145 ENGINE 4-cyl/2,287cc FUEL INJECTION Common-rail POWER 130hp @ 3,600rpm TORQUE 320Nm @ 1,800rpm Weights (kg) GVW 3,500 KERB WEIGHT 1,860 PAYLOAD 1,640 MAX TRAILER WEIGHT 2,000 Dimensions (mm) LOAD SPACE LENGTH 2,670 LOAD SPACE WIDTH 1,870 LOAD SPACE HEIGHT 1,662 LOAD HEIGHT (unladen) 535 LOAD VOLUME 8.0m3 Cost considerations COMBINED MPG & CO2 44.1mpg/170g/km OIL CHANGE 2 yr/30,000 miles WARRANTY 3 yr/120,000 miles

emissions of just 164g/km. It really would depend on how much time you are likely to spend in an urban driving environment.

Fiat had however ticked numerous option boxes on this van, adding an incredible £6,000 to its standard specification.

We would happily do without the independent Webasto heating system (£650), the annoyingly loud lane departure warning system (£400) and the 15” alloys (£450), while the climate control (£990) is also looking a bit steep.

If you do want a high trim level, but don’t need the full-fat 3.5-tonne gross weight of this van, a better bet would be the 3.0-tonne SH1 130 in Tecnico specification.

For £2,360 you get air-con, front fogs, reversing sensors, LED daytime running lights, a rear camera and that 5” full colour screen with TomTom sat-nav.

The majority of fleets will no doubt stay closer to standard trim of course, though that still includes Bluetooth, a full steel bulkhead, ESC stability control, a tyre pressure monitoring system and electric heated door mirrors. Drivers should also find the cab a comfortable place to spend the day, though personally I find the driver’s seat a bit thin on padding towards the rear of the base frame.

With service intervals extended to 30,000 miles/two years and a warranty that runs through to 120,000 miles, customers should certainly experience reduced ownership costs with the revised Ducato. Add in the more efficient engines, up to 10% better according to Fiat, and you could be looking at quite a saving over the previous model.

VAN SUPPLIER DIRECTORY FLEETW RLD daily rental

contract hire, leasing & finance

racking systems

tail lifts

fleet management software

Nexus Vehicle Management Ltd Tel: 0871 984 1947 www.nexusrental.co.uk

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

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

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

Civica Tranman Tel: 01454 874002 www.civica.co.uk/tranman

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

Zenith Tel: 0113 348 8667 www.zenith.co.uk

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

Penny Hydraulics Tel: 01246 811475 www.pennyhydraulics.com

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

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

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

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

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

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

Trakm8 Tel: 01747 858 444 www.trakm8.com

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

TomTom Business Solutions Tel: 020 7255 9774 www.tomtom.com/business

fast-fits & tyres

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

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

Tel: 01708 511071 www.ukvanleasing.com

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

Tel: 0845 769 7381 www.lexautolease.co.uk

Europcar Tel: 0116 217 3530 www.europcar.co.uk

Full listings online at

fleetworld.co.uk

UKVANLEASING

telematics & tracking

Lex Autolease

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

Venson Automotive Solutions Tel: 08444 99 1402 www.venson.com

Tel: 0845 055 8555 Ctrack www.ctrack.co.uk Teletrac, a Trafficmaster company Tel: 0345 604 8813 www.teletrac.co.uk

Navman Wireless UK Ltd Tel: 0845 521 1188 www.navmanwireless.co.uk

Quartix Ltd Tel: 0870 013 6663 www.quartix.co.uk

TRACKER Network UK Limited Tel: 0845 602 3981 www.TRACKER.co.uk

ATS Euromaster Tel: 0870 066 3624 www.atseuromaster.co.uk

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

risk management STEPS AVS Steps Ltd

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

fuel management

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

Roadmarque Tel: 0845 053 0331 www.roadmarque.com

Shell Fuelcards Tel: 0800 915 6021 www.shell.co.uk/euroshell

Esso Fuel Cards Tel: 0800 626 672 www.essocard.com

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

Tel: 01939 235900 www.avssteps.co.uk Alphabet (GB) Limited Tel: 0870 50 50 100 www.alphabet.co.uk

insurance Bluedrop Services Ltd Tel: 01706 658608 www.bluedropservices.co.uk

Full listings online at

fleetworld.co.uk

vehicle ventilation

accident management

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

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

VAN FLEETW RLD SUPPLIER DIRECTORY For more information, please contact Tracy Howell on 01727 739160 or email tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk vanfleetworld.co.uk / 89

ontheroad In a family full of eccentrics, Anthony Ffrench-Constant finds one EV pioneer who he reckons may well change the world.

T

hree diverse brushes with the National Grid this last month have cornered me into contemplating anew our collective motoring future when the oil runs out...

A week behind the wheel of Volkswagen’s Tetley-sponsored, all-electric e-up!; a somewhat depressing article penned by a colleague on London’s electric car recharging infrastructure, crumbling even in infancy; and a chat with one Elon Musk followed by a quick blast in his astonishingly rapid Tesla S P85D. With a theoretical range of nearly 100 miles between charges, VW’s near-silent, surprisingly nippy e-up! is a joy to live with, and I spent a happy week pottering locally twixt office, school runs and supermarket without recourse to recharging for the duration.

There is, however, more than a trace of gristle in the battery-powered blancmange. For starters VW’s pocket EV is all but twice the price of a standard up!, and I worked out that, even discounting the cost of electricity, I’d have to own one for about three years before price hike and fuel savings even achieved parity.

Then there’s that old EV-life stalwart, “range anxiety”. I toyed with gliding smugly to London to overnight with chums. Thing is, even if the up! had made it one way under my more than somewhat leaden foot, recharging posed a thorny problem.

We live in an increasingly urbanised environment, and our houses do not – contrary to the evident belief of EV manufacturers – tend to come with an attendant swathe of agreeably crunchy gravel. So, given that the prospect of finding a recharging post directly in front of your chosen terraced house falls into the Fat Chance category, are we really expected to run an extension lead through the letterbox and across the pavement?

And the state of London’s EV charging infrastructure merely rubs sand in the Vaseline. Even if you’re lucky enough to find one of London’s 1,415 charging posts both

With a theoretical range of nearly 100 miles between charges, VW’s near-silent, surprisingly nippy e-up! is a joy to live with

90 / fleetworld.co.uk

anywhere near your destination and actually unoccupied, there’s a 30% chance it will be out of order.

Whilst Transport for London must be applauded for its efforts to break the if-you-build-it-they-will-come stalemate that has long plagued the advance of the EV cause, the resultant network is – with 66 “scheme partners” and six different charger designs – hilariously complex.

Source London, set up by TfL to manage it and recently sold to (you guessed it) a French company, certainly seems to find it nigh-on unmanageable.

All of which brings me to PayPal co-founder and Tesla Motors, Solar City and SpaceX CEO, Elon Musk, and his astonishing Tesla S P85D. Never mind the all-electric, all-wheel drive P85D’s ability to fling itself to 62mph in just 3.4 seconds with a departure as silent and instantaneous as a model glider escaping a giant rubber band, making it the fastest accelerating four-door production car in the world.

What’s truly astonishing is that, seven years after the company launched the Roadster, Tesla-badged vehicles remain the only EVs out there with a range of over 250 miles. The P85D, for instance, will travel at 65mph for 285 miles between charges.

Indeed, so disenchanted by this lack of progress is the man determined to see every car manufacturer go fullyelectric as soon as possible that, in a move of extraordinary altruism, Musk earlier this year open-sourced all the company patents, making Tesla technology freelyaccessible with the simple shuffle of a mouse.

Moreover, dismissing the bickering and inefficiency inherent in multiple partnerships, Musk has simply created Tesla’s own global Supercharging network. Halfcharging a car in the time it takes to savour a cup of coffee, there are currently 237 Superchargers worldwide, with 83 in Europe, making it both the largest and fastestgrowing fast-charging network in the world. By the end of next year you’ll be able to drive anywhere in Western Europe on the Supercharger network. And recharge, of course, for free.

The extraordinary Elon Musk may want to end his days on Mars, but, in the meantime, tiny Tesla is doing rather more than any other car manufacturer on the planet to ensure we don’t end ours on a horse and cart.